Don’t invite skin cancer to your holiday weekend. As you celebrate America’s independence at beaches, pools or backyard parties, remember that the sun’s damaging rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. — and protecting yourself is a must. “When it comes to sunscreen, people in general don’t put on enough, and they don’t… read on >
High blood pressure is a serious risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other life-threatening medical conditions. While many people need medication and dietary changes to control their blood pressure, exercise is a key component of nearly every management plan. Scientists know that exercise causes the body to adapt in ways that lower blood pressure,… read on >
Watching your cholesterol intake has gotten easier. Nutrition experts now agree that certain foods high in cholesterol, like shrimp and eggs, don’t have the impact on your blood cholesterol that was once thought. Even better, some foods can help lower your blood cholesterol level. Walnuts have healthy unsaturated fats that help lower LDL — that’s… read on >
Every day, more than 300 children are treated in emergency rooms for burn-related injuries, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To help prevent your child from being burned, the CDC suggests: Install and maintain smoke alarms at home. Supervise children’s use of stoves, ovens and microwaves. Set your water heater’s thermostat to… read on >
Fireworks are a beautiful sight to behold, but they can damage your hearing if you’re not careful. Protecting your hearing should be one of the safety precautions you take when you and your family are at fireworks displays and other events on the Fourth of July, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) says. Fireworks and firecrackers… read on >
Summer is synonymous with mosquitoes, and that means possible exposure to the West Nile and Zika viruses. Both are spread mainly through mosquito bites. Most people won’t experience symptoms from either virus, but there are important differences to be aware of. West Nile Up to 20% of infected people have symptoms, such as a fever,… read on >
An EpiPen is an injection device containing epinephrine, which is used to treat severe allergic reactions, says the University of North Carolina. UNC offers this advice on using an EpiPen: Remove the device from its clear carrier tube. Hold it in your fist with the orange tip pointing downward. With your other hand, remove the… read on >
Although many restaurants, offices and even apartment buildings are smoke-free, American universities appear to be an exception. By 2017, only 1 in 6 had gone completely smoke-free or tobacco-free, a new study reveals. “Continued success in increasing the adoption of comprehensive smoke-free and tobacco-free protections at institutions of higher learning will strengthen smoking prevention among… read on >
The anti-vaccination movement is now a global crisis, an international panel of scientists say, and everyone must do more to combat it. “We are alarmed that the WHO [World Health Organization] this year declared vaccine hesitancy a top-10 international public health problem. This is a man-made, dangerous and wholly unnecessary crisis,” said Dr. Scott Ratzan.… read on >
When babies are born without one heart chamber, a special surgery can save their lives. But a new study shows that these patients face lifelong health issues that require special care. Still, a new American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement says, they can have rich and fulfilling lives. A normal heart has two lower chambers,… read on >
