Doctors need not fear that sporting a tattoo might drive patients away. That’s the finding of a small, new study that included seven doctors in the emergency department of a trauma center in a large Pennsylvania city who wore either fake body piercings or tattoos, or both, or no body art. The researchers surveyed nearly…  read on >

Working lots of overtime may get you appreciation from the boss, but it might be bad for your health. New research suggests that women who clock 45 or more hours a week have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes than women who log 35 to 40 hours weekly. The study authors aren’t sure why…  read on >

Get up off of the couch: Sitting too much may kill you even if you exercise regularly. If you sit for six hours a day or more, your risk of dying early jumps 19 percent, compared with people who sit fewer than three hours, an American Cancer Society study suggests. And, the study authors added,…  read on >

Taking time off reduces many workers’ stress and re-energizes them, but those benefits disappear once they’re on the job again, researchers say. Moreover, many people said they’re unable to relax and enjoy their time away from the office at all, according to a new poll of more than 1,500 American adults who work full- or…  read on >

When planning your Fourth of July outing, remember sun protection for youngsters. “It is imperative for parents to protect their children from the harmful effects of extreme sun exposure,” said Dr. Alberto Pappo, director of the Solid Tumor Division at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Kids are not immune from cancer just…  read on >

During the summer when people trade in their jackets and jeans for flip flops and bathing suits, more skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Dr. Katherine Gordon, assistant professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said summer is the perfect time for people to get in the habit of…  read on >

Sticking with one primary care doctor may help you stay healthy and extend your life, according to a new British study. Researchers reviewed 22 studies from nine countries with different cultures and health systems. Of those, 18 concluded that staying with the same doctor over time significantly reduced early deaths, compared with switching doctors. “Currently,…  read on >

The genes that make Fido your best friend are being uncovered by researchers. The investigators compared the DNA of modern dogs, ancient dogs and wolves. That comparison found something odd: Sometimes, the DNA of modern dogs didn’t match that from ancient canines. “We convinced ourselves that previous studies found many genes not associated with being…  read on >

Dairy products are a great source of calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients that help promote bone growth. The U.S. National Institutes of Health says most people in the United States aren’t getting the calcium they need for the heart, muscles, nerves and bones. The agency suggests: Drink low-fat or fat-free milk. Have milk with…  read on >

Has that week-old yogurt really gone bad? Did the chicken you bought just three days ago already spoil? Your smartphone might one day be able to tell you, new research suggests. A group of scientists is developing a portable, inexpensive and easy-to-use electronic tag to send wireless alerts to smartphones when a telltale gas is…  read on >