Life-threatening heat waves will become more common by the end of this century, according to a new study. A “dangerous” heat index — what the temperature feels like when humidity and air temperature are combined — is defined by the National Weather Service (NWS) as 103 degrees Fahrenheit. NWS defines “extremely dangerous” as 124 degrees… read on > read on >
This year’s hurricane season has been quiet so far, but if and when it cranks up many American cities won’t be prepared to execute mass evacuations, a new study finds. After Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans in 2005, the country bore witness to the pitfalls of not having an effective evacuation plan. Since then… read on > read on >
Just like their humans, dogs are more often diagnosed with diabetes in certain places and times of year, new research reveals. Diagnoses of type 1 diabetes in humans rise during the winter months and in northern latitudes of the United States. This new study, by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine,… read on > read on >
The dangers of school traffic is a major worry for many parents, a new poll finds. In fact, a third of more than 900 parents surveyed last spring said speeding and distracted parent drivers are their main concern, and drivers who don’t follow the rules should be banned from school parking areas. According to the… read on > read on >
Sweating can affect your skin, so learning how to handle it should be an important part of your skin care regime, a Baylor College of Medicine aesthetician says. “Sweating is an important bodily function that cools you down, expels toxins through your skin and provides that famous post-workout glow,” said Kim Chang, from Baylor’s Department… read on > read on >
Inflatable bounce houses are big, colorful, cheap to rent and practically scream “childhood fun.” So, what could possibly go wrong? It turns out plenty. For one thing, the air-filled party staples are vulnerable to being blown aloft and even flipped over if left unmoored, a new study warns. But even when staked firmly in place,… read on > read on >
Flooding, heat waves and drought have made 58% of infectious diseases worse, a new analysis claims. For the review of previous studies, published Aug. 8 in the journal Nature Climate Change, researchers found that 218 of the known 375 infectious diseases have been made worse by climate change, including malaria, hantavirus, cholera and anthrax. The… read on > read on >
Children are not as physically fit as their parents were when they were kids, and this will likely harm them as the Earth warms, new research claims. The findings are based on a comprehensive review of more than 150 studies that looked at how children maintain physical activity, exercise and cope with heat, as well… read on > read on >
Living in a region where tropical storms, hurricanes or other weather emergencies are likely means being ready for a quick evacuation. “Part of preparedness is having a plan,” said Dr. James McDeavitt, executive vice president and dean of clinical affairs at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “You don’t want to make that plan as… read on > read on >
Better lighting and other changes to street crossings could improve pedestrian safety for seniors — the age group most likely to be killed by oncoming vehicles. Researchers pored over four years of Oregon crash data for locations considered dangerous for walkers age 65 and older. They called for changes to improve visibility and illumination, to… read on > read on >
