Children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for the disease and other chronic health problems, a new study suggests. The finding comes from an analysis of long-term follow-up data on all children born in Denmark in a 25-year period. That included more than 2,100 children born to women diagnosed with rheumatoid… read on >
The chance of dying from a common heart rhythm disorder is higher for people treated at rural rather than urban hospitals, a new study finds. The researchers analyzed data from hospitalizations for the heart ailment known as atrial fibrillation — or a-fib — in the United States between 2012 and 2014. A-fib can lead to… read on >
Some thiings never change: Scientists say the bacteria circulating in the International Space Station are similar to those in homes on Earth. That’s the conclusion of researchers at the University of California, Davis, who analyzed bacteria collected by astronauts. “So ‘is it gross?’ and ‘will you see microbes from space?’ are probably the two most… read on >
Hospital operating rooms produce thousands of tons of greenhouse gases each year, but changing the type of anesthesia used in surgery can help lower those emissions, researchers report. For the study, investigators assessed the carbon footprint of operating rooms at three hospitals: Vancouver General Hospital in Canada; University of Minnesota Medical Center in the United… read on >
THURSDAY, Dec. 7, 2017Some common breast cancer medications can trigger joint pain, but new research suggests acupuncture may ease that side effect. The finding could be a win-win for breast cancer patients, said one oncologist who reviewed the study. “Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has no real downside,” said Dr. Lauren… read on >
It’s common doctors’ advice to the elderly: Walk around the block each day to help stay fit. Trouble is, that advice might do more harm than good if you live in a neighborhood with smoggy air, a new study shows. British research suggests the unhealthy effects of breathing dirty air might outweigh whatever benefit the… read on >
When it comes to getting and staying fit, women may have an aerobic edge over men, new research suggests. In a small new study, investigators compared oxygen uptake and muscle oxygen extraction in 18 young men and women while they worked out on a treadmill. Oxygen uptake is an important measure of aerobic fitness. Women… read on >
In hospitals around the world, noise complaints are booming. But some medical centers are trying to stem the ’round-the-clock’ racket. Medical equipment, air circulation machinery, announcements and staff pages create a cacophony of sounds 24/7 that can stress patients, staff and visitors alike, said Ilene Busch-Vishniac, a consultant on noise control. Besides sleep disruptions, high… read on >
Good nail care is important, but it’s possible to overdo it. For instance, it turns out that too much clipping can actually be harmful. Trimming nails every day can create stress across the entire nail. Over time, it can change nail shape and even lead to conditions like ingrown toe nails. It’s fine to trim… read on >
Everyone knows that smoking is dangerous, increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease and stroke. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, it may cause many other health problems among women: Decreased bone density in post-menopausal women. Rheumatoid arthritis. Cataracts. Gum disease. Ulcers. Complications after surgery. Depression. Menstrual problems, including an irregular… read on >
