Rising obesity rates worldwide may be contributing to the climate crisis, researchers report. “Our analysis suggests that, in addition to beneficial effects on morbidity, mortality and health care costs, managing obesity can favorably affect the environment as well,” said study corresponding author Faidon Magkos, from the department of nutrition, exercise and sports at the University…  read on >

Healthier eating could save the United States more than $50 billion a year in health care costs associated with heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and related illnesses, according to a new study. An unhealthy diet is one of the leading risk factors for poor health and accounts for up to 45% of all deaths…  read on >

Federal health officials have unveiled plans to allow prescription drug imports from Canada and other foreign nations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is proposing a rule under which states could import some prescription drugs from Canada, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar announced Tuesday. The agency also plans to make it easier…  read on >

Losing weight might be a powerful weapon against breast cancer, a new study suggests. “Our results suggest that even a modest amount of sustained weight loss is associated with lower breast cancer risk for women over 50,” said study author Lauren Teras, a senior principal scientist with the Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group at the…  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday gave expanded approval to a prescription form of fish oil called Vascepa, to help prevent heart trouble in people at high risk who are already taking statins. Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) was already FDA-approved for a small percentage of patients with exceptionally high blood levels of triglycerides, a…  read on >

Prescription-grade CBD may help control hard-to-treat seizures caused by a rare genetic disorder, a preliminary study suggests. The study involved 224 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) — a genetic condition that affects about one in 6,000 people, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. It causes noncancerous tumors to arise throughout the body,…  read on >

Though exercise and proper diet are essential to maintaining good health, the body’s basic need for water is often overlooked. Not drinking enough water can be dangerous and have a plethora of negative effects, says Texas Health and Human Services. Your body needs to be hydrated to work properly. Breathing, circulation, body temperature regulation and…  read on >

You don’t have to wind up with stained teeth if you toast the holidays with red wine, an expert says. “The strength of your enamel and how prone you are to plaque buildup is key to how much your teeth might stain,” said Dr. Uchenna Akosa, head of Rutgers Health University Dental Associates, the faculty…  read on >

Levels of the widely used chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in people’s bodies are much higher than once thought, according to scientists who say they’ve created a more accurate way to measure them. BPA is used in many plastic products, including food and drink containers, and animal studies have shown that it can interfere with hormones.…  read on >

Keeping your retainer clean can prevent cavities and infection, says the California Association of Orthodontists. Brushing your teeth and caring for your retainer also can ensure that your smile stays healthy. To keep your retainer clean, the association suggests: Wash your hands before and after wearing your retainer. Soak your retainer often in a vinegar-and-water…  read on >