A “well” visit to her ob-gyn can benefit a woman’s heart, two leading U.S. medical groups say. “As the leading health care providers for women, ob-gyns provide care that goes far beyond reproductive health and are in a unique position to screen, counsel and educate patients on heart health,” said Dr. Haywood Brown, immediate past…  read on >

For most people, the internet is a key source of information and a meeting place for social networking and chatting. But with all of that interaction comes risks of child predators. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to keep your kids safer online: Do not give out personal information, such as your full…  read on >

If you use Airbnbs or other vacation rentals, it might be a good idea to check first on their fire safety. A new study found that while many Airbnbs in the United States had smoke alarms, less than half had fire extinguishers or first-aid kits. The research was led by Vanya Jones, of the Johns…  read on >

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has become the hot new product in states that have legalized medical marijuana. The non-intoxicating marijuana extract is being credited with helping treat a host of medical problems — everything from epileptic seizures to anxiety to inflammation to sleeplessness. But experts say the evidence is scant for most of these touted benefits.…  read on >

If your child lands in the hospital with an accidental injury, new research suggests you should watch for signs they may be struggling with what happened to them. Investigators found that among children treated for serious injuries at one pediatric hospital, the odds of being diagnosed with a mental health condition rose by 63 percent…  read on >

Teens who were once hooked on sugary sodas may now be now turning to sugary sports drinks, a new study reveals. While soda’s popularity declines, the number of U.S. high school students who drank sports drinks at least once per week actually rose slightly, from 56 percent in 2010 to nearly 57 percent in 2015.…  read on >

Escherichia coli(E. coli) is a bacterium that’s found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals. Many strains are harmless, but some can make you very sick, causing diarrhea, urinary tract infection, respiratory illness and pneumonia, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Certain strains produce a toxin called Shiga, leading…  read on >

If your pet’s medication comes with a broken seal or a leaking bottle, you should report these and similar issues to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at once, the agency asks. Here’s how the FDA says you can file a report: Call the drug company directly if you are reporting a bad reaction or…  read on >

When it comes to having “the talk,” many teens admit they’re not communicating with their parents or their doctors about sex, new research reveals. “Teens and young adults account for more STIs [sexually transmitted infections] than all other ages combined,” said study co-author Dr. Kari Schneider, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at…  read on >