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When Diabetes Strikes, Get Moving to Lower Risk to Eyes THURSDAY, Aug. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- People with diabetes who remain inactive may have higher odds for a vision-robbing eye condition, new research suggests. While the study couldn't prove a cause-and-effect relationship, researchers say a "couch potato" lifestyle does seem to raise the risk for diabetic retinopathy. According to the U.S. National Eye Institute, the condition "involves changes to retinal blood vessels that can cause them to b...
Weight-Loss Surgery Doesn't Boost Bone Health: Study FRIDAY, July 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Weight-loss surgery helps severely obese patients shed pounds and can even reverse diabetes, but a new Canadian study suggests it can't erase an existing higher risk of broken bones. Researchers found that compared to other people, weight-loss surgery patients were in greater jeopardy of fractures both before and after they underwent their procedure. According to the study authors, the findings suggest that be...
What Happens When You're Hypnotized? THURSDAY, July 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Skeptics view hypnosis as a little-understood parlor trick, but a new study reveals real changes occur in the brain when a person enters an hypnotic state. Some parts of the brain relax during the trance while others become more active, said study senior author Dr. David Spiegel, associate chair of psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine. "I hope this study will demonstrate that hypnosis is a real neurobiol...
Women May Be More Resilient to Effects of Alzheimer's Genes SUNDAY, July 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Certain gene variants are known to raise a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease. But a new study finds that even in people carrying this DNA, factors such as gender and physical or mental activity can affect that risk. The study tracked dementia rates for 642 people aged 53 to 95 at the start of the study. All carried at least one of two types of DNA linked to higher Alzheimer's disease risk: the APOEe4...
Women Smokers at Higher Risk for Brain Bleed THURSDAY, July 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Strokes characterized by bleeding inside the lining of the brain are more common among smokers, especially women, researchers report. These serious strokes -- called subarachnoid hemorrhages -- are eight times more common among women who smoke more than a pack a day compared to nonsmokers, Finnish researchers found. They're three times more common among men who smoke the same amount. Even light smoking tripled a wom...
Why Kicking the Opioid Habit Can Be So Tough WEDNESDAY, July 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- He was 26, a specialist fifth class with the U.S. Army, and stationed abroad, when an accident on the German autobahn sent him careening through the windshield of his car. The now 60-year-old veteran prefers to withhold his name, but not his story, of a decades-long struggle against chronic back pain and an addiction to the opioid painkillers he'd hoped would help him. "At first I was taking 50 milligrams [mg] of P...
Which Diabetes Drug Is Best? TUESDAY, July 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- No single drug to treat type 2 diabetes stands out from the pack when it comes to reducing the risks of heart disease, stroke or premature death, a new research review finds. The analysis of hundreds of clinical trials found no evidence that any one diabetes drug, or drug combination, beats out the others. Researchers said the results bolster current recommendations to first try an older, cheaper drug -- metformin (Glumetza, Glucoph...
Weight Loss Might Reduce Cancer Risk: Study THURSDAY, July 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Overweight and obese women who lose weight may lower their odds of developing cancer as their levels of cancer-linked proteins drop, a new study suggests. These proteins -- VEGF, PAI-1 and PEDF -- promote the growth of blood vessels, a process that is necessary to help tumors thrive. The more weight the women lost, the greater the drop in the levels of these proteins, the researchers found. "It's another piece of evi...
Watch Where Pokemon Go Leads You TUESDAY, July 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- The Pokemon Go craze sweeping the globe can pose some serious health risks -- and not just to the digital creatures that are the game's intended targets. The free "augmented reality" game, designed for Apple and Android smartphones, lets players use their phone's camera to capture, train and trade virtual Pokemon characters that can appear without warning in a real-world setting. But the immensely popular game -- the top grossin...
Why Being Cold Might Foster a Cold MONDAY, July 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists may be proving Mom right: Your odds of avoiding a cold get better if you bundle up and stay warm. Warmer body temperatures appear to help prevent the cold virus from spreading, in multiple ways, researchers at Yale University found. For the study, a team led by immunology professor Akiko Iwasaki examined human airways cells. These cells produce essential immune system proteins called interferons that respond to a col...
Water Therapy May Ease Labs' Lameness FRIDAY, July 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Labrador retrievers love swimming. And water therapy may be just what they need for a painful condition called elbow dysplasia. This genetic disorder causes abnormal bone growth in the elbow, impeding movement. It's a common cause of forelimb lameness in large breeds, veterinarians say. For dogs with this condition, supervised water exercises can increase their range of motion and improve mobility, a small study from Britain ...
