Colorful lights and candles can make the holidays sparkle, but child safety should be a priority when decking the halls or trimming a tree, a leading pediatricians’ group says. Christmas trees adorn many homes during the holidays but they can pose fire and other safety hazards if certain precautions aren’t taken, the American Academy of… read on >
All Lifestyle:
Health Tip: All-Nighters Are Unhealthy
All-nighters are a favorite pastime for many college kids who cram for exams at the last minute. But the resulting lack of sleep is anything but healthy, the National Sleep Foundation says. The foundation says doing an all-nighter may: Make you forgetful. Lead to weight gain. Affect your mood. Affect your circadian rhythm, the 24-hour… read on >
Flu Shot Safe Even With an Egg Allergy
It’s safe for people with an egg allergy to get a flu shot, says a leading U.S. allergists’ group. Doctors no longer need to question patients about egg allergy before giving the vaccine, according to an updated guideline from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “When someone gets a flu shot, health care… read on >
Tougher State Laws Curb Vaccine Refusers
A Washington state law aimed at discouraging nonmedical childhood vaccine exemptions seems to have worked, a new study finds. The legislation, enacted in 2011, required parents to talk to a doctor before they could get their child exempted from vaccinations for nonmedical reasons. Researchers found that after the law went into effect, the state’s overall… read on >
Money May Not Buy Happiness, But . . .
Happiness is not determined by the size of one’s paycheck, but a new survey suggests that wealth — or lack of it — does influence how people measure their happiness. “Different positive emotions — like awe, love, pride, compassion — are core parts of happiness, and we found that rich and poor differ in the… read on >
The Holidays Can Pose Hazards to Your Pet’s Health
While you revel in the decorations and good food of the holiday season, there are dangers lurking in the tinsel and treats that can pose threats to your beloved pet. One veterinarian offers suggestions to maintain your pet safety. “Keep your pet from chewing or ingesting ornaments, holiday lights, electric wire and ribbons, to prevent… read on >
Mom-to-Be’s High Blood Sugar May Raise Baby’s Odds for Heart Defects
It’s long been known that diabetes in pregnancy raises the odds for congenital heart defects. But new research shows that the threat may also extend to women who simply have high blood sugar levels — not just full-blown diabetes. “This finding may have a profound effect on how pregnant women are screened and treated —… read on >
Excess Weight May Raise Rosacea Risk
The skin disorder rosacea should be added to the list of chronic diseases linked to obesity, researchers report. Their large new study found that the risk for rosacea increases among women as weight rises. The researchers reviewed the records of nearly 90,000 U.S. women, tracked over 14 years. They found a 48 percent higher likelihood… read on >
Feeling Sexually Harassed? You’re Not Alone
Before the #MeToo movement and the fall of numerous powerful men accused of sexual harassment, researchers surveyed thousands of women and found the problem to be widespread. The poll, conducted last winter by Harvard researchers, found those women most likely to report sexual harassment were young and college-educated. Among women 18 to 29 years old,… read on >
Health Tip: Give Your Dog Safe Treats
Fido can become quite sick from unsafe treats, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Your dog may have a bone to pick with you if a bad treat leads to stomach or bowel obstruction, choking, mouth wounds, vomiting, diarrhea or internal bleeding, the FDA says. In some cases, a bad treat can lead to… read on >