Almost one in five multiple sclerosis patients may be misdiagnosed with the autoimmune disease, according to a new study. Of 241 previously diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS) patients referred to two major Los Angeles medical centers for treatment, nearly 18% did not actually have the autoimmune disease, the researchers found. Those patients spent an average of… read on >
Sunscreen may do double duty when you’re outside on a summer day, keeping you cool as it protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. New research suggests how: When unprotected skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, skin cells typically see a drop in levels of nitric oxide. This compound helps the… read on >
Are you neglecting or even unaware of the muscles in your back? If so, you’re putting yourself at risk. The trapezius is the diamond-shaped muscle that runs from neck to middle back and from shoulder to shoulder across the back. The latissimus dorsi — or “lats” — are the large back muscles that run from… read on >
Traffic pollution causes about 4 million new asthma cases in children worldwide each year, new research shows. Two-thirds of these kids live in urban areas, according to the study by researchers at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “Our findings suggest that millions of new cases of pediatric asthma could be prevented in cities around… read on >
When babysitting, it’s important to know what to do in an emergency, says Safe Sitter. Sometimes, unfortunate incidents can happen, even if you’re careful. Being prepared is the safest precaution for anyone watching children. Safe Sitter offers this guidance to sitters: For fires and break-ins, stay calm, stay low and call 9-1-1. If the power… read on >
Automated external defibrillators can save lives during sudden cardiac arrest, says the Red Cross. For children aged 8 or older and adults, bystanders can follow these AED steps after calling 9-1-1: Turn on the AED and follow the prompts. Open the person’s shirt and wipe the bare chest dry. Attach the AED pads. Make sure… read on >
Have you started feeling like your allergies are acting up earlier every year, or maybe they’re lasting longer? New research suggests it’s not just your imagination — climate change appears to be disrupting nature’s usual calendar. Areas with an earlier spring had a 14% higher rate of seasonal allergies (hay fever), the researchers found. “Climate… read on >
U.S. health officials say an outbreak of E. coli illness from an unknown source has risen to 96 cases across five Eastern states, up from the 72 cases reported last Friday. The origin of the food-borne illnesses remains unknown, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Friday. “The investigation is still ongoing… read on >
Living near a major road may significantly increase a young child’s risk of developmental delays, a new study claims. It also found that children whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy to high levels of specific types of traffic-related air pollution had slightly higher odds of developmental delays. “Our results suggest that it may be prudent… read on >
Three primary types of thermometers are on the market for consumers. Digital thermometers record body temperature through electric heat sensors. They can be used in the rectum, mouth or under the armpit. However, armpit temperatures are typically least accurate. Digital ear thermometers use infrared scanners to measure the ear canal temperature. Earwax or an abnormal… read on >
