U.S. voters’ despair over poor health and premature deaths might have tipped the 2016 presidential election in Donald Trump’s favor, a new analysis argues. Counties that voted Republican more heavily had a 15 percent higher age-adjusted death rate than counties that voted heavily Democratic, researchers found. In particular, counties that shifted toward Trump had much… read on >
Firefighters who die from cardiac arrest tend to have underlying heart problems, a new study finds. Cardiac arrest accounts for more job-related deaths among firefighters than any other cause, and researchers wanted to know what ups their risk. “Firefighters face many dangers, but the greatest risk is from underlying cardiovascular disease in combination with the… read on >
No one looks forward to surgery, but if you’re able to have an elective procedure — meaning on your schedule — rather than an emergency operation, taking certain steps in the weeks beforehand will lead to a better outcome and easier recovery. Work on getting healthier through aerobic exercise, which improves lung function by expanding… read on >
Chronic back pain makes it more difficult to do your job, whether you’re behind a desk or operating heavy machinery. The Mayo Clinic suggests how to avoid back pain at work: Maintain good posture. Lift with your legs and tighten your core muscles, and avoid twisting. When possible, use a lifting device. Alternate physically demanding… read on >
Lawnmower injuries range from minor cuts and burns to broken bones and amputations, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand says. The society suggests how to stay safer while using a mower: Read the mower’s manual before use. Keep the mower in good working order with sharp blades. Make sure the mower has protection… read on >
In vitro fertilization gives couples struggling to conceive the chance to have children, but a new study suggests these kids are at increased risk for high blood pressure. The study, of 54 teens conceived through assisted reproduction, found that eight — or 15 percent — had high blood pressure. That compared with just one case… read on >
Even low levels of air pollution can pose a threat to the lungs of cigarette smokers, researchers say. They tested 29 nonsmokers, 71 smokers without lung disease, and 58 smokers with the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that the lungs of both groups of smokers could be harmed by levels… read on >
If someone in your family is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to talk with children about what is happening, the U.S. National Institute on Aging says. The amount of information you share should depend on the child’s age and maturity. The agency suggests how to help kids understand Alzheimer’s: Answer questions simply and… read on >
All children 6 months of age and older should have a flu shot, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says. A flu shot significantly reduces a child’s risk of severe illness and flu-related death, according to the policy statement published online Sept. 3 in the journal Pediatrics. “The flu virus is common — and unpredictable.… read on >
Women need to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and see a doctor if they have them, an ob-gyn expert says. Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of death in American women, claiming more lives than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, according to the American Cancer Society. About 22,240 women in the… read on >
