Occasional fasting may help control type 2 diabetes, a small Canadian study suggests. “The use of a therapeutic fasting regimen for treatment of [type 2 diabetes] is virtually unheard of,” said Dr. Jason Fung, of Scarborough Hospital, in Ontario, and colleagues. But this trial showed that 24-hour fasting regimens can significantly reverse or eliminate the…  read on >

A migraine headache can be so painful that it prevents you from doing most daily activities. About 12 percent of Americans get frequent migraines, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Sufferers are more likely to be women, have a family history of migraines or have other medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder,…  read on >

The quick weight loss that occurs after bariatric surgery seems to have an unintended consequence — a greater risk of gallstones, a new study suggests. The rapid loss of pounds was linked to a 10-fold increase in the hospital admissions for pancreatitis, gallstones and other gallbladder conditions. “Gallstones are quite common in post-bariatric surgery patients.…  read on >

For black Americans striving for lower blood pressure, churches may provide the answer to their prayers. “African-Americans have a significantly greater burden of hypertension and heart disease, and our findings prove that people with uncontrolled hypertension can, indeed, better manage their blood pressure through programs administered in places of worship,” said study lead author Dr.…  read on >

If you’re gluten-sensitive, watch out: One-third of the “gluten-free” foods sold in U.S. restaurants actually contain trace levels of the substance, new research suggests. The finding will be of particular concern to the 1 percent of Americans with the autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease. For them, even a minuscule amount of gluten — a…  read on >

Mold can thrive in places from logs and fallen trees to bathrooms and kitchens, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says. It notes there are about 1,000 species of mold. Here are the group’s suggestions for limiting mold growth at home: Clean up any spills or leaks promptly. Use dehumidifiers or exhaust fans…  read on >

Although clinical trials are the only way to test the mettle of new drugs and medical devices, just 1 percent of Americans participate in such trials, research experts say. “Participating as a healthy volunteer is one way that individuals can actually contribute to the development of new medications, devices or procedures,” said Terry Novchich, director…  read on >

Every now and then you might not feel well enough to exercise and decide to skip a workout. But if you have a cold that could last a full week, you probably won’t want to find yourself facing a fitness setback once you’ve recovered. Here’s how to stay in the game. The general guideline is…  read on >

THURSDAY, Oct. 4, 2018Vitamin D supplements have long been touted as a way to improve bone health and possibly ward off the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis in older adults. But a new study contends that claims of benefits from supplements of the “sunshine vitamin” fall flat. A review of previously published studies found that taking either…  read on >

In 2016, almost 174 Americans died each day due to drug overdoses — and roughly two-thirds of those deaths were caused by opioid drugs. The statistics are startling and make the problem seem hopeless. But is it? Beating drug addiction — whether it’s opioids (such as OxyContin), methamphetamine or something else — is definitely a…  read on >