Prenatal testing and care is a good idea throughout pregnancy to make sure the pregnant woman and the fetus stay healthy. The U.S. National Institutes of Health says these tests are typically prescribed for pregnant women: Glucose challenge screening. This test is given between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy, and determines the woman’s risk… read on >
Medicines that protect pets from fleas and ticks may help lower people’s risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, researchers report. “Insect-borne infectious diseases remain primary causes of severe illnesses and fatalities worldwide, and new approaches to preventing outbreaks of these diseases are critically needed,” said researcher Peter Schultz, chief executive officer of Calibr and… read on >
An abscess forms when germs enter the body through an open wound. An abscess often is raised and may feel warm and painful to the touch. The Nemours Foundation advises against popping, pushing, squeezing or touching an abscess. You can apply a warm compress to the area, which may help open and drain the wound.… read on >
Croup tends to occur between 3 months and 5 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Most common in autumn and winter, it causes swelling of the voice box and windpipe. This leads to a bark-like cough. Most instances of croup resolve on their own, but occasionally it can lead to complications that… read on >
Student athletes who specialize in one sport year-round could lose out in academics and other fields, a new study finds. “Today’s students have so many responsibilities and when you add specializing in a sport — with participation in school and club teams, practices, tournaments and lots of travel — there just aren’t enough hours in… read on >
While recommendations call for adults to exercise for 30 minutes a day, kids need double that amount — yes, 60 minutes of physical play a day. And being active as a family can make it easier for kids to reach this goal. For starters, make it a point to plan family outings that involve exercise,… read on >
Parents should play an active role in ensuring that their kids develop healthy eating habits to prevent too much weight gain. Excessive weight gain is associated with health issues such as breathing problems, type 2 diabetes, joint pain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases… read on >
People who party hard in their 20s could wind up paying for it later with a higher risk of heart disease, a new study suggests. Young adults who binge drink are more likely to have heart risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and higher blood sugar levels, researchers found. “They are… read on >
Getting a nursery ready for a new baby can be a lot of fun, but keep in mind these important considerations to make it a safe haven. For crib safety, choose a new crib that meets the latest standards — stronger crib slats and mattress supports, improved hardware and no drop-side rails. The spacing between… read on >
Early and aggressive drug treatment does not slow progression of type 2 diabetes in obese children, researchers say. The new study included 91 obese diabetes patients aged 10 to 19, who were divided into two groups. One group took a long-lasting insulin called glargine for three months, followed by nine months of the diabetes drug… read on >
