Single dads have been played for laughs in countless TV sitcoms, from “The Andy Griffith Show” and “My Three Sons” up to modern takes such as “Arrested Development” and “Louie.” But in real life, being a single dad is tough — so much so that it can lead to an early grave, Canadian researchers report.… read on >
All Mommy:
Shining a Deadly New Light on Airborne Flu Virus
As a particularly nasty flu season rages across the United States, scientists have found a powerful new disinfectant that makes “light” work of the virus. Researchers say a certain spectrum of ultraviolet light — called far-UVC — easily kills airborne flu viruses while posing no risk to people. It could offer a new, inexpensive way… read on >
Heart Defects May Raise Odds for Dementia
If you were born with a heart defect, you might have to worry more about developing dementia as you age, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed the medical records of more than 10,600 people in Denmark born with a heart defect between 1890 and 1982. Compared with the general population, adults born with heart defects… read on >
Keeping in Touch With Your Kids in College
A variety of emotions can arise when kids go off to college and start on their adult life. Research done at the University of Kansas shows that being able to communicate through texting and other channels can help you feel more connected and have a more satisfying relationship with your grown kids. Gone are the… read on >
Health Tip: Prevent Exposure to Lead
Lead exposure has been linked to problems including reduced IQ, focus and academic performance. So every effort should be made to prevent lead exposure in the home, particularly among children. Lead-based paint was banned for use in American homes in 1978, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. But older homes may still… read on >
Head Injuries Hit 1 in 14 Kids, CDC Reports
Given the news of the devastating effects of head injuries among professional football players, parents may wonder if their mini athletes are at risk, too. Some very well might be, new research suggests. About 7 percent of children 3 to 17 years old have experienced a head injury, according to U.S. health officials. The findings… read on >
Hey Kids, Just Say No to Energy Drinks
Highly caffeinated energy drinks aren’t safe for children and teens, and should not be marketed to them, a leading sports medicine organization warns. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) on Friday released an official statement about the beverages. “Energy drinks are extremely popular, and concerns about their consumption are coming from every sector of… read on >
Women Who Are Most at Risk of Stroke
Stroke affects more women than men in the United States. And a new study pinpoints stroke risk factors unique to females. “Many people don’t realize that women suffer stroke more frequently than men, and mortality is much higher among women,” said Dr. Kathryn Rexrode, the study’s corresponding author. “As women age, they are much more… read on >
Health Tip: Handle a Child’s Traumatic Stress
Childhood traumatic stress occurs when a violent or dangerous event overwhelms a child’s or teen’s ability to cope. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests how to help your child deal with traumatic stress: Assure the child that he or she is safe. Talk about measures you are taking to get the… read on >
It’s a Century Since the 1918 Flu Pandemic – Could It Happen Again?
One hundred years ago, the deadliest influenza pandemic of all time made a ravaging march across the globe. The “Spanish” flu of 1918-19 infected an estimated one-third of the world’s population and killed between 50 million and 100 million people, modern epidemiologists estimate. That raises the inevitable question as the United States battles its way… read on >