Could the inflammation that drives psoriasis and other immune-linked illnesses be a major player in heart disease? In a new study, certain psoriasis drugs appeared to help to keep arteries clear, suggesting such a link. “Classically a heart attack is caused by one of five risk factors: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, family history or smoking,”… read on >
“140/90” had long been the line in the sand for getting high blood pressure under control. But in 2017, leading medical organizations lowered the definitions of normal, elevated and high blood pressure with the idea that starting treatment at lower “high” levels can better reduce heart attacks and strokes. This dramatically added to the number… read on >
When a person in his or her teens is depressed, there may be different warning signs than those shown by people older or younger, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. Here is the academy’s list of depression symptoms that typically affect teens: Trouble focusing, or showing signs of anxiousness. Anger, and frequent loss of… read on >
One way to get better medical care and more value for your health care dollars is to find yourself a primary care provider, researchers say. For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 70,000 U.S. adults who took part in a Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Of those, more than 49,000 had a primary care… read on >
Research consistently tells you just how important exercise is for health. It can help head off heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many types of cancer, including breast and colon cancers. A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that another important prevention factor for an even wider group of cancers is having… read on >
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from the outer layer of the skin. People typically exfoliate because it may improve the skin’s appearance. But according to the American Academy of Dermatology, if it is not done properly, exfoliation can do more harm than good. The academy suggests how to prevent skin damage while… read on >
Lice are typically spread by direct head-to-head contact, and less often can be spread by sharing clothing or belongings such as backpacks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Once head lice fall from a host, they can survive for fewer than a couple of days, the agency adds. The CDC suggests how… read on >
Mammogram? Check. Pap test? Check. Blood pressure? Check. Hearing and vision? Check. Screenings are an important part of maintaining women’s health. They can detect disease when it’s most treatable and prevent serious problems, according to Dr. Lili Lustig. She is a family medicine specialist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Ohio. To get the… read on >
Cholesterol-lowering statins are already known to help cut heart risks for seniors and the middle-aged. Now, research confirms the meds can also help people aged 75 and older. “Statin therapy has been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease in a wide range of people, but there has been uncertainty about its efficacy and safety among older… read on >
Chips, dips, wings and other fatty and salty things — Super Bowl parties can be a challenge for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, an expert warns. “For people with diabetes, the goal is to keep the carbohydrates down — and encourage more of the protein-rich foods — to enhance satiety,” said… read on >
