Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata: Millions of bleary-eyed Americans turn to this class of so-called “Z-drugs” to get restful sleep. But how do these drugs work, and do they come with risks? Experts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have issued an advisory to boost awareness about the meds. All of these medications — generically known… read on > read on >
As more Americans pop over-the-counter melatonin to help them sleep, their young children are increasingly showing up in ERs after accidentally ingesting the supplements. A new report of data from 2012 through 2021 finds a 420% rise in such cases during that time, along with a 530% increase in calls to poison control centers from… read on > read on >
Some acne treatments may banish blemishes but carry hidden dangers: A new report reveals high levels of the carcinogen benzene can form in products that contain the zit-fighting ingredient benzoyl peroxide. According to the new report from the independent laboratory Valisure, benzene “can form at unacceptably high levels” in both prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide products.… read on > read on >
The perpetrator of a mass shooting in Maine last fall had extensive brain damage from “thousands of low-level blasts” tied to his work at an Army Reserve hand grenade training range, a new report shows. On Oct. 25, Robert Card, 40, killed 18 and injured another 13 in a deadly rampage in the town of… read on > read on >
Just three weeks after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos should be considered children, lawmakers in that state passed legislation that shields both patients and providers who use in vitro fertilization (IVF) from civil and criminal liability. Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed the bill into law shortly after it was passed by… read on > read on >
Abortion rights will play a pivotal role in determining how people will vote in the 2024 election, a new KFF poll has found. About one in eight voters (12%) now say abortion is the most important issue for their vote in the upcoming elections. Further, around half of voters overall say this year’s presidential election… read on > read on >
Athletes whose coaches are open, authentic and positive are more likely to have better mental health, a new study says. Athletes feel happier and deal with problems more easily if their coaches adopt an “authentic leadership” style, researchers report in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Such a leadership style also produces better and… read on > read on >
Even a little physical activity can cut a person’s stroke risk compared to being a complete couch potato, a new review shows. Folks whose physical activity levels fell short of recommended guidelines still had a lower risk of stroke than those who got no exercise, researchers report. Compared with no exercise, the highest “ideal” amount… read on > read on >
Living close to trees and other greenery could be keeping your bones strong, a new 12-year study suggests. Folks whose residences were near spots deemed “green” by satellite imagery tended to have better bone density than those who lived elsewhere, Chinese researchers found. Reductions in air pollution seemed key to greenery’s benefit for bones, according… read on > read on >
The “selfie” culture on social media appears to be intensifying people’s desires to undergo cosmetic procedures, a new study suggests. Time spent on Snapchat or Instagram seems to heighten a person’s interest in such procedures, researchers found. This was particularly true if folks used filters and photo-editing applications to alter the personal pictures they posted.… read on > read on >
