Women who get pregnant within a year of having weight-loss surgery are more likely to have preterm and smaller-than-normal babies, a new study suggests. Dutch researchers said their findings support current recommendations to avoid pregnancy for 12 to 24 months after weight-loss (bariatric) surgery. “We should encourage women who wish to conceive after bariatric surgery… read on > read on >
As kids get ready for summer camp, parents might be fretting about exposure to COVID-19, but a doctors’ group says they also need to make sure their campers will be protected from allergy and asthma triggers. “The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has issued guidelines for keeping campers and staff protected from COVID-19. At… read on > read on >
Rates of colon cancer among young Americans are on the rise, and a new study suggests that drinking too many sugary beverages may be to blame — at least for women. Women who drank two or more sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, fruity drinks or sports and energy drinks per day had double the risk… read on > read on >
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 >
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 >
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 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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
