Today’s American teens are smoking less than ever, and the trend may be keeping many from smoking pot, too. That’s the finding of a new study that tracked more than 1 million teens from 1991 to 2016. But the news wasn’t all good, the researchers said. Kids who think marijuana is “safe” are more likely… read on >
While the harmful effects of smoking are well-documented, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us of the benefits of quitting: Reduced risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer. Lowered risk of heart disease and stroke within two years of quitting. Fewer respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of… read on >
Users of cosmetics may find it overwhelming to understand all of the information on product labels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administrationsays consumers should always read the entire product label before using a cosmetic. And the agency says you should be aware of certain label terms: Hypoallergenic: This term is not expressly defined by the… read on >
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who takes one of a class of anti-reflux meds such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid, take heed: These drugs have been linked to higher odds of kidney trouble. The study couldn’t prove cause-and-effect — it’s possible that folks who need these heartburn medicines are simply more prone… read on >
A healthy diet may translate into a healthier old age, researchers report. The scientists followed close to 1,000 men and women in England, who were born in March 1946, throughout their adulthood. Those who ate more fruits, vegetables and whole-grain cereals — and fewer highly processed foods — throughout adulthood did better on three tests… read on >
When Americans need medical care, almost one in two people choose the emergency room, a new study reveals. “I was stunned by the results. This really helps us better understand health care in this country,” said Dr. David Marcozzi. He is an associate professor in the University of Maryland’s department of emergency medicine. “This research… read on >
For a child with spastic cerebral palsy, simply grasping a toy may be impossible. But infusions of their own umbilical cord blood might make basic movements like this easier, researchers say. Children with spastic cerebral palsy have stiff muscles that can make it hard to move. The condition is usually caused by brain damage before… read on >
Struggling to lose weight? Maybe posting that selfie on social media can help, researchers say. Their study included 33 people in two weight-loss groups — surgical and nonsurgical — who regularly blogged or posted online about their weight-loss experiences and were followed for four years. Sharing their successes and setbacks on social media helped the… read on >
Many patients overestimate the amount of pain they’ll experience after surgery, resulting in needless anxiety, a new study reports. “We believe providers need to do a better job of counseling patients on realistic pain expectations,” said study co-author Dr. Jaime Baratta, director of regional anesthesia at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. The research included… read on >
A teenage school shooter may be attempting to prove his masculinity. So says an Oregon researcher who analyzed the traits shared by 31 boys involved in 29 mass shootings at U.S. schools. The attacks occurred between 1995 and 2015, and the killers ranged in age from 11 to 18 years old. The total number of… read on >
