A comparison of Neanderthal and modern human spines suggests lifestyle habits of 21st century people lie behind widespread back pain, researchers say. Anthropologists focused on the spine’s curvature, which is partly influenced by wedging, or angling, of vertebrae and the softer discs between vertebrae. “Neanderthals are not distinct from modern humans in lumbar wedging and… read on > read on >
Regular blood pressure readings at home are more accurate for diagnosing high blood pressure than those taken at a doctor’s office, according to a new study. “Blood pressure varies a lot over the day … and one or two measurements in clinic may not reflect your average blood pressure,” said study author Dr. Beverly Green,… read on > read on >
Tighter restrictions on emissions from big trucks were proposed Monday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Seventy-two million people are estimated to live near truck freight routes in America, and they are more likely to be people of color and those with lower incomes. These overburdened communities are directly exposed to pollution that causes… read on > read on >
For two decades, the death rate from opioid overdoses was higher among white Americans than Black Americans. But that changed in 2020, signaling an end to the notion that the overdose crisis is a “white problem.” Using data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers found that overdose deaths jumped nearly 49%… read on > read on >
Scientists have discovered that even a mild case of COVID-19 might inflict damage on your brain. On average, middle-aged and older adults who’d been sick with COVID showed signs of tissue shrinkage in brain areas related to the sense of smell, the researchers reported. They also tended to have more trouble completing complex mental tasks,… read on > read on >
MONDAY, March 7, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — It’s after midnight, well past your normal bedtime, and you’re about to start watching your third straight episode of that police drama or classic comedy while sitting on the couch with a blanket. Sounds like a cozy way to wind down the night. Just try not… read on > read on >
Health and fitness apps are growing in popularity, but not among the people who might benefit most from them — seniors and people with chronic health conditions. Nearly two out of three American adults are living with a chronic health problem like heart disease, diabetes or asthma, a new HealthDay/Harris Poll survey found. Health apps… read on > read on >
There is no amount of alcohol that is good for your brain. So claims a new study that found even light to moderate drinking can age the brain faster than normal. Previous research has shown that heavy drinkers have changes in brain structure and size that are associated with thinking and memory problems. In this… read on > read on >
People who vape may be setting themselves up for developing diabetes, even if they don’t smoke traditional cigarettes, a new study suggests. Among more than 600,000 U.S. adults, researchers found that those who used electronic cigarettes were more likely to have prediabetes than people who’d never vaped or smoked. The link was seen even among… read on > read on >
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 >
