Women whose periods started before age 12 may face an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, a new British study suggests. Early menopause, pregnancy complications and hysterectomy are also associated with a higher risk for heart disease and stroke, according to the research. “More frequent cardiovascular screening would seem to be sensible among women… read on >
All Lifestyle:
Severe Bullying Tied to Mental Health Woes in Teens
Teens who were severely bullied as children are at increased risk for mental health problems and suicide attempts, a Canadian study finds. The study included data on more than 1,300 children in the province of Quebec, from birth until age 15. About 59 percent of the children reported some bullying in their first years of… read on >
Take Your Houseplant to Work Day
Do you often feel grumpy at work? Sometimes a small change in your surroundings can have a big effect on your mood. According to a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, having some greenery in your office space can make you both happier and more productive. British and Dutch researchers decided to challenge… read on >
Health Tip: 5 Ways to Increase Self-Confidence
Do you have lingering feelings of self-doubt, insecurity and incompetence, despite evidence that you are skilled and successful? The American Psychological Association calls this “imposter syndrome.” Here are the organization’s suggestions for beating imposter syndrome: If all fingers point to your doing a great job at work, ignore any self-doubt. Stop feeling guilty and celebrate… read on >
Asthma in America Carries $82 Billion Price Tag
The economic cost of asthma in the United States is nearly $82 billion a year, federal health officials report. That figure includes medical expenses and costs associated with work and school absences and deaths. However, the true cost of asthma is probably underestimated because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study did not… read on >
Raw Meat Not the Safest Choice for Your Dog … or You
While your dog or cat might love the taste of raw meat, a steady diet of it might be a bad idea, a new study warns. Raw meat diets for pets have become increasingly popular, but there is no evidence that they are healthier than typical pet foods, the researchers said. In fact, some studies… read on >
‘Bone Cement’: A Non-Surgical Option for Painful Joints?
Injecting a calcium-based cement into the bones of some people with knee or hip pain could help them avoid joint replacement surgery, Ohio State University doctors say. The calcium phosphate cement flows into the spongy inside portion of the bone, filling in microfractures and other damaged areas, and it hardens in about 10 minutes’ time,… read on >
Is Surgery Riskier for Black Children?
Black children are more than twice as likely as white kids to die from surgery complications in the United States, a new study suggests. Researchers found that black kids more often had risk factors that raised their odds of dying within 30 days of surgery. They were more likely, for example, to need blood transfusions… read on >
Vitamin D Supplements May Make Arteries Healthier
High doses of vitamin D seem to keep arteries more flexible and pliable, potentially warding off future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, preliminary research suggests. In just four months, vitamin D supplements reduced arterial stiffness in a group of 70 young black men and women, according to results from a small-scale clinical trial. The… read on >
Stressed? Try Sniffing Your Partner’s T- Shirt
Need to travel for work? Have an important job interview coming up? Consider tucking a shirt from your partner into your bag. Sniffing it just might help you relax. It seems that the scent of a romantic partner can help ease stress, particularly when couples are temporarily separated or away from home, according to new… read on >