Why Breast Cancer Survivors Should Exercise FRIDAY, July 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Excessive stress can lead to memory problems among breast cancer survivors, but exercise can help, according to new research. "We found moderate to vigorous physical activity actually benefits women psychologically and that, in turn, helps their memory," said the study's lead author, Siobhan Phillips. She is assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Pos...
Who's Most Likely to Seek Infertility Help FRIDAY, July 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly half of people with infertility problems don't seek treatment, according to a new British study. "One of the important and concerning findings in our study is the difference in educational attainment and job status between people who sought help for infertility and those who did not," said study leader Jessica Datta. She is a lecturer at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in London. Datta's team ...
When Cooking Outside, Don't Let Food Safety Slide FRIDAY, July 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Food is a big part of many Fourth of July celebrations. But take care when making and storing your meal, so that a bout of food poisoning doesn't ruin the rest of your holiday plans, a dietary expert advises. When having a picnic or barbecue, it's important to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. "Cold foods should be ideally put in shallow containers and then kept on ice to keep them below 40 degrees Fahrenhei...
Why Some Seniors Don't Take Their Meds THURSDAY, June 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Anyone who's helped care for an aging loved one knows that managing their daily medications can be a challenge. Now, new research suggests that the problem of missed pills rises with age and failing memory, especially for men. The problem can have serious consequences, the study's lead author noted. "Health conditions may worsen or not improve if older adults skip or don't take their medications properly," said Brenda Jam...
Want to Stay Mobile as You Age? A Healthy Diet May Do the Trick MONDAY, June 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Healthy eating may help reduce a woman's risk of physical disability as she grows older, a new study suggests. "Little research has been done on how diet impacts physical function later in life. We study the connection between diet and many other aspects of health, but we don't know much about diet and mobility," said study senior author Francine Grodstein, from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Bosto...
Walking: The Cheap, Easy Workout MONDAY, June 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Walking is a simple and inexpensive exercise that has been shown to offer numerous benefits for bones, muscles and joints. "Sometimes the hardest part of working out is getting started," Dr. Carolyn Hettrich, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, said in an academy news release. "Walking requires minimal preparation, but yields significant benefits. Establish a routine by incorporating at least 30 minut...
Wound Culture Does this test have other names? No. What is this test? This test looks for bacteria or other organisms in a wound. The test is used to find out if a wound is infected. It can also see the type of organism that's causing the infection. This test requires a small sample of cells or fluid from a wound. Then the sample is cultured and looked at under a microscope to look for bacteria or other organisms. An infected wound may need special treatment, such as antibiotics. The antibiotics stop th...
White Cell Count Does this test have other names? WBC count What is this test? This test measures the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in your blood. Cells in your bone marrow make white blood cells and release them into the bloodstream to help you fight infection. White blood cells are part of your body's immune system, which keeps you healthy and makes you well when you get sick. White blood cells work to destroy any foreign virus, fungus, or bacteria that enter your body and threaten to make you si...
Western Equine Encephalitis (CSF) Does this test have other names? Lumbar puncture What is this test? This test looks for the virus that causes Western equine encephalitis. This is a disease that is spread through bites from infected mosquitoes. Babies and young children who are infected are more likely to develop encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Adults are less likely to develop this complication. Horses can also become infected. This test uses a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This flu...
West Nile Virus Antibody (Blood) Does this test have other names? No. What is this test? This is a blood test that checks for West Nile virus (WNV). This is a viral infection that usually affects birds. The virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a human. An infected mother may pass the virus along to her fetus during pregnancy or to her infant during breastfeeding. Some people may get the virus from infected blood or organs. WNV is most common during the summer and fall. Abo...
White Blood Cell (Stool) Does this test have other names? Stool white blood cell test, fecal leukocyte (LOO-koh-site) test, FLT What is this test? This test looks for white blood cells in your stool. This can help your healthcare provider diagnose the cause of inflammatory diarrhea. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are immune system cells that can show up in the stool if you have inflammatory diarrhea. This type of diarrhea may be a symptom of an infection caused by bacteria such as shigella, ...
When Your Teen Needs a Test, Procedure, or Surgery (Ages 12 to 18 years) Both you and your teen are likely anxious and upset by what's happening. Being prepared for the test or procedure will help both of you stay calm. Understanding the procedure will help you to be supportive when your teen needs you. What your teen understands During the adolescent years, abstract thinking begins and your teen can fully understand how parts of the body function, the medical problem he or she is experiencing, and the ...
