Teens enjoy the freedom of driving with friends, but parents worry about potential distractions. More than half of U.S. parents in a new nationwide poll say their child has most likely been a passenger of a distracted teen driver. The most worrisome distractions are loud music (46%), a cellphone (42%) or other teen passengers (39%),…  read on >

As terrified as you might be of a possible cancer diagnosis from your doctor, a new study warns that you still need to keep your appointment. Why? Patients who blow off appointments for cancer symptoms are 12% more likely to die within a year of diagnosis, British researchers report. Those most likely to skip appointments…  read on >

More than 750,000 people have a stroke each year in the United States, says Cleveland Clinic. But as many as half of all strokes are preventable, the clinic says. Risk factors that are under all or partial control include: High blood pressure. Smoking. High cholesterol. Excessive alcohol consumption. Being overweight. The clinic reminds us that…  read on >

Novartis, the maker of a generic form of the popular heartburn drug Zantac, said Wednesday it will cease distribution of the medicine after investigations suggested that generic and branded versions contain a known carcinogen. A distribution halt is not the same as a full recall, and it means that generic Zantac (ranitidine) remaining on store…  read on >

When you get the urge for a snack, you might not think that a slice of turkey can have the same lip-smacking effect as a handful of chips. But scientists have known for some time that protein is the most efficient nutrient for not only quickly satisfying hunger, but also for keeping you feeling satisfied…  read on >

Reactive hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar after a meal, says Mayo Clinic. The condition has a variety of causes, from drinking alcohol to metabolic disorders. People with reactive hypoglycemia may have symptoms including weakness, shakiness and lightheadedness. To manage reactive hypoglycemia, Mayo Clinic suggests: Eating a balanced diet with lean meat, fiber, whole grains,…  read on >

The loss of a loved one is one of life’s most stressful events. But new research suggests that having a furry loved one still at home may help ease the pain. Investigators looked at 437 older adults, some of whom lost a spouse, either through divorce or death. They found that having a cat or…  read on >

Narcissism is not a good look at any age, but new research suggests it fades as people enter their 40s. However, the degree of decline in narcissism varies between individuals and can be related to their career and relationships, the researchers added. Overall, the “findings should bring comfort to those who are concerned that young…  read on >

In a finding that suggests money may sometimes guide whether someone gets a new kidney, researchers report that patients at U.S. for-profit dialysis centers are less likely to receive a transplant. “For-profit dialysis facilities have a higher profit margin when they have more patients on dialysis,” while nonprofit centers don’t have “the same emphasis on…  read on >

Everyone goes through moments of worry, but for some people, anxiety takes over their lives. How can you tell if you’re an average worrywart or if you might have an anxiety disorder? Your degree of distress is often a good indicator. Normal anxiety typically comes from a specific source of stress, like an upcoming job…  read on >