When your cardiologist orders a test, do you stop to ask why you need it? You probably don’t — but perhaps you should, according to a new report from the American Heart Association (AHA). Too many Americans receive heart tests and treatments that do little good, and more needs to be done about it, the… read on > read on >
All Food:
FDA Warns of Rising Dangers of Unapproved Drug Tianeptine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued another pointed warning about the dangers posed by tianeptine, an antidepressant that is not approved for any type of medical treatment in the United States. Topping the list of possible risks from taking the drug: accidental poisoning and addiction. Why an addiction risk? Tianeptine — commonly marketed… read on > read on >
Vaping Shows More Links to Gum Disease
Cigarette smoking is infamous for promoting gum disease, and now a new study adds to evidence that vaping also exacts a toll on the teeth and gums. Researchers found that people who use e-cigarettes have a unique bacterial composition in their mouths that likely spells trouble for their dental health. In fact, their oral microbes… read on > read on >
Vitamins, Supplements Don’t Guard Against Severe COVID
Remember when everyone was downing zinc supplements at the beginning of the pandemic, in hopes of guarding against a severe case of COVID-19? New research suggests that folks may have wasted their time and effort: Taking zinc, vitamin C or vitamin D supplements doesn’t lower one’s risk of dying from COVID-19. “A lot of people… read on > read on >
Study Finds No Heart Benefit From Veggies. Nutritionists Disagree.
Eating vegetables may not help protect you against heart disease, according to a new study that’s triggered strong reactions from critics. The analysis of the diets of nearly 400,000 British adults found that raw vegetables could benefit the heart, but not cooked vegetables. However, the researchers said any heart-related benefit from vegetables vanished altogether when… read on > read on >
Use Antibiotics Sparingly After Birth to Preserve Newborn’s ‘Microbiome’
New research suggests that doctors should be cautious about giving newborns antibiotics because they can upset a baby’s gut microbiome — the balance of bacteria in their digestive systems. “We were surprised with the magnitude and duration of the effects of broad spectrum antibiotics on the infants’ microbiome when compared to effects of those same… read on > read on >
FDA Warns of Infant Formula Powders Tied to Infections
Several powdered infant formula products have been recalled by Abbott Inc., following reports of four infants developing bacterial infections after consuming the products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. “As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply… read on > read on >
Brut, Sure Brand Deodorants Under Recall Due to Benzene
Six Brut and Sure aerosol antiperspirant and deodorant sprays sold in the United States and Canada have been recalled by their maker due to the presence of the chemical benzene. “Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers… read on > read on >
Fracking Wastewater Loaded With Toxic Chemicals, Study Shows
Fracking has already raised the ire of environmentalists for its effects on the planet, but new research sends up another red flag: The wastewater produced by the complicated oil and gas drilling process is loaded with toxic and cancer-causing contaminants that threaten both people and wildlife. In fracking, water that contains a number of additives… read on > read on >
A Healthy Mouth Could Be a Lifesaver for Kids With Heart Conditions
Kids with heart conditions are more likely than their peers to have frequent cavities, toothaches or bleeding gums, a new U.S. government study finds. Researchers found that of U.S. children and teenagers with heart conditions, 10% had only “poor” to “fair” dental health, as rated by their parents. That was twice the figure of kids… read on > read on >