From crying spells to food cravings, many women feel physical or emotional changes before menstruation. These symptoms can be signs of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. To help reduce PMS symptoms, the ACOG recommends: Getting aerobic exercise, such as walking, running or biking. Finding ways to relax and reduce… read on >
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus by a doctor. The cervix keeps it in place and, once it is in, you typically cannot feel it. Depending on the type of IUD, it can work for 3 to 10 years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human… read on >
Infants and young children with vitamin D deficiency may have a heightened risk for elevated blood pressure later in childhood and in their teens, a new study finds. Researchers followed 775 children in Boston from birth to age 18. Most were from low-income families in urban neighborhoods. Compared to children born with normal vitamin D… read on >
With school, sports and assorted activities, many kids have little or no free time. That fast-paced lifestyle can actually stifle their development, making them less likely to be self-starters. It could also limit their imagination, an important ingredient in creativity and problem-solving. University of Colorado-Boulder researchers found that kids who spend more time in less-structured… read on >
As communities across America enjoy fireworks this July Fourth, folks should keep eye safety in mind. The number of eye injuries caused by fireworks nearly doubled from 2016 to 2017, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is urging Americans to take proper safety precautions this holiday. Fireworks-related eye injuries rose from 700 in 2016… read on >
He sings, he plays games — and Huggable the ‘social robot’ teddy bear could be good medicine for kids in the hospital. In a study of 50 children, aged 3 to 10 years, the plush bear boosted spirits, eased anxiety and even lowered perceived pain levels, say Boston Children’s Hospital researchers. “It’s exciting knowing what… read on >
If you struggle with infertility, chances are you will be twice as likely to get treatment for the heartbreaking condition if you are white, college-educated or affluent. So claims a new study that analyzed data from more than 2,500 women aged 20 to 44 who took part in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination… read on >
Many kids with tics can suppress them, and learning how they do it could lead to ways to help prevent major tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome, researchers say. At least 20% of elementary school-age children develop tics, such as excessive blinking, throat clearing or sniffing, but they don’t become a long-term problem. It was… read on >
Children of mothers who are often exposed to solvent chemicals in the workplace appear to have an increased risk of autism, a new study finds. The study of almost 1,000 families can’t prove cause and effect, but researchers report that mothers of autistic children had more frequent exposure to solvents than mothers of children without… read on >
Every college student misplaces keys or forgets an appointment from time to time. Usually it’s no big deal. But a new study warns that when young people with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease have memory lapses, it could be an early sign of something serious. That’s the concern raised by a new memory test… read on >
