WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (American Heart Association) — Lesbian, gay and bisexual adults are more likely than heterosexuals to have poor cardiovascular health, according to preliminary findings from a new study. The study, presented Tuesday at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Lifestyle conference in New Orleans, analyzed data collected from 2,445 adults participating in…  read on >

A high chair is a staple in a baby’s household, but it must be used safely. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests: Make sure the chair cannot be tipped over easily. If the chair folds, be sure it is locked in the open position each time you use it. Whenever your child sits in the…  read on >

Millions of Americans living with diabetes use a blood glucose meter to keep track of their blood sugar. Since these are medical devices, they are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA offers these suggestions when using a blood glucose meter: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Ask your health care provider to…  read on >

Tiny pellets could treat arthritic knee pain, delaying the need for knee replacement surgery, a small study has found. Microparticles inserted into small blood vessels around the knee helped reduce the pain and improve function in eight arthritis sufferers, according to clinical trial results. The results were presented Monday at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s…  read on >

Sharp increases in Alzheimer’s disease cases, deaths and costs are stressing the U.S. health care system and caregivers, a new report reveals. About 5.7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease — 5.5 million of them aged 65 and older. By 2025, the number of seniors with Alzheimer’s could reach 7.1 million, up nearly 29 percent. And,…  read on >

Warning signs of heart disease in women, such as fatigue, body aches and upset stomach, may be shrugged off as symptoms of stress or a hectic lifestyle. But heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women, so it’s important to listen to your body, according to experts at Penn State Health…  read on >

Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, often develops from repetitive stress to the tendon when you work your body too hard. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says specific causes of Achilles tendinitis include: Sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise. Tight calf…  read on >

The scenario may sound familiar: Your doctor sends your prescription electronically to the pharmacy, and you go to pick it up. Only you can’t, because the insurance company requires “prior authorization” for that particular medication. Now you’re caught in the middle, as your insurance company requests paperwork from your doctor to defend the need for…  read on >

Young people treated for self-inflicted injuries face a far higher-than-average risk of suicide in the next year, a new study finds. Among teenagers and young adults diagnosed with a “self-harm” injury, the risk of suicide in the next year was nearly 27 times higher than the U.S. norm, researchers found. Certain young people were at…  read on >

A low sperm count may do more than affect a man’s ability to have children. It also may be linked to a number of health problems, new research suggests. A study of nearly 5,200 Italian men found that those with low sperm counts were 1.2 times more likely to have more body fat, higher blood…  read on >