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 >

If you live in the path of hurricanes , the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging you to be prepared. Deaths from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fires and electric shock are common during severe weather events, according to the CPSC. Hurricane season in North America runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The…  read on >  read on >

Many people drank more to cope with the stress of the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions it placed on daily life, and now a new study suggests that all of this drinking is causing a serious spike in alcohol-related diseases. “Incidence of hospitalizations for alcohol-related gastrointestinal (GI) and liver disease increased quite dramatically since the…  read on >  read on >

FRIDAY, May 14, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — As usual, Dr. Mike Knapic’s workday was packed. By early afternoon, the orthopedic surgeon had completed three total knee replacements and was headed into surgery to repair a broken collarbone. Throughout the day, he’d felt a strange sensation. Every 10 minutes or so, he’d slur his…  read on >  read on >

Though some think that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, Canadian research suggests it could raise the risk of developing asthma or having asthma attacks for teens and adults. “Emerging research really suggests that vaping may actually worsen preexisting health conditions such as asthma,” said study author Teresa To, senior scientist in…  read on >  read on >

People with heart failure are 20% more likely than those with cancer to develop depression within five years of their diagnosis, a new study finds. Nearly 1 in 4 patients with heart failure are depressed or anxious, according to the German researchers. “The treatment of mental illnesses in cancer patients — psycho-oncology — is long-established,…  read on >  read on >

(HealthDay News) – A good movie can be more than mere entertainment: It can also help you feel more prepared to tackle life’s challenges and be a better person, a new study suggests. This may be why folks sometimes choose films with difficult subjects or those that make them sad, researchers say. “Meaningful movies actually…  read on >  read on >