Almost no one is immune to occasional low back pain. But when it’s chronic, when simple movement seems impossible, it can keep you from enjoying life. And painkillers aren’t always the answer. Why not try meditation rather than medication? Research has shown that mind-body practices can help. These include yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy, or… read on >
Rather than just counting carbs, you might want to get familiar with the glycemic index and the glycemic load, numeric weighting systems that rank carb-based foods based on how much they raise blood sugar. While monitoring these indicators might be especially helpful for those with diabetes, they also can be useful tools to keep others… read on >
Chronic kidney disease is more likely to progress to kidney failure and death in men than in women, a new study reveals. “We found that women had 17 percent lower risk of experiencing [kidney failure] and the risk of death was 31 percent lower in women than in men,” said study author Dr. Ana Ricardo.… read on >
If your child has eczema, anything that aggravates the child’s skin can worsen symptoms, the American Academy of Dermatology says. While everyone’s triggers may be different, common ones include dry air, sweat and stress. As a child grows older, triggers may change. The academy urges parents to be familiar with their child’s triggers, and to… read on >
It’s great to get exercise during the holidays, as long as you take steps to avoid injuries, a sports medicine expert says. “I would encourage everyone to get out and be active, but we want to be sure that you are able to continue to get out and be active after the holidays,” said Dr.… read on >
On the surface, the news looks good for America’s mental health — a new report shows the rate of people with serious psychological distress is declining, and more folks are seeking mental health care on an outpatient basis. But the haves are edging out the have-nots when it comes to mental health care, a closer… read on >
There’s more evidence that when a survivor of early stage breast cancer takes up healthy eating and regular exercise, the odds of the disease returning go down. The key is sticking with such programs, said study lead author Dr. Wolfgang Janni. Healthier lifestyles “might improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients if adherence is high,”… read on >
Younger breast cancer patients who have one or both breasts removed have lower levels of satisfaction and well-being than those who have breast-conserving surgery, a new study finds. The study included 560 women diagnosed with breast cancer by age 40. Of those, 28 percent had breast-conserving surgery and 72 percent had breast removal surgery (mastectomy).… read on >
The numbers are alarming. According to U.S. health officials, more than 200,000 children aged 14 or under are treated each year in emergency departments for playground-related injuries, about 10 percent of which involve “TBIs” — or traumatic brain injuries. Modern playground designs help reduce the risk of injury from falls, but they’re not implemented in… read on >
Between the fresh air and the interesting scenery, running outdoors can be invigorating. But there are safety precautions to take when you leave a protected indoor environment. The Road Runners Club of America has a wealth of advice. For starters, take some precautions before you leave home. First, tell loved ones where you’ll be running.… read on >
