Increasing the number of trees in extremely large cities can lead to significant health and financial benefits, a new study claims. The researchers focused on 10 so-called mega-cities — those with at least 10 million people — on five continents. They included New York City, London and Mexico City. Nearly 10 percent of the world’s… read on >
The flu is causing widespread misery across the United States this winter, but the American Lung Association says there are things you can do to avoid being felled by the virus. In what is being described as the worst flu season in years, 49 states are now experiencing widespread activity. So far, only Hawaii and… read on >
About 1 in every 160 pregnancies in the United States ends in stillbirth. Now, a new study suggests many of these tragedies are “potentially” avoidable. With better prenatal and obstetric care, that stillbirth rate might improve, researchers say. “We found that about 25 percent of U.S. stillbirths were potentially preventable,” said study senior author Dr.… read on >
Exercise helps more than just the waistline, and should be a part of every healthy person’s life, the National Library of Medicine says. According to the agency, exercise: Helps control your weight. Reduces your risk of heart disease by strengthening the heart and improving your circulation. Helps lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Helps your… read on >
Many a new year’s resolution centers around living a healthier lifestyle. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests what you can do to succeed in your resolve: Make an appointment for acheck-up,vaccination orscreening. Regulardental and medical exams can find problems before symptoms emerge. Wash hands often with soap and water to prevent spreading… read on >
You’ve gotta be kidding me. That’s gotta be fake. That’s the understandable first reaction of many to the viral phenomenon dubbed the “Tide Pod Challenge.” Sad to say, it’s real. Prompted by internet dares, dozens of U.S. teenagers in recent weeks have popped liquid laundry detergent packets from a variety of manufacturers into their mouths… read on >
Depending on how you navigate the aisles, your local supermarket can be an obstacle course of temptations or a direct route to eating healthy. Start by carefully writing a detailed shopping list before you go, the experts at Nutrition.gov suggest. Planning out meals in advance can keep you focused on essentials. That means less chance… read on >
How long you take opioid painkillers after surgery is a much stronger risk factor for addiction and overdose than the dosage of the opioids you take, researchers report. The new study included more than 560,000 people who were prescribed opioids such as OxyContin or Percocet after surgery. None had a history of recent or chronic… read on >
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 >
