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 >
All Health and Wellness:
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 >
U.S. Injuries From E-Bikes, E-Scooters Jumped 21% in One Year
E-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards are everywhere — and injuries related to their use are soaring. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a new report on Tuesday showing that injuries associated with these so-called micro-mobility devices increased nearly 21% in 2022 alone, compared to 2021. Injury estimates were based on data collected between 2017… read on > read on >
Serotonin May Play Big Role in Long COVID
New research has uncovered evidence that remnants of the COVID-19 virus may remain in some patients’ guts for months, contributing to the lingering symptoms known as long COVID. The remnants appear to trigger a drop in levels of the chemical serotonin, which may explain such symptoms as fatigue, brain fog and memory loss. About 20%… read on > read on >
A Doctor’s Empathy Can Be Key to Breast Cancer Care
A breast cancer diagnosis often causes anxiety and depression, but an empathetic doctor can help. Supportive communication is key to reducing patient uncertainty and promoting mental well-being, Rutgers University researchers have found. “Our findings suggest that provider communication is a key component to reducing uncertainty, and thus providers play a key role in helping to… read on > read on >