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 >
The idea of marijuana causing a psychotic breakdown sounds like something out of the camp film classic “Reefer Madness,” but many experts argue it’s not that far-fetched. As legalization of recreational marijuana spreads across the United States, more people are showing up in ERs with psychotic symptoms after consuming too much pot, said Dr. Itai… read on >
A condition called lymphopenia — low levels of lymphocyte blood cells — could be an early warning for illness, a new study suggests. Danish researchers linked the condition to a 60% increased risk of death from any cause during the study period. A low lymphocyte count was also associated with a 1.5- to 2.8-fold increased… read on >
Like the mighty grizzly bear that hibernates in winter, many people spend more time sleeping during this cold, dark season, a new survey reveals. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), 34% of Americans say they sleep more in winter, compared with 10% who claim they sleep less during this time of year.… read on >
People with sleep apnea are often told to lose weight to ease their symptoms. Now a new study suggests that shedding fat in a particular trouble spot may be key: the tongue. If you didn’t know the tongue harbors body fat, you’re probably not alone. “Most people aren’t thinking about tongue fat,” said senior researcher… read on >
