More than one-third of early clinical trials exaggerate positive findings and may give patients false hope, a new study suggests. Researchers reviewed data from 930 clinical trials published in 10 leading medical journals between early 2007 and mid-2015. The investigators found that a significant number of early trials reported effects that were 2.7 times greater… read on >
The number of uninsured American adults held steady at about 13 percent in 2017, but many more insured Americans are being presented with high deductibles, new research shows. A high-deductible health plan was defined by the study as one in which a single person would have an annual deductible of $1,300 or more, and a… read on >
Antidepressant drugs actually do help ease depression, countering debate over whether the medications do what they’re supposed to, a large research review has found. Some antidepressants, though, are more effective and better tolerated than others, the findings showed. The researchers analyzed data from 522 trials — published and unpublished — that included more than 116,000… read on >
A young person’s decision to drink alcohol may be related to the stress of trying to fit in with a particular crowd, the desire to get good grades or adjusting to a new school. Keeping open lines of communication with your child or teen may help prevent underage drinking. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental… read on >
Cramps are a better-known symptom of a woman’s period, but about 20 percent of women are also prone to migraine headaches during menstruation. The Office on Women’s Health suggests seeing a doctor if you have any of these symptoms during menstruation: Your headaches change. Treatments that once worked no longer help. You have side effects… read on >
The first day of preschool is a milestone in a child’s life. And parents can help prepare kids for this momentous occasion with everyday family routines that create a nurturing home environment. According to researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, routines help develop a child’s social and emotional readiness. That’s… read on >
A malaria drug that’s also shown effectiveness against rheumatoid arthritis pain has failed to help people with the more common form of arthritis, new research shows. The drug is called Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), explained one expert who wasn’t connected to the new study. “Plaquenil was first used to treat malaria but was later found to also… read on >
Palliative care is designed to improve the quality of life and help manage the symptoms of a serious iilness, the U.S. National Institutes of Health says. The focus is on keeping a person comfortable and happy, and can be provided alongside treatment. Palliative care can be provided in nursing homes, outpatient clinics, residences and hospitals,… read on >
Shredded meat and poultry are a great start to a wide range of meals, from chili to Mexican dishes. But it’s important to prepare the meat safely to avoid foodborne illness. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions for preparing shredded meat in a slow cooker: Refer to your product’s manual… read on >
Researchers say they are one step closer to testing a heroin vaccine in humans — in what they hope will become an additional weapon in fighting America’s opioid epidemic. Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute, in California, have developed an experimental vaccine that appears safe and effective in animals. It also has a long enough… read on >
