The gap in death rates between U.S. whites and minority groups has been narrowing in recent years, but a new study suggests that trend stopped between 2009 and 2012. “After years of progress in reducing racial/ethnic mortality disparities, our study shows that progress among most racial/ethnic and age groups has stalled and/or reversed in the… read on >
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a risk factor for stroke, heart disease and other dangerous conditions, but it offers no early warning signs. That’s why it’s so important to have your pressure checked regularly. You can take preventive steps to keep it in line by getting regular exercise and by adding foods that support… read on >
Few families are able to escape squabbles completely, whether between spouses, children or other relatives. But a Danish study that looked at nearly 10,000 men and women, aged 36 to 52, warns that stressful social relations can be more than just unpleasant — they can increase your overall risk of early death. How can you… read on >
Snoring occurs when the upper airways become narrow, says Harvard Medical School. As a result, airflow is disrupted, making tissues vibrate and produce the snoring noise. To help alleviate snoring, Harvard Medical school suggests: Reduce alcohol consumption. Lose excess weight. Rinse stuffy sinuses with saline before bed. Use allergy medication or a humidifier. Sleep on… read on >
Many people who take the antidepressant Zoloft report feeling better. But new research suggests the drug may be treating their anxiety, rather than their depression, at least in the early weeks. Zoloft (sertraline) — and the family of similar drugs it belongs to — may actually take months to ease classic symptoms of depression, U.K.… read on >
MONDAY, Sept. 23, 2019 Low-dose aspirin may improve survival odds for patients battling head/neck and lung cancer, two new studies suggest. The first reviewed data on 460 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) or early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). That study concluded that taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as… read on >
Eddie Sullivan, 17, woke up on a Tuesday and found that his chest hurt every time he took a breath. He’d spent that July weekend nauseous with a fever, and the day before doctors had diagnosed him with pneumonia, remembers his mom, Geri Sullivan. “As the day went on, his chest pain became more severe… read on >
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tube lining, says Mayo Clinic. People who have bronchitis often cough up thick, discolored mucus. Though complications are rare, bronchitis can lead to pneumonia in some people. To help prevent bronchitis, Mayo suggests: Avoid cigarette smoke. Get vaccinated for flu. Wash your hands regularly. Mayo also reminds people… read on >
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 >
