WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Rolling Stones fans were concerned by the news Mick Jagger needs a new heart valve. But they’ll be happy to know that these days most patients in his situation can get what they need — and often without intensive surgery. While Jagger has not discussed his… read on >
For many Americans, the cost of lifesaving insulin is simply too high, leading as many as one in four to ration the drug, experts testifying before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce said this week. The meeting focused primarily on defining the problem and exploring potential solutions, such as lowering the list prices of… read on >
Richard McIntosh hadn’t had any pets since his childhood farm dogs, but then he started a relationship with a competitive dog trainer and found his life filled with Golden Retrievers. Now McIntosh, 59, of Cornelius, Ore., can’t imagine growing old without a dog or two by his side. “There was a little something missing from… read on >
To prevent allergic reactions — from latex to pollen — having an allergy management plan is essential, says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The AAFA asks people to: Avoid contact with allergens. Take medicines as prescribed. Keep epinephrine with you if you are at risk for anaphylaxis. Keep a diary to track what… read on >
Under-the-tongue allergy pills have quickly caught on as a way to treat hay fever and dust mite allergies, a new study finds. Allergy shots have been available for more than 100 years, while sublingual, or under-the-tongue, allergy pills were only approved for use in the United States in 2014. But of 268 U.S. allergists surveyed… read on >
As electronic cigarettes took off, some worried they would lead teens back to traditional cigarettes. But new research suggests that’s not the case. Vaping has done little to slow or reverse a two-decade decline in the popularity of regular cigarettes among youth, a British study suggests. “Given the important contribution to public health which has… read on >
Aspirin can prevent heart attacks and strokes by lowering the clotting action of the blood’s platelets. However, preventing blood from clotting can also cause stomach or brain bleeding, kidney failure and other kinds of strokes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The decision to start daily aspirin therapy is safest when made in consultation… read on >
With concern over concussion dangers rising, most U.S. parents now say that they would support bans on tackling in youth football, a new survey shows. Researchers found that of more than 1,000 parents in a national sample, 60 percent were in favor of age restrictions on tackling. Another quarter were in the “maybe” camp. The… read on >
Scientists are looking to an unexpected source in the battle against drug-resistant bacteria: fish slime. The researchers said that microbes in the protective mucus that coats young fish holds promise in fighting multidrug-resistant bacteria. These include the so-called “superbug” microbes that cause methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The slime protects fish from bacteria, fungi and… read on >
Need another reason to stay slim? People who are overweight have a greater risk of dying from pancreatic cancer, especially those who are carrying extra pounds before age 50, a new study suggests. “No matter what the age, there was some increase in pancreatic cancer deaths associated with excess weight. But the association was stronger… read on >
