Most people seem comfortable with their health care providers asking about their sexual orientation and gender identity, a new study finds. The finding comes on the heels of earlier research that indicated many health care providers believed that such questions would offend patients. The new study involved nearly 500 patients being seen for the first… read on >
Traumatic brain injury, most often a concussion, is caused by a sharp and sudden blow to the head. It may be stem from a car accident, football tackle or an unfortunate fall. If you suspect a TBI, you should seek immediate medical attention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. A doctor may conduct a… read on >
Wild animals typically avoid human contact, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are sick or are protecting their young. Attacks by pets are more common, but are rarely life-threatening, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. The agency suggests how to help prevent animal bites: Never pet, handle or feed unknown animals. Leave… read on >
If you’ve been struggling with your weight for some time, you might be wondering if bariatric surgery is the answer. This surgery, which involves reducing the size of your stomach to limit how much food you can take in, isn’t for moderate weight loss. You need to be at least 100 pounds overweight with a… read on >
Knee replacement patients can continue to enjoy sports — such as skiing, tennis and dancing — without worrying that high-impact activities might compromise their new joint, a small, new study finds. The researchers tracked patients for between five and 15 years after knee replacement surgery, known as total knee arthroplasty. They found that sports participation… read on >
Washing your hands often and thoroughly is the best way to protect yourself if you’re caught in a norovirus outbreak, researchers say. Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Outbreaks can crop up anywhere and anytime. However, they often occur in densely populated spots with large common areas — cruise ships, vacation… read on >
A geriatric care manager (GCM) can help you and family members manage senior care and make daily life easier, the U.S. National Institute on Aging says. A GCM typically is a licensed nurse or social worker who specializes in geriatric care. Many insurance plans will not pay for this service and Medicare typically won’t cover… read on >
Come Sunday morning, the clocks will jump ahead one hour, but experts say there are ways to take the sting out of that lost hour of sleep. “Setting the clock ahead in the spring is harder than sleeping an extra hour in the fall,” said Dr. Steven Feinsilver, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine… read on >
A heart pump for someone with heart failure may come with a tradeoff: benefits for the patient, but more stress for the caregiver. Researchers looked at 50 heart failure patients and their caregivers after the patients received a heart pump, called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). In the first month after receiving the device,… read on >
Stem cell clinics are charging big money for knee arthritis “cures” and making extravagant claims about their therapies, a new study contends. A same-day injection for one knee costs thousands of dollars at these centers, according to a consumer survey taken of clinics across the United States. People are paying that kind of cash because… read on >