When Your School-Age Child Needs a Test, Procedure, or Surgery (Ages 5 to 12 years) Your school-age child will understand some aspects of what is going on right now—and you are likely anxious or upset by what's happening. Being prepared for the test or procedure will help you stay calm and supportive when your child needs you. What your child understands By age 7 or 8, school-age children are starting to develop coping skills as they think more logically and begin to understand cause and effect—if this ...
When Your Toddler or Preschooler Needs a Test, Procedure, or Surgery (Ages 1 to 5 years) Your toddler or preschooler is too young to understand everything that is going on right now – but you are likely anxious or upset by what's happening. And your youngster is quite capable of sensing your unease and stress. For you, then, being prepared for the test or procedure will help you stay calm and supportive when your child needs you. What your child understands Your toddler or preschooler is able to grasp o...
When Your Baby Needs a Test, Procedure, or Surgery (Ages newborn to 12 months) Your baby is too young to understand what is going on right now – but you are likely scared and upset by what's happening. And your little one is quite capable of sensing your unease and stress. For you, then, being prepared for the test or procedure will help you stay calm and supportive when your child needs you. What your child understands In the first 8 months of life, infants rely on others to meet their needs for touch ...
Walking Pneumonia in Children Pneumonia is a serious and potentially life-threatening lung infection. A germ called Mycoplasma pneumoniae is often responsible for a milder type of pneumonia called "walking pneumonia." People with this illness may feel unusually tired and run down, but they may not realize they have pneumonia and continue about their business. Facts about Mycoplasma pneumoniae About 2 million Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections occur each year in the U.S. Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria can ...
Why Parents Shouldn't Use Food as Reward or Punishment It's common for parents to offer a "special"—and often unhealthy—food as a reward for good behavior or a job well done. They may also withhold those special treats as a means of punishment. A mother might refuse to serve dessert, for example, if her children have talked back or neglected to clean their room. Using food as a reward or as a punishment, however, can undermine the healthy eating habits that you're trying to teach your children. Giving s...
Workouts to Help Prevent Sports Injuries Sports participation is a leading cause of injury in young people. Injuries can have both short- and long-term consequences. An injury can immediately sideline a player, putting both the fun of participation and the health benefits of exercise on hold. An injury that keeps a child out of the game over the long term can increase the chances of gaining weight, becoming less fit in general, and even developing arthritis in later years. It may not be always possible ...
What is Sports Medicine? If your child sustains an injury during exercise, sports participation, or any type of physical activity, you may be advised to see a sports medicine doctor for treatment. About sports medicine specialists Sports medicine doctors have special training to restore function to injured patients so they can get moving again as soon as possible. They are also knowledgeable about preventing illness and injury in active people. Although sports medicine doctors do work with professional ...
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) is a type of heart condition you are born with (congenital). It causes a rapid heart rate. If you have WPW, you may have episodes of palpitations or rapid heartbeats. WPW affects between 1 and 3 of every 1,000 people worldwide. Normally, electrical signals travel through your heart in an organized way to control your heartbeat. This allows blood to pass from the upper chambers of your heart (the a...
Wilson Disease What is Wilson disease? Wilson disease is a rare genetic disorder that is passed from parents to children (inherited). It prevents your body from getting rid of extra copper in your system. Your body needs small amounts of copper from food to stay healthy. But too much copper is poisonous. Normally, your liver gets rid of extra copper by sending it out in bile. Bile is the digestive juice your liver makes. It carries toxins and waste out of your body through your GI tract (gastrointestina...
What Is a Gluten-Free Diet? Gluten-free foods seem to be everywhere these days. Restaurants and cafes regularly feature gluten-free dishes and pastries. Supermarkets offer gluten-free bread, rolls, and crackers. Many people are reducing or eliminating their dietary intake of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some other grains. But only those who have celiac disease need to completely stop eating gluten. Celiac disease is a condition in which the immune system is abnormally sensitive to ...
Wegener’s Granulomatosis What is Wegener’s granulomatosis? Wegener’s granulomatosis is a condition of the immune system. It causes swelling and irritation in blood vessels and other tissues. This inflammation cuts down or stops the flow of blood to organs in the body. The condition mostly affects the respiratory system. This includes the sinuses, nose, windpipe, and lungs. It can also affect the kidneys. However, it can damage any organ in the body. What causes Wegener’s granulomatosis? Wegener’s granul...
When You're HIV-Positive: What to Say Learning that you are HIV-positive can be traumatic and intensely stressful, although the diagnosis is not as terrifying as it used to be thanks to new and better drugs to treat it. Besides coping with your own reaction, you will need to decide whom to tell and how you'll tell them about your HIV status. In some cases, it will be better for you to share the information. In other cases, you may be required to tell, and sometimes it may be best to keep it to yourself....
