Pesticides and herbicides used in farming appear to increase people’s risk of Parkinson’s disease, a new, preliminary study finds. People exposed to pesticides and herbicides are 25% to 36% more likely to develop Parkinson’s, according to a study to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s upcoming annual meeting in April. The Parkinson’s risk… read on > read on >
All Food:
Cyberattack Stalls Prescription Dispensing at UnitedHealth
For nearly a week, prescription drug orders have been disrupted at thousands of pharmacies as the largest health insurer in the United States tries to fully restore services following a cyberattack. The security breach was first detected last Wednesday at Change Healthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group, and two senior federal law enforcement officials told… read on > read on >
Eye Ointments Sold at Walmart, CVS Recalled Due to Infection Risk
Eye ointment products made in India and sold in the United States at Walmart, CVS and other retailers are being recalled due to a danger of infection. Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd., of Maharastra, India, said it is recalling various eye lubricant products labeled Equate, CVS Health and AACE. Recalled products will have expiration dates ranging… read on > read on >
Fast-Food Outlets, Bars Aren’t Great Neighbors for Your Heart
Living close to a pub, bar or fast-food restaurant doesn’t do your heart any favors, a new study finds. Folks who live in close proximity to such establishments have a higher risk of heart failure, compared to those who live farther away, researchers report in the Feb. 27 issue of the journal Circulation: Heart Failure. … read on > read on >
One Way to Reduce Child Obesity: Get Kids Moving More in Class
Regular standing and walking activities in the classroom can aid in the fight against childhood obesity, a new study shows. Children who took part in the Active Movement program experienced an 8% reduction in their waist-to-height ratio, according to results from British primary schools. Participation in sports also increased by 10% at schools with the… read on > read on >
Asthma Drug Xolair Guards Against Severe Reactions in People With Food Allergies
The asthma medication Xolair has proved its prowess against food allergies, with new research showing the medication substantially lowers the chances of severe reactions in patients. Data published Sunday in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented simultaneously at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Washington, D.C., showed that multiple injections… read on > read on >
Treating Crohn’s Sooner, More Aggressively Greatly Improves Outcomes: Study
In a finding that suggests sooner is better than later, a new trial shows that giving advanced treatment early to Crohn’s patients can dramatically improve their gut health. About 80% of those who got therapy with an immune-suppressing drug called infliximab shortly after their Crohn’s diagnosis experienced an improvement in their symptoms and inflammatory markers… read on > read on >
Junk Food Ups Colon Cancer Risk, But Most Americans Don’t Know It
Junk food increases people’s risk of colon cancer, as well as alcohol, lack of exercise and obesity. Unfortunately, many Americans don’t know about these risk factors for colon cancer, a new survey has found. Colon and rectal cancers have been rising in people under 50 for two decades, researchers said, meaning that many develop the… read on > read on >
How to Keep the ‘Ozempic Effect’ Going: Exercise
An open question for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound has been whether folks will keep the pounds off when they stop taking them. Regular exercise could be the key to quitting the drugs without regaining weight, a new Danish study says. “It is actually possible to stop taking the medication without large weight… read on > read on >
Food-Focused Toddlers at Higher Risk for Eating Disorders as Teens
Toddlers who are really into their food might have a higher risk of developing an eating disorder once they enter adolescence, a new study shows. Kids ages 4 and 5 with a strong urge to eat when teased with tasty food appear more likely to report a range of eating disorder symptoms by ages 12… read on > read on >