Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk for osteoporosis and broken bones in older adults, a new U.S. study suggests. Researchers analyzed data on 9.2 million Medicare enrollees in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic area who had been hospitalized for fractures from 2003 to 2010. The investigators found that even a small increase in exposure to air… read on >
Cats with diabetes, dogs with cancer, birds with high cholesterol or even rabbits who cannot turn around to clean themselves — what do these animals all have in common? They are either overweight or obese, and it’s serious. “We have a problem — almost all of American pets are overweight or obese,” explained veterinarian Dr.… read on >
Low-carb diets are often thought of as fad diets that might yield a rapid initial weight loss, but aren’t sustainable or necessarily healthy. But when there’s academic research behind the approach, it’s worth taking a second look. A study from Tulane University made headlines for showing that a low-carbohydrate diet (think Atkins and South Beach,… read on >
Lungs from older donors are a viable option for lung transplants and should be considered more often, a new study suggests. Survival rates for younger recipients of lung transplants from donors older than 60 are similar to those who receive lungs from younger donors, researchers found. The University of Louisville team analyzed more than 14,000… read on >
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, first developed to help guard against cervical cancer, also seems to protect against a rare, chronic childhood respiratory disease, a new study suggests. It’s believed that the disease — recurrent respiratory papillomatosis — occurs in children when HPV type 6 or 11 spreads from mother to child around the time… read on >
Caring for a child with cancer can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. The Children’s Oncology Group says the best thing such a parent can do is to accept help from friends and family. The group mentions these benefits of doing so: You will have more energy to take care of your child, spend time with… read on >
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is fundamental to overall health and prevention of cardiovascular disease and other chronic health problems. But what’s healthy? The American Heart Association offers this chart of healthy and unhealthy ranges: Blood PressureCategory Systolicmm Hg (upper #) Diastolicmm Hg (lower #) Normal less than 120 and less than 80 Prehypertension… read on >
As if the idea of teen cyberbullying isn’t harrowing enough, a new study warns of a strange twist in which kids anonymously post hurtful messages — to themselves. The worry is that this digital self-harm — like traditional self-harm — may be a harbinger for suicide down the road, the study authors said. In the… read on >
Is your shopping cart filled with heavily processed foods? Some might seem to be time-savers, yet cost more than fresh foods and offer few nutrients. Others might actually harm your health. The first foods to avoid are processed meats from hot dogs to deli cold cuts, including salami and bologna. Even those labeled “low calorie”… read on >
Have rheumatoid arthritis? Treat yourself to some blueberries and a cup of green tea. They’re among the foods that could ease the pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints and even slow progression of the disease, researchers say. Dried plums, pomegranates, whole grains, the spices ginger and turmeric, and olive oil may also help. These… read on >
