About 80 percent of Americans will have lower back pain at some point in their lives, the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates. Lower back pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp stabbing sensation that renders a person unable to move. The agency identifies some risk factors for lower… read on >
With sales of electronic cigarettes skyrocketing, Americans remain divided on whether the devices are a boon or a threat to public health. That’s the main finding of a new HealthDay/Harris Poll that surveyed over 2,000 adults on their e-cigarette views. Vaping has long been promoted as a way to help smokers kick the habit —… read on >
Hurricane Michael, now a powerful category 4 storm, is expected to make landfall in northern Florida Wednesday. And as with every such storm, power outages will occur, along with the risk of deadly carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from gas-powered generators. “Unfortunately, poison control centers continue to see surges in generator-associated carbon monoxide poisonings during and… read on >
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 >