WHO Urges Screening of Travelers to Contain Ebola Outbreak MONDAY, Aug. 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- African nations hit hard by the Ebola outbreak should start screening all passengers leaving international airports, seaports and major ground crossings, the World Health Organization recommended Monday. The United Nations' health agency reiterated that the risk of passengers transmitting the Ebola virus during air travel is low. Still, anyone with an illness or symptoms typical of the highly virulent di...
WHO Experts Give Nod to Using Untested Ebola Drugs TUESDAY, Aug. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A panel of ethicists specially appointed by the World Health Organization says it is ethical to give untested treatments to people battling Ebola in the current outbreak. "In the particular circumstances of this outbreak, and provided certain conditions are met, the panel reached consensus that it is ethical to offer unproven interventions with as yet unknown efficacy and adverse effects, as potential treatment...
Women, Blacks Hit Harder by Heart Disease Risk Factors MONDAY, Aug. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Chronic diseases that can increase a person's risk of heart attack or stroke appear to hit women and blacks the hardest, a new population-based study found. Diabetes and high blood pressure in particular, contribute to an ongoing gender and race gap in heart disease risk, researchers report online on Aug. 11 in the journal Circulation . "These findings could support the idea that when a woman or a black pati...
What's the Best Way to Brush Your Teeth? TUESDAY, Aug. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- If you're unsure about the best way to brush your teeth, you're unlikely to get much help from experts. Dental associations and toothpaste and toothbrush companies don't agree on the most effective method to brush teeth, and their advice is "unacceptably inconsistent," a new study says. Researchers at University College London in England examined the brushing recommendations from dental associations in 10 countries, toot...
Will Kidney Stones Recur? New Test Might Tell THURSDAY, Aug. 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A new tool appears to accurately predict whether someone who's had a kidney stone will have another one in the future, researchers report. They said the tool could help patients and their doctors decide whether preventive steps are needed. The tool uses 11 questions to assess kidney stone patients' risk of developing another kidney stone within two, five or 10 years. Characteristics associated with a higher risk inc...
Women Over 75 May Benefit From Mammograms TUESDAY, Aug. 5, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Women 75 and older may still benefit from routine mammograms, according to new research. However, not everyone agrees with this study's conclusions. "Mammography detects breast cancer early, when it's more treatable and the risk of death is very low," said study researcher Judith Malmgren, an affiliate assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle. "If it's no...
When Colds, Flu Lead to Complications in Kids MONDAY, Aug. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- About one-third of children with viral infections severe enough to land them in the hospital end up with serious complications -- such as pneumonia, seizures and brain swelling, a new study finds. The study, reported online on Aug. 4 in Pediatrics , followed kids who had to be admitted to a pediatric hospital for the flu and other respiratory infections. Researchers stressed that they are much different from the vast ...
Women in Military Drink Less Than Civilians, Report Shows FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Women who serve in the U.S. military are less likely to drink alcohol than their civilian peers, a new study suggests. Overall, members of the military are more likely to consume alcohol. However, these researchers found that women respond differently to their experience in the military than men. This may be due to concerns about sexual harassment or being treated unfairly, they suggested. "Alcohol use is ...
Wider Face May Give You an Edge in Negotiations TUESDAY, July 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Successful negotiations may depend on more than diplomacy. When it comes to negotiating, men with wider faces may have an advantage, according to a new study. Researchers found men with a broader face are more successful when negotiating for themselves than men with narrower faces. However, having a wider facer may not be an asset when negotiations require collaboration and compromise, the researchers found. "We n...
Wives' Higher Education May Not Affect Divorce Rate SUNDAY, July 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Couples aren't more likely to get divorced if the wife has more education than the husband, new research finds. The study only looks at trends in marriage, it doesn't prove that education levels play a direct role in affecting whether couples stay together or get divorced. Still, "our results speak against fears that women's growing educational advantage over men has had negative effects on marital stability," ...
Weight Loss Surgery May Help Ease Urinary Incontinence WEDNESDAY, July 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Weight-loss surgery appears to have an additional side benefit -- it may improve urinary incontinence symptoms in women, according to a new study. The study found that nearly half of women in a weight-loss surgery program reported having incontinence prior to the procedure. After surgery, most of those women said their urinary symptoms either improved or disappeared, said study researcher Dr. Leslee Subak...
