Black adults who undergo a common procedure to open up clogged arteries are readmitted to the hospital more often than their white peers. They’re also more likely to die in the years after treatment, a new study finds. Researchers looked at how patients fared following balloon angioplasty and coronary stenting — “one of the most… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Do Steroid Injections Worsen Arthritic Knees?
Corticosteroid injections to relieve pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis could actually be setting them back. Two new studies have discovered that, despite the temporary relief of symptoms, the injections were associated with continued progression of the disease. On the other hand, patients injected with another symptom reliever, hyaluronic acid, saw decreased progression of their… read on > read on >
Many U.S. Seniors Get Needless, Pricey Cervical Cancer Screenings
Researchers warn that high rates of cervical cancer screening in women over 65 suggest that some older Americans are being unnecessarily screened. More health data on these screenings in older women is needed to prevent potential harm and unnecessary costs, said the team from University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)… read on > read on >
Retired Olympians Face Higher Odds for Arthritis
Olympic athletes aren’t like the rest of the population — but this time it’s in a far less positive way. Two new studies show that athletes who performed at the top of their sport have a higher risk of developing arthritis and joint pain in later life. The linked studies found that 1 in 4… read on > read on >
Long COVID Often Brings Another Issue: Stigma
People with long COVID deal with months or years of punishing fatigue, mind-numbing brain fog or a frightening fight to take each and every breath. But they can also face the skepticism of others, a new study finds — employers and doctors questioning whether they’re really sick, friends avoiding them, family losing patience. About 95%… read on > read on >
High Deductibles Keep Some Women From Follow-Up After Troubling Mammogram
Out-of-pocket costs may make as many as 1 in 5 women forgo additional screening when an initial mammogram finds an abnormality, a new U.S. study finds. The Affordable Care Act improved access to mammograms, but high-deductible insurance plans appear to keep women from important follow-ups, according to the findings. “The ACA removed out-of-pocket costs for… read on > read on >
Relax, a Little Stress Might Be Good for You
If holiday demands get you frazzled, you can take heart from a new study: When it comes to stress, a little is good. “The bad outcomes of stress are pretty clear and not new,” said Assaf Oshri, lead author of the study and an associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Family and… read on >
Healthy Plant-Based Diets Lower Men’s Odds for Colon Cancer
Are you an older man worried about your risk for colon cancer? Eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes may improve your odds of dodging the disease, new research shows. “Although previous research has suggested that plant-based diets may play a role in preventing colorectal cancer, the impact of plant foods’ nutritional quality on this… read on > read on >
Climate Change May Bring More Fungal Lung Infections
Fungal lung infections are spreading to parts of the United States where they were once never seen — likely a result of climate change, experts say. To the average person, the term fungal infection may conjure up thoughts of athlete’s foot or toenail problems. But some fungus species cause potentially severe respiratory infections, when a… read on > read on >
A Beloved Pet’s Death Can Trigger Deep Grief. Finding Support Can Be Tough
Anyone who’s ever loved a pet like a member of the family knows that the grief when that dog, cat or other furry friend dies can be devastating. But too often, finding others who truly understand and support that sense of loss can be challenging. Michelle Crossley, a mental health counselor, and Colleen Rolland, a… read on > read on >