While smoking has declined in the United States, the rate of tobacco use in poorer communities is double nationwide levels, according to a new study. It also linked smoking to mental health conditions and substance use disorders in these communities. The findings highlight the need for targeted smoking prevention and cessation programs in less advantaged… read on > read on >
Antidepressants don’t always help ease depression and anxiety in pregnant women and new moms, according to a new study. “This is the first longitudinal data to show that many pregnant women report depression and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum, despite their choice to continue treatment with antidepressants,” said senior author Dr. Katherine Wisner. She… read on > read on >
People who were born with a heart defect have a nearly doubled risk for severe COVID-19 illness or death and need to get vaccinated, wear masks and take other steps to protect themselves, researchers report. Those patients at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 were 50 and older, men, and those with other health conditions… read on > read on >
Keeping your drinking and your weight in check can help protect your sight as you age, experts say. Moderate to heavy drinking is associated with a higher risk of a sight-threatening condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A poor diet and excess weight can also influence your odds for AMD, the most common cause of… read on > read on >
An investigation into health misinformation on COVID-19 has been launched by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “Misinformation has had a profound impact on COVID-19 and our response,” Murthy told CNN. “Studies have demonstrated that the vast majority of the American public either believes common myths about COVID-19 or thinks those myths might be true.… read on > read on >
FRIDAY, March 4, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — Eating a predominantly plant-based diet may substantially slow the rate of cognitive decline in older Black adults in the U.S., according to preliminary research. However, this dietary pattern had less effect on cognitive decline in older white adults, according to the findings presented Friday at the… read on > read on >
FRIDAY, March 4, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — Nearly half of all dementia cases in the U.S. may be linked to a dozen modifiable risk factors – most notably high blood pressure, obesity and physical inactivity, according to new research. The findings suggest a large portion of dementia cases could be prevented, especially among… read on > read on >
Feel free to open a bottle of your favorite vintage: If you time it right, a little wine might help guard against type 2 diabetes. A new study suggests that a small glass with dinner may lower the chances of being diagnosed with the blood sugar disease. Exactly how small? About half an ounce of… read on > read on >
Are you managing a chronic health problem, be it obesity or diabetes or heart disease or asthma? There’s likely an app for that. Health apps are becoming more and more sophisticated, offering smartphone users help in dealing with chronic ailments, said Dr. David Bates, chief of internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston,… read on > read on >
The National Football League’s COVID protocols will be lifted immediately under a deal reached between the league and its players association. The agreement makes the NFL one of the first major sports leagues to take such action, CBS News reported. The decision is based on “encouraging trends regarding the prevalence and severity of COVID-19, the… read on > read on >
