A new treatment that aims electrical pulses at irritated nerves around the spinal cord appears effective at relieving chronic lower back pain and sciatica, a preliminary study suggests. The minimally invasive procedure, called image-guided pulsed radiofrequency, eased lingering pain in 80 percent of 10 patients after a single 10-minute treatment. Ninety percent were able to… read on >
Even if he’s a good boy, don’t put bone treats in your dog’s stocking this holiday season because they can pose a serious health risk to your pooch, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. The FDA said it has received reports of 68 pet illnesses and 15 deaths caused by bone treats. The reports… read on >
Patients used to see doctors as kindly-but-firm professionals — experts who knew what they were talking about and whose advice should be heeded, even if it wasn’t necessarily welcome. But these days, people have become demanding health care consumers, and they don’t respond well when a doctor disagrees with them, a new study shows. The… read on >
Women may have a variety of bladder problems as they age. But many don’t seek help because they are embarrassed or believe their symptoms are a normal part of aging. Womenshealth.gov identifies these women’s symptoms that may indicate a bladder problem: Needing to go to the bathroom eight or more times per day. Getting up… read on >
Many of us will care for a parent at some point in our lives. If you’re shopping or cooking for Mom or taking Dad to doctor visits, you’re already a caregiver. Caregiving is often in addition to raising kids, running your own home and holding down a job. That means your stress level can soar.… read on >
Before heading out to shop this holiday season, steel yourself for an onslaught of tempting aromas that might lure you into a fast-food restaurant. Food-related cues, like the smell of burgers or eye-catching menu displays, stimulate brain activity. This tempts people to eat more, a new study finds. University of Michigan researchers conducted lab experiments… read on >
Doctors, don’t be afraid to deliver bad news. Telling cancer patients the truth about their chances of survival does not harm a physician’s relationship with those people. It could even make it better, according to a new study. “We hope this information will reassure clinicians about any negative impacts of these discussions on their relationships… read on >
Fall yardwork can stir up allergies, but there are ways to reduce the risk of flare-ups, an ear, nose and throat specialist says. “Know your triggers and avoid those triggers,” said Dr. Do-Yeon Cho, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “First, find out if you’re allergic to any seasonal… read on >
Even young children have stress. If it’s bad enough, it may interfere with your youngster’s sleep. The National Sleep Foundation mentions these warning signs of stress-induced loss of sleep in children: Decreased appetite. Headache. Bedwetting. Stomach upset or pain. Inability to relax. Aggressiveness or stubbornness. Inability to control emotions. Unwillingness to participate in family or… read on >
People with diabetes can have a healthy and safe Thanksgiving dinner if they follow certain guidelines, a diabetes expert says. The keys are pre-planning and moderation, according to Dr. Vanessa Arguello. She is a health sciences clinical instructor in the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles.… read on >
