Nearly one in five Americans with high blood pressure use medications that can cause blood pressure to spike, a preliminary study shows. The researchers said the findings are concerning, given how many people have difficulty controlling their high blood pressure. “A large number of Americans are not meeting their blood pressure goals,” said lead researcher… read on > read on >
All Food:
How a Little Alcohol Might Help the Heart
A bit of booze may help protect your heart by reducing stress-related brain activity, a new study suggests. “The thought is that moderate amounts of alcohol may have effects on the brain that can help you relax, reduce stress levels and, perhaps through these mechanisms, lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease,” said lead author Dr.… read on > read on >
Heart Risk Factors Show Up Earlier in U.S. Black Women
Young Black American women have high rates of lifestyle-related risk factors for heart disease, a new study indicates. The findings show the need to help them adopt healthy eating and physical activity habits, as well as make it easier for them to access health care, the researchers said. “Young people should be the healthiest members… read on > read on >
When Drug Companies Raise Prices, Patients’ Out-of-Pocket Costs Rise
When prescription drug “list” prices go up, patients often take a hit in the wallet, a new study shows. Researchers found that while some people are buffered against drug price hikes by their health insurance plan, many are not. Those in plans that require co-insurance or a deductible for prescriptions typically watch their out-of-pocket expenses… read on > read on >
Obesity More Deadly for Men Than Women When COVID Strikes
It’s long been known that obesity is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 in infected people. But new research suggests that the connection may be even stronger for men than women. Researchers at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City analyzed data from more than 3,500 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital between early March… read on > read on >
Drug Saxenda Aids Weight Loss — But You Should Exercise, Too
The weight-loss drug Saxenda can keep extra pounds off — but combining it with exercise brings a bigger payoff, a new clinical trial finds. The study found that some longstanding advice is valid: Prescription weight-loss drugs work best when used along with — and not in place of — lifestyle changes. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a… read on > read on >
What Was Antarctic Explorer Ernest Shackleton’s Mystery Illness?
Famed Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton may have suffered from a deficiency of the nutrient thiamine, a condition known as beriberi, say researchers who claim they have cracked this nearly 120-year-old mystery. Shackleton is known for his daring expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century. He experienced prolonged bouts of extreme shortness of breath and… read on > read on >
Many Consumers Misunderstand Those ‘Best Before’ Food Labels
People may think they know what ‘Best before’ food date labels mean, but a new study reveals that many consumers misunderstand them. The study of over 2,600 U.S. adults “showed that an overwhelming majority of consumers say that they use food date labels to make decisions about food and say they know what the labels… read on > read on >
ADHD Meds Can Help Preschoolers, But Effects Vary
Parents of preschoolers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be advised to give their child medication to help them concentrate, sit still and/or control impulsive behaviors. A new study comparing two classes of medications might help them arrive at a decision. While stimulants are often first in line, the research shows that another class… read on > read on >
Peloton Recalls Treadmills Following Child’s Death, Numerous Injuries
Peloton said Wednesday it is recalling its Tread and Tread+ exercise machines, just weeks after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that one child’s death and dozens of injuries have been linked to the treadmills. In a company statement, Peloton CEO John Foley acknowledged the company had been wrong to initially fight the… read on > read on >