Your pet rat could make you very sick by transmitting a virus that’s newly emerged in North America, U.S. health officials warn. Seoul virus is a rat-borne hantavirus that typically causes symptoms that resemble the flu — fever, headache, muscle pain. In rare cases infection can lead to hospitalization with hemorrhagic fever and kidney failure.… read on >
A colonoscopy can save your life by detecting and removing colon cancer, but it might also trigger appendicitis, a new study suggests. Experts aren’t sure exactly why that happens, and, fortunately, it’s rare. And it shouldn’t stop you from getting a colonoscopy, according to lead researcher Dr. Marc Basson. “Having a colonoscopy, or something about… read on >
If the constant stream of bad news from around the world gets to you, one psychiatrist suggests that helping others might make you feel better. “The sheer volume of stressful events occurring on a near-daily basis can make people feel pessimistic or fearful,” said researcher Emanuel Maidenberg, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University… read on >
The United States is in the grip of a tough flu season, no doubt. It might seem as if every other person you know has fallen prey to influenza. Actually, though, health experts say this flu season is pretty much on par with other severe seasons. Here’s what else they have to say: How bad… read on >
Maybe there’s some truth in the long-standing belief that dogs can sense fear in a human. According to a new British study, anxious people may be at increased risk for dog bites. The finding came from a survey of nearly 700 people in northern England, done by researchers from the University of Liverpool. As part… read on >
While a brutal flu season is felling humans by the score, veterinarians warn that there have also been outbreaks of canine flu in some parts of the United States. Which dog owners need to worry? According to Dr. Amy Glaser, director of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center, there have… read on >
While we all love rewarding our pets with treats and occasional table scraps, it may not be a good idea if your dog or cat is overweight. A pet that is 20 percent over ideal body weight is considered obese, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Just as with people, a pet’s metabolism can… read on >
If your New Year’s resolution was to quit smoking, it’s probably time to consider ways to improve your chances of success. For starters, list your reasons for wanting to quit, suggest experts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Want to improve your health? Save money? Smell and taste food better? Those are common reasons… read on >
With terminal illness comes newfound, and profound, wisdom, researchers report. They uncovered this silver lining of terminal illness as people in their final months tried to strike a balance between accepting their fate and making the most of the time they had left. “The end of life presents a unique perspective,” explained senior study author… read on >
Where better to fight indoor air pollution than at home? The American Lung Association suggests how: Don’t let anyone smoke in your home. Test your home for radon. Keep humidity levels under 50 percent and use a dehumidifier or air conditioner as needed. Clean this equipment regularly. Fix any leaks in the home that could… read on >
