(HealthDay News) – Like humans, older dogs can be prone to a variety of health issues. Among the maladies that middle-aged and older dogs experience is Cushing’s disease, when the body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. Fortunately, it is possible to test for and treat the condition, giving your pet a healthier…  read on >  read on >

Under the surface of your favorite swimming pool, beach and lakes, hazards too small to be seen by the naked eye may await. And these bacteria, viruses and parasites can turn a refreshing plunge into a nasty infection. “There’s a variety of microorganisms that can make recreational activities in water less than fun,” said Dr.…  read on >  read on >

The Canadian wildfires that are burning out of control have brought hazy skies and polluted air to parts of the United States unprepared for it — and that’s affecting not just the people, but their pets and livestock, too. An animal welfare expert from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers some advice for animal caregivers…  read on >  read on >

Enjoy that summer sun, but keep some safety tips in mind, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents. “It’s great to see children enjoying nature and reaping the benefits of outdoor activities,” Atlanta-based pediatrician Dr. Rebecca Philipsborn said in an AAP news release. “As we encounter more intense weather events, including severe heat, there…  read on >  read on >

Could a grocery cart save lives by preventing possible strokes? It just might. The notion stems from a new British study in which grocery cart handles were embedded with electrocardiogram (EKG) sensors. The goal: to screen shoppers for undiagnosed cases of atrial fibrillation (a-fib), the most common heart rhythm disorder. “Atrial fibrillation is a leading…  read on >  read on >

Growing up in poverty may harm the structural wiring of a child’s brain, a new study claims. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found a link between both neighborhood and household poverty and the brain’s white matter tracts. These let the brain communicate between its regions and are important for processing…  read on >  read on >