If you’re one of the many people who’ve switched to working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to take care of your eyes, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says. Staring at a screen too long can lead to digital eye strain. Symptoms include blurry vision, headaches and tired, dry eyes. It happens because… read on > read on >
Fifteen years of widespread vaccination of U.S. children with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is reaping big rewards: A more than 80% drop in new infections has been seen in women and girls under the age of 25. That could mean an equally big drop to come in a host of dangerous conditions that are… read on > read on >
FRIDAY, March 26, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — Unlike most of his cardiology colleagues, Dr. Satjit “Saj” Bhusri has personal experience with heart disease – and he doesn’t hesitate to share his story with patients. Sometimes, he’ll even show them a picture. He’s lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to a ventilator and… read on > read on >
When people die some cells in their brains go on for hours, even getting more active and growing to gargantuan proportions, new research shows. Awareness of this activity, spurred on by “zombie genes,” could affect research into diseases that affect the brain. For the study, researchers analyzed gene expression using fresh brain tissue collected during… read on > read on >
Using cellphones to track patients’ painkiller use, a new study found more than 60% of opioid painkillers prescribed to surgical patients after their procedures went unused. That has implications for the ongoing epidemic of opioid misuse in the United States, where unused medications can be diverted to others. Giving surgical patients only the amount of… read on > read on >
The brain may play a role in so-called broken heart syndrome, a new study suggests. Formally known as Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), it’s a temporary — but potentially deadly — heart condition brought on by stressful situations and emotions. In this study, published March 25 in the European Heart Journal, researchers wanted to find out if… read on > read on >
Here’s a silver lining to having to strap a mask across your face when you go out in public: That mask may also help guard against severe spring allergies, an expert says. Many patients with spring allergies are doing well this season because they’re spending more time indoors and wearing a mask when they go… read on > read on >
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is more common among new mothers than previously thought, and it’s often driven by worries about things that may happen to their newborns, a new study finds. Many new moms may keep the issue hidden, the Canadian researchers said. “When mothers have these kinds of thoughts they might think, ‘There’s something wrong… read on > read on >
Makers of inhalers that contain the nasal decongestant propylhexedrine should make design changes to prevent misuse, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Propylhexedrine is a nasal decongestant in over-the-counter inhalers, and right now is “only marketed under the brand name Benzedrex,” the FDA said. The agency said that propylhexedrine is effective and safe when… read on > read on >
THURSDAY, March 25, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — About 2 million cases of heart attack, stroke and heart failure might be prevented each year if U.S. adults had high cardiovascular health as defined by a set of seven metrics, according to a new study. Even modest improvements in the population’s overall heart health could… read on > read on >
