When a heart attack occurs, delaying treatment by even a few minutes could be deadly. But many people wait hours after symptoms set in to get care — either because they feel mentally “frozen” and unable to act, or because they’re slow to recognize the seriousness of the situation, a new survey reveals. The finding…  read on >

Brittle bones are often seen as a woman’s health issue, but low bone mass may be more common among middle-aged men than generally thought, a small study suggests. The research, of 173 adults aged 35 to 50, found that men and women were equally likely to have low bone mass in the hip. It was…  read on >

Vaping is gaining a foothold in an unlikely population: New research shows a growing number of cancer patients are using electronic cigarettes. “The gradual but steady increase is quite striking,” said study author Dr. Nina Sanford, an assistant professor of radiation oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “The high prevalence of e-cigarette use…  read on >

Exercise apps and fitness trackers are all the rage, and now a new study shows they might actually work. A combination of an exercise app, an activity tracker and personal counseling increased women’s physical activity levels, researchers found. The study of 210 inactive women found that three months of this combined approach increased the number…  read on >

Chronic nail biting is unsanitary and can damage skin around the nail. This behavior also increases the risk of infection and could harm the teeth, says Mayo Clinic. To stop nail biting, the clinic suggests: Avoid factors that trigger nail biting. Take steps to manage stress and anxiety. Keep nails neatly trimmed. Occupy your hands…  read on >

There’s been a steep uptick in aggressive uterine cancers among American women, especially black women, since 2000, a new study shows. It also found that black women with these aggressive cancers have lower survival rates than other women. Researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) analyzed data on uterine cancer among 30- to 79-year-olds.…  read on >

The risk of a pregnancy-related type of heart failure is five times higher for women who undergo fertility treatment than those who conceive naturally, a new study says. The condition is called peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). It affects about 1 in 1,000 pregnant women worldwide and is life-threatening to the mother and baby. This study included…  read on >

When it comes to your home, safety first is a good rule to follow. And there are many steps you can take to limit home accidents. Making sure you have proper smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is at the top of the list. On a daily basis, your hands can face many hazards around the…  read on >

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer vacation — a season of potato salad, ice cream and, if you’re not careful, unwanted weight gain. But it is possible to avoid packing on the pounds. Just hop on the scale every day, researchers suggest. The new study included 111 U.S. adults, who weighed themselves every…  read on >

Teaching children how to care for an animal can be an invaluable experience, says the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Taking care of pets can help children develop social skills and learn how to treat others nicely. However, certain guidelines must be followed. The AACAP offers advice to parents and guardians: Children under…  read on >