A hysterectomy may be recommended for cases of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic support problems, abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic cancer, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says. Hysterectomies can be done vaginally, abdominally or laparoscopically. Vaginal hysterectomies tend to cause the fewest complications, the college says. The procedure does carry potential…  read on >

Drivers should avoid talking on their cellphones while on the road, the U.S. National Safety Council warns. It’s a myth that the human brain can simultaneously handle both the many aspects of driving while chatting with a cellphone in one hand, the council says. The agency dispels these additional myths: Talking on a cell phone…  read on >

You’re only as old as you feel. It’s a common expression that has some science behind it, thanks to a study from University College London in England. The researchers set out to learn if people who feel younger than their chronological age actually live longer. They looked at information from about 6,500 participants. The info…  read on >

Being in tune with the present moment — called mindfulness — can relieve stress and make you an actor rather than a reactor, a wellness expert says. Focusing on what’s happening right now allows people to notice things they might otherwise miss, said Dr. Timothy Riley. He is an assistant professor in the family and…  read on >

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind of menstrual pain, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. It is typically caused by an overabundance of chemicals produced by the uterus. These chemicals, called prostaglandins, trigger cramps when the uterus contracts and relaxes. Pain associated with menstruation can start a day or two before your period…  read on >

One of your New Year’s resolutions should be to be good to your skin, and dermatologists have 10 ways to help. “All the stresses and excesses of the holidays can leave your skin in bad shape, which makes you feel low, too,” said Dr. Megan Rogge, an assistant professor of dermatology the University of Texas…  read on >

Regular bedtimes and adequate sleep during childhood may contribute toward a healthy weight in the teen years, a new study finds. The study included nearly 2,200 kids in 20 U.S. cities. One-third of them had consistent, age-appropriate bedtimes between ages 5 and 9, according to their mothers. Compared to that group, those who had no…  read on >

Some people who receive botulinum toxin injections for disorders that cause muscle tightness and contractions develop resistance to the treatment, researchers say. The new study included nearly 600 patients with dystonia or spasticity who had been receiving botulinum toxin type A (commonly known as “Botox”) for about three to five years. The researchers found that…  read on >

If you’re thinking about making some health-related resolutions for 2019, the American Medical Association (AMA) has some suggestions. “This is the perfect time of year for each of us to consider our personal goals, and how we can make positive health choices in the coming year,” said AMA President Dr. Barbara McAneny. “We encourage everyone…  read on >

Stress and uncertainty plague many Americans, but there are a number of steps you can take to cope, a psychiatrist suggests. “In this day and age of ‘digital’ perfection, the stress of daily living can take a toll on our health, causing anxiety and depression, leading to relationship difficulties, problems at work, and the feeling…  read on >