Toxic chemicals that have been banned for nearly four decades may be hiding in kitchens across the United States, new research suggests. Polychlorinated biphenyls, more commonly known as PCBs, might be released when cabinet sealants break down, the scientists warn. PCBs are cancer-causing chemicals once used in a wide range of products, from electrical appliances…  read on >

Poor muscle health may be a complication of type 1 diabetes, even in young people who get plenty of exercise. That’s the finding of Canadian researchers who analyzed muscle samples from young adults with and without type 1 diabetes who did more than the weekly amount of exercise recommended by Diabetes Canada. In the young…  read on >

New research sheds light on why some people’s blood pressure is especially sensitive to salt. The research team previously discovered that a natural gene variation that occurs in 48 percent of people increases a person’s chances of having blood pressure that’s sensitive to salt. Their new study revealed how this gene variant prevents the body…  read on >

Blisters, corns and calluses have at least one thing in common: they’re triggered by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other. The Nemours Foundation suggests how to care for these skin issues: Keep a blister clean, dry and bandaged until it heals. Avoid putting pressure on the area. Soak a callus in warm,…  read on >

The crunchy goodness of peanuts, walnuts, cashews and other nuts may be just what the cardiologist ordered, new research suggests. The study couldn’t prove cause-and-effect. However, the analysis of health data on more than 61,000 Swedes aged 45 and older found regularly eating nuts was tied to lower risks for heart failure and an irregular…  read on >

Allergy testing may be recommended for people who suspect they react to allergens such as animal dander, food, dust or pollen. When you have an allergy, your immune system treats this type of harmless substance as a threat. To fight this perceived threat, your immune system makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE), the U.S. National…  read on >

Women who have diabetes should take precautions to ensure that both mother and baby stay healthy throughout pregnancy. High maternal blood sugar can harm the developing baby, resulting in birth defects or miscarriage. This is especially true during the first few weeks of pregnancy, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says.…  read on >

Children and teens who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health woes, new research suggests. People who are transgender or gender non-conforming have a gender identity that’s different from the one they were at birth. For some, this may mean a gender identity that’s opposite the sex…  read on >

Smoking may significantly increase black Americans’ risk of heart failure, a new study warns. The study included 4,129 black participants who were followed for a median of eight years. Half were followed for a shorter time, half for a longer period. Their average age: 54. When the study began, none had heart failure or hardening…  read on >