Even man’s best friend isn’t immune to diseases that can make their way to people, the American Veterinary Medical Association says. The association mentions some examples: Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines. The parasite may be spread when a person or animal comes in contact with the stool of…  read on >

Can your personality determine how good you are with money? The answer is yes, according to research by Jacob Hirsh, an assistant professor of organizational behavior and human resource management at the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Institute for Management and Innovation. Introverts often prefer to save money, banking bucks for a large purchase or a…  read on >

Indoor air may actually harbor more hazardous pollutants than outdoor air, the National Safety Council says. These may include cigarette smoke, chemical odors, lead, mold, radon and pesticide residues, the agency says. Here are its recommendations for how to keep your home’s air safer: Test your home for radon. Keep your car and home smoke-free.…  read on >

If you’re worried that too much “screen time” could be sapping your child’s intelligence, new research suggests you might be right. Kids with the sharpest intellects spent less than two hours a day on their cellphones, tablets and computers, coupled with 9 to 11 hours of sleep and at least an hour of physical activity,…  read on >

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26, 2018 (HealthDay — News) — There’s long been a connection between birth control pills and a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. Now, new research suggests that’s true for the latest form of the drug, as well. Scientists say the protective effect of the newer pills — which contain lower doses of estrogens…  read on >

Maybe your cat is scratching up that sofa for a good reason: New research suggests that chemicals found in upholstery and carpeting may harm feline thyroids. The chemicals are called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They were in common use until about 2000 in furniture, floor coverings and clothing because of their ability to repel…  read on >

Most people carrying genes that put them at risk for cancer don’t realize it, new research suggests. Genetic screenings of more than 50,000 people found that more than 80 percent of those who carry a known gene variant for breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer were unaware of their risk. Researchers noted that most people…  read on >

Prepare for cold winter weather by making sure your pet has had a vet visit in the past year and that you are aware of all potential medical problems. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation suggests how to protect your pet in the cold: Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for the cold. Some will fare…  read on >

MONDAY, Sept. 24, 2018Reminding people to eat less or exercise usually gets their back up. That’s one reason why public health messages fall on deaf ears, researchers say. But investigators think they’ve found a better way. They suggest leaving your ego behind because it might open your mind to healthy activities that your natural defensiveness…  read on >

Exercising on a budget can be as simple as buying a good pair of walking shoes. But when you want to make an investment in fitness equipment, new options can make your workouts interactive as well as high-energy. Look for exercise bikes, treadmills and ellipticals that offer pre-set workouts, often with incline adjustments and/or increases…  read on >