Whether it’s the stress of choosing the right gift, drinking and eating too much, or fighting with relatives about politics, the holidays can be hard on your heart. In fact, new research from Sweden found the odds of a heart attack jump nearly 40 percent on Christmas Eve. “Traditional holidays were associated with increased risk… read on >
People seeking more satisfaction in their later years might find sex is the spice of life, new research suggests. For the study, researchers analyzed survey data from nearly 6,900 older adults, average age 65, in England. The investigators found that those who said they’d had any type of sexual activity in the previous 12 months… read on >
A vaccine that might help combat the opioid epidemic has performed well in early animal testing, researchers report. The vaccine contains antibodies that are effective against several synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and the even deadlier carfentanil. Tests in mice showed that the vaccine blocked the pain-numbing effects of synthetic opioids and also protected the mice… read on >
The holidays are typically full of tempting meals and desserts. The downside is the resulting weight gain. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sugests how to keep holiday weight gain at bay: Stay active. Walk often and park far from store entrances. Take a few extra laps around the mall, or start your… read on >
The bites of insects, spiders and dogs are a $1 billion yearly drain on the U.S. health care system, a new study has calculated. And climate change is only going to make matters worse, researchers contend. Attacks by mountain lions, bears and alligators get the most press, but the tiniest critters create the most work… read on >
Intimacy plays a larger role in casual sex among college students than previously thought, a new U.S. study reports. Researchers analyzed the results of an online survey that asked several hundred students at a university in the Northeast about their romantic relationships and casual sex. As expected, affectionate and intimate activities — such as cuddling,… read on >
You might be surprised to learn that stroke is the number three killer of women. Women and men have many of the same risk factors for stroke, but some — like high blood pressure, migraine with aura, diabetes and stress — tend to be stronger or more common in women. Your risk is also influenced… read on >
No one wants to spend the holidays in a hospital bed, but heading home might not be a good idea, new research suggests. The risk of hospital readmission or death was higher among patients who were discharged over the two-week December holiday period than at other times of the year, Canadian researchers found. For the… read on >
Hot flashes, a common curse in menopause, can be especially bothersome after breast cancer. But a new study suggests an existing medication may help. The drug is oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), long used to treat urinary incontinence. The study found that women taking the medicine had an average of five fewer hot flashes a week, compared… read on >
In a good economy, the care at U.S. nursing homes falls because it’s harder to attract and keep staff, a new study contends. “During economic downturns, many people are willing to take positions with work environments they may not prefer because there aren’t many options,” said principal investigator Sean Shenghsiu Huang. “But when the economy… read on >
