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 >
If you’re an older woman, your heart disease risk might be shaped by the shape of your body. Researchers report that if you look more like an apple than a pear, your chances of heart trouble are heightened, even if you are a normal weight. Interestingly, women who carried their weight in their legs had… read on >
Infants and young children with vitamin D deficiency may have a heightened risk for elevated blood pressure later in childhood and in their teens, a new study finds. Researchers followed 775 children in Boston from birth to age 18. Most were from low-income families in urban neighborhoods. Compared to children born with normal vitamin D… read on >
With school, sports and assorted activities, many kids have little or no free time. That fast-paced lifestyle can actually stifle their development, making them less likely to be self-starters. It could also limit their imagination, an important ingredient in creativity and problem-solving. University of Colorado-Boulder researchers found that kids who spend more time in less-structured… read on >
Guarding against falls isn’t just for the elderly. The inner ear’s ability to maintain balance can begin to decline as early as age 40, according to a study in Frontiers of Neurology. So the time to improve your balance is now. Strong legs and flexible ankles help prevent falls and allow you to catch yourself… read on >
Remember the “mood ring” craze of the 1970s? A high-tech wristband is being developed along the same lines, potentially helping patients who struggle with mood disorders. The smart wristband would use a person’s skin to track their emotional intensity. During a mood swing, either high or low, the wristband would change color, heat up, squeeze… read on >
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your eyes, says Mayo Clinic. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV-related problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Mayo Clinic recommends looking for sunglasses that: Block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Screen out 75 percent to 90 percent of visible… read on >
