For people with the mysterious chronic pain condition fibromyalgia, researchers say nerve stimulation may offer some relief. In a recent study, use of TENS — transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation — during movement or activity was shown to significantly reduce pain associated with fibromyalgia after just four weeks. Dr. Lesley Arnold, who was not involved with… read on >
Many of the donor kidneys that are discarded each year in the United States could instead be effectively transplanted, a large new study suggests. At issue are kidneys from deceased donors that are acutely injured. Right now in the United States, about 30% of those organs are discarded, rather than being given to patients on… read on >
From carpal tunnel to a stiff neck, too much time on the computer can cause a slew of health problems. But what if you ditch the keyboard and mouse for virtual reality? New research from Oregon State University in Corvallis showed that even stepping into virtual reality may be bad for the body. Virtual reality… read on >
Compression stockings gently squeeze the legs to help improve blood flow, says MedlinePlus. This can prevent leg swelling, aching and, possibly, blood clots. If compression stockings are difficult to put on, MedlinePlus suggests: Apply lotion on the legs. Let the lotion dry before putting on stockings. Use baby powder or cornstarch on the legs. Adjust… read on >
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that often occurs in people who wear damp socks or tight shoes, says Mayo Clinic. The infection is contagious and is spread by contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. To help prevent athlete’s foot, the clinic suggests: Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. Change socks… read on >
If you cannot stop picking at scabs or bumps, you may have a condition called skin picking disorder (SPD). The urge to pick at the skin affects at least 5 million Americans, says Harvard Medical School. To tackle the issue, the school suggests: Know your triggers. It can help a doctor decide which treatment to… read on >
Lung illnesses and deaths from vaping have been grabbing headlines for months, and now two new studies offer fresh evidence pointing to long-term respiratory concerns. The studies link the use of electronic cigarettes to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “These studies add to the body of evidence on the relationship between electronic cigarette… read on >
Feeling exhausted, with too few hours in the day to do what needs to be done? Be careful of burnout — especially after a new study finds it can raise your risk for the dangerous irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation. “A-fib” — long tied to higher odds for heart attack and stroke — is… read on >
A diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder need not be a life sentence, a large Canadian study suggests. “It’s so exciting,” said lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson, director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto. People with generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively for long periods, and most days they struggle to… read on >
Found in more than 600 different medicines, acetaminophen is the most common drug ingredient in the United States, says the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. To use the painkiller safely, the CHPA urges you to: Always read and follow the directions on the label. Never take more than the recommended dose. Know if your medicines contain… read on >
