It seems as though every day brings yet another study on the effects of caffeine or coffee in particular. Researchers have looked at its effects on almost every aspect of health, from overall mortality to the heart, bones, kidneys, liver, fertility and more. Sometimes, separate studies on the same aspect of caffeine consumption have contradictory…  read on >

Tennis elbow causes pain around the outside of the elbow, says the National Health Service. Often, the condition occurs after strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm. The service mentions these symptoms of tennis elbow: Pain on the outside of your upper forearm. Pain when lifting or bending your arm. Pain when…  read on >

Sunglasses need to be more than just fashion accessories, an eye expert advises. “Think of sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes,” said Dr. Dianna Seldomridge, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Your eyes need protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, just like your skin,” she explained. “Make sure your eyes are protected…  read on >

Diabetes brings with it a variety of long-term complications, but at least one of those — heart failure — is a bigger threat to women than men, new research suggests. The risk difference was even more pronounced for women with type 1 diabetes. “Our global review of 12 million people shows that having diabetes increases…  read on >

If you struggle with anxiety, you might want to skip that second cup of coffee, new research suggests. For some people, caffeine may help with concentration and provide an energy boost, but it can cause problems for those with general anxiety disorder, said Dr. Julie Radico, a clinical psychologist with Penn State Health. “Caffeine is…  read on >

Music may be as powerful as drugs in calming patients before they undergo surgery, new research suggests. It worked just as well as a tranquilizer before patients received a peripheral nerve block prior to their procedure, the researchers said. Peripheral nerve block numbs a specific area of the body where surgery is being done. Many…  read on >

Hotter temperatures bring people outdoors, but they also bring insects out of hiding, says NorthShore University. From mosquitoes to ticks, the summer months are a hotbed for bites from these insects. To protect against summer bugs, NorthShore recommends: Don’t apply perfumes, and avoid scented soaps. Stay away from stagnant water and wooded areas. Avoid wearing…  read on >

When it comes to blood pressure readings, the “top” number seems to grab all the attention. But a large, new study confirms that both numbers are, in fact, critical in determining the risk of heart attack and stroke. Blood pressure measurements are given as a “top” and “bottom” number. The first reflects systolic blood pressure,…  read on >

The heat is on. Across two-thirds of the United States, over 115 million Americans live where some level of heat alert is already in effect, and 290 million will see temperatures soar past 90 degrees at some point in the next week, USA Today reported Wednesday. As a dome of high pressure settles over much…  read on >

Financial rewards for quitting smoking do help smokers — including pregnant women — kick the habit and remain smoke-free, a new study confirms. “Rewards, such as money or vouchers, have been used to encourage smokers to quit, and to reward them if they stay stopped. Such schemes have been used in workplaces, in clinics and…  read on >