Waistlines of U.S. Kids Seem to Be Holding Steady, Study Finds MONDAY, July 21, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The waistlines of America's children and teens may have stopped expanding, a new study indicates. The proportion of kids aged 2 to 18 who were classified as obese, based on their waist size, held steady at nearly 18 percent from 2003 to 2012, researchers report. "Kids are not getting fatter," said researcher Lyn Steffen, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota in Minneap...
With ERs, the Busier, the Better, Study Finds THURSDAY, July 17, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Surviving a life-threatening illness or injury may be more likely if you're treated at a busy emergency department instead of one that handles fewer patients, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data on 17.5 million emergency patients treated at nearly 3,000 hospitals across the United States. The overall risk of death in the hospital was 10 percent lower among those who initially went to the busiest emergency ...
Widowhood May Delay Dementia in Some Seniors, Study Finds MONDAY, July 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Losing a spouse may be linked to multiple health issues, but dementia isn't one of them, according to a new study. For certain seniors, widowhood may even delay dementia, the researchers found. "For those who had a mild memory problem, losing the spouse was associated with a later age of developing full-blown dementia compared to those who stayed married," said study researcher Dr. Bryan Woodruff. Woodruf...
Will a Warmer Climate Mean More Kidney Stones? THURSDAY, July 10, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Add another possible woe to the growing list of consequences of climate change: Kidney stones. A new study of American cities suggests that rising temperatures may increase the number of people who develop the painful urinary obstructions. "These findings point to potential public health effects associated with global climate change," study leader Dr. Gregory Tasian, a pediatric urologist and epidemiologist at The...
Will You Be Obese? Look at Your Sisters, Brothers TUESDAY, July 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Obesity is known to run in families, but new research suggests this relationship may be the strongest among siblings. Although older children in a two-child home with an obese parent are more than twice as likely to be obese, having an obese older sibling may raise the risk more than fivefold for a younger child, whether the parents are obese or not, the researchers reported. "Siblings have a lot of influence," s...
Winning Attitude on the Field Translates to Career Success FRIDAY, June 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Adults who were elite high school athletes tend to win competitions for top jobs, according to a new study. The researchers found that people who played a varsity high school sport are viewed as having more self-confidence and leadership skills than those who took part in other high school activities. Former varsity athletes were also much more likely to be involved in volunteerism and charitable activit...
April 2014 Wanted: Whole Grains in Your Diet Your local grocery store is brimming with whole grains. While browsing the aisles, you'll find brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and quinoa—to name only a few. These foods can fortify you against diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Are you filling up on enough of them? Missing whole grains Whole grains aren't reaching many Americans' plates. A recent study looked at the results of a national health survey. It included more than 9,000 children and adults. T...
December 2013 Want to Control Your Weight? Add Brisk Activity to Your Day Exercise can sometimes feel like a chore—an activity at the bottom of your daily to-do list. But finding time for fitness is important. That’s especially true if you are trying to lose or control your weight. Thanks to a recent study, fitting it in may be easier than you think. The short and long of it In the American Journal of Health Promotion, researchers describe how they analyzed the activity levels of more than 4,500 adults ...
What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling Becoming ill while traveling in a foreign country can be frightening, so it is best to be prepared before you leave home. Taking the following measures can minimize inconvenience and distress should you become ill while traveling in a foreign country. Be prepared before you leave Check insurance coverage with your carrier and specifically identify whether or not you are covered while traveling abroad. Ask for advice on medical care while traveling. If your insu...
What is Fish and Shellfish Poisoning? At certain times of the year, various species of fish and shellfish contain poisonous biotoxins, even if well cooked. According to the CDC, it is considered an under-recognized risk for travelers, specifically in the tropics and subtropics. Certain fish — groupers, barracudas, moray eel, sturgeon, sea bass, red snapper, amberjack, mackerel, parrot fish, surgeonfish, and triggerfish — can cause ciguatera fish poisoning. The CDC recommends never eating moray eel or ba...
Warts What are warts? Warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by the papillomavirus. Warts are more common in children than adults, although they can develop at any age. Warts can spread to other parts of the body and to other people. There are many different types of warts, due to many different papillomavirus types (more than 100). Warts aren't painful, except when located on the feet. Most warts go away, without treatment, over an extended period of time. Common types of warts The following are th...
Wheat Allergy Diet General guidelines for wheat allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. A wheat allergy is an abnormal response of the body to the protein found in wheat. Wheat products are found in many foods. In order to avoid foods that contain wheat, it is important to read food labels. Foods Allowed Not allowed Beverages Coffee, tea, fruit juices, decaffeinated coffee, carbonated beverages, all milks, cocoa Cereal beve...
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