With concerns about overfishing, it’s shocking to learn that 40 percent of the edible U.S. seafood supply is lost or wasted every year — and half of that is by consumers. That’s not only money down the drain, but also a loss of valuable nutrients like protein and omega-3 fatty acids. To cut waste, calculate… read on >
Some 13 million workers in the United States may be exposed to hazardous chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says. This type of exposure may lead to contact dermatitis (eczema), skin cancer and skin infection or injury, the agency warns. Workers at risk… read on >
After suffering through a cold, many people still have a persistent cough — but why? According to Dr. Jonathan Parsons, director of the Asthma Center at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, here are some reasons for a continuing cough: Coughing is protective. It removes irritants from the lungs and protects the airway. The cough… read on >
New mothers who take opioid painkillers after either vaginal birth or cesarean section may be at increased risk of becoming persistent users, a new study finds. Researchers from Vanderbilt University in Nashville examined data from more than 102,000 new mothers in Tennessee. None had used opioids in the 180 days before delivery. After delivery, 89… read on >
Missing out on needed sleep can bring a host of health woes, including diabetes because a lack of sleep affects insulin levels. It also leaves you less alert and less able to focus. And get only four or five hours of sleep a night, and problems can develop even if your sleep loss is short-term.… read on >
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 >
