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 >

A teenage school shooter may be attempting to prove his masculinity. So says an Oregon researcher who analyzed the traits shared by 31 boys involved in 29 mass shootings at U.S. schools. The attacks occurred between 1995 and 2015, and the killers ranged in age from 11 to 18 years old. The total number of…  read on >

It might sound like a great thing — getting an extra hour of sleep when Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday. Granted, it’s easier than losing an hour’s sleep in the time changeover that comes in the spring, but adjusting to the autumn time change has its own challenges, sleep experts note. However, a few…  read on >

Think you know what’s in your favorite supplement? Think again. More than half of the herbal and dietary supplements analyzed by researchers contained ingredients that differed from the list on their labels. Some had hidden ingredients that might actually harm health, researchers said. Bodybuilding and weight-loss supplements, in particular, tended to contain ingredients not listed…  read on >

A little bit of stress can motivate you, but too much might cause an anxiety disorder that can prevent you from living your life to the fullest. If you feel anxious on a daily basis, try making changes to your lifestyle to manage anxiety on your own. Exercise regularly to release the body’s endorphins, natural…  read on >

As if severe hot flashes alone weren’t enough of a problem for menopausal women, a new study finds these symptoms may also be tied to a greater risk for sleep apnea and related heart issues. The study included nearly 1,700 middle-aged women, about 25 percent of whom were at intermediate or high risk for obstructive…  read on >

More than half of Americans regularly take about four prescription medications, increasing the likelihood that mistakes could occur, according to Consumer Reports. People taking multiple prescription medications should visit their doctor for a “medication checkup.” By showing their doctor or pharmacist a comprehensive list of every drug they are taking, including vitamins and other dietary…  read on >

If your taste buds lean toward spicy, you might be doing your heart a favor, new research suggests. Spicy foods may increase salt sensitivity, thereby dampening the desire to consume heart-harming salty food, researchers in China say. “High salt intake increases blood pressure and contributes to cardiovascular disease,” said study author Dr. Zhiming Zhu. “Thus,…  read on >

The tiny thyroid gland could have a big impact on heart health, new research suggests. Middle-aged and older adults with an elevated thyroid hormone may be at higher risk of heart disease and death, researchers found. In the new Dutch study, high and even high-normal levels of a hormone called free thyroxine (FT4) doubled the…  read on >