Swimmer extraordinaire Michael Phelps has won 28 Olympic medals — 23 of them gold. Yet, despite all those medals and the accolades that came with them, Phelps has struggled with depression and anxiety. In 2014, it got so bad that he locked himself in his bedroom and stayed there for days. “During those days, I… read on >
Despite evidence to the contrary, four in 10 Americans believe alternative therapies can cure cancer, a new survey finds. Research shows that cancer death rates are much higher among patients who use only alternative therapies than among those who receive standard cancer treatments, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The group’s second… read on >
Parents of teens can add “sextortion” to the list of things to worry about, because a new study shows that 5 percent of teenagers are targets of this cybercrime. Another 3 percent of teens have likely done it to others, the study authors added. Sextortion is threatening to share sexually explicit photos without consent if… read on >
A handful of California doctors are making hay off anti-vaccine parents, charging hundreds of dollars to issue medical exemptions for required childhood vaccinations, a new study claims. In 2015, California passed a law eliminating personal belief exemptions for vaccinations that kids must receive before they can attend public school. In the years since, there’s been… read on >
People directly exposed to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks appear at increased risk of drug- and alcohol-related death, a new study finds. “Following a major disaster, alcohol- and drug-related mortality may be increased,” said Dr. Jim Cone and colleagues of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For the study, the… read on >
With flu season looming, don’t wait too long to get your flu shot, a health expert advises. “The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated,” said Cindy Weston, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing. “When it comes to you and your family’s health, it’s best to take the… read on >
Paid leave for new mothers may increase breastfeeding rates, but mainly among women with higher incomes, a new study contends. The United States is the only developed country that does not offer paid leave to new parents on a national level. But four states now offer paid leave, and the study focused on two of… read on >
Botox is made by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s been used as a way to treat eye and nerve disorders for more than 20 years, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says. While people typically think of Botox as a remedy for facial wrinkles, the AOCD says it’s FDA-approved to also… read on >
THURSDAY, Oct. 25, 2018Anxiety, depression and panic attacks are sending U.S. college students to mental health clinics in record numbers, a new study finds. Between 2009 and 2015, treatment and diagnoses of anxiety increased by nearly 6 percent among these students, followed by depression and panic attacks, which each increased about 3 percent. Anxiety is… read on >
Young children are more likely to be awakened by a smoke alarm that uses their mother’s voice than one with a typical high-pitched alarm, a new study finds. The mother’s voice alarm also resulted in much quicker escape times. “Children are remarkably resistant to awakening by sound when asleep,” explained study co-author Dr. Mark Splaingard,… read on >
