People with high blood pressure that doesn’t respond to treatment may have more success by following the DASH diet and joining a supervised diet and exercise program, a new study suggests. DASH is short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — a regimen rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and limited salt. Duke University…  read on >  read on >

After a heart attack, a smartwatch app may help keep patients from being hospitalized again, researchers say. The app helps patients keep track of medications and make lifestyle changes. It may also reduce rehospitalization in the month after discharge by half, according to a new report. The American Heart Association says one in six heart…  read on >  read on >

COVID-19 shouldn’t keep budding athletes on the sidelines. But it’s critical to keep them safe from the coronavirus while playing sports. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association has some timely tips. COVID vaccines for those 12 and older have been a game changer for many families. Being fully vaccinated can make returning to sports safer, the…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday recommended booster shots of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for millions of older and high-risk Americans, kicking off a new chapter in the national effort to protect the vulnerable from severe disease. First, an expert CDC advisory panel called for COVID-19 booster shots for those over 65,…  read on >  read on >

If you have cancer and you think coronavirus vaccines may do you little good, don’t let your hesitation stop you from getting the shots: A pair of clinical trials finds that patients’ immune systems ramped up after vaccination. The findings were presented this week during a virtual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology…  read on >  read on >

An artificial intelligence tool could help radiologists spot breast cancer on ultrasound images and reduce the need for extra testing, new research suggests. “Our study demonstrates how artificial intelligence can help radiologists reading breast ultrasound exams to reveal only those that show real signs of breast cancer, and to avoid verification by biopsy in cases…  read on >  read on >

A saltwater solution may help stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus in its tracks, Brazilian researchers report. However, although saline may keep the virus from replicating, it does not offer full protection against infection or a cure for COVID-19. “It’s not a single solution, and it would have to be used in the first few days after…  read on >  read on >