The last thing you want to do after surgery is develop an infection. So caring for a surgical wound is of prime importance. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions: Follow your doctor’s instructions about when and how often you should change the surgical bandage, if there is one. Keep your incision dry… read on >
Even if it’s not visible to the naked eye, blood in the stool can be serious — a sign of a potentially fatal disease other than colon cancer, new research suggests. This could include circulatory, respiratory, digestive, blood, hormonal or neuropsychological diseases, the Scottish scientists said. A test that picks up unseen blood in feces,… read on >
The more you smoke, the greater your chances of developing a common heart rhythm disorder that increases your risk of stroke and early death, researchers say. “If you smoke, stop smoking, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start,” said study author Dagfinn Aune, a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London. “We found that smokers are… read on >
Headaches are common in children and teens, but many parents aren’t sure when to seek professional help for their child, a new survey finds. The survey of parents with children aged 6 to 18 found that two-thirds said their child has had a headache not caused by a fall or head injury. “Headaches are very… read on >
There’s no need to panic if you cut yourself with a knife or broken glass, one dermatologist says, since most cuts can be treated at home. “The most important thing to do is to gently wash the cut to prevent an infection,” said Dr. Laura Ferris, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of… read on >
A migraine diary may help you pinpoint — and avoid — headache triggers, a neurologist says. About 12 percent of people in the United States suffer from migraines, according to the Migraine Research Foundation. “A migraine can be debilitating and can impact daily activities, your family and social life. Unfortunately, migraine often goes undiagnosed and… read on >
Two years ago, Ian McKenzie thought his mom’s remaining days were dwindling. The 97-year-old woman had developed a severe case of what was thought to be an untreatable form of squamous cell carcinoma, the second leading form of skin cancer. Lesions had developed over much of her right leg, in such numbers and size that… read on >
Where you live in the world may determine whether you’ll survive a snakebite. About 93 million people worldwide live in remote regions where there are venomous snakes. If bitten, these folks are at increased risk of death due to limited access to anti-venom drugs, researchers said. “Understanding where venomous snakes live and people’s proximity to… read on >
New research suggests that no two brains are alike, as genetics and experience make their mark on your mind. “With our study, we were able to confirm that the structure of people’s brains is very individual,” said study author Lutz Jancke. He is a professor of neuropsychology at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. “Just… read on >
Need another reason to eat healthy? New evidence bolsters the notion that nutritionally rich foods might help prevent or minimize asthma. While the study couldn’t prove cause and effect, one asthma specialist said there’s certainly no downside to eating better. “The health benefits of a diet rich in plant foods and unprocessed foods are already… read on >
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