Belonging to a community choir may be the best weapon against loneliness for seniors, a new study suggests. Researchers created community choirs for nearly 400 English- and Spanish-speaking participants at 12 senior centers in San Francisco. The choirs were led by professional choir directors and accompanists. The songs were culturally selected for each site, appropriate… read on >
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve that runs from the forearm to the wrist becomes squeezed or compressed. The condition can be caused by an injury to the wrist, stress to the joint, rheumatoid arthritis, or repetitive motion of the hand and wrist. Here are some common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, courtesy of… read on >
Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the urinary tract, and can cause very painful symptoms if they become stuck and difficult to pass. Here are common signs of kidney stone formation, courtesy of the University of Maryland Medical Center: Persistent pain on one side of the back — around the waist area —… read on >
Treatments for “tennis elbow” are generally ineffective, researchers say, but don’t despair: The painful condition will usually clear up on its own. Each year, approximately 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with tennis elbow — inflammation caused by overuse of the tendons in the forearm. The condition can affect anyone who uses their hands and wrists for… read on >
Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure: all bad for the heart, but perhaps worse for women’s hearts than men’s, new research shows. Looking at data on 472,000 Britons ages 40 to 69, researchers found that all three of these heart disease risk factors increased the odds of heart attack for both sexes. But the rise in… read on >
People with type 1 diabetes who use marijuana may double their risk of developing a life-threatening complication, a new study suggests. Called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the condition occurs when there is not enough insulin to break down sugar in the body, so the body burns fat for fuel instead. This triggers a build-up of chemicals… read on >
The average home may be riddled with substances that are potentially toxic. These substances can lurk in building materials, cookware, cleaning products, shower curtains, furniture, carpet and other common items, the National Institutes of Health says. Removing these substances can help keep you and your family safer, the agency advises. Here are its suggestions: Clean… read on >
As stigmas surrounding mental health issues have eased, more U.S. college students are seeking help for emotional problems, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Study, an annual online survey involving more than 150,000 students from 196 campuses. In 2017, 36 percent of students were diagnosed with mental health issues, compared… read on >
Driving under the influence and distracted driving are well-known hazards, but few people think twice about getting behind the wheel when feeling drowsy, a sleep expert warns. “Drivers can reduce the danger by being aware of risk factors and taking precautions,” said Dr. Praveen Rudraraju, who directs the Center for Sleep Medicine at Northern Westchester… read on >
Home pregnancy tests are commonplace, but that doesn’t mean that every type of self-test for health issues is reliable. And even if results are accurate, you shouldn’t forgo getting advice from your health-care provider, especially if the condition is life-changing and requires very targeted treatment. Some kits that let you test at home are fast… read on >
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