Strict regulation of semi-automatic guns, accessories and ammunition is needed to stop “senseless” gun violence in the United States, an association of trauma surgeons contends. Guns are involved in more than 38,000 deaths and at least 85,000 non-fatal injuries every year in the United States, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) states… read on >
As a tool to reduce the public health toll of drinking, higher taxes on alcohol get the most bang for the buck, a new study finds. Worldwide, more than 4 percent of diseases and 5 percent of deaths are directly linked with alcohol, previous research suggests. In this study, researchers looked at data from 16… read on >
Exercise is good for your mental health, as long as you don’t overdo it, researchers say. An analysis of data from 1.2 million people in the United States found they reported 3.4 days a month of poor mental health on average. But those who were physically active had 1.5 fewer “down” days a month than… read on >
People who have frequent recurrences of a common skin cancer may be at increased risk of a range of other cancers, a new study suggests. Researchers found the heightened risk among patients who’d had many bouts of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — a highly treatable form of skin cancer diagnosed in over 3 million Americans… read on >
Before having major surgery, it may be helpful to get a second opinion on whether the procedure is medically necessary. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services suggests getting a second opinion if your doctor says you need non-emergency surgery. The agency suggests: Ask the first doctor to send your medical records to the… read on >
Attention guys: Your tighty whities may not be doing your sperm any favors. Men who wear tight-fitting briefs have sperm counts that suffer in comparison to men who wear boxers, according to results from the largest study to date on the controversial topic. “Men who wore tighter underwear had lower sperm counts than men who… read on >
If you’re in your early 60s, becoming more active may reduce your risk of heart disease, researchers report. That’s especially true for women, they added. “The 60 to 64 age range represents an important transition between work and retirement, when lifestyle behaviors tend to change. It may, therefore, be an opportunity to promote increased physical… read on >
Researchers have identified what they describe as the safest, most effective short-term drug treatments for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s methylphenidate for kids and amphetamines for adults, according to a new study. Those conclusions are drawn from an analysis of more than 133 clinical trials that included more than 14,000 children and teens, as well… read on >
Only about half the parents of asthmatic preschoolers had the right knowledge and medicines on hand to treat their child’s breathing condition at home, a new study found. And one-third of those children had empty inhalers, the researchers reported. “The inability to treat asthma could lead to emergency department visits,” explained senior study author Michelle… read on >
Allergies and asthma can make the start of the new school year a challenge for kids who aren’t prepared to deal with flare-ups, an allergist warns. “Every age group is different in how much they can handle when it comes to protecting themselves from flare-ups due to allergies and asthma while at school, as well… read on >
