How bad or how long this year’s flu season will be remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear: It’s proving to be an especially lethal season for infected children. Fueled by a strain of influenza that children may be especially vulnerable to, less than two months into flu season 39 children have… read on >
The Harvard-associated lab that created the “CoolSculpting” process of reducing fat says it’s on the trail of the next advance in nonsurgical slimming. CoolSculpting freezes fat cells by applying an ice-cold gel pad to the skin, causing cells to die off and either be flushed away or absorbed by the body, said lead researcher Dr.… read on >
Over 2 million Americans with heart disease have used marijuana, despite evidence that it might be harmful to them, a new research review finds. The report, published in the Jan. 28 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, comes at a time when many states are legalizing medicinal or recreational marijuana use.… read on >
Regular nut consumption can lower the risk of heart disease by up to 14 percent, says the American College of Cardiology. Nuts contain heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. The group reminds people that a complete heart-healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish and nuts. But as one ounce of… read on >
Fleas feed on the blood of people and your furry friends, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Flea infestation can be difficult to quash, so prevention is key, the agency says. To prevent, reduce or eliminate flea infestation, the EPA suggests: Check carpets, cushioned furniture and cracks and crevices daily. Steam clean carpets regularly. Pay… read on >
Anxiety can cause or worsen sleeping problems, says the National Sleep Foundation. If disrupted sleep due to anxiety happens, the foundation says you may want to try a few simple strategies: Practice meditation. Focus on your breathing. Add exercise to your day. Regular exercisers tend to have better sleep. Practice a healthy bedtime routine. Write… read on >
Turning to Facebook for help is probably the wrong move for depressed college students, new research shows. In a small study of 33 students who posted on Facebook about feelings of depression, not one was advised to reach out to a mental health professional for help. Rather, friends sent supportive and encouraging messages. “It makes… read on >
Want to know how to avoid blood clots and varicose veins? One physician offers some tips on how to keep your blood vessels healthy. Arteries and veins are collectively known as the vascular system. Arteries transport oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body, while veins carry de-oxygenated, waste-filled blood back to the heart to be… read on >
Since the 1970s, serious heart disease among childhood cancer survivors had declined remarkably, a new study finds. The decline suggests that efforts to make cancer treatments, including radiation, less toxic are paying off, researchers say. For the study, researchers led by Dr. Daniel Mulrooney, from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., collected data… read on >
Sepsis kills more than twice as many people worldwide as once believed, and children in poor regions account for an excessive number of such deaths, researchers say. Sepsis is an out-of-control immune response to infection that harms organs. People who survive sepsis can have lifelong disabilities. In 2017, there were 48.9 million cases of sepsis… read on >
