Service dogs may help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in military veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a new study finds. For the study, researchers compared a group of veterans with PTSD who had a service dog to a group of veterans on the waitlist to receive one. “Our previous research suggests… read on >
The effects of neighborhood violence can seep into schools and lead to lower grades, even among students who have no direct exposure to the violence, a new study reveals. For the study, researchers analyzed data from students who attended Chicago public schools between 2002 and 2010. The researchers found that in schools where large numbers… read on >
Is your kitchen towel making you sick? The answer could be yes if you use the towel for many purposes, have a large family and are not a vegetarian, according to a new study of germs lurking on towels. Forty-nine percent of the kitchen towels collected for the study were laden with bacteria, and the… read on >
The dilemma is all too familiar: It’s Monday morning, you walk into your office and see that someone has left a big box of donuts in the break room. Then, your co-worker tells you there will be cake later for yet another birthday celebration. One thing’s for sure. You’re not alone. A new federal government… read on >
Some 5 million children in the United States wet the bed, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Although most kids are potty trained by age 4, bedwetting may still be a problem for about 20 percent of 5-year-olds, 10 percent of 7-year-olds and 5 percent of 10-year-olds, the group says. Most cases seem to be… read on >
Having health insurance is essential, especially for catastrophic situations. But it’s important to choose a plan carefully because your costs can go well beyond the monthly premium. Knowing key terms will help you calculate potential expenses more accurately. First is your deductible, the dollar amount you’ll pay before insurance covers anything other than preventive services.… read on >
Major volcanic eruptions like the one going on in Hawaii are rare, but they can lead to serious health concerns. Volcanos produce gases mixed with water and tiny particles that form a type of pollution called vog. It can irritate the eyes and trigger heart attacks and respiratory problems such as asthma and wheezing. Active… read on >
Which sunscreen is right for you? There may be no easy answer unless you understand sunscreen lingo, the American Academy of Dermatology says. A recent study in JAMA Dermatology found that fewer than half of people asked at a dermatology clinic understood the meaning of “broad spectrum” or “SPF.” The academy offers this primer about… read on >
Humidity doesn’t hinder the ability of flu viruses to infect people, claims a new study that challenges a long-held belief that the viruses become less active in moist conditions. The researchers found that mucus and other airway secretions expelled during coughs or sneezes protect flu viruses when they’re airborne, regardless of humidity levels. The findings… read on >
One in four U.S. high school seniors would try marijuana or use it more often if it was legal, a new survey finds. That rate — the highest in the 43-year history of the Monitoring the Future survey — likely reflects growing pot legalization in the United States, researchers said. Broken down, about 15 percent… read on >
