Many migraine sufferers skip recommended behavioral treatments, such as stress management and talk therapy, a new study finds. Lack of time, cost and skepticism are among the reasons why, said Dr. Mia Minen, director of research for NYU Langone’s headache division in New York City. Previous studies have shown that treatments such as cognitive behavioral… read on >
Child sexual abuse in the United States exacts an enormous economic toll, researchers report. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health calculated that in 2015 alone, the costs associated with the aftermath of abuse exceeded $9 billion. That figure included costs associated with health care, child welfare, special education, violence and crime,… read on >
An annual flu shot is key for children with asthma, a new study shows. “We now know that if these kids get the flu, the risks are very high that emergency treatment for an asthma attack will fail,” said study co-author and pediatrician Dr. Francine Ducharme. “Instead of having an 18 percent risk of treatment… read on >
A majority of women with an early form of a common breast cancer may be able to skip chemotherapy, depending on the results of a comprehensive gene test. The new study of nearly 7,000 women found that use of the already available Oncogene DX gene test could pinpoint those women who needed chemotherapy, and those… read on >
A new and highly targeted drug slowed the growth of advanced breast cancers by about an average of two months, researchers report. “The findings in this study show a modest benefit to a subgroup of women with estrogen receptor-positive tumors,” said Dr. Stephanie Bernik, a breast cancer specialist who wasn’t involved in the research. Estrogen… read on >
A computer can beat even highly experienced dermatologists in spotting deadly melanomas, researchers report. The study is the latest to test the idea that “artificial intelligence” can improve medical diagnoses. Typically, it works like this: Researchers develop an algorithm using “deep learning” — where the computer system essentially mimics the brain’s neural networks. It’s exposed… read on >
Obese women who have been healthy for decades may still be on the path to heart problems, a new study suggests. “If you are obese, but free of disease like diabetes or hypertension, it does not mean you are free of the risk for cardiovascular disease,” said lead researcher Matthias Schulze. “You are still at… read on >
Many doctors have internet portals to help patients manage their care. But that doesn’t mean older folks will use them. A University of Michigan poll found only about half of patients 50 to 80 years old have set up an online account with their health care provider. “The health care system has provided patient portals… read on >
When it comes to kids and medical procedures like needles, expectation is everything. If they think the shot will hurt, it probably will, a new study finds. On the flip side, if they’re coaxed not to expect a lot of pain, they may feel it less. “We know that expectation affects pain experience in adults;… read on >
Urgent care centers are popping up across the country as an option for medical treatment. But it’s important to know the differences between these facilities and your local hospital emergency department. The ER is for life-threatening situations, yet many people go there when urgent care is more appropriate. According to one study, nearly half of… read on >
