Your Mom told you not to do it, and new research confirms that nose-picking isn’t healthy for you or those around you. In a study involving 40 adults, British researchers found that the bacteria behind potentially lethal pneumonia could be spread by picking and rubbing the nose. It was known that the pneumococcus bacteria that… read on >
If you’re overweight and thinking of starting a family, there’s compelling evidence that you should lose the excess pounds before you get pregnant. For starters, some health conditions associated with being overweight, like polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS), can make it harder for you to conceive. Once you get pregnant, being overweight increases your risk… read on >
Occasional fasting may help control type 2 diabetes, a small Canadian study suggests. “The use of a therapeutic fasting regimen for treatment of [type 2 diabetes] is virtually unheard of,” said Dr. Jason Fung, of Scarborough Hospital, in Ontario, and colleagues. But this trial showed that 24-hour fasting regimens can significantly reverse or eliminate the… read on >
Hurricane Michael, now a powerful category 4 storm, is expected to make landfall in northern Florida Wednesday. And as with every such storm, power outages will occur, along with the risk of deadly carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from gas-powered generators. “Unfortunately, poison control centers continue to see surges in generator-associated carbon monoxide poisonings during and… read on >
With sales of electronic cigarettes skyrocketing, Americans remain divided on whether the devices are a boon or a threat to public health. That’s the main finding of a new HealthDay/Harris Poll that surveyed over 2,000 adults on their e-cigarette views. Vaping has long been promoted as a way to help smokers kick the habit —… read on >
A migraine headache can be so painful that it prevents you from doing most daily activities. About 12 percent of Americans get frequent migraines, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Sufferers are more likely to be women, have a family history of migraines or have other medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder,… read on >
A child who has trouble with handwriting may be at risk of developmental problems that could hinder the child’s ability to learn, the American Occupational Therapy Association says. An occupational therapist can evaluate the underlying components of a student’s handwriting, including muscle strength, endurance, coordination and motor control, the association says. A child’s handwriting may… read on >
There are four common myths about breast cancer that can affect prevention and treatment of the most common type of cancer in American women, an oncologist says. The first is believing you’re not at risk because no one in your family has cancer. “Less than 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to genetics or… read on >
There’s nothing like the convenience of working out at home or going for a walk on your schedule. But taking classes at a gym or fitness center could hold some motivational magic for you. And you don’t have to give up your home gym or on-your-own workouts. Think of adding a gym routine as a… read on >
For black Americans striving for lower blood pressure, churches may provide the answer to their prayers. “African-Americans have a significantly greater burden of hypertension and heart disease, and our findings prove that people with uncontrolled hypertension can, indeed, better manage their blood pressure through programs administered in places of worship,” said study lead author Dr.… read on >
