Even though they know it’s dangerous, many American drivers still talk on a cellphone or text while behind the wheel, a new survey finds. In fact, the number of drivers who say they talk regularly or fairly often on their cellphone while driving has actually risen 46 percent since 2013, the pollsters say. More than… read on >
All Travel:
Health Tip: Controlling Altitude-Related Ear Pain
Ear pain while flying is most often caused by changes in air pressure that cause the ear’s Eustachian tubes to compensate by opening wider or narrowing. The American Academy of Otolaryngology suggests how to deal with ear pain caused by changes in altitude: Consult with your doctor on how soon after ear surgery it is… read on >
For Tree Workers, Stronger Storms Pose Deadly Hazards
Tree care workers have one of the nation’s most perilous jobs, and the danger could grow as climate change increases the risk to trees from major storms, diseases, insects, drought and fire, experts warn. Better training and safety in tree care operations are essential, according to researchers from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. Every… read on >
Unchecked Air Pollution a Death Sentence for Millions: Study
Quicker action to cut fossil fuel emissions and slow climate change could prevent as many as 153 million premature deaths worldwide this century, new research contends. That’s how many lives could be saved in 154 of the world’s largest cities through immediate action to reduce emissions and limit the global temperature increase to 2.7 degrees… read on >
Climate Change Will Bring Hotter Summers to U.S.
Get ready for extreme heat. Researchers warn that climate change will soon trigger more severe summers across the United States. Heat waves — the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States — have increased in number and severity in recent decades. The new analysis of heat wave patterns predicts that is about to… read on >
1 in 3 Young Adults Ride With Impaired Drivers
One-third of young adults in the United States have been in a vehicle with a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs, a new study finds. Riding with a marijuana-impaired driver was more common than riding with an alcohol-impaired driver, researchers found. “We’ve put a lot of emphasis on drinking and driving, but less effort on… read on >
Now’s the Time to Tackle Springtime Allergies
With spring allergy season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to deal with your symptoms, experts say. “Bottom line, very few people suffer from the same allergies or symptoms,” Dr. Bradley Chipps, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), said in a news release from the… read on >
Health Tip: Shovel Snow Safely
Snow shoveling is a factor in thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths in the United States each year. The National Safety Council suggests how to shovel safely: Do not shovel after eating or while smoking. Take it slow and stretch out before you begin. Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter Push… read on >
It May Be Winter, But Keep That Sunscreen Handy
Just because it’s not summer doesn’t mean you’re safe from sun-related skin damage. “The highest level of concern is usually during the summer months, but sun damage can occur year-round, even on cloudy or rainy days,” said dermatologist Dr. Sarah Taylor, an assistant professor at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. “In fact,… read on >
Sleepy Drivers May Be Causing More Crashes Than Thought
Driver fatigue causes many more car accidents in the United States than previously estimated, a new report suggests. The finding comes from an analysis of several months’ worth of video recordings taken of nearly 3,600 Americans while they were driving. During that time, participating drivers were involved in 700 accidents. All participants’ vehicles had been… read on >