Plastic surgery is no longer the sole domain of women, and men now have even more incentive to try a little nip-and-tuck on their faces: New research suggests they look more attractive and trustworthy to others. The study included 24 men, average age 49 years, who had one or more of the following procedures: upper…  read on >

The sugar substitute xylitol may help you lose weight, but it can be deadly for your dog, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Xylitol is present in many human foods and other products, and the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has received a number of reports over the past several years of dogs being…  read on >

Sunglasses need to be more than just fashion accessories, an eye expert advises. “Think of sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes,” said Dr. Dianna Seldomridge, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Your eyes need protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, just like your skin,” she explained. “Make sure your eyes are protected…  read on >

Diabetes brings with it a variety of long-term complications, but at least one of those — heart failure — is a bigger threat to women than men, new research suggests. The risk difference was even more pronounced for women with type 1 diabetes. “Our global review of 12 million people shows that having diabetes increases…  read on >

If you struggle with anxiety, you might want to skip that second cup of coffee, new research suggests. For some people, caffeine may help with concentration and provide an energy boost, but it can cause problems for those with general anxiety disorder, said Dr. Julie Radico, a clinical psychologist with Penn State Health. “Caffeine is…  read on >

Music may be as powerful as drugs in calming patients before they undergo surgery, new research suggests. It worked just as well as a tranquilizer before patients received a peripheral nerve block prior to their procedure, the researchers said. Peripheral nerve block numbs a specific area of the body where surgery is being done. Many…  read on >

A portable hand sanitizer is convenient and can play an important role in preventing the spread of germs. But for a hand sanitizer to be effective, it must be used correctly, says Rush University Medical Center. The school encourages you to: Read the product label to ensure you are using the right amount. Rub it…  read on >

Financial rewards for quitting smoking do help smokers — including pregnant women — kick the habit and remain smoke-free, a new study confirms. “Rewards, such as money or vouchers, have been used to encourage smokers to quit, and to reward them if they stay stopped. Such schemes have been used in workplaces, in clinics and…  read on >

The herbal supplement kratom regularly causes serious side effects and doesn’t appear safe for use, a new study argues. Kratom, made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian plant, is usually used to treat pain and addiction. But poison control center data shows it has been tied to seizures, withdrawal, hallucinations, agitation and rapid heart…  read on >