Only about half of people in the United States with hepatitis C know they have the curable disease, new data shows. That lack of awareness contributes to increasing rates of hepatitis C infection and means the country is unlikely to meet its own or World Health Organization target dates for eliminating the disease, researchers said.… read on >
Women who give birth in their teens may face hardships, and new research suggests that stress might take a toll on the heart. The study found that in a group of women over 65, those who gave birth for the first time before age 20 had a higher risk of heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular… read on >
Help keep your child from getting hurt
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New research confirms that breast-feeding for two to four months of a newborn’s life can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But the study also found moms don’t need to breast-feed exclusively to reap that benefit. Even partial breast-feeding will do, the 20-region study found. “What is, perhaps, surprising is that… read on >
Despite a significant risk of head injuries in baseball and softball, helmet use in those sports is low, a new review says. “Our review demonstrates that traumatic brain injury in baseball and softball affects players of all levels and all positions,” said study lead author Dr. Michael Cusimano, a neurosurgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in… read on >
Want a family pet, but can’t have a dog? There are plenty of other great pet options. A first choice for many families is a cat. As with dogs, there are different breeds and personalities as well as grooming needs, such as with long-haired cats. Generally, a mellow cat is a good choice if you… read on >
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Acetaminophen is considered the go-to pain medication during pregnancy. But a new study adds to evidence linking the drug to an increased risk of behavioral issues in kids. Researchers in Norway found that among nearly 113,000 children, those whose mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy were slightly more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity… read on >
High school students who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes, a new Canadian study finds. “Youth may be trying e-cigarettes before smoking because they are easier to access: until recently, youth could legally purchase e-cigarettes without nicotine, whereas regular cigarettes cannot be sold to young people under 18 years of… read on >
Kids may encounter some scary surprises on Halloween, but they shouldn’t get injured while they go trick-or-treating. However, U.S. emergency departments reported more than 700,000 Halloween-related injuries involving children and teens between 2007 and 2016. In many cases, kids are sustaining head or hand injuries, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. “It’s essential… read on >
