New York’s ongoing measles epidemic alarmed midtown Manhattan resident Deb Ivanhoe, who couldn’t remember whether she’d ever been vaccinated as a child. So Ivanhoe, 60, sought out her long-time primary care doctor, who performed an antibody test to see whether she had any protection against measles. To her surprise, the test revealed that Ivanhoe had… read on >
Profoundly obese people are prone to an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, but new research suggests that weight-loss surgery can improve the odds that a procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm will work. When atrial fibrillation, or a-fib, cannot be controlled by medications, a procedure called ablation can help. It targets the nerves… read on >
Bucking a longstanding upward trend, new data shows that the percentage of Americans taking any prescription drug has fallen slightly over the past decade. Still, nearly half — 45.8% — of Americans said they took at least one prescription medicine over the past month, according to a national survey conducted in 2015-2016. That’s a slight… read on >
The United States’ ability to deal with major health emergencies quickly has improved significantly in recent years, researchers say. In 2019, America scored 6.7 on the 10-point National Health Security Preparedness Index. That’s a 3.1% improvement over the last year, and up 11.7% since the index was created in 2013. The findings show the nation… read on >
If you’re back on the dating scene after being in a monogamous relationship, know that STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, aren’t just a concern for teens and people in their 20s. STD rates are rising in older adults. STDs are usually caused by viruses or bacteria and can be spread from person to person through… read on >
Does your home draw its water source from a well? A new study finds that well water may be injurious to heart health in young adults — if it contains arsenic. “People drinking water from private wells, which are not regulated, need to be aware that arsenic may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease,” said… read on >
Do you get distracted easily or find that it’s getting harder to stay focused on a task at hand or retain new information? These issues can happen to anyone, though they may seem to be more troublesome with advancing age. But concentration is an ability that you can improve with a few simple “study skills.”… read on >
Say you have type 2 diabetes and you are taking a newer class of medications to treat your disease — but one day you notice pain, redness and a foul odor in your genital area. If this happens, new research suggests you need to see your doctor immediately, because you may be suffering from Fournier… read on >
From acrylic to oil-based, most paints for indoor use are safe to use. But paint users should be aware of first aid for paint exposure, says the National Capital Poison Center. Poison Control suggests: Wash paint from the skin with soap and water. If paint gets into the eyes, rinse with running water for 15-20… read on >
Cuts are openings in the skin and can be deep, smooth or jagged. Minor cuts may be treated at home, says MedlinePlus. However, in some instances you should contact a medical professional. Call 911 if: Bleeding is severe or cannot be stopped. The person cannot feel the injured area. The person is seriously injured. Call… read on >
