For people who are obese and have type 2 diabetes, weight-loss surgery leads to more than a slimmer figure. It also reduces the risk of heart complications and premature death by about 40% compared to standard medical care, new research says. The Cleveland Clinic researchers compared the impact of various types of weight-loss (bariatric) surgery… read on >
The bone and cartilage that divide the inside of the nose is the septum. A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum is off center, leaving the size of the nasal passageways unequal. Though a deviated septum can develop in anyone, injury or trauma to the nose are common triggers. Often, a deviated septum will… read on >
Lifestyle changes are key to controlling your blood pressure, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By maintaining your blood pressure, you can lower your risk for the damaging effects of high blood pressure, including increased risk of heart disease and stroke. To control your blood pressure, the CDC recommends: Make sure your diet… read on >
An unhealthy lifestyle is a bigger contributor to heart disease than genetics for many younger adults, according to a new study. The findings show that good health habits should be a key part of prevention efforts, even in people with a family history of early heart disease, researchers said. The study included 1,075 people under… read on >
Men who are on the blood-thinning drug warfarin have more difficulty taking the medication if they live alone, but the same is not true for women, a new study finds. Warfarin (brand-name Coumadin) is a common anti-clotting treatment to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. Continuous… read on >
A poison ivy rash is caused by coming in contact with the oil found in the plant. The rash is very itchy and can be accompanied by redness, swelling, hives and crusting skin, says the American Academy of Dermatology. To manage a poison ivy rash, the academy suggests: Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy… read on >
Flat feet occurs when one foot or both feet have a flatter-than-normal arch, says the Institute for Preventive Foot Health. About 18 million adults in the United States have the condition. The institute says cases that aren’t inherited may be prevented by: Wearing well-designed footwear. Looking for wide toe boxes in the front of the… read on >
Opening all of a person’s clogged arteries after a heart attack can protect their health better than reopening only the one that caused it, a major international clinical trial has concluded. Opening all blockages and not just the “culprit” behind the attack reduces a patient’s risk of dying or having another heart attack by 26%,… read on >
If you have high blood pressure, getting a flu shot could save your life, researchers say. A new study found that patients with high blood pressure who got a flu shot had a nearly 18% lower risk of dying during flu season. Previous research has found that the stress flu puts on the body may… read on >
Decades spent on couches, chairs and otherwise not exercising could mean much shorter lives, new research shows. A Norwegian team who tracked health outcomes for more than 23,000 adults over 20 years found that those who were inactive over that time had twice the risk of a premature death, compared to those who were physically… read on >
