Today’s American teens are smoking less than ever, and the trend may be keeping many from smoking pot, too. That’s the finding of a new study that tracked more than 1 million teens from 1991 to 2016. But the news wasn’t all good, the researchers said. Kids who think marijuana is “safe” are more likely… read on >
Complaining of burnout and job dissatisfaction, many U.S. doctors plan to reduce their work hours or leave medicine altogether, a new study reveals. “Our findings have profound implications for health care organizations,” according to the researchers from the American Medical Association (AMA), the Mayo Clinic and Stanford University. The study found that about one in… read on >
Fun, decorative drinking glasses may contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium, a new British study says. University of Plymouth researchers analyzed 72 new and second-hand decorated drinking glasses, including tumblers, beer and wine glasses, and jars. Around 7 out of 10 tested positive for lead or cadmium, both toxic metals. Lead was found… read on >
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who takes one of a class of anti-reflux meds such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid, take heed: These drugs have been linked to higher odds of kidney trouble. The study couldn’t prove cause-and-effect — it’s possible that folks who need these heartburn medicines are simply more prone… read on >
While the harmful effects of smoking are well-documented, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us of the benefits of quitting: Reduced risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer. Lowered risk of heart disease and stroke within two years of quitting. Fewer respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of… read on >
A healthy diet may translate into a healthier old age, researchers report. The scientists followed close to 1,000 men and women in England, who were born in March 1946, throughout their adulthood. Those who ate more fruits, vegetables and whole-grain cereals — and fewer highly processed foods — throughout adulthood did better on three tests… read on >
When Americans need medical care, almost one in two people choose the emergency room, a new study reveals. “I was stunned by the results. This really helps us better understand health care in this country,” said Dr. David Marcozzi. He is an associate professor in the University of Maryland’s department of emergency medicine. “This research… read on >
For a child with spastic cerebral palsy, simply grasping a toy may be impossible. But infusions of their own umbilical cord blood might make basic movements like this easier, researchers say. Children with spastic cerebral palsy have stiff muscles that can make it hard to move. The condition is usually caused by brain damage before… read on >
Many patients overestimate the amount of pain they’ll experience after surgery, resulting in needless anxiety, a new study reports. “We believe providers need to do a better job of counseling patients on realistic pain expectations,” said study co-author Dr. Jaime Baratta, director of regional anesthesia at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. The research included… read on >
Inflammation in middle age may increase the risk for brain shrinkage and dementia in old age, a new study suggests. The researchers tested more than 1,600 people for five “biomarkers” of inflammation in their blood when they were, on average, 53 years old. About 24 years later, the participants were given brain scans and a… read on >
