People directly exposed to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks appear at increased risk of drug- and alcohol-related death, a new study finds. “Following a major disaster, alcohol- and drug-related mortality may be increased,” said Dr. Jim Cone and colleagues of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For the study, the… read on >
Some 39 million men, women and children in the United States and 1 billion people worldwide have migraines, the Migraine Research Foundation says. Nine of 10 people aren’t able to work during a migraine, the foundation adds. Here are some additional migraine facts: Migraine is a neurologic disease with incapacitating neurologic symptoms. Migraines are typically… read on >
With flu season looming, don’t wait too long to get your flu shot, a health expert advises. “The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated,” said Cindy Weston, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing. “When it comes to you and your family’s health, it’s best to take the… read on >
Colorful or unusual-looking contact lenses are popular at Halloween, but they could harm your eyes, vision experts warn. “Decorative contact lenses may seem like a fun costume accessory, but if you’re not careful, they can cause serious eye and vision problems,” said Samuel Pierce, president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). “Many people mistakenly believe… read on >
Obese patients in need of a kidney transplant may find themselves denied one because of their weight, but a new study says that shouldn’t happen in all cases. Researchers have found that kidneys given to obese patients fared as well as those transplanted into normal-weight patients. In addition, no difference was seen in patient survival,… read on >
An experimental vaginal ring meant to prevent pregnancy and HIV looks safe, according to an early stage study. The dual-purpose ring releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine and the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel, said researchers led by Dr. Sharon Achilles, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “We are very encouraged by our findings in this… read on >
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that will affect vision if left untreated. Half of Americans will have had a cataract by the time they are 80, the American Eye Institute says. Risk factors for cataracts include diabetes, smoking, drinking alcohol and prolonged exposure to direct sun, the group says. Here are… read on >
THURSDAY, Oct. 25, 2018Anxiety, depression and panic attacks are sending U.S. college students to mental health clinics in record numbers, a new study finds. Between 2009 and 2015, treatment and diagnoses of anxiety increased by nearly 6 percent among these students, followed by depression and panic attacks, which each increased about 3 percent. Anxiety is… read on >
In a finding that might come as a surprise, a new study suggests that people may stay in unfulfilling relationships because they feel they’re doing their partner a favor. People trying to decide whether to end a relationship consider not only themselves but also how important the relationship is to their partner, according to the… read on >
Millions of Americans take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to lower their blood pressure, but a new study suggests they might also increase their odds of developing lung cancer. Among people taking these drugs for more than five years, the increased risk may be as high as 14 percent. Although that seems a small number, it… read on >
