For the first time, scientists have identified a genetic variant that may make some people with multiple sclerosis (MS) vulnerable to faster progression. In a study of more than 22,000 people with MS, researchers found that those who carried a particular genetic variant faced a faster decline: They needed to use a walking aid about… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
AHA News: Ohio Mother Goes Into Heart Failure After Fourth Pregnancy
THURSDAY, June 29, 2023 (American Heart Association News) — Marian Dancy is a mother of four and a payroll specialist with a local law enforcement agency in Columbus, Ohio. Her fourth pregnancy was the easiest, giving her a third daughter to round out her family. When the baby was about 6 months old, Dancy started… read on > read on >
Biden Using CPAP Machine at Night to Help Ease Sleep Apnea
President Joe Biden Has started using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night in recent weeks to help ease sleep apnea, the White House announced Wednesday. As reported by the Associated Press, Biden first mentioned his history of sleep apnea in 2008, but the announcement came as indents were noted on his face… read on > read on >
Mixed Results on Vitamin D’s Benefit for Aging Hearts
Vitamin D supplements might lower the risk of heart attack and other cardiac ills for people over 60 — especially if they’re already taking heart meds, a new study suggests. “Our results suggest that further exploration of the possible benefit of vitamin D on cardiovascular events, particularly in those at higher risk of having an… read on > read on >
California Cases Show Home-Grown Leprosy Is Still a Threat
Leprosy is an ancient infectious disease, but it has not been banished to the past, or from the United States. That’s the key takeaway from a new report describing six cases of leprosy among California residents. All were diagnosed between 2017 and 2022, and all were U.S.-born — that is, not hailing from a country… read on > read on >
Exercise + Weight Loss Perfect Combo to Fight Diabetes
Pairing exercise with a 10% weight loss can make a major health improvement in people living with obesity and prediabetes, a new study says. Building in regular exercise more than doubled sensitivity to insulin compared to just weight loss alone. This has the potential to prevent or delay prediabetes from progressing into type 2 diabetes… read on > read on >
‘Like She Was Not Even There’: Children With Disabilities Face Discrimination in Health Care
Children with disabilities are discriminated against in health care settings — to the detriment of their health, according to their parents. Thirty in-depth interviews with parents of children with disabilities revealed a disturbingly common thread. “They mistreated her and treated her like a robot. Every single time a nurse walked in the room, they treated… read on > read on >
New Ways to Spot Risk for CTE in Boxers, MMA Fighters
Autopsy is currently the only way to definitively diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often seen in athletes who’ve suffered repeated blows to the head. But there may be a way to predict which athletes are likely to develop CTE, researchers report June 28 in the journal Neurology. They outline criteria for… read on > read on >
After Battling Mental Health Issues, Star Gymnast Simone Biles Plans Return to Competition
After a focus on her own mental health and that of other athletes, U.S. gymnast Simone Biles will return to elite competition. Biles will begin with the Aug. 5 U.S. Classic outside of Chicago, the Associated Press reported. She has not competed since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, where she removed herself from… read on > read on >
AHA News: How Heart Attack and Stroke Survivors Can Prepare For Wildfires and Hurricanes
WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2023 (American Heart Association News) — Environmental disasters are difficult for anyone. For people with cardiovascular disease, they can be particularly risky. As wildfire and hurricane seasons kick into high gear, experts urge extra caution for people who’ve had a heart attack or stroke or have other forms of cardiovascular disease. Wildfire… read on > read on >