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 >
Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment with only a vague idea of what was said? You’re not alone: A new survey finds many Americans, and their doctors, are turning to recordings for help. Researchers found that almost 30 percent of the doctors they surveyed had ever recorded a visit for a patient’s use. And… read on >
In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, residents of the Carolinas are facing a new health threat: mold. Mold-related illnesses are a serious concern following severe flooding in North and South Carolina, say experts from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. “Where there’s dampness and water, there’s mold,” said Paula Schenck, of the division of… read on >
