Many people wait until they’re older to have children, and that decision can raise the risk of problems like infertility and genetic abnormalities. But new research suggests there may be at least one benefit to having children later in life. The study found that kids with at least one older parent were less likely to… read on >
Herbs are plants or plant derivatives that can be used for their scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are sold in many forms including tablets, powders, teas, extracts and fresh plants. MedlinePlus urges people to remember that products labeled “natural” aren’t always safe and healthy. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the… read on >
If moving is never easy, then moving while you are pregnant has got to be a grueling experience. But could it actually harm your baby? Yes, a new investigation warns. The researchers found that switching homes during the first three months of pregnancy was tied to an increased risk that a baby would be born… read on >
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which hairs are moved from an area of thick growth to bald areas of the scalp. Hair transplants can improve the appearance and self-confidence of those who are balding, says the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Risks of hair transplants are generally minimal, but include… read on >
Patients who have noncardiac surgery are much more likely to die after they leave the hospital than in the operating room, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data on more than 40,000 adults, age 45 and older, who were operated on at 28 centers in 14 countries in North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa… read on >
A blood test may seem like a simple thing, but it can do so much. It can diagnose disease, reveal how well your organs work and whether a course of treatment is effective or not, experts say. Some blood tests require patients to fast before the blood is drawn. It’s crucial that you avoid eating… read on >
Parents of budding teens can breathe a little easier: A new study says adolescent “sexting” is not an epidemic. On the other hand, it’s not disappearing, either, despite campaigns to curb it. “Sexting is perceived as an epidemic because the news highlights extreme cases that involve tragic outcomes, and because it goes against standards of… read on >
Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment developed to help people confront their fears, says the American Psychological Association (APA). When people are fearful of things, they tend to avoid what frightens them. With exposure therapy, psychologists create an environment to expose people to the things they fear. Exposure therapy has been shown to help phobias,… read on >
Many older men take testosterone to boost their sex drive, but new research suggests that postmenopausal women who struggle with a sagging libido might want to follow suit. Applied topically, the hormone appears to increase women’s sexual function and satisfaction, according to a new review of 36 clinical trials involving nearly 8,500 women. Women naturally… read on >
Turns out that the old adage — an apple a day keeps the doctor away — may actually be true. New research suggests that the more plant foods you eat, the lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. People who ate a mostly plant-based diet reduced their risk of diabetes by 23%, the study found.… read on >
