Men under 50 who smoke cigarettes are increasing their risk for a stroke, researchers warn. And the more they smoke, the greater their stroke risk, reported the University of Maryland investigators. The bottom line: quit. But if you can’t, smoking fewer cigarettes may help reduce your risk, the researchers said. “We found that men who… read on >
Women are more likely than men to suffer a knee injury called an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. But — surprisingly — the injury occurs the same way in both genders, a new study reveals. Prior research suggested women are two to four times more likely to suffer ACL tears due to differences in how… read on >
The makeup of bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract may be more like your own than you think, researchers say. In a new study, investigators analyzed gut bacteria populations (“microbiomes”) in two dog breeds. The findings showed that the genes in the dogs’ microbiomes had many similarities with humans. In fact, they were more similar… read on >
Deep breathing is a great stress reliever, and the technique called mindfulness meditation is a helpful way to use breathing to get more in touch with your inner self. People who meditate say they feel more positive, and have more energy and better concentration. There’s more than one way to tap meditation’s benefits — through… read on >
More than two of every five Americans reside in counties with unhealthy levels of smog and air pollution, thanks largely to the effect of global warming, health researchers report. Ozone levels spiked in the United States in 2016, which was the nation’s second-hottest year on record, according to the American Lung Association’s annual State of… read on >
Toxic chemicals that have been banned for nearly four decades may be hiding in kitchens across the United States, new research suggests. Polychlorinated biphenyls, more commonly known as PCBs, might be released when cabinet sealants break down, the scientists warn. PCBs are cancer-causing chemicals once used in a wide range of products, from electrical appliances… read on >
Is the “e” word — exercise — a downer for you? If so, you need look no further than everyday chores to find new ways to ramp up your workout level and burn more calories. Remember, if you’re moving you’re burning calories — and the movement doesn’t have to be on a treadmill or even… read on >
Girls whose moms were overweight or had high blood sugar during pregnancy may be more likely to enter puberty early, a large new study suggests. The Kaiser Permanente researchers said their findings could lead to new strategies to curb early puberty, which can have adverse long-term health effects for girls. “We know that maternal weight… read on >
If you want to eat more vegetables and less meat, but don’t want to give up meat altogether, there’s an alternative. It’s called flexitarian — for flexible vegetarian. You primarily eat a vegetarian diet, but you eat meat on certain days of the week or when the urge strikes. Your part-time vegetarian status comes with… read on >
Smoking may significantly increase black Americans’ risk of heart failure, a new study warns. The study included 4,129 black participants who were followed for a median of eight years. Half were followed for a shorter time, half for a longer period. Their average age: 54. When the study began, none had heart failure or hardening… read on >
