As you recover from surgery, it is important to take care of your incision to minimize the risks of infection or excessive scarring, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The academy urges you to call your doctor if your wound opens up, turns red or bleeds excessively. Your doctor should provide specific post-surgery instructions,… read on >
If you have had cancer, you are at a higher risk for developing flu-related complications, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The CDC offers the following flu prevention tips: If you are 65 or older, get the high-dose flu vaccine, which contains four times the strength as the regular flu shot. Consider… read on >
An old acne drug may hold the key to developing a new, safer treatment, a study suggests. Isotretinoin (Myorisan, formerly branded as Accutane), is a form of vitamin A, and has been prescribed for acne for decades. It works by reducing oil in the skin, thus helping prevent acne. An additional benefit of the drug… read on >
Moving from one community to another can be difficult for everyone in the family, especially if leaving friends and relatives behind. But the problems can be magnified for kids who have to switch middle or high schools. Studies show that, for high school students, moving just once in a 12-month period can cut in half… read on >
If you think a switch from sugar to a calorie-free sweetener might help you get healthier and shed pounds, think again. After years of research, there’s still only very weak evidence that no-cal sweeteners might be beneficial, according to German researchers who looked over data from 56 studies involving either adults or kids. The investigators… read on >
A person may be diagnosed with dysphagia when there’s trouble swallowing. Difficulty swallowing can be related to a tumor or a nerve system disorder, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery says. Symptoms may include drooling, a feeling that liquid or pills are sticking to the throat, sensing of a lump in the throat,… read on >
Some women react to the experience of pregnancy and childbirth with sadness, fear, anxiety and procrastination, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. The academy mentions these risk factors for developing depression during and after pregnancy: Hormonal changes. Personal or family history of depression. Feeling a lack of support from family and friends. Problems with a… read on >
For many city-dwelling teens with asthma, their chronic lung disease may go undiagnosed and untreated, a new study finds. According to a survey of more than 33,000 New York City high school students, 20 percent reported having asthma-like symptoms, but were not diagnosed with the illness. The researchers also found that teenage girls and Asian-Americans… read on >
Don’t wait until you get sick to see a doctor — wellness visits for women can catch problems before they become serious, as well as make sure you’re taking all the right steps for good health. A well-woman checkup focuses on preventive care. It may include immunizations, screenings to check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels… read on >
There are few life events more unsettling than being in a hospital emergency room. In situations that threaten life or limb, you may not have any say in your care. But in some instances, there is time to evaluate your options. Leaders in the field of emergency medicine have been developing initiatives, such as checklists… read on >
