If a loved one has symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, he or she should visit a doctor for a formal evaluation. It may be easier to control the disease if it’s diagnosed early, the Alzheimer’s Association says. Here is the association’s list of other potential benefits of early diagnosis: Better access to treatment options. Possible participation… read on >
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is dangerous and could even lead to death, the American Heart Association says. The AHA offers these suggestions for controlling high blood pressure: Know your numbers and identity your target blood pressure range. Work with your doctor to develop a plan to lower your pressure. Make lifestyle changes — such as… read on >
No parent wants to see their child catch a cold, but some take prevention measures that have little basis in science, a new survey shows. For example, 51 percent of parents said they give their child an over-the-counter vitamin or supplement to prevent colds, even though there’s no evidence they work. Seventy-one percent of parents… read on >
The amount of sleep a child needs varies at different ages, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. While different kids of the same age may require different amounts, there are science-based guidelines of suggested sleep amounts for each age, the academy says. Here are the guidelines: Infants: (4 to 12 months): 12 to 16 hours… read on >
Doing CPR on someone in cardiac arrest can double the chances of survival, the American Heart Association says. The AARP recommends these steps for administering CPR: Do not wait. A person’s chances for survival fall up to 10 percent for every minute of delay. Send someone to look for an Automated External Defibrillator. Push up… read on >
Boosting athletes’ neck strength in the off season might reduce their concussion risk in sports such as football and soccer, researchers say. This is among several recommendations from researchers at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., who are looking to prevent these serious head injuries in athletes. “Our ability to detect sports-related concussions has greatly… read on >
If you’ve vowed to be more active this year, be sure you have proper athletic shoes, a doctor suggests. “The right shoe is important for a runner as much as a good tennis racket is important for a tennis player,” said Dr. Ronald Lepow. He is an assistant professor in the department of orthopedic surgery… read on >
Anyone who has cared for a hospitalized loved one knows that frequent nighttime sleep interruptions — caused by noise or nursing checks — are a big concern. But in a new study, a Chicago hospital adopted sleep-friendly measures for patients that led to fewer nighttime awakenings without compromising care. Nighttime room entries dropped by 44… read on >
Frailty is associated with a higher risk of both Alzheimer’s disease and its crippling symptoms, a new study shows. “By reducing an individual’s physiological reserve, frailty could trigger the clinical expression of dementia when it might remain asymptomatic in someone who is not frail,” said study leader Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, a professor at Dalhousie University… read on >
Most cancer specialists are comfortable treating LGBTQ patients, but many aren’t confident in their knowledge about these patients’ specific health needs, a new survey finds. “Cancer care within the LGBTQ community is a largely ignored public health issue,” said Gwendolyn Quinn, a professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Population Health at NYU… read on >
