People suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might find some relief by using the popular party drug ecstasy, a small study suggests. Technically, this synthetic drug is called 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) and it alters mood and perception. When tried with 26 veterans and first responders with PTSD, it helped many of them, investigators found. “In research… read on >
While allergists have long known that farm life helps prevent allergies in kids, new research shows the benefit might even extend to adults who live near a farm. The findings “are indicative of potentially beneficial health effects of living in close proximity to farms,” said a team led by Dr. Lidwien Smit, of Utrecht University… read on >
A European woman who needed an implanted brain device got an unwelcome side effect during a storm: Nearby lightning switched the device off. Experts say the phenomenon is likely rare, and the deep brain stimulator device worked fine again once it was turned back on by doctors. Still, it’s a hazard worth looking out for,… read on >
Anxiety during middle age might signal impending dementia, a new analysis suggests. Although millions of Americans suffer from moderate to severe anxiety, it’s not clear how it is linked to dementia or if treatment could nullify the risk, British researchers say. “We investigated anxiety levels that are significant enough to warrant being clinically diagnosed with… read on >
Eye injuries are a leading cause of childhood blindness in the United States, the U.S. National Eye Institute says. Baseball, basketball, hockey, boxing, squash, fencing, racquetball and lacrosse are just some of the high-risk sports for eye injuries, the institute says. It offers this additional advice about protective eyewear: Prescription glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses… read on >
Obesity may accelerate and amplify the crippling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, new research suggests. Conversely, the researchers also found that unexplained weight loss might also signal problems for these patients, because it could mean that they’re at greater risk for disability. “While patients and rheumatologists may be focused mostly on disease activity, we should also… read on >
With summer comes the stings of bees and wasps, but one expert has advice on how to keep the pain to a minimum. “The first thing to do is to get the stinger out quickly,” said Dr. Carrie Kovarik. She’s an associate professor of dermatology, dermatopathology and infectious diseases at the University of Pennsylvania. “The… read on >
As the U.S. population ages, vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration is likely to increase, an ophthalmologist says. Adults over 50 should get an annual test for the condition, said Dr. Ingrid Scott, a professor of ophthalmology at Penn State College of Medicine. Blurry or distorted vision could be symptoms of age-related macular degeneration,… read on >
Athletes, because they sweat routinely and often perform in hot conditions, are at higher risk of developing skin conditions, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy suggests how athletes can reduce their chances of acquiring a skin infection: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. Prevent blisters by using… read on >
After a stroke, many patients are given the clot-busting intravenous drug alteplase, but another drug may be more effective, Australian researchers report. Among more than 200 stroke victims, TNKase (tenecteplase) was about twice as effective as alteplase in restoring blood flow to the brain, and it also resulted in less disability, the scientists found. “Tenecteplase… read on >
