Age-related increases in estrogen may be the reason why inguinal hernias are common among older men, new research with rodents suggests. Inguinal hernias occur when soft tissue — often part of the intestines — protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the groin. These hernias are the most common reason men undergo… read on >
Many dogs perk up at certain words, like “treat” or “squirrel.” But does Buddy really understand what you’re saying, or is he simply reacting to the excitement in your voice? Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta might have some answers. In a study of 12 dogs, the investigators say they’ve dug up some new details… read on >
Lisa Hanson was first diagnosed with the leg swelling and fluid retention of lymphedema when she was just 17. Now in her 40s, she reconciled herself to a lifetime of long pants, compression hose and a nightly, hours-long bout with an electric pump to keep the swelling down. She said her lymphedema made her feel… read on >
High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia — a potentially life-threatening complication. Now, new research suggests preeclampsia might also make women more vulnerable to a specific type of dementia. Women with a history of preeclampsia were 3.4 times more likely to suffer from vascular dementia later in life, the researchers found.… read on >
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 17, 2018American women are having fewer children, and they’re having them later in life, a new government report shows. “Overall, we saw continuing decreasing trends in total fertility,” said report author Danielle Ely, a health statistician at the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), which is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease… read on >
Tracking pounds regained after weight-loss surgery can help predict a patient’s risk for serious health problems like diabetes, a new study says. “Clinicians and patients want to know the extent of weight regain following bariatric surgery and how it may affect their health,” said study lead author Wendy King, an associate professor of epidemiology at… read on >
Feel yourself being pulled in a million directions and losing track of what’s really important? The meditative practice called mindfulness can help you get centered and re-focus on what’s meaningful to you. And it doesn’t take time that’s already in short supply on your busy schedule. You can reap the benefits in less time than… read on >
Adding to growing alarm about America’s opioid crisis, cases of a potentially deadly heart infection have jumped 10-fold among North Carolina’s injection drug users, new research shows. The infection is endocarditis, which strikes one or more of the heart’s four valves. Usually a byproduct of aging, it can also develop when bacteria is introduced into… read on >
Plantar warts stem from a common virus and are formed on the bottoms of your feet. You increase your risk of infection by walking in bare feet in public showers or locker rooms, the American Orthopaedic Food & Ankle Society says. Plantar warts may be painful, but they’re easily treated or may go away on… read on >
Many homeowners enjoy relaxing by a hot fire at the end of a cold day. But a crackling fire can lead to a disaster, especially if there are small kids at home and some basic safety rules aren’t followed, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Here are the academy’s suggestions for safer use of your… read on >
