Along with reducing conventional smoking, anti-tobacco laws in the United States may tamp down use of electronic cigarettes, a new study suggests. New York University researchers found that states with anti-tobacco regulations — such as smoke-free air laws and cigarette taxes — had fewer vapers as well as fewer cigarette smokers. “Our research adds to…  read on >

A simple urine test apparently can reveal how old your body really is — showing its biological, not chronological age. That information can then help determine your risk for age-related diseases and even death, a new study suggests. The test checks for a substance — called a marker — that indicates cellular damage from a…  read on >

Two eating plans — a vegetarian diet that includes eggs and dairy, and the Mediterranean diet — protect your heart equally, a new study shows. The research included 107 healthy but overweight people, aged 18 to 75, who ate either a low-calorie vegetarian diet that included dairy and eggs, or a low-calorie Mediterranean diet, for…  read on >

Using certain acne products that contain the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can cause rare but serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. The ingredients also may cause additional side effects, including burning, dryness, itching, peeling, redness, and slight swelling where the product is applied, the agency…  read on >

Snow shoveling is a factor in thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths in the United States each year. The National Safety Council suggests how to shovel safely: Do not shovel after eating or while smoking. Take it slow and stretch out before you begin. Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter Push…  read on >

Your children may already be looking forward to summer camp. But when it comes to kids with asthma or allergies, parents need to take extra steps in planning their outdoor experience. “Kids with allergies and asthma need an extra layer of preparation to ensure they stay healthy and enjoy their adventure,” said Dr. Bradley Chipps,…  read on >

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis that comes early in life carries a deadly load of health risks, new research shows. It was associated with a 60 percent higher relative risk of dying from heart disease or stroke. Not only that, it was linked to almost a 30 percent higher risk of death from any cause,…  read on >

Even though it’s the end of February, it’s still not too late to get a flu shot, doctors say. This flu season is one of the worst seen in the United States in years. Flu-linked hospitalizations were still rising earlier this month, and 84 children have died from flu complications so far, according to government…  read on >

Children who’ve had surgery to repair defective hearts are more likely to die or require longer hospitalizations if they live in poorer neighborhoods, a new study suggests. The disparities between affluent and poor children persisted even though all were treated at the same major hospitals, the researchers said. And those disparities were only partially explained…  read on >