Bacteria and fungi grow on medical implants, such as hip and knee replacements, pacemakers and screws used to fix broken bones, researchers report. In a new study, Danish investigators examined 106 implants of different types and the surrounding tissue in patients. The findings showed that 70 percent of the implants had been colonized by bacteria,… read on >
More than half of American doctors are burned out, a new national survey suggests, and those doctors are more likely to make medical mistakes. The poll asked nearly 6,700 clinic and hospital physicians about medical errors, workplace safety, and symptoms of workplace burnout, fatigue, depression and suicidal thoughts. More than 10 percent said they had… read on >
A fungal infection most commonly develops on the feet, nails, groin and hands. Effective treatment is needed to prevent recurrence. When a fungal infection recurs, it is typically because the immune system doesn’t recognize and attack the germ as foreign to the body, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says. The AOCD suggests: Use antifungal… read on >
Young pitchers should heed pitch count guidelines if they want their elbows to stay healthy, new research suggests. The Japanese study included 149 pitchers, aged 7 to 11, with no prior elbow pain who were assessed at the start and end of a baseball season. At the end of the season, the development of elbow… read on >
Every nine days, a child dies in a hot car in the United States, but a safety expert says such tragedies can easily be prevented. “Three letters can help drivers remember to take proper safety precautions with children when traveling in the car: A, C, T,” said Susan Katz, coordinator of the pediatric injury prevention… read on >
Doctors and pain specialists have been turning to anticonvulsive drugs for treatment of lower back pain more often over the past decade. There’s just one problem — these drugs don’t really help. A series of clinical trials have shown that anticonvulsants are no good at easing either lower back pain or nerve pain shooting down… read on >
When a teen athlete is tired, their risk of suffering a common knee injury rises, a new study suggests. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the thighbone to the shinbone, at the knee. When the ACL is overstretched or torn, it can cause swelling, instability and pain. It can also lead to high treatment costs… read on >
Playing sports offers plenty of fitness and other developmental benefits for kids, but injuries are common. Every year, more than 2.6 million U.S. children aged 19 and under are treated in the ER for sports- and recreation-related injuries. If your child plays team sports, start by vetting the qualifications of the coaches. A questionnaire-based study… read on >
Your hearing can take a beating during Fourth of July fireworks. So don’t forget hearing protection when you go to fireworks displays this holiday, the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) says. Noise from fireworks can reach up to 155 decibels, which is louder than a jet plane taking off (150 decibels) or a jackhammer. Noise… read on >
Backyard fireworks and sparklers are a Fourth of July staple. They can be fun, but also dangerous, health experts warn. Knowing how to set them off safely can prevent a celebration from becoming a tragedy. And the National Safety Council advises everyone to steer clear from all consumer fireworks, and only enjoy fireworks at a… read on >
