The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, which has been shown to cause cancer in males and females, the American Cancer Society says. More than 270 million doses have been administered since 2006, reports the society, saying studies have shown the vaccine is safe. The society adds: The HPV vaccination is for boys and girls.…  read on >

It is common and perfectly natural for a young child to feel some separation anxiety when a guardian isn’t nearby, Harvard Medical School experts say. But if separation anxiety is strong enough to interfere with normal activities such as school and friendships, it may be cause for psychological counseling, the school says. In cases of…  read on >

Kids with summer birthdays, especially those who spend long hours playing on smartphones and tablets, might be at greater risk for vision problems, a new study suggests. Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is on the rise worldwide. It’s what eye doctors call a refractive error, meaning the eyes can’t focus light properly. The result: Close objects…  read on >

A newborn can bring a sense of fulfillment to your life … and an equal amount of stress over everything from baby’s health to your own parenting skills. A few simple strategies can help both mom and dad relax. First, expect to feel many different, often contradictory emotions. You might go from pure bliss as…  read on >

Melanoma skin cancer death rates in men are on the rise in most countries, but are stable or declining for women in some, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed World Health Organization data from 33 countries between 1985 and 2015. Melanoma death rates in men were increasing in all but one nation. In all…  read on >

MONDAY, Nov. 5, 2018When Americans set clocks an hour ahead in the spring for Daylight Saving Time, hospitalizations rise for people with a common type of irregular heartbeat, a new study finds. Atrial fibrillation affects at least 3 million Americans and possibly twice that many. Its main danger is an increased risk for stroke or…  read on >

Opioid users may be putting themselves at increased risk for atrial fibrillation (“A-fib”), an abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to a stroke, a new study suggests. The preliminary finding stems from an analysis of medical records of more than 850,000 military veterans. It found that opioid use increases the likelihood of A-fib by 34…  read on >

The American Academy of Pediatrics is strengthening its recommendation to ban spanking and other forms of corporal punishment, citing new research that says that type of discipline can affect normal brain development. Harsh verbal punishment, such as shaming or humiliation, is also a threat to children, the AAP says in an updated policy statement. “The…  read on >

More than 17 million cosmetic procedures are performed in the United States each year. Most of these are minimally invasive, designed to improve your appearance in subtle ways without the surgery, stitches and long healing time of early facelifts, once the only rejuvenating option available. Today’s most popular procedures are: Botox injections to soften lines,…  read on >