More American women started getting recommended mammography screening after an “Obamacare” rule made the tests free, a new study finds. The rule meant that Medicare and most private insurers could no longer require women to foot part of the bill — whether through copays or requiring them to pay a deductible first. After the rule… read on >
A simple, cheap blood test to detect colon cancer — even in its early stages — appears highly effective and accurate, new research indicates. The test detects so-called “circulating tumor cells” (CTCs). Researchers tested it on 620 people in Taiwan who were scheduled for a routine colonoscopy at a local hospital. By comparing the blood… read on >
Folic acid is a form of vitamin B that’s important for women, especially those who are pregnant or who could become pregnant. Folic acid can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects. The vitamin is available in supplements, and is found naturally in leafy green vegetables, oranges… read on >
It’s normal to feel tired every now and then. But when fatigue becomes chronic, it may be time to visit your doctor. Possible causes for fatigue include certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, some medications or recovery after major surgery. The U.S. National Institute on Aging says you can help beat fatigue by: Exercising regularly.… read on >
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The small changes you’ve made have added up to big weight loss results. Now, take a few minutes to write down and review all the positive steps you’ve made in the past and pick a few new ones to adopt during the year. In one column, list all… read on >
It’s important to take a second blood pressure reading if your child’s first reading points to high blood pressure, researchers say. They found that nearly 25 percent of children and teens who had their blood pressure checked by their primary care doctor had readings in the high range, but less than half of those readings… read on >
Sleeplessness could cost you when it’s time to stand on your bathroom scale, a new British study suggests. People plagued by insomnia who began sleeping more cut the amount of sugary foods they tended to eat, an experiment at King’s College London revealed. U.S. experts said the findings show that sleep can help foster healthier… read on >
Scientists may have discovered what makes a creative mind tick: stronger connections among brain regions that usually work in opposition to each other. For eons, researchers have wondered what sets the da Vincis, Shakespeares and Einsteins apart. Results from this new study offer more evidence to debunk the popular notion that creativity is a “right… read on >
Winter storms are a fact of life in many cold climates. And if conditions are bad enough, the safest place is probably your home. The National Weather Service suggests what to do if you’re stuck inside: If using a fireplace or wood stove, make sure these devices are properly vented. If you have a gas… read on >
If you lose power, it’s a good idea to keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep food safe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. A refrigerator will stay cold for about four hours, and a freezer should preserve food for up to 48 hours if they remained closed, the agency says. Here are… read on >
