Colorful or unusual-looking contact lenses are popular at Halloween, but they could harm your eyes, vision experts warn. “Decorative contact lenses may seem like a fun costume accessory, but if you’re not careful, they can cause serious eye and vision problems,” said Samuel Pierce, president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). “Many people mistakenly believe… read on >
An experimental vaginal ring meant to prevent pregnancy and HIV looks safe, according to an early stage study. The dual-purpose ring releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine and the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel, said researchers led by Dr. Sharon Achilles, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “We are very encouraged by our findings in this… read on >
Paid leave for new mothers may increase breastfeeding rates, but mainly among women with higher incomes, a new study contends. The United States is the only developed country that does not offer paid leave to new parents on a national level. But four states now offer paid leave, and the study focused on two of… read on >
THURSDAY, Oct. 25, 2018Anxiety, depression and panic attacks are sending U.S. college students to mental health clinics in record numbers, a new study finds. Between 2009 and 2015, treatment and diagnoses of anxiety increased by nearly 6 percent among these students, followed by depression and panic attacks, which each increased about 3 percent. Anxiety is… read on >
Young children are more likely to be awakened by a smoke alarm that uses their mother’s voice than one with a typical high-pitched alarm, a new study finds. The mother’s voice alarm also resulted in much quicker escape times. “Children are remarkably resistant to awakening by sound when asleep,” explained study co-author Dr. Mark Splaingard,… read on >
Almost half of all marriages end in divorce, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes. If you have children, it’s important for you as a parent to stress that the divorce is not their fault. You also should do your best to keep lines of communication open, the group says. The academy recommends: Be open… read on >
Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a car crash that results in injury or death than any other age group in the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Teens with less than 18 months of driving experience are much more at risk of a crash or near-crash because of factors… read on >
Childhood obesity has been linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and early heart disease, but new research now ties it to a sometimes crippling hip condition. It’s called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), and it causes the hip to become deformed, occasionally so much so that the hip collapses. SCFE causes pain… read on >
Deaths and complications among pregnant women with lupus have declined in the United States over the past two decades, a new study finds. Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in many parts of the body, including the kidneys, skin and joints, as well as the tissue… read on >
Jack-o’-lanterns can be scary, but they shouldn’t be dangerous. Last year, pumpkin carving accounted for nearly 3,200 of the 16,706 Halloween-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments, doctors’ offices and clinics, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Pumpkin carving is a fun activity, but it can result in serious cuts on the hand and… read on >
