After a heart attack, your risk for a stroke is elevated longer than previously believed, preliminary results of a new study suggest. “A heart attack is a risk factor for stroke for at least three months,” said researcher Dr. Alexander Merkler, an assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.… read on >
In some bad news for chocolate Labrador Retriever lovers everywhere, new research shows that they have shorter life spans than their black and yellow cousins. Not only that, but they also have higher rates of skin disease and ear infections. For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 33,000 Labradors in the United Kingdom.… read on >
With the national shortage of primary care doctors and — in certain areas — specialists, and with a quarter of the population living in rural areas without easy access to care, telehealth has stepped in to help fill the gap. In fact, millions of Americans now use it every year. Telehealth involves virtual office visits.… read on >
Fleas thrive in hot and humid temperatures. So depending on where you live, fleas can be a year-round problem or a seasonal worry. Adult fleas are no bigger than a sesame seed, making them difficult to spot. And they can easily jump from one pet to another, or even to a person. The American Veterinary… read on >
Many dogs perk up at certain words, like “treat” or “squirrel.” But does Buddy really understand what you’re saying, or is he simply reacting to the excitement in your voice? Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta might have some answers. In a study of 12 dogs, the investigators say they’ve dug up some new details… read on >
Feel yourself being pulled in a million directions and losing track of what’s really important? The meditative practice called mindfulness can help you get centered and re-focus on what’s meaningful to you. And it doesn’t take time that’s already in short supply on your busy schedule. You can reap the benefits in less time than… read on >
“Eyeballing” emergency room patients may be better than a formal medical assessment in identifying those most in need of urgent care, a new study suggests. Nearly 6,400 patients seeking ER care were assessed over three months. Nurses used an established triage protocol to determine which patients were the sickest, while medical students and phlebotomists (blood… read on >
Fear of doctors is common among American preschoolers, and a trip to the pediatrician’s office can cause equal anxiety for Mom and Dad. Half of 2- to 5-year-olds are afraid of going to the doctor, according to a new survey of 726 parents. And some kids get so upset that 1 in 5 parents say… read on >
The number of women delivering babies via cesarean section has nearly doubled worldwide since 2000, to about 21 percent, new research shows. That’s significantly higher than the 10 percent to 15 percent considered medically necessary, researchers said. When complications develop, C-sections can save the lives of mothers and their babies. But the surgery is not… read on >
Contrary to popular belief, heart surgery patients who leave the hospital on a weekend or holiday do not have a higher risk for readmission, a new study finds. Some studies have reported the readmission rate after major heart surgery is as high as 22 percent. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles looked at… read on >
