Women who were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke as children might be at slightly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, a new study hints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. Researchers believe that a mix of genes and certain environmental factors conspire to cause… read on >
Women whose mothers lived a long and healthy life have a good chance of doing the same, a new study suggests. A long-term study of about 22,000 postmenopausal women in the United States found that those whose mothers had lived to age 90 were 25 percent more likely to reach that milestone without suffering serious… read on >
Cellphone users blundering into signs, lampposts, other people and traffic have become a recurring sidewalk sight in many places. And now, new video analysis reveals the extent to which cellphones interfere with a person’s ability to hoof it from here to there. Cellphone use drastically alters a pedestrian’s balance, coordination and movement, said senior researcher… read on >
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among people 50 and older, the U.S. National Eye Institute says. AMD damages the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina that’s needed for sharp, central vision (seeing objects that are straight head). It can interfere with daily activities such as… read on >
U.S. researchers say they’ve identified more genes that may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. They studied nearly 6,000 people with Alzheimer’s and 5,000 people with healthy brains and pinpointed rare variations in genes that may play a role in the mind-degenerating disease. The newly identified genes suggest that an inflammatory response and changes in the… read on >
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018E-cigarettes have been touted as a safer alternative to smoking, but the vapor they create might harm lung tissue much like regular cigarettes do, British researchers report. With or without nicotine, e-cigarette vapor increases inflammation and disables cells that protect lung tissue, human tissue tests reveal. Harming these cells makes them vulnerable… read on >
Hot summer weather and long days spent outside are the perfect combination for bug bites. But it may be difficult to figure out which type of bug was responsible. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this primer: Mosquitoes are typically found near water and are attracted to bright colors and sweat. When a mosquito bites,… read on >
A medical emergency can be scary and stressful, but knowing how to call for help can mean the difference between life and death. The American College of Emergency Physicians offers these suggestions when making an emergency call: Speak calmly and clearly. Give the name, address, phone number and location of the person in need. Don’t… read on >
Children born to women who got the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy have no greater risk of autism than other kids, a new study finds. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, which is better known as whooping cough. U.S. health officials advise pregnant women to get a booster shot in order to protect… read on >
Controversial state laws that promote vaccinating kids against the human papillomavirus (HPV) do not increase the likelihood that teens will engage in risky sexual behavior, a new study contends. “Parents and caregivers, as well as policy makers, should not be wary of policies or legislation related to HPV education or [vaccine] access, as our study… read on >
