Hand washing with soap and warm water is an effective way to prevent the spread of germs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests washing your hands at these key times: Before,during andafterpreparing food. Beforeeating. Beforeandaftercaring for someone who is sick. Beforeandaftertreating a wound. Aftergoing to the bathroom. Afterchanging diapers or cleaning up… read on >
All Lifestyle:
Fewer U.S. Kids Are Getting Cavities
Fewer U.S. kids are plagued by tooth cavities compared to just a few years ago, but income disparities persist, according to a new U.S. government study. Researchers found that in 2015-2016, about 43 percent of children ages 2 to 19 had cavities. That was down from 50 percent four years earlier. This is the good… read on >
Yoga Can Soothe Anxious Grade Schoolers
Yoga at school might work wonders for the younger set, new research suggests. In the study, 52 third-graders who had symptoms of anxiety were randomly assigned to take part in either yoga/mindfulness sessions for eight weeks, or to a control group that received usual care such as counseling and other activities from a school social… read on >
Spring Sneezin’ Season Has Sprung
If you suffer from allergies, you already know that pollen is in the air — even in the parts of the United States with unseasonably cool temperatures. So what kind of allergy season can we expect this year? Will we see a return of the pollen vortex? Might we have a blooming bombogenesis of pollen?… read on >
Doctors Curbing First-Time Prescriptions for Opioids
Although the opioid epidemic continues to rage in America, promising new data show that first-time opioid painkiller prescription rates have slowed in recent years. The researchers also discovered that people taking medications called benzodiazepines — used to treat anxiety, panic attacks and mental conditions associated with chronic pain — were more likely to receive a… read on >
Cigarette Tax Hike Could Ease Poverty for Millions Worldwide: Study
A big boost in cigarette prices could lead to fewer health problems and less poverty for millions of people worldwide, according to a new study. The researchers from the Global Tobacco Economics Consortium used a computer model to predict how a 50 percent cigarette tax increase would affect health and poverty in 13 middle-income countries… read on >
The Bad Habits That Lead to Weight Gain
It’s no secret that weight gain results from consuming too many calories. But at its core is an imbalance of healthy and unhealthy habits. On one side of the scale — the healthy side — are foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean protein and plant-based fats. On the other side are the… read on >
Health Tip: Signs of Abuse at an Eldercare Facility
Each year, thousands of adults over age 60 are abused, neglected or financially exploited, the National Institute on Aging says. The agency mentions these possible warning signs of elder abuse: Troublesleeping Depression or confusion. Unexplained weight loss. Acting agitated or violent. Social withdrawal. Unexplained bruises, burns or scars. Unkempt appearance. Bed sores. Source: HealthDay
Health Tip: Women Have Unique Nutrition Needs
Women have unique nutritional needs, especially during pregnancy and menopause. Here’s how a woman’s diet should differ from that of a man, courtesy of the U.S. government’s Office on Women’s Health: Calories.Women typically need fewercalories because women naturally have less muscle, more body fat and are usually smaller. Vitamins and minerals.Calcium, iron and folic acid… read on >
Another Wildfire Danger: Heart Attacks
Wildfire smoke may trigger a heart complication or stroke in vulnerable people, a new U.S. study suggests. Looking at the impact of the widespread California wildfires of 2015, researchers found a spike in emergency department visits for heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular complications. The risk was largely seen among adults aged 65 and older.… read on >