Omega-3 fatty acids — good fats found in fish — can boost the heart health of adults, but a new study suggests that babies might also stand to benefit from them. In the study from Australia, infants were given a daily fish oil supplement or a placebo from birth to 6 months. When they were… read on >
Major volcanic eruptions like the one going on in Hawaii are rare, but they can lead to serious health concerns. Volcanos produce gases mixed with water and tiny particles that form a type of pollution called vog. It can irritate the eyes and trigger heart attacks and respiratory problems such as asthma and wheezing. Active… read on >
You’re probably familiar with the stereotypes about people who wear glasses — these folks are studious and spend a lot of time indoors with their noses in a book. As is often the case, it turns out that at least that stereotype may be true, a new British study suggests. The research found that the… read on >
Humidity doesn’t hinder the ability of flu viruses to infect people, claims a new study that challenges a long-held belief that the viruses become less active in moist conditions. The researchers found that mucus and other airway secretions expelled during coughs or sneezes protect flu viruses when they’re airborne, regardless of humidity levels. The findings… read on >
Studies show that depression is underreported. People aren’t getting the help they need, sometimes because they don’t know the warning signs or where to turn, or are embarrassed because of the stigma that can still surround mental health issues. But the numbers are too great to ignore. Up to 26 percent of U.S. women and… read on >
Treating stroke survivors’ blood pressure more aggressively might prevent a substantial number of deaths, a new study estimates. Last year, new guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association lowered the threshold for diagnosing high blood pressure. They said people should consider treatment when their numbers reach 130/80 mm Hg or higher… read on >
Maybe there’s a good reason you dislike cold weather: The risk of death from a heart attack is higher in the winter than in the summer, a new study says. Researchers at Leeds General Infirmary in England examined data from more than 4,000 patients treated for heart attack over four years. They found the risk… read on >
If you’re a man and you suffer from heart disease or diabetes, stress at work may shorten your life, a new study finds. The researchers said a demanding job in which you have little or no control over your work environment is a formula that can increase the risk of dying early whether you suffer… read on >
It’s your worst nightmare: As doctors race to save your life while performing CPR, you’re actually awake and conscious of what they are doing. A new report shows it happened for one man for up to 90 minutes, and the finding suggests that sedation during CPR should be contemplated. “At this time, we in the… read on >
Many migraine sufferers skip recommended behavioral treatments, such as stress management and talk therapy, a new study finds. Lack of time, cost and skepticism are among the reasons why, said Dr. Mia Minen, director of research for NYU Langone’s headache division in New York City. Previous studies have shown that treatments such as cognitive behavioral… read on >
