People with heart failure who are socially isolated are more likely to be hospitalized or die prematurely than those who feel connected to others, new research suggests. The study authors said screening heart failure patients to identify those who lack social support might help to improve outcomes. Previous studies have shown that social isolation may… read on >
There’s preliminary research suggesting that abuse or neglect in childhood might have an effect on the quality of a man’s sperm. The study was small and can’t prove cause and effect. But researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston say it points to a way in which stress early in a man’s life… read on >
Black eyes are common among kids who play sports. Most cases can be treated with self-care at home. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests how to safely treat a black eye: Use an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, once every hour, to reduce swelling and ease pain. Use a bag of frozen… read on >
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside theuterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. The growing fetus eventually will cause the fallopian tube to burst, which can lead to life-threatening bleeding that could require immediate surgery. Half of women who develop an ectopic pregnancy have no known risk factors, the American College… read on >
For some people who struggle with weight gain, their body’s responses to delicious food may be working against them. In a new study, obese people who had trouble keeping weight loss at bay salivated more and had a steeper increase in their heart rate when presented with a tempting pizza, compared to folks without such… read on >
If current trends continue, nearly one-quarter of the world’s population will be obese by 2045. And one in eight people will have type 2 diabetes, new research suggests. Alongside those bulging waistlines, global rates of type 2 diabetes will jump from 9 percent to 12 percent over the next 27 years, placing an even greater… read on >
You already know that exercise is good for your health and your heart, both to prevent heart disease and, for those who already have a heart-related condition, to make managing it easier. But you might be even more motivated to work out if you better understand exactly how exercise helps. Studies have found two important… read on >
Nine out of 10 ER doctors say their hospitals aren’t fully prepared for major disasters or mass tragedies. The finding, from a new poll by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), comes as the U.S. Congress considers major disaster preparedness legislation. ACEP questioned 1,328 emergency room doctors between April 25 and May 6 and… read on >
Ditching the car and biking or walking to work just might cut your risk of developing heart disease and even dying from it. So says a new British study that finds a person’s risk of heart disease or stroke falls 11 percent and their risk of dying from these diseases falls by 30 percent, just… read on >
Dry skin affects a lot of people, particularly as seasons change. But the same care routine doesn’t work for everyone in every type of weather. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests how to heal and prevent dry skin: Close the bathroom door during a bath or shower. Limit a bath or shower to 10 minutes,… read on >
