Hospital germ detectives say the sinks next to toilets in patient rooms may harbor potentially dangerous bacteria. Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin checked a large Wisconsin hospital for Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase. KPC is a type of bacteria that can cause health care-associated infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections or surgical site… read on >
When it comes to analyzing the effects of watching reality TV, well, it’s complicated. While some see these shows as a brief escape from daily life, they can have negative effects on some viewers, including impressionable teens. Researchers asked 1,100 girls aged 11 to 17 about their viewing habits. On the one hand, watching reality… read on >
Forget the mellow slacker image — pot smoking might actually make men more potent. Men who’ve smoked marijuana appear to have significantly higher sperm concentrations than those who’ve never given it a try, a new study reports. There’s also a potential link between pot use and testosterone, said senior researcher Dr. Jorge Chavarro. He’s an… read on >
An experimental vaccine for bone cancer in dogs could offer a road map for a human version of the treatment, researchers report. More than 10,000 cases of bone cancer in dogs occur in the United States each year. But the disease is not common in humans, with only 800 to 900 cases a year. About… read on >
Toiling straight through the work day isn’t good for your mind or your body, the American Psychological Association says. The association recommends taking regular breaks to refuel and help alleviate stress. Here are its suggestions for including regular breaks during your day: Take short “microbreaks” by stretching, daydreaming, chatting or texting with friends, reading the… read on >
One way to get better medical care and more value for your health care dollars is to find yourself a primary care provider, researchers say. For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 70,000 U.S. adults who took part in a Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Of those, more than 49,000 had a primary care… read on >
Mammogram? Check. Pap test? Check. Blood pressure? Check. Hearing and vision? Check. Screenings are an important part of maintaining women’s health. They can detect disease when it’s most treatable and prevent serious problems, according to Dr. Lili Lustig. She is a family medicine specialist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Ohio. To get the… read on >
Hairstyles are a defining feature for many people, but some ‘dos can also damage hair follicles. A Johns Hopkins review of 19 studies has found that many hairstyles can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia. That’s the gradual loss of hair from damage to the follicle due to prolonged or repeated tension on… read on >
E-cigarette use is surging among American teenagers, with millions of kids flirting with nicotine addiction by regularly vaping. Unfortunately, these kids are going to face a rocky road if they try to kick their nicotine habit, experts say. There are no tested or approved methods for quitting e-cigarettes, said Linda Richter, director of policy research… read on >
Minus 29 Fahrenheit in Fargo, minus 28 in Minneapolis, minus 13 in Des Moines. With potential record-setting low temperatures ahead for much of the nation, one expert warns that frostbite can quickly strike exposed skin. “With wind chills approaching the single digits and below zero, it is possible to develop ‘frostnip’ with progression to frostbite… read on >
