In a potential advance for medical research, scientists say they’ve created the first functioning human muscle from skin cells. The breakthrough could lead to better genetic or cell-based therapies, as well as furthering investigations into the causes and treatment of muscular disorders, the Duke University team said. “The prospect of studying rare diseases is especially… read on >
Want to make a difference right now? Consider donating some blood. That’s the suggestion of experts from Penn State Health’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Blood bank supplies tend to be low in January because the holidays and the season’s typically inclement weather often keep people from going to a donation site. But, donating blood… read on >
Where you live could influence how likely you are to develop heart failure, a new U.S. study suggests. In addition to people’s income and education level, the neighborhood in which they lived helped predict their risk, according to the researchers. People living in the poorest areas were at highest risk for heart failure, the researchers… read on >
The current flu season is shaping up to be a nasty one, but there’s good news for American seniors who’ve gotten their flu shot. New research shows that for older adults, faithfully getting the vaccine each year greatly reduces the odds of catching a flu so severe that it lands you in the hospital. Researchers… read on >
In a finding that will surprise few, new research shows that minorities and the poor suffer more stress than their wealthy, white peers. That additional psychic burden may translate into poorer mental and physical well-being, and longevity is ultimately affected, the American Psychological Association report suggests. “Good health is not equally distributed. Socio-economic status, race… read on >
Severely obese teens who undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight end up lowering their heart disease risk down the road, new research indicates. For the study, researchers tracked 242 adolescents for three years after they had weight-loss surgery. “This is the first large-scale analysis of predictors of change in cardiovascular disease risk factors among adolescents… read on >
Quitting smoking is never easy, but it’s possible with the proper mindset and, possibly, with nicotine therapy. Almost 70 percent of adult smokers want to quit, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Over-the-counter smoking cessation products include skin patches, lozenges and gum. There’s also prescription medication. Tobacco users are used to having nicotine in… read on >
A common respiratory virus that circulates in winter can pose a serious threat to children, an expert warns. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “is the most important respiratory virus of infants and young children,” said Dr. Pedro Piedra, a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at the Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston. RSV… read on >
For those still open to adding to their list of New Year’s resolutions, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering its top 10 healthy suggestions. First, Americans should make an effort to cut back on sugary drinks, medical experts advise. Diabetes screening is also a good proactive step as the new year unfolds. The AMA… read on >
The health of your kidneys is directly related to the health of your heart, and vice versa. While the heart pumps blood throughout the body, the kidneys clean it. They remove wastes, assist in maintaining blood pressure and ensure that the blood has the right amount of key nutrients. Kidney disease means the kidneys are… read on >
