As a huge plume of smoke from over 400 Canadian wildfires swept south and turned New York City into a landscape that resembled Mars more than Earth, heart experts warned that air pollution can damage your heart as much as it damages your lungs. It’s obvious that wildfires can affect breathing and respiratory health, but… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Insomnia Might Raise Your Odds for Stroke
After many nights of tossing and turning, you might have more to worry about than just feeling exhausted and less sharp at work. Insomnia symptoms — trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, or waking up too early — are also associated with higher risk of stroke, according to new research from Virginia Commonwealth University.… read on > read on >
CDC Raises Alarm About Meningitis Threat to Patients Visiting Mexican Surgical Clinics
U.S. health officials are urgently trying to reach people who’ve recently had medical procedures at clinics in Matamoros, Mexico, because they may be at risk of potentially fatal fungal meningitis. Those at risk had procedures done under epidural anesthesia between Jan. 1 and May 13 at River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Matamoros,… read on > read on >
Your Guide to Hepatitis C Medications
Hepatitis C is a serious viral infection that can scar your liver, cause your liver to fail and raise your risk for liver cancer, but there are a multitude of medications that can treat it. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 2.4 million Americans live with hepatitis C. Effective… read on > read on >
Pope to Have Hernia Surgery, Stay in Rome Hospital for Several Days
Pope Francis will be hospitalized for several days after a planned surgery to repair a hernia that is causing him “recurrent, painful and worsening” symptoms. The Vatican announced plans for the surgery and recovery from the laparotomy on Wednesday. This is the latest in a series of ailments that the 86-year-old has experienced in recent… read on > read on >
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) know it is a highly unpleasant chronic condition that can trigger abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Here, experts will unravel the mysteries of IBS, exploring its causes, symptoms and treatments. And of course, don’t forget about the role of diet. Experts will break down the best foods… read on > read on >
An ‘AI Doctor’ Is Helping Hospitals Predict Readmissions
New York University doctors and hospital executives are using an artificial intelligence (AI) computer program to predict whether a newly discharged patient will soon fall sick enough to be readmitted. The AI program “NYUTron” reads physicians’ notes to estimate a patient’s risk of dying, the potential length of their hospital stay, and other factors important… read on > read on >
Move to ‘Zero-Emission’ Vehicles Would Save 90,000 U.S. Lives by 2050
Consider yourself a lifesaver if you opt for an electric vehicle next time you buy or lease a new car. Electric cars can save millions of lives and reduce health care costs by improving air quality so people can breathe better and freer, according to a new report by the American Lung Association. Zero-emission electric… read on > read on >
Women’s Gymnastics Brings High Risk for Concussion
Gymnasts make it look easy, but mastering those floor exercises and balance beam moves can take a toll on the brain. Researchers studying preseason and regular season concussion rates in college sports found that women’s gymnastics led all others for its concussion rate in the preseason. The rate was 50% higher even than that for… read on > read on >
Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Blackens Skies, Prompts Air Quality Alerts in Much of U.S.
Wildfires that have been spreading throughout Canada in recent weeks are now spewing tons of smoke southward into the United States. The smoke was so thick on Tuesday that New York City’s skyline could not be seen clearly and air quality alerts were issued to residents from parts of the Northeast to the southern Mid-Atlantic… read on > read on >