Federal regulators are taking a second stab at banning the controversial use of electroshock devices to manage the behavior of patients with intellectual and developmental disorders. The devices deliver electric shocks to a patient’s skin, in an attempt to stop them from harming themselves or lashing out physically at others, the U.S. Food and Drug… read on > read on >
Drugmaker Eli Lilly & Co is announcing a temporary shortage of two of its insulin products. “The 10 mL [millilter] vials of Humalog® and Insulin Lispro Injection are or will be temporarily out of stock at wholesalers and some pharmacies through the beginning of April,” Lilly said in a recent statement. The company said it… read on > read on >
Most parents are torn about letting their middle or high school students take a sick day. “In some cases, the decision to keep kids home from school is clear, such as if the child is vomiting or has a high fever,” said Sarah Clark, co-director of the Mott Poll from University of Michigan Health C.S.… read on > read on >
Most folks know they’d be healthier if they ate more plant-based foods, but only a quarter are willing to follow through and do it, a new study shows. Surveys reveal that Americans’ beliefs about eating more plants for health are often at odds with their daily dietary choices, researchers say. “U.S. consumers have favorable perceptions… read on > read on >
Babies who die unexpectedly in their sleep often are subjected to many hazards that could have contributed to their deaths, a new study reports. Multiple unsafe sleep practices are at play in three-quarters (76%) of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID), according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics. These include sharing a bed with… read on > read on >
The #MeToo movement has done little to blunt sexual harassment among health care professionals, a pair of new studies report. More than half of all new doctors are subjected to sexual harassment during their first year on the job, researchers say. That includes nearly three-quarters of female doctors and a third of male doctors just… read on > read on >
Australian researchers say they have identified a gene mutation that causes the skin disease psoriasis. A chronic inflammatory condition, psoriasis causes red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin. Some patients also develop psoriatic arthritis, a condition marked by joint pain, swelling and stiffness. But researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) who have identified the… read on > read on >
Even a slight rise in a specific type of beneficial gut bacteria can help people ward off serious infections, a new study reports. For every 10% increase in butyrate-producing bacteria in a patient’s gut, their risk of hospitalization for infection drops between 14% and 25%, researchers are scheduled to report at a major European medical… read on > read on >
It’s well-known that dogs can learn words for spoken commands like “sit,” “stand” and “heel.” But a new study has found they also can tell their “ball-ball” from their “dolly,” “teddy,” “chewy” or “squeaky squeak.” Brain scans reveal that dogs generally know that certain words stand for certain objects, researchers reported March 22 in the… read on > read on >
Vitamin supplements are a big business, with Americans spending roughly $45 billion out of more than $177 billion worldwide on pills, gummies and powders meant to boost health. About 59 million Americans regularly use some type of vitamin or supplement, spending an average $510 each year. But most folks are wasting that money, experts say.… read on > read on >
