Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, often develops from repetitive stress to the tendon when you work your body too hard. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says specific causes of Achilles tendinitis include: Sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise. Tight calf… read on >
For some people, dieting is easier with emotional support. In fact, research done at the University of Pennsylvania concluded that participating in diet programs focused on behavior modification may be more effective than going it alone when the sessions provide information, support and the accountability of weigh-ins. Other research found that this is true even… read on >
U.S. war veterans who sustained severe combat wounds and have chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for high blood pressure, a new study says. The study included nearly 3,900 military veterans who had been severely wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan from February 2002 to February 2011. Their average age when they were… read on >
One-third of young adults in the United States have been in a vehicle with a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs, a new study finds. Riding with a marijuana-impaired driver was more common than riding with an alcohol-impaired driver, researchers found. “We’ve put a lot of emphasis on drinking and driving, but less effort on… read on >
A low sperm count may do more than affect a man’s ability to have children. It also may be linked to a number of health problems, new research suggests. A study of nearly 5,200 Italian men found that those with low sperm counts were 1.2 times more likely to have more body fat, higher blood… read on >
Young people treated for self-inflicted injuries face a far higher-than-average risk of suicide in the next year, a new study finds. Among teenagers and young adults diagnosed with a “self-harm” injury, the risk of suicide in the next year was nearly 27 times higher than the U.S. norm, researchers found. Certain young people were at… read on >
The scenario may sound familiar: Your doctor sends your prescription electronically to the pharmacy, and you go to pick it up. Only you can’t, because the insurance company requires “prior authorization” for that particular medication. Now you’re caught in the middle, as your insurance company requests paperwork from your doctor to defend the need for… read on >
Political change may be a source of stress and anxiety, research from the American Psychological Association confirms. About 2 in 3 Americans say concern about the future of their country is a cause of significant stress. Moreover, 57 percent of Americans say they are stressed by the political environment. The association suggests these strategies to… read on >
Smoking is associated with 1 in 5 deaths in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The agency suggests these methods that may help you quit: Commit to quitting and get motivated to make a change. Get support from friends and family. Consider using medicine to help you quit, and… read on >
Frolicking in the sea may torpedo your health, new research suggests. It found a twofold increased risk for general ear problems, a 77 percent increased risk for earaches and a 29 percent increased risk for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses among people who swam in the sea. The findings came from an analysis of 19… read on >
