Colder weather may raise the risk for a heart attack, a preliminary study suggests. Researchers in Taiwan found that heart attack rates fluctuated seasonally, with more occurring in winter than summer. When the temperature fell below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, heart attacks increased dramatically, the study authors said. “When the temperature drops, people at high risk… read on >
Outdoor exercise can be invigorating and a great morale booster. But always take a few simple steps to stay safe, no matter the season. For starters, dress for the weather. Whether it’s cold or hot, that usually involves layering so you can start off warm and peel off layers as you heat up. In warm… read on >
Although there is a tornado season between May and June in the Southern Plains, June and July in the central United States, and earlier in the spring on the Gulf Coast, tornados can form off season. The National Safety Council suggests how to stay safe during a tornado: Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.… read on >
If you use Airbnbs or other vacation rentals, it might be a good idea to check first on their fire safety. A new study found that while many Airbnbs in the United States had smoke alarms, less than half had fire extinguishers or first-aid kits. The research was led by Vanya Jones, of the Johns… read on >
Motorcycles are still deadlier than cars, but there’s some good news: Nearly 6 percent fewer bikers died on U.S. roads last year than in 2016, a new report says. Preliminary data indicate that there were 4,990 motorcyclist fatalities in the United States in 2017 — which is 296 fewer than the year before, according to… read on >
Teens love their cellphones, but that love affair can turn deadly when they climb behind the wheel of a car. But new research suggests that financial incentives and other measures might help to dissuade young drivers from texting while driving. Many teens who admit to texting while driving said they’d be receptive to cash rewards… read on >
A European woman who needed an implanted brain device got an unwelcome side effect during a storm: Nearby lightning switched the device off. Experts say the phenomenon is likely rare, and the deep brain stimulator device worked fine again once it was turned back on by doctors. Still, it’s a hazard worth looking out for,… read on >
Hit-and-run deaths in the United States reached a record high in 2016, a new report shows. “Hit-and-run crashes in the United States are trending in the wrong direction,” said David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Our analysis shows that hit-and-run crashes are a growing traffic safety challenge and the AAA… read on >
If you suffer from allergies, you already know that pollen is in the air — even in the parts of the United States with unseasonably cool temperatures. So what kind of allergy season can we expect this year? Will we see a return of the pollen vortex? Might we have a blooming bombogenesis of pollen?… read on >
You might be a drowsy driver without knowing it, and new research finds that can make you more dangerous on the road. People who suffer from chronic sleep apnea are more likely to crash, the study showed: For those with severe apnea, the increased risk hit 123 percent, while those with mild to moderate sleep… read on >
