Anyone who’s ever loved a pet like a member of the family knows that the grief when that dog, cat or other furry friend dies can be devastating. But too often, finding others who truly understand and support that sense of loss can be challenging. Michelle Crossley, a mental health counselor, and Colleen Rolland, a… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Type of Medicare Could Influence Cancer Patients’ Outcomes
Your chances of surviving cancer could depend on the type of Medicare plan you have, a new study reports. Americans enrolled in a privatized, cost-saving Medicare Advantage plan are more likely to die within a month of undergoing complex cancer surgery, compared to those in traditional Medicare, the researchers found. Those covered by Medicare Advantage… read on > read on >
Lots of Teen Boys Use Steroids, Often With Side Effects
Steroid users, especially teen boys and young men, seem indifferent to the serious side effects and dependency associated with use of the drugs, a new study finds. “We’re seeing more young adults and adolescent boys engaging in risk behaviors, such as the use of steroids, to achieve what many see as the ideal male body,”… read on > read on >
Caregiving Can Heighten Loneliness, or Ease It
Taking care of a loved one can either be a break from loneliness or help to bring loneliness on, depending on your circumstances, new research shows. Researchers broadly studied the issue, using data from 28 studies with more than 190,000 participants in 21 countries. They found certain types of caregiving — such as volunteering and… read on > read on >
COVID in Pregnancy Can Vary — Get Vaccinated to Stay Safe
When pregnant women contract COVID-19, one in 10 will have moderate, severe or even critical symptoms, a new study finds. So it’s important they get their COVID vaccines, experts say. “Given that patients in all trimesters of pregnancy are susceptible to infection and severe respiratory illness from COVID-19, these findings add urgency to the need… read on > read on >
Allergies & Asthma: Keep Sneezes & Wheezes at Bay This Holiday Season
SATURDAY, Nov. 26, 2022 (HealthDay News) – It’s possible to have a joy-filled holiday season while keeping allergies and asthma in check. Being aware of triggers is a key, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “While the holidays bring much joy, some of the good times can be derailed by… read on > read on >
Exercise Might Ease Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
An exercise program, even if it’s not as intense as national guidelines suggest, could help breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy reduce fatigue and have a better quality of life, new research suggests. Researchers from Edith Cowan University in Australia included 89 women in this study — 43 participated in the exercise portion; the control… read on > read on >
As COVID Restrictions Lifted, Asthma Attacks Rose
When COVID-19 restrictions lifted in the United Kingdom, the risk for severe asthma attacks doubled. While having COVID isn’t more likely to cause asthma attacks than other respiratory infections, it may have been that safety measures, such as wearing masks and reduced socializing, kept these attacks at bay, the authors of a new study suggested.… read on > read on >
Transgender Youth Much More Likely to Have Troubled Sleep
Transgender youth are more likely than others to experience sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, and researchers now recommend these young people be screened for sleep problems. “Transgender and gender-nonconforming identity may precede mental health disorders, and both influence insomnia diagnosis,” said study co-author Galit Levi Dunietz, an epidemiologist in the University of… read on > read on >
Acupuncture Might Ease Back Pain During Pregnancy
Many women experience back pain during pregnancy and a new study review suggests an ancient treatment can help. Acupuncture provided significant relief of lower back and pelvic pain, according to an analysis of 10 trials from various parts of the world. The findings were published Nov. 21 in BMJ Open. “Acupuncture significantly improved pain, functional… read on > read on >