For reasons that aren’t yet clear, people who battle PTSD may also be at heightened risk for the common heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation, researchers report. It’s the first time a connection has been made between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and “A-fib,” which typically arises with age and is the most common type of heart… read on >
A diagnosis of dementia often triggers discussions about how to keep that person safe as the disease advances, but one serious safety concern that may be overlooked is gun ownership. Somewhere between 40 percent and 60 percent of people with dementia have access to firearms in their homes, according to an editorial in the May… read on >
If you use Airbnbs or other vacation rentals, it might be a good idea to check first on their fire safety. A new study found that while many Airbnbs in the United States had smoke alarms, less than half had fire extinguishers or first-aid kits. The research was led by Vanya Jones, of the Johns… read on >
Any approach that differs from conventional — or Western — medicine is typically considered complementary and alternative, or CAM. But these practices have become much more mainstream, leading to growth in the health care approach called integrative medicine, which draws on traditional and non-traditional systems tailored to each individual’s needs. The U.S. National Institutes of… read on >
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has become the hot new product in states that have legalized medical marijuana. The non-intoxicating marijuana extract is being credited with helping treat a host of medical problems — everything from epileptic seizures to anxiety to inflammation to sleeplessness. But experts say the evidence is scant for most of these touted benefits.… read on >
If your child lands in the hospital with an accidental injury, new research suggests you should watch for signs they may be struggling with what happened to them. Investigators found that among children treated for serious injuries at one pediatric hospital, the odds of being diagnosed with a mental health condition rose by 63 percent… read on >
Diabetes has become a worldwide epidemic, but you can protect yourself with a healthier diet. And the same type of diet can help you manage diabetes if you already have it. According to experts at Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center and the Harvard School of Public Health, specific foods that help reduce your risk include green… read on >
When it comes to having “the talk,” many teens admit they’re not communicating with their parents or their doctors about sex, new research reveals. “Teens and young adults account for more STIs [sexually transmitted infections] than all other ages combined,” said study co-author Dr. Kari Schneider, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at… read on >
Motorcycles are still deadlier than cars, but there’s some good news: Nearly 6 percent fewer bikers died on U.S. roads last year than in 2016, a new report says. Preliminary data indicate that there were 4,990 motorcyclist fatalities in the United States in 2017 — which is 296 fewer than the year before, according to… read on >
Dementia can turn even the simple task of getting dressed into a Herculean ordeal. But an experimental automated system called “DRESS” might someday ease that challenge. Using available technology, the system might enable patients to dress themselves without a human assistant. A just completed laboratory trial assessed the system’s ability to use video cameras, tablets,… read on >
