The threat of rattlesnake bites in California decreases during droughts and increases after rainy weather, a new study finds. Rainy spells result in more shrub growth and, with that, more rodents, the snakes’ primary food source, said study author Dr. Grant Lipman, an emergency medicine physician at Stanford Medicine, and colleagues. “More food, more snakes,… read on >
Kids should ride in rear-facing car safety seats until they reach the highest height and weight their seat can hold, a leading pediatricians’ group now says. The previous advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics was to stop using a rear-facing seat when a child was 2 years old. “Fortunately, car seat manufacturers have created… read on >
More and more pregnant or breastfeeding women are using marijuana, and U.S. pediatricians are pushing back against the notion that the drug is “safe.” There’s evidence that exposure to marijuana compounds might harm the fetus, and these compounds might also find their way into breast milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says in a… read on >
Nearly 40 percent of teen drivers in the United States say they text while driving, a new survey finds. Researchers analyzed survey data from teen drivers aged 14 and older in 35 states and found that more than a third said they’d texted while driving at least once in the month before the survey. In… read on >
Cellphone users blundering into signs, lampposts, other people and traffic have become a recurring sidewalk sight in many places. And now, new video analysis reveals the extent to which cellphones interfere with a person’s ability to hoof it from here to there. Cellphone use drastically alters a pedestrian’s balance, coordination and movement, said senior researcher… read on >
It’s easy to roll your eyes at the latest news nugget about someone trying to take an “emotional support animal” onto a plane, even though it’s too big or out of control. There’s the large emotional support peacock that was denied a seat aboard a United Airlines flight in January, for example. Or the young… read on >
HealthDay News) — Drought conditions occur when it doesn’t rain for an extended period. The lowered water supply can trigger wildfires and dust storms, which increase the amounts of small particles that float in the air. This can irritate the bronchial passages and lungs, worsening existing respiratory problems and raising the risk of respiratory infections… read on >
Spending a semester in another country can be an incredible experience, but it doesn’t come without risk of travel-related illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to prepare for a semester abroad: Learn about health concerns in your host country. At least a month before you leave, make an appointment… read on >
(HealthDay News) –In 2016, nearly 5,000 motorcycle users died in crashes, and about 88,000 were hurt, the National Safety Council says. The council offers these suggestions for safer riding: Always wear a full-coverage helmet. Choose a bike that fits you. Invest in antilock brakes. New riders should take a motorcycle safety course, and experienced riders… read on >
Summer typically is a whirlwind of long days, summer barbeques, pool parties and camping trips. With all of that activity, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the American Cancer Society says. The society suggests: Get plenty of exercise during the cooler part of the day, such as in the early morning or evening. Drink… read on >
