Certain gene mutations put women at high risk of breast cancer, and now an early study hints that obesity might make matters worse. The findings come from a study of breast tissue samples from women who carried particular mutations in genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 — which convey much higher-than-normal risks of both breast and… read on > read on >
All Food:
Milk, or a Plant-Based ‘Milk’: What’s the Nutritional Difference?
Not all milks are created equally when it comes to nutrients. Reading the label can clue you in to what you’re getting out of the beverage, whether it be plant-based or dairy, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional content can vary between different plant-based products, the FDA said in a recent news… read on > read on >
10 Ways You Can Cut Your Risk for Dementia
Causes of different kinds of dementia vary, but about 40% are affected by risk factors a person can influence through lifestyle choices. Two University of Michigan neurologists offer 10 tips for modifying those risks. Keep blood pressure in check. Dr. Judith Heidebrink, a neurologist who is co-leader of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s Clinical… read on > read on >
After Criticism, FDA Pledges to Revamp Its Tobacco Division
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s heavily criticized tobacco program promised changes on Friday, including a five-year strategic plan to better outline priorities. “As we enter this era of declining use of combustible tobacco and continued innovation in the e-cigarette industry, the societal concerns are not subtle,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in an… read on > read on >
Too Little Dietary Salt Can Mean Trouble for Heart Failure Patients
It may seem counterintuitive, but a new study review suggests that consuming too little salt could be harmful to heart failure patients. Doctors currently recommend a low-sodium diet to lower blood pressure and avoid fluid buildup and swelling, which can be common symptoms for heart failure. The condition develops when the heart muscle becomes too… read on > read on >
Cutting Down on Social Media Brings Quick Boost to Teens’ Self-Image
All those images of beautiful-looking people on social media can deflate a young person’s self-image, but there may be an easy fix: limiting time spent on TikTok, Instagram and the like. A new Canadian study finds that teens and young adults who already had symptoms of anxiety or depression and who cut their social media… read on > read on >
Could High Laxative Usage Raise the Odds for Dementia?
Taking laxatives regularly to ease constipation may up your chances of developing dementia down the road, a new study suggests. This risk is even higher among folks who use multiple types of laxatives or osmotic laxatives, which work by drawing water into stool. Previous research has linked other over-the-counter drugs, including non-prescription sleep aids and… read on > read on >
Almond, Soy Drinks Can Be Called Milk, FDA Proposes
THURSDAY, Feb. 23, 2023 (HealthDay News) – Plant-based beverages that use oats, soy, almonds, cashews and other products instead of dairy can continue to call themselves milk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released new draft rules on Wednesday, and the agency will accept comments on the draft through April 23. These products don’t pretend… read on > read on >
FDA Widens Warning for Contaminated Eye Products
Stop buying or using Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Wednesday. The over-the-counter product is made by the same company that makes eye drops that were recalled earlier this year amid an outbreak of a highly drug-resistant bacteria that has hospitalized and blinded patients. Those products, which include EzriCare… read on > read on >
21 Genes Could Link Midlife Obesity & Alzheimer’s Risk
A new study links obesity with 21 Alzheimer’s disease-related genes. This may help explain why Alzheimer’s is often more frequent among adults who experienced obesity in midlife, according to researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. To study this, the investigators used data from more than 5,600 participants in the… read on > read on >