Health and Wellness News

THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Skin cancer researchers report in a new study that in the sunny state of Florida, tanning salons now outnumber McDonald's fast-food restaurants. There are also more indoor tanning facilities in Florida than CVS pharmacies as well as some other widespread businesses, researchers from the University of Miami revealed. "Indoor tanning is known to cause skin cancers,...
December 26, 2013
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Higher levels of self-professed spiritual belief appear to be reflected in increased thickness of a key brain area, a new study finds. Researchers at Columbia University in New York City found that the outer layer of the brain, known as the cortex, is thicker in some areas among people who place a lot of significance on religion. The study involved 103 adults...
December 26, 2013
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Improvements in knee pain following a common orthopedic procedure appear to be largely due to the placebo effect, a new Finnish study suggests. The research, which was published Dec. 26 in the -New England Journal of Medicine-, has weighty implications for the 700,000 patients who have arthroscopic surgery each year in the United States to repair a torn meniscus....
December 26, 2013
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Compared to elsewhere in the country, there are far fewer outpatient facilities in the U.S. South and Midwest that are able to help people on Medicaid who are battling alcohol or drug abuse, a new study finds. Overall, about 60 percent of U.S. counties have at least one of these facilities, the researchers said. People living in areas with a higher percentage...
December 26, 2013
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2013 (HealthDay News) - This year's flu season may be off to a slow start nationwide, but infection rates are spiking in the south-central United States, where five deaths have already been reported in Texas. And the predominant strain of flu so far has been H1N1 "swine" flu, which triggered the pandemic flu in 2009, federal health officials said Thursday. "That may change, but right...
December 26, 2013
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Older adults with memory problems and a history of concussion have more buildup of Alzheimer's disease-associated plaques in the brain than those who also had concussions but don't have memory problems, according to a new study. ''What we think it suggests is, head trauma is associated with Alzheimer's-type dementia - it's a risk factor," said study researcher...
December 26, 2013
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2013 (HealthDay News) - People with tongue cancer who undergo surgery before receiving radiation treatment fare better than those who start treatment with chemotherapy, according to a small new study. Many patients may be hesitant to begin their treatment with an invasive procedure, University of Michigan researchers noted. But advanced surgical techniques can improve patients' chances...
December 26, 2013
(HealthDay News) - Exercising during the chilly winter months can keep you physically and emotionally healthier. But it's important to prepare for the changes in temperature. The Texas Heart Institute suggests these cold-weather exercise guidelines: - Gradually train and prepare for cold-weather activities. When exercising outdoors, dress in layers that you can remove and that pull sweat away from...
December 25, 2013
(HealthDay News) - Give your heart a holiday gift this year and choose delicious, heart-healthy foods. The American Heart Association suggests these holiday treats: - Antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes, as well as pumpkin, winter squash and acorn squash. Brussels sprouts (sprinkled with a pinch of brown sugar and salt) and other green leafy veggies, such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower or collard greens....
December 25, 2013
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 25, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Millions of Americans struggle daily with degenerative, painful and crippling knee or hip arthritis, or similar chronic conditions that can turn the simplest task into an ordeal. Fortunately, for those immobilized by their disease, hope exists in the form of knee or hip replacement, long considered the best shot at improving quality of life. The hitch: a...
December 25, 2013
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 25, 2013 (HealthDay News) - In the frenzy of holiday celebrations and gatherings, it's easy to forget the basics of food safety, so one expert offers some simple reminders. "Food safety tips are always important, and especially during the holidays when cooking for a crowd," Dana Angelo White, a nutritionist and Quinnipiac University's clinical assistant professor of athletic training...
December 25, 2013
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 25, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Your mother probably told you not to discuss politics, sex or religion. Now a psychologist suggests adding people's weight to the list of conversational no-no's during the holidays. Although you might be concerned that a loved one's excess weight poses a health problem, bringing it up will likely cause hurt feelings, said Josh Klapow, an associate professor...
December 25, 2013
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 25, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Hitting the slopes soon? - A new study suggests that's a good idea, because skiing and snowboarding holidays can boost your overall happiness. Researchers surveyed 279 visitors at three major ski resorts in South Korea. Of those people, 126 were skiers, 112 were snowboarders and 41 did both. Participants spent an average of 4.5 days at a resort, and 90 percent...
