Researchers have found significant new evidence of a link between a decreased sense of smell and the risk of developing depression later in life. Known as hyposmia, or at its most profound, anosmia, the condition has been associated previously with Alzheimer’s disease in older adults. “We’ve seen repeatedly that a poor sense of smell can…  read on >  read on >

As outdoor gatherings begin for the Fourth of July holiday, a leading asthma and allergy group is offering suggestions on how to avoid those seasonal symptoms. “The Fourth of July is a great time to gather with friends and family and celebrate summer,” said Dr. Kathleen May, president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma…  read on >  read on >

(HealthDay News) – It’s been said many times, but it deserves repeating: Use caution when handling fireworks. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is repeating the message to try to help people avoid injuries to the fingers, hands, arms and face. “It may be a tradition to let children and teens oversee fireworks, but…  read on >  read on >

Public health authorities are continuing to investigate malaria cases in Florida and Texas, gathering mosquitoes for tests. Multiple mosquitoes from Sarasota County in Florida have tested positive for malaria at a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lab, CBS News reported. So far all mosquitoes tested in Texas have been negative for the disease,…  read on >  read on >

FRIDAY, June 30, 2023 (American Heart Association News) — Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in heart and brain health. They’ve been linked to a stronger immune system, reduced inflammation and lower blood pressure and triglycerides, reducing the risk for heart disease and cognitive decline. But most people in the U.S. don’t include enough…  read on >  read on >

California psychiatrist Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez once had a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who washed his hands so often that he had to wear gloves to cover his cracked and swollen skin. “People with intrusive thoughts of contamination can do this for hours on end with scalding hot water,” said Rodriguez, who is also associate…  read on >  read on >

(HealthDay News) – Heat waves that hit the triple digits, like the ones now gripping many parts of the United States this week, can create dangerous conditions for folks who are vulnerable. One vulnerable group is people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, who may not realize they’re developing heat illness. But caregivers can take steps…  read on >  read on >

Blaming your ailing knees for feeling down? Unfortunately, even after physical pain eases, healing or fixing an injured joint often does not improve mental health, research shows. A new study found that anxiety symptoms only improved when a patient had major improvements in physical function. Depression, meanwhile, did not meaningfully improve even when the improvements…  read on >  read on >