People struggling with COPD might find some relief in an ancient art. The centuries-old practice of tai chi appears to boost the exercise capabilities and the quality of life of those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a study from Chinese and British researchers suggests. COPD is a chronic, debilitating and largely incurable form of…  read on >

Memo to Mom and Dad: Rein in your screen time. That’s one of the things that kids say they’d like to tell their parents, according to a survey on families’ technology rules and expectations. To better understand the tug of war between parents and children over their electronic gadgets, researchers from the University of Michigan…  read on >

Folks using online message boards to learn more about their heart implant should take any advice they come across with a grain of salt. Researchers report it’s as likely as not the guidance they find will be bogus. About half of the advice related to heart implants found on an anonymous online board was either…  read on >

If you are considering breast implants, you should be aware of potential risks, including breast pain and potential rupture of an implant, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The FDA offers this information for women who are considering breast implants: Understand that breast implants may require future surgery. Review product labeling and the Summary…  read on >

Growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood may mean more visits to the emergency room, a new study suggests. When children came from areas of “low opportunity,” they were about one-third more likely to have been treated at an urgent care center or an emergency room than kids from areas with more opportunity. They were also…  read on >

COPD may seem like an adult disease, often tied to smoking. But two new studies suggest it could have roots in life’s earliest years. Kids with issues such as asthma or those exposed to secondhand smoke may be more susceptible to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) decades later — especially if they grow up to…  read on >

In search of a cosmetic surgery procedure that might be less costly than the going rate in the United States, a 43-year-old woman traveled to the Dominican Republic for a “tummy tuck.” What she got, instead, were massive open sores and an antibiotic-resistant infection that ultimately left her with a deformed abdomen. And hers is…  read on >

Drinking polluted water can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, reproductive problems and developmental problems, the website girlshealth.gov says. Here are the site’s suggestions to help curb water pollution: Recycle batteries and other harmful trash, such as paint. Have water at home tested for pollutants. Filter or boil water if it contains bacteria, lead or chlorine.…  read on >

WEDNESDAY, April, 4, 2018Eating lots of vegetables may help older women keep their blood vessels healthy, Australian researchers report. The biggest benefit seems to come from cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Eating these strong-smelling veggies was linked to less thickening of the carotid arteries, located in the neck. Thickening of this…  read on >

Blood levels of a flame retardant have fallen in American children since use of the chemicals was banned in consumer products, a new study finds. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were once widely used in household items, such as couches, mattresses, carpet padding and other upholstered items. In 2004, pentaBDE — a specific mixture of PBDEs…  read on >