A simple surgery may help lower the risk for strokes by more than a third in patients with atrial fibrillation, a common irregular heartbeat, a new trial finds. The reduction in stroke risk is achieved by blocking the left atrial appendage, an unused, finger-like tissue that traps blood in the upper chamber of the heart… read on > read on >
Virtual doctor visits for children grew this past year during the pandemic, but a new poll shows U.S. parents are divided on whether they will continue using this option in the future. The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health at the University of Michigan found that about one in five children had… read on > read on >
Though obesity by itself can drive up heart disease risk, new research suggests diabetes and heart disease risk is especially high when combined with a tendency to stay up late at night. The finding stems from a comparison of sleep patterns and disease in 172 middle-aged people as part of an ongoing obesity prevention study… read on > read on >
In new evidence that illustrates that health issues rarely exist in a vacuum, a new study finds a link between heart health and brain function. Existing evidence suggests that having heart disease raises one’s risk of dementia, and vice versa, but a team of researchers based in London wanted to find out if this connection… read on > read on >
MONDAY, May 17, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — When Carol Coulther’s husband, Rich, had a stroke, her teacher instincts kicked in immediately. She began writing down everything his doctors said to make sense of what happened and what he would need in his recovery. Coulther’s instinct to document everything was spot on, according to… read on > read on >
Many Americans felt relief and joy at the announcement last week that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks at many indoor and outdoor locations. But don’t be surprised if those good feelings come tinged with stress or worry: Mental health experts said in a HealthDay Now interview that the COVID-19 pandemic has… read on > read on >
Just as some elderly drivers need to give up their car keys, older gun owners may eventually face “firearm retirement.” And a preliminary study suggests they are open to the idea. In focus-group interviews with older gun owners, researchers found that many had considered putting limits on their firearm access — though they usually hadn’t… read on > read on >
Do yon need to have your teeth cleaned or a cavity filled? Go ahead. Dental treatment won’t put you at risk for contracting COVID-19, a new study affirms. “Getting your teeth cleaned does not increase your risk for COVID-19 infection any more than drinking a glass of water from the dentist’s office does,” said lead… read on > read on >
Early screening for autism can speed up diagnosis and treatment, and now new research shows that pediatricians are more likely to act when parents express concerns. According to pediatricians surveyed in the study, only 39% of toddlers who had failed a screening looking for autism signs were then referred to additional expert evaluation. “The lack… read on > read on >
When checking your body for signs of skin cancer, don’t overlook your nails. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) points out that skin cancer — including melanoma, the deadliest type — can develop under and around the fingernails and toenails. Though it’s rare, it’s more common in older people with darker skin. Risk factors include… read on > read on >
