Contrary to popular belief, heart surgery patients who leave the hospital on a weekend or holiday do not have a higher risk for readmission, a new study finds. Some studies have reported the readmission rate after major heart surgery is as high as 22 percent. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles looked at… read on >
Women whose final stages of pregnancy occur during the short, dark days of winter may be at increased risk for postpartum depression, a new study suggests. It has to do with reduced exposure to sunlight — the same culprit that contributes to seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. That’s a type of depression that usually starts… read on >
The hormone prolactin — most commonly associated with breastfeeding — may play a role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests. Researchers found that women with the highest levels of the hormone, though still in the normal range, had a 27 percent reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared… read on >
Nearly 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association says. The association lists 10 warnings signs of Alzheimer’s: Memory lapses that affect everyday life. Challenges in planning and solving routine problems. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Confusion over time or place. Trouble understanding spatial or visual images.… read on >
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School is in full swing, and with it comes a plethora of colds passed back and forth among kids. But parents who want to alleviate a sick child’s misery would do best to avoid over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. Decongestants should not be given to children younger than 6 because there’s no evidence that they… read on >
Next time you struggle to put a name to a face, go easy on yourself. You probably recognize thousands of people. Participants in a British study recognized 1,000 to 10,000 faces, with the average number being an astonishing 5,000. The faces included people they knew from their personal lives, as well as famous people. “Our… read on >
When it comes to money, nice people really are more likely to finish last, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed data from more than 3 million people and found that those who were nice were at increased risk for bankruptcy and other financial problems. Why? They just don’t value money as much as other people… read on >
Seems that you can get too much — as well as too little — of a good thing when it comes to sleep. In what’s billed as the world’s largest sleep study, too little or too much sleep can impair your brain, researchers report. The study included more than 40,000 people worldwide who completed an… read on >
As category 4 Hurricane Michael slammed into northern Florida on Wednesday, the National Safety Council offered residents steps to stay safe. First, the council urges those in the storm’s path to monitor its progress and heed government warnings. It’s vital to take a look at safety procedures you’ll need during any severe weather. Families should… read on >
