Maybe your cat is scratching up that sofa for a good reason: New research suggests that chemicals found in upholstery and carpeting may harm feline thyroids. The chemicals are called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They were in common use until about 2000 in furniture, floor coverings and clothing because of their ability to repel… read on >
During LASIK surgery, a laser reshapes the eye’s cornea and is designed to improve how the eye focuses light onto the retina. But LASIK isn’t for everyone, and it won’t give all recipients perfect vision, the Federal Trade Commission warns. Even with LASIK, you probably will need reading glasses in your mid-40s, the agency says.… read on >
The closeness of college dorms and cafeterias means students are prone to getting sick or acquiring infections. Colleges typically have a medical facility on campus that students can go to if they feel sick, but a more serious illness may require a visit to the emergency room. The American Academy of Pediatrics says college students… read on >
One of the key members of your health-care team might not be a doctor or a nurse, but a physician assistant. A physician assistant — or PA — is a specialist with training to fill gaps in primary care, not only in rural communities, but also in busy practices in other areas. If you call… read on >
Regular exercise might delay a rare form of early onset Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests. Researchers found that 2.5 hours of walking or other physical activity a week thwarted mental decline tied to autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD). This is an inherited form of disease that leads to dementia at an early age. “The… read on >
Prepare for cold winter weather by making sure your pet has had a vet visit in the past year and that you are aware of all potential medical problems. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation suggests how to protect your pet in the cold: Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for the cold. Some will fare… read on >
Regular exercise has plenty of benefits for kids, too, the American Heart Association says. Here’s the AHA’s list of how physical activity specifically helps children: It helps improve a child’s sleep patterns. It helps boost your child’s mood and energy. It helps the child unwind from the stresses of the day. It helps improve concentration… read on >
Just a little bit of light exercise can immediately improve a person’s memory, new Japanese research suggests. How little? The small study involved 36 healthy college-aged men and women and found that just 10 minutes of relaxed cycling on a stationary bike was all it took to improve recall during memory testing conducted right afterwards.… read on >
Exercising on a budget can be as simple as buying a good pair of walking shoes. But when you want to make an investment in fitness equipment, new options can make your workouts interactive as well as high-energy. Look for exercise bikes, treadmills and ellipticals that offer pre-set workouts, often with incline adjustments and/or increases… read on >
MONDAY, Sept. 24, 2018Reminding people to eat less or exercise usually gets their back up. That’s one reason why public health messages fall on deaf ears, researchers say. But investigators think they’ve found a better way. They suggest leaving your ego behind because it might open your mind to healthy activities that your natural defensiveness… read on >
