Women whose final stages of pregnancy occur during the short, dark days of winter may be at increased risk for postpartum depression, a new study suggests. It has to do with reduced exposure to sunlight — the same culprit that contributes to seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. That’s a type of depression that usually starts… read on >
Even when you’re trying to lose weight, you need some fat in your diet for good health. While fat in general has gotten a bad rap, some types of fat — particularly plant-based fats — are good for you in moderation. Good-for-you fats: Olive, flaxseed oil and other plant-based oils. Fatty fish. Avocados. Walnuts, other… read on >
School is in full swing, and with it comes a plethora of colds passed back and forth among kids. But parents who want to alleviate a sick child’s misery would do best to avoid over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. Decongestants should not be given to children younger than 6 because there’s no evidence that they… read on >
As category 4 Hurricane Michael slammed into northern Florida on Wednesday, the National Safety Council offered residents steps to stay safe. First, the council urges those in the storm’s path to monitor its progress and heed government warnings. It’s vital to take a look at safety procedures you’ll need during any severe weather. Families should… read on >
Occasional fasting may help control type 2 diabetes, a small Canadian study suggests. “The use of a therapeutic fasting regimen for treatment of [type 2 diabetes] is virtually unheard of,” said Dr. Jason Fung, of Scarborough Hospital, in Ontario, and colleagues. But this trial showed that 24-hour fasting regimens can significantly reverse or eliminate the… read on >
If you’re overweight and thinking of starting a family, there’s compelling evidence that you should lose the excess pounds before you get pregnant. For starters, some health conditions associated with being overweight, like polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS), can make it harder for you to conceive. Once you get pregnant, being overweight increases your risk… read on >
The quick weight loss that occurs after bariatric surgery seems to have an unintended consequence — a greater risk of gallstones, a new study suggests. The rapid loss of pounds was linked to a 10-fold increase in the hospital admissions for pancreatitis, gallstones and other gallbladder conditions. “Gallstones are quite common in post-bariatric surgery patients.… read on >
Dropping weight might do more than make an older woman feel good. New research suggests it could lower her odds of breast cancer. The study included over 61,000 postmenopausal women with no prior breast cancer and normal mammogram results. Their weight was checked at the start of the study and again three years later. During… read on >
If you’re gluten-sensitive, watch out: One-third of the “gluten-free” foods sold in U.S. restaurants actually contain trace levels of the substance, new research suggests. The finding will be of particular concern to the 1 percent of Americans with the autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease. For them, even a minuscule amount of gluten — a… read on >
THURSDAY, Oct. 4, 2018Vitamin D supplements have long been touted as a way to improve bone health and possibly ward off the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis in older adults. But a new study contends that claims of benefits from supplements of the “sunshine vitamin” fall flat. A review of previously published studies found that taking either… read on >
