Americans with Down syndrome have a critical lifeline in Medicaid insurance, new research confirms. But the publicly funded insurance program will have to respond to rising numbers of older adults with Down syndrome, researchers say. “As more people with Down syndrome survive to older ages, the Medicaid system needs to be ready to serve this… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Extra Antibiotic With Hip, Knee Replacement Won’t Prevent Infections: Study
Millions of people undergo joint replacement surgery every year. To prevent infection, doctors often give them a second antibiotic — but new research suggests this can backfire. Adding a second antibiotic at the time of hip and knee replacement surgery may actually increase infections, researchers in Australia found. “Given the number of joint replacements performed… read on > read on >
Lesbian & Gay Teens Have Twice the Odds for Binge-Eating Disorders
Stigma can take a toll on lesbian, gay and bisexual teens, leading to high rates of binge-eating disorders, researchers say. Compared to their non-LGBTQ peers, lesbian, gay and bisexual teens are more than twice as likely to report binge eating, according to a new study. Bullying, discrimination and stigma because of sexual orientation can be… read on > read on >
Dementia Diagnosis Takes Huge Toll on a Family’s Finances
Dementia can take a big bite out of an American’s bank account, robbing 60% of a patient’s net worth in the eight years after a diagnosis, a new study says. The average dementia patient will also see a doubling of out-of-pocket health care expenses in those first eight years, said researchers who studied thousands of… read on > read on >
FDA Proposes Ban on Formaldehyde in Hair Straighteners Over Health Dangers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed a ban on the use of formaldehyde in hair relaxers over concerns about its link to respiratory problems and certain cancers. Right now, the FDA only discourages using such hair-straightening products, which are typically used by Black women. Recent research has helped raise awareness about the potential… read on > read on >
Could a Warming Climate Bring Yellow Fever to America?
Yellow fever may be resurfacing in the United States, thanks to climate change. The mosquito-borne viral illness decimated southern U.S. cities from 1820 to 1905, and now a new report says it could return to those areas. One of the potential reasons for a yellow fever resurgence? Global warming, because mosquitoes love warm, wet weather.… read on > read on >
Commonly Used Drug Might Be New Treatment Option for IBS
An inexpensive medication long used for depression and migraines now has a clinical trial to back up its off-label use for another condition that lowers quality of life: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In the study, British researchers found that those taking amitriptyline were almost twice as likely as those taking a placebo to see an… read on > read on >
Obesity Raises Odds for Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors
Many breast cancer survivors take a hormonal drug after cancer treatment to stave off a recurrence, but new research suggests these drugs may be less effective in women who are obese. Breast cancer cells in hormone-positive breast cancers are fueled by the female sex hormone estrogen. Aromatase inhibitor medications lower estrogen levels by stopping an… read on > read on >
Seniors, 18 Holes of Golf Might Make You Smarter
Want to do something to protect your thinking skills as you age? Swing that golf club or go for a walk. A new study found that walking about 3.7 miles or playing 18 holes of golf improved cognitive function. Nordic walking, a type of full-body walking using poles, showed the same benefit. “These findings underscore… read on > read on >
Blood Pressure’s Ups & Downs Could Harm Heart, Brain
Fluctuating blood pressure can be a harbinger for both dementia and heart disease, a new study finds. Ups and downs within 24 hours or even over several days or weeks were linked with impaired thinking, researchers from Australia reported. Higher variations in systolic blood pressure, the top number, were linked with stiffening of the arteries,… read on > read on >