December 25, 2013
(HealthDay News) - To get a good night's sleep, make sure your bed is comfortable and your room inviting for slumber. The National Sleep Foundation offers these tips: - Choose a mattress and pillows that offer support but also are comfortable. Replace your mattress after about 10 years. Decorate your room in an attractive way. Reduce allergens in your room by cleaning often. Keep your room clear of...
December 24, 2013
(HealthDay News) - High chairs can keep children safe when they eat, but only when used properly. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips for safe use of a high chair: - Choose a chair that doesn't easily tip over. Any foldable high chair should be locked when in use. Always use the restraint straps, including the crotch strap, whenever your child is in the seat. Do not let your child...
December 24, 2013
TUESDAY, Dec. 24 (HealthDay News) - The effect that AIDS is having on American kids has improved greatly in recent years, thanks to effective drugs and prevention methods. The same cannot be said, however, for children worldwide. "Maternal-to-child transmission is down exponentially [in the United States] because we do a good job at preventing it," said Dr. Kimberly Bates, director of a clinic for...
December 24, 2013
TUESDAY, Dec. 24 (HealthDay News) - Fortunata Kasege was just 22 years old and several months pregnant when she and her husband came to the United States from Tanzania in 1997. She was hoping to earn a college degree in journalism before returning home. Because she'd been in the process of moving from Africa to the United States, Kasege had not yet had a prenatal checkup, so she went to a clinic soon...
December 24, 2013
TUESDAY, Dec. 24, 2013 (HealthDay News) - A specific type of therapy helps reduce the number of migraines and migraine-related disabilities in children and teens, according to a new study. The findings provide strong evidence for the use of "cognitive behavioral therapy" - which includes training in coping with pain - in managing chronic migraines in children and teens, said study leader Scott Powers,...
December 24, 2013
TUESDAY, Dec. 24, 2013 (HealthDay News) - Teen girls struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from sexual abuse do well when treated with a type of therapy that asks them to repeatedly confront their traumatic memories, according to a small new study. The study's results suggest that "prolonged exposure therapy," which is approved for adults, is more effective at helping adolescent girls...
December 24, 2013
MONDAY, Dec. 23, 2013 (HealthDay News) - The Obama Administration on Monday extended the deadline for people to register for health insurance coverage on Healtcare.gov by an extra 24 hours, through to the end of Tuesday. The official deadline for signing up through the website for coverage that would begin Jan. 1 is 11:59 p.m. on Monday. But, according to -The New York Times-, an unnamed senior administration...
December 23, 2013
(HealthDay News) - While you're pregnant, make sure you pay attention to your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association offers these mouth-healthy suggestions for pregnant women: - Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily, as well. Snack only in moderation, and make sure to eat a balanced diet. Visit a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Talk to your dentist about a...
December 23, 2013
(HealthDay News) - To avoid overloading on an enormous restaurant portion, follow a few basic principles to chow on a more reasonable serving size. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers this advice: - Order small or medium portions for any appetizers, sides, drinks and main courses. Order a menu item, versus opting for a buffet meal. Choose an appetizer or side dish instead of an entree for your...
December 23, 2013
MONDAY, Dec. 23, 2013 (HealthDay News) - The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year on U.S. roads. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, as many as 900 people nationwide could die in crashes caused by drunk driving, safety officials report. "We've made tremendous strides in changing the social norms associated with drinking and driving, but the problem is far from solved,"...
December 23, 2013
MONDAY, Dec. 23, 2013 (HealthDay News) - When it comes to easing the side effects of certain breast cancer drugs, acupuncture may work no better than a "sham" version of the technique, a small trial suggests. Breast cancer drugs known as aromatase inhibitors often cause side effects such as muscle and joint pain, as well as hot flashes and other menopause-like symptoms. And in the new study, researchers...
December 23, 2013
Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay: - NYC Extends Smoking Ban to E-Cigarettes - Electronic cigarettes have been added to the ban on smoking in New York City offices, parks, restaurants and bars. The measure passed in a 43-8 city vote at a city council meeting last week and will take effect in four months, -Bloomberg News- reported....
December 23, 2013