They may be touted as relatively harmless, but rubber and plastic bullets can cause serious injury and death, and should not be used when riots occur, researchers say. These types of bullets — widely used by police, military and security forces to disperse crowds — are meant to incapacitate people by causing pain or injury.… read on >
Medical science has failed to prove that any treatment, therapy or brain exercise can help prevent dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, an extensive new review has concluded. No medications, over-the-counter remedies or brain training programs have been proven in solid clinical trials to ward off dementia, researchers with the Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center in Minneapolis… read on >
There’s nothing like a child’s expression when getting a new toy. But toy safety belongs at the top of your holiday shopping list. A landmark study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, found that more than 3 million kids went to U.S. emergency rooms from 1990 through 2011 for toy-related injuries. Falls and collisions… read on >
Experiencing trauma as a child or teen apparently makes you more susceptible to heart disease. A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) says that people who were abused, bullied, witnessed violence or had other traumatic experiences when they were children or teens are at increased risk for heart disease. The AHA based… read on >
Happiness is not determined by the size of one’s paycheck, but a new survey suggests that wealth — or lack of it — does influence how people measure their happiness. “Different positive emotions — like awe, love, pride, compassion — are core parts of happiness, and we found that rich and poor differ in the… read on >
A Washington state law aimed at discouraging nonmedical childhood vaccine exemptions seems to have worked, a new study finds. The legislation, enacted in 2011, required parents to talk to a doctor before they could get their child exempted from vaccinations for nonmedical reasons. Researchers found that after the law went into effect, the state’s overall… read on >
No matter how tempting it is to sneak a taste of raw cookie dough, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you shouldn’t. Raw dough can harbor dangerous bacteria. The CDC suggests: Never eat raw dough or batter. Don’t let children play with or eat raw dough, including dough for crafts. Make sure… read on >
Most eye makeup is safe, assuming it’s used properly. But there’s always a risk of spreading infection, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The agency says you can stay safer by: Stopping makeup use if it causes any type of irritation, inflammation or signs of infection. If symptoms persist, see a doctor. And throw… read on >
While you revel in the decorations and good food of the holiday season, there are dangers lurking in the tinsel and treats that can pose threats to your beloved pet. One veterinarian offers suggestions to maintain your pet safety. “Keep your pet from chewing or ingesting ornaments, holiday lights, electric wire and ribbons, to prevent… read on >
When families travel during the holidays, they must contend with crowds, traffic and unfamiliar surroundings. But children’s safety should always come first, a leading pediatricians’ group says. When taking a train or airplane, it may seem inconvenient to have to worry about car safety seats. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents… read on >
