People with high blood pressure that doesn’t respond to treatment may have more success by following the DASH diet and joining a supervised diet and exercise program, a new study suggests. DASH is short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — a regimen rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and limited salt. Duke University… read on > read on >
All Food:
Smoke From Nuclear War Would Trigger Massive Climate Change, Endangering Health
Nuclear war would trigger worldwide climate change and take a dire toll on food production and human health, according to scientists who studied different scenarios using a modern climate model. “Although we suspected that ozone would be destroyed after nuclear war and that would result in enhanced ultraviolet light at the Earth’s surface, if there… read on > read on >
Infant Deaths Spark Baby Loungers Recall
The death of eight babies has prompted the Boppy Company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to recall more than 3 million baby loungers, they announced Thursday. A year ago, the CPSC issued a safety warning about similar pillow-like baby products, CBS News reported. When babies are placed on their back, side, or… read on > read on >
Obesity a Threat to Adults With Autism, But There May Be Help
Eating well and exercising regularly can be a challenge for anyone. But for those with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities, that challenge is exponentially greater. Many young men and women with autism and intellectual disabilities face a significantly higher risk for obesity, and all the health complications that follow. Yet, a small, new pilot… read on > read on >
Could a Japanese Plant Turn Cold Cuts Into Healthy Fare?
There’s good news for health-conscious sausage and bacon lovers. A new study suggests the Japanese knotweed plant could be used to make healthier cured meats. According to researchers, this fast-growing plant that invades gardens and buildings contains a chemical that could take the place of the preservative nitrite, which has been linked to cancer, in… read on > read on >
Weight Loss in Childhood May Protect Boys Against Future Infertility
Obese boys who lose weight may avoid fertility problems in adulthood, a preliminary study suggests. Even short-term weight loss might partially reverse weight-related alterations in reproductive function, the researchers said. Childhood obesity can have serious effects on adulthood health, including a risk of cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Obesity has also been linked… read on > read on >
New Tricks to Turn Your Fussy Eater Around
If your children are picky eaters, bribing or pressuring them will probably backfire. But there are other steps you can take to help them get over their fussiness, researchers report. Australian scientists reviewed 80 studies to find out more about fussy eaters. They found that pressuring a child to eat, offering rewards for eating and… read on > read on >
Is Insulin Resistance a Recipe for Depression?
Insulin resistance can make you more than twice as likely to develop major depression, even if you haven’t developed full-blown diabetes, a new study reports. Initially healthy people who later developed prediabetes were 2.6 times more likely to come down with major depression during a nine-year follow-up period, according to the findings. “The insulin-resistant folks… read on > read on >
Diabetes Drug Might Help Women With Preeclampsia Prolong Their Pregnancy
Metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes drug, may help stave off preterm birth among women who develop pregnancy-related high blood pressure. Preeclampsia is marked by a sudden spike in blood pressure, protein in urine, or other problems during pregnancy. Preterm preeclampsia occurs between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy and often leads to early delivery, putting… read on > read on >
FDA Approves Pfizer Booster Shots for Seniors, High-Risk Americans
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved Pfizer booster shots for people over 65 and for those at high risk of severe COVID-19. Under the emergency use authorization, the booster shots should be given at least six months after a person is fully vaccinated. Wednesday’s move is likely the beginning of a staggered… read on > read on >