CPR can be performed by sixth graders, a new study suggests. Some states require hands-only CPR training for high school graduation, but teaching younger children has not been a focus of training efforts, the researchers explained. “We were wondering why they need to wait until 12th grade when sixth graders have learned the circulation system… read on >
Need another reason to keep your weight under control? Excess weight can cause dislocation of your knee and may even lead to a complication that results in amputation of your leg. A new study attributes a surge in dislocated knees to the U.S. obesity epidemic. “Obesity greatly increases the complications and costs of care,” said… read on >
If your sleep is continually disrupted by a condition called sleep apnea, you might face a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s down the road. So claims a new study that has linked sleep apnea with an increase in the development of amyloid plaque in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers found that… read on >
Cats with diabetes, dogs with cancer, birds with high cholesterol or even rabbits who cannot turn around to clean themselves — what do these animals all have in common? They are either overweight or obese, and it’s serious. “We have a problem — almost all of American pets are overweight or obese,” explained veterinarian Dr.… read on >
Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk for osteoporosis and broken bones in older adults, a new U.S. study suggests. Researchers analyzed data on 9.2 million Medicare enrollees in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic area who had been hospitalized for fractures from 2003 to 2010. The investigators found that even a small increase in exposure to air… read on >
Lungs from older donors are a viable option for lung transplants and should be considered more often, a new study suggests. Survival rates for younger recipients of lung transplants from donors older than 60 are similar to those who receive lungs from younger donors, researchers found. The University of Louisville team analyzed more than 14,000… read on >
As if the idea of teen cyberbullying isn’t harrowing enough, a new study warns of a strange twist in which kids anonymously post hurtful messages — to themselves. The worry is that this digital self-harm — like traditional self-harm — may be a harbinger for suicide down the road, the study authors said. In the… read on >
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is fundamental to overall health and prevention of cardiovascular disease and other chronic health problems. But what’s healthy? The American Heart Association offers this chart of healthy and unhealthy ranges: Blood PressureCategory Systolicmm Hg (upper #) Diastolicmm Hg (lower #) Normal less than 120 and less than 80 Prehypertension… read on >
Caring for a child with cancer can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. The Children’s Oncology Group says the best thing such a parent can do is to accept help from friends and family. The group mentions these benefits of doing so: You will have more energy to take care of your child, spend time with… read on >
If you’re looking for a cough remedy this cold season, you might be out of luck. Nothing has been proven to work that well, according to a new report from the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP). After reviewing clinical trials testing everything from cough syrups to zinc, an ACCP panel came to some less-than-positive… read on >
