People who daily breathe in air pollution, particularly from wildfires or agricultural sources, might need to add a heightened risk of dementia to their list of health concerns. New research looked at the potential effects of particle pollution on dementia, finding an association even when pollution levels did not exceed national ambient air quality standards.… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Summer Buzzkill: Sorting Out Mosquito Myths & Facts
Mosquitoes can be a big pest, leaving behind itchy bumps on skin and potentially spreading serious diseases, such as West Nile virus. Sam Telford III is a professor of infectious disease and global health at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and a commissioner for the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project. Some counties… read on > read on >
‘Magic Mushroom’ Drug Psilocybin Shows Early Promise in Easing Migraines
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms, is getting renewed interest as a potential treatment for various health conditions. Now, a new research review argues that migraines should be added to that list. Psilocybin mushrooms have long been used recreationally as hallucinogens — meaning they alter users’ perceptions of their surroundings. That can lead to… read on > read on >
In America’s Prisons, Suicide Risk Rises Along With Temperatures
Punishing heat is a fact of life inside America’s prisons without air conditioning, and it is taking a serious toll on prisoners’ mental health. When the outside thermometer hits 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more, a new study shows that prison suicide risk jumps 36%, in comparison to when temperatures are in the 60s. The finding… read on > read on >
More Americans Than Ever Believe Marijuana Smoke Is Safer Than Cigarette Smoke. They’re Wrong
As cannabis use has become legal in many U.S. states for medical or recreational use, Americans’ views on the drug may have gotten rosier. In fact, a new report finds that over 44% of adults now believe smoking weed each day is safer than inhaling tobacco smoke. That perception is counter to the science, however,… read on > read on >
AHA News: What Is Shared Decision-Making, and How Can It Help Patients?
MONDAY, Aug. 14, 2023 (American Heart Association News) — Traditionally, many decisions about medical treatment were left up to doctors: They decided, and patients agreed. Today, health care professionals are embracing the idea of shared decision-making, where patients become informed partners in their choices. A new report from the American Heart Association, published Monday in… read on > read on >
Drinking, Often Heavy, Is Common Among Cancer Survivors
Many Americans diagnosed with cancer continue to drink alcohol regularly — sometimes heavily and sometimes during treatment, a new study shows. The study, of over 15,000 U.S. cancer survivors, found that 78% were current drinkers. And of them, significant percentages said they binged or engaged in other “risky” drinking. The same patterns were seen even… read on > read on >
Moving Into a Smoker’s Former Home? You May Need to Toss the Carpet
If you’re moving into a home where smokers lived, the first thing you should do to protect your lungs is rip out any old carpeting, new research suggests. Scientists found that tobacco smoke clings to carpet fibers long after smoking has stopped, and ozone generators that purify the air and surfaces can’t remove it completely.… read on > read on >
Help Kids Hit ‘Reset’ on Sleep as They Head Back to School
Keeping to a consistent bedtime routine is the key to helping your kids get restful and refreshing sleep. Fortunately, about 81% of parents with kids under 18 surveyed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) say that’s happening in their house. The AASM offers some sleep tips to start the school year off right.… read on > read on >
Back-to-School Tips on Preventing Asthma, Allergy Flares in Kids
Heading back to school requires supplies and planning for all, but if you’re a parent of a child with allergies or asthma then you have even more to consider. “The start of a new school year is exciting for some, but for parents of children with allergies and asthma, their thoughts are probably on keeping… read on > read on >