Coffee’s bitter taste shouldn’t be a selling point. But a genetic variant explains why so many people love the brew, a new study suggests. Bitterness evolved as a natural warning system to protect people from harmful substances. That means they should want to spit out coffee, the researchers said. But their study of more than… read on >
Prejudice directed at older people results in $63 billion in excess health costs each year in the United States, a new study claims. Ageism, which is the marginalization of the elderly in society, accounts for one of every seven dollars spent on the eight most expensive health conditions for Americans older than 60. Those conditions… read on >
If you think you may have broken a toe, it’s time to see a doctor, even if you can walk on it. Failure to promptly treat a toe fracture may lead to a permanent deformity, arthritis and chronic pain, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warns. The organization offers these common symptoms of… read on >
A majority of Americans believe the health threat posed by antibiotic resistance is real and pressing, a new survey shows. The survey of more than 1,000 adults found that 65 percent believe antibiotic resistance is a public health problem, and 81 percent are worried that antibiotic resistance will make more infections difficult to treat or… read on >
Kids who were born large and whose mothers developed a form of diabetes during pregnancy have nearly triple the odds of becoming overweight or obese in childhood, new research shows. “Just like smoking, alcohol consumption and other lifestyle choices, [women’s] weight prior to getting pregnant, and weight gain and blood sugar control during pregnancy may… read on >
People with both diabetes and multiple clogged heart arteries live longer if they undergo bypass surgery rather than have their blood vessels reopened with stents, according to follow-up results from a landmark clinical trial. Patients treated with coronary-artery bypass surgery survive about three years longer than those who have their blood vessels propped open with… read on >
TUESDAY, Nov. 13, 2018 (American Heart Association) — The wait for a heart transplant varies widely based on factors such as availability of donor hearts and blood type, but little is known about differences in wait times based on race and ethnicity. Now, preliminary research suggests African-American patients may experience longer wait times than other… read on >
Fungal infections — common in toenails and fingernails — have typical symptoms including discoloration, a thick and brittle appearance, crumbly edges and a curled up or down shape. Since fungus thrives in moist places, sweaty socks and shoes provide a great environment for fungus. Such infections are more common after age 60, and among those… read on >
Smoking and drinking often go hand-in-hand, stimulating pleasure centers in the brain. But there’s even more to this unhealthy relationship than meets the eye. Researchers have found that nicotine in cigarettes cancels out the sleepiness caused by alcohol, basically allowing people to keep drinking … and smoking. The two vices feed off of each other.… read on >
Children and teens who suffer a sports-related concussion should reduce, but not eliminate, physical and mental activity in the days after their injury, an American Academy of Pediatrics report says. “Athletes absolutely need to take an immediate break from play after a concussion, but we find that, during the recovery process, it is best to… read on >
