Would you stop taking a medication if you heard a negative news story about it? Sticking with a prescription drug regimen, or “medication adherence,” is already a challenge for many patients, with not taking medications as prescribed being a key reason people struggle to control chronic conditions. Adding to the problem, according to a Danish… read on >
Nearly 25 percent of antibiotics prescribed in the United States are given for conditions they aren’t meant to treat, a new study finds. Antibiotics are miracle drugs that can cure deadly bacterial infections. But too often they are given to treat viral infections, such as colds and flu, for which they are ineffective. And the… read on >
The average person’s daily diet will need to change drastically during the next three decades to make sure everyone is fed without depleting the planet, a panel of experts has concluded. Global consumption of foods such as red meat and sugar will have to decrease by about half to make sure the Earth will be… read on >
More than 70 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says. Are you one of them? Before starting a weight loss plan, you should visit your doctor. The first questions to consider are: How can I change my eating habits so I can reach… read on >
A key to successful dieting is to enjoy your food more, while eating less, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says. Your meals should include all of the food groups while limiting sugar, salt and saturated fat, the agency says. The USDA offers these additional suggestions: Learn the ingredients in all foods and beverages you consume,… read on >
Carrying extra pounds isn’t just bad for humans: New research indicates dogs’ lives may be significantly shorter if they’re overweight. The study, which evaluated data from more than 50,000 dogs across 12 of the most popular breeds, found that the life span of overweight dogs was up to 2.5 years shorter than that of normal-weight… read on >
U.S. dermatologists are prescribing fewer antibiotics overall but are writing more short-term orders for the drugs, a new study finds. Dermatologists prescribe more antibiotics per doctor than any other medical specialty — more than 7.1 million prescriptions per year, the University of Pennsylvania researchers said. According to their analysis of 2008-2016 data from privately insured… read on >
The foods you eat and drink during childhood will impact the strength of your bones as you age, the Nemours Foundation says. Most of your bone density stems from what you eat and drink as children and teens, says Nemours, which notes the process is virtually finished when a person reaches age 20. As adults,… read on >
Nearly all TV food ads aimed at Hispanic and black children in the United States are for unhealthy products, a new report claims. In 2017, black teens saw more than twice as many ads for unhealthy food products as white teens, researchers found. “Food companies have introduced healthier products and established corporate responsibility programs to… read on >
For many people struggling with weight, an underlying reason for the excess pounds is the habit of using food to soothe bad feelings and reward good behavior. To lose weight, turn that habit on its ear. Incentives can help motivate you in many areas, including your diet, but your incentive can’t be food. Small, non-food… read on >
