Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that’s found in your blood. If your triglycerides are too high, you’re at greater risk of heart disease and stroke, says the American College of Cardiology, which recommends routine blood testing. Here are the group’s suggestions for lowering high triglycerides: Get more exercise. Cut down on calories, eat…  read on >

Melanoma skin cancer death rates in men are on the rise in most countries, but are stable or declining for women in some, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed World Health Organization data from 33 countries between 1985 and 2015. Melanoma death rates in men were increasing in all but one nation. In all…  read on >

MONDAY, Nov. 5, 2018When Americans set clocks an hour ahead in the spring for Daylight Saving Time, hospitalizations rise for people with a common type of irregular heartbeat, a new study finds. Atrial fibrillation affects at least 3 million Americans and possibly twice that many. Its main danger is an increased risk for stroke or…  read on >

Opioid users may be putting themselves at increased risk for atrial fibrillation (“A-fib”), an abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to a stroke, a new study suggests. The preliminary finding stems from an analysis of medical records of more than 850,000 military veterans. It found that opioid use increases the likelihood of A-fib by 34…  read on >

The American Academy of Pediatrics is strengthening its recommendation to ban spanking and other forms of corporal punishment, citing new research that says that type of discipline can affect normal brain development. Harsh verbal punishment, such as shaming or humiliation, is also a threat to children, the AAP says in an updated policy statement. “The…  read on >

Living in noise-saturated neighborhoods might be more than simply annoying, with new research suggesting it seems to raise the risk for serious heart problems. Chronic noise from traffic and airports appears to trigger the amygdala, a brain region critically involved in stress regulation, brain scans have revealed. Noise is also associated with increased inflammation of…  read on >

Caffeine-laden energy drinks are popular, but they might make your blood vessels less efficient, a small study suggests. These drinks — sold as Monster and Red Bull, to name two — have been linked to heart, nerve and stomach problems, researchers say. “A lot of young kids use energy drinks when they exercise, a time…  read on >

Some bystanders may avoid performing CPR on women because they fear hurting them, or even being accused of sexual assault, preliminary research suggests. In two new studies, researchers tried to dig deeper into a puzzling pattern that has been seen in past research: Women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR if they…  read on >

Childhood memories of good connections with your parents can benefit your physical and mental health, according to new research. The study found that older adults with fond recollections of early relationships with their parents were more likely to have better health, fewer chronic illnesses and a lower risk of depression. Researchers analyzed two databases that…  read on >

While a fever generally is not something to be overly concerned about, some cases require a doctor’s intervention, the Nemours Foundation says. Triggers of may fever include an infection, overdressing (particularly newborns) and immunizations. A high fever should be treated without delay to prevent discomfort and possible dehydration, Nemours says. If — despite a fever…  read on >