Americans have less medical debt now than they did a couple years ago, possibly because of policies and programs that gave more people access to health insurance and relief funds. About 8.2 million fewer people had medical debt on their credit reports in early 2022 compared to early 2020, according to the U.S. Consumer Financial…  read on >  read on >

Keeping your heart healthy has numerous benefits, including a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack and even dementia. Eating healthy foods is one big step you can take to protect your heart, but most folks wait too long to change what they eat. “Many people ignore their diet until they develop cardiovascular…  read on >  read on >

A growing number of U.S. kids are landing in hospital emergency rooms for a mental health crisis. Now a new study finds that many do not get follow-up care after they’re discharged. Experts said the findings, published Feb. 13 in the journal Pediatrics, are yet more evidence of the cracks in the nation’s mental health…  read on >  read on >

If you’re one of the millions seeking The One this Valentine’s Day, here’s a tip: Try swiping less. This is the main message from a new study that found excessive swiping on dating apps can cause partner choice overload, among other issues. “Dating apps may give us the impression that there is always someone better…  read on >  read on >

Millions of people worldwide live with a pacemaker that regulates their heartbeat, but exactly what are these devices and how do they work? Pacemakers can save the lives of heart patients by preventing conditions like bradycardia, or a slow heart rate. Since the invention of the pacemaker in 1960, improvements to their original technology have…  read on >  read on >

Exposure to wildfire smoke can increase the risk of premature birth, new research suggests. For the study, the researchers reviewed birth certificates and hospital delivery data for more than 2.5 million pregnant women in California from 2007 to 2012, and used satellite images and ZIP codes to compare daily estimates of wildfire smoke intensity. The…  read on >  read on >

Researchers studying well water found current monitoring practices often fail to reflect actual groundwater pollution risks. The problem: Spikes in harmful bacteria, like those from animal and human waste, vary depending on the season. They may be higher at times when testing is less likely to be done. “This is concerning because many residents and…  read on >  read on >

In the wake of natural disasters like wildfires that have destroyed whole communities with alarming speed, some folks are focused on the beloved pets left behind — and how to save others in the future. More than 1,000 pets died in the Marshall fire on Dec. 30, 2021, in Boulder County, Colo., according to new…  read on >  read on >