If you struggle with anxiety, you might want to skip that second cup of coffee, new research suggests. For some people, caffeine may help with concentration and provide an energy boost, but it can cause problems for those with general anxiety disorder, said Dr. Julie Radico, a clinical psychologist with Penn State Health. “Caffeine is… read on >
More than 3 million kids are hospitalized in the United States every year. Whether it’s for a planned test or surgery or an injury or other emergency, knowing how to be involved in your child’s care can help you get through what’s often a stressful event. The single most important thing you can do is… read on >
They’re gaining in popularity among women, and a new study finds menstrual cups to be just as safe and as effective as disposable pads or tampons. British researchers looked at data on the cost-saving devices, gleaned from 43 studies involving more than 3,300 women and girls worldwide. Reporting July 17 in The Lancet Public Health,… read on >
Diarrhea typically is not a sign of a serious illness in children, says KidsHealth. But it’s important to make sure that if your child has diarrhea, lost fluids and nutrients are replaced. Depending on the severity of diarrhea, KidsHealth suggests: Continue your child’s regular diet and provide more liquids. Offer extra breast milk or formula… read on >
Over a five-year period, more than 21,000 Americans aged 21 and younger died from firearm-related injuries. But when states have stricter gun laws, fewer children die from gun violence, new research shows. For the study, investigators examined data on gun deaths from 2011 to 2015 and compared those statistics with the Brady Campaign to Prevent… read on >
Swimming lessons can lower the risk of drowning, but black kids often miss out on learning this lifesaving skill, a leading pediatricians group says. “Everyone should have the opportunity to learn to swim,” said Dr. Kyle Yasuda, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “This is an essential life skill for children, teens and… read on >
Heartfelt talks between parent and child are essential to help kids overcome tough times and do their best at school, a new study says. Traumatic events in a kid’s life can cause the child to neglect school work and increase the odds that they’ll wind up repeating a grade, researchers found. But having even one… read on >
For the sick or elderly, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can prove deadly. With many vulnerable patients developing UTIs post-discharge, a new study suggests that better monitoring is needed after leaving the hospital. Researchers at Oregon State University explored more than 3,000 at-risk patients. The study revealed that the risk of infection tripled once patients… read on >
Teens who use Spice, K2 or other synthetic marijuana products may risk medical harm, including coma and seizures, researchers report. A review of emergency department records in the United States also found that those who mixed the manmade “marijuana” with other drugs, such as stimulants, could become dangerously agitated. “These findings suggest that teens are… read on >
As America grapples with an opioid epidemic, it has become even more important to dispose of your leftover prescription medications properly, one pharmacist says. “Many people don’t realize that simply throwing away leftover medications or flushing them down the toilet is actually very dangerous,” said Karen Youmbi, manager of pharmacy regulatory surveillance and outpatient pharmacies… read on >
