It’s long been known that diabetes in pregnancy raises the odds for congenital heart defects. But new research shows that the threat may also extend to women who simply have high blood sugar levels — not just full-blown diabetes. “This finding may have a profound effect on how pregnant women are screened and treated —… read on >
The skin disorder rosacea should be added to the list of chronic diseases linked to obesity, researchers report. Their large new study found that the risk for rosacea increases among women as weight rises. The researchers reviewed the records of nearly 90,000 U.S. women, tracked over 14 years. They found a 48 percent higher likelihood… read on >
Before the #MeToo movement and the fall of numerous powerful men accused of sexual harassment, researchers surveyed thousands of women and found the problem to be widespread. The poll, conducted last winter by Harvard researchers, found those women most likely to report sexual harassment were young and college-educated. Among women 18 to 29 years old,… read on >
Fido can become quite sick from unsafe treats, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Your dog may have a bone to pick with you if a bad treat leads to stomach or bowel obstruction, choking, mouth wounds, vomiting, diarrhea or internal bleeding, the FDA says. In some cases, a bad treat can lead to… read on >
In a finding that’s sure to ruffle some fur and feathers, scientists report that having a pet doesn’t fend off age-related declines in physical or mental health. “Our results showed that in this sample of almost 9,000 people — average age 67 years — for those who owned a pet, no health benefits were found,”… read on >
Many people insist their joints ache more when it rains. But that popular notion might be all wet, a new study suggests. The study of more than 1.5 million older Americans found that people were no more likely to visit the doctor with joint or back pain during rainy weeks than sunny ones. Even among… read on >
Emergency room doctors must think fast — and video games might help boost their decision-making, new research suggests. A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found an adventure video game improved ER doctors’ ability to assess the level of care needed by trauma patients. “Physicians must make decisions quickly and with… read on >
Raising one particular tax just might have a public health benefit. The tax in question? States’ alcohol excise tax. In the United States, those taxes have not kept pace with inflation, which could limit their public health benefits, researchers report. In inflation-adjusted dollars, the average state alcohol excise tax has fallen by 30 percent for… read on >
Finding the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your shopping list is a major source of stress. To help relieve seasonal gift-giving woes, the American Psychological Association suggests: Keep a “to do” gift list, and check it often. Set realistic expectations for the holidays. Be aware of holiday stress, and adjust your schedule accordingly. Get… read on >
When it comes to kids with cancer, most health care providers who care for them say they’d help their patients get medical marijuana. That finding stems from an analysis of survey responses from 288 doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, social workers and registered nurses. The survey respondents — in Boston, Chicago and Seattle —… read on >
