A ban on menthol cigarettes would likely lead to a meaningful reduction in smoking rates, a new review argues. Almost a quarter of menthol smokers quit smoking altogether after menthol cigarettes were banned in their country or community, researchers report Feb. 21 in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research. “This review provides compelling evidence for… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Cutting Out Meat Might Help Prevent Snoring: Study
A person’s diet can influence their risk of obstructive sleep apnea, a new study says. Those who eat a healthy plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and nuts are less likely to suffer sleep apnea, according to findings published Feb. 20 in the journal ERJ Open Research. On the other hand, people who… read on > read on >
Out-of-Pocket Costs Are Tough on Americans With Diabetes
People with diabetes have to spend a ton of money to stay healthy, a new study reports. Total and out-of-pocket costs for diabetics run hundreds to thousands of dollars more than regular medical expenses for people without diabetes, researchers found. Type 1 diabetes costs nearly $25,700 a year to properly manage, with out-of-pocket charges running… read on > read on >
Treating Vaginal Dryness Around and After Menopause
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024Postmenopausal or peri-menopausal women are often hampered by vaginal dryness, which can put the brakes on a healthy sex life. It doesn’t have to stay that way, experts advised. Numerous products are available to help maintain vaginal lubrication. “After and around the time of menopause, your body makes less estrogen,” Dr. Cynthia… read on > read on >
EPA Will Spend $5.8 Billion to Help Clean Up U.S. Drinking Water
Nearly $6 billion in funding will soon be spread through every U.S. state and territory as part of a massive, ongoing effort to clean up the nation’s water supply, the Biden Administration announced Tuesday. EPA Adminstrator Michael Regan and Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Pittsburgh on Tuesday to announce the latest infusion of… read on > read on >
Too Much Niacin May Be Bad for the Heart
Niacin is an essential B vitamin, but new research reveals that too much of it may harm your heart. Found in many foods that millions of Americans eat, excessive amounts of niacin can trigger inflammation and damage blood vessels, scientists report in the Feb. 19 issue of the journal Nature Medicine. “The average person should… read on > read on >
Anger Won’t Help You Get Ahead in the Workplace
Being an angry hard-charger won’t win you any points in the workplace, new research has found. Prior evidence had suggested that workers who express anger are judged to be competent and hold a higher status, the researchers noted. But the new studies refute those earlier findings, according to researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and… read on > read on >
Patients With Depression Face Highest Risk for Suicide in Days After Hospital Discharge
People treated at psychiatric hospitals are at highest risk of committing suicide immediately after their discharge if they suffer from depression, a new study reports. Patients hospitalized for depression are hundreds of times more likely to commit suicide within the first three days of discharge, compared to the suicide rate of the general population, results… read on > read on >
Political Changes Are Stressing Hispanic Americans: Study
Immigration has become a contentious topic in America, but new research shows the heated debate on the issue may be stressing out Hispanics across the country, whether they are citizens or not. After analyzing data from 2011-2018, the researchers discovered that, over time, there has an increase in psychological distress among all Hispanics as U.S.… read on > read on >
What Helps the Homeless Who Have Pets? Study Has Answers
One in 10 homeless people has a pet, and one-stop health clinics where both can get health care would benefit both, a new study suggests. The study, published Feb. 19 in the journal Human-Animal Interactions, found that joint people-pet clinics, free veterinary clinics and pet-friendly lodging are common ways homeless people and their four-legged companions… read on > read on >