MONDAY, Jan. 28, 2019 (American Heart Association) — “Fake news” has become a popular term these days. But when it comes to medical advice, fake news can result in physical harm, even death. The editors of more than two dozen cardiology-related scientific journals around the world published an editorial Monday to “sound the alarm that […]
Fighting perinatal mood and anxiety disorders on multiple levels
Over the past several decades, it’s become increasingly recognized that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, are more than just “baby blues.” They’re the most common complication of childbirth in the U.S., affecting about 14 percent of women in their lifetimes and up to 50 percent in some specific populations. PMADs can […]
Longer siesta on bright days
Increasing sunlight intensity extends the sleep duration and results in a longer midday siesta which delays the resumption of activity to the evening. What sounds like an analysis of the effects of the unusually hot summer of 2018 is actually the result of the latest research conducted by scientists from Würzburg and the USA. The […]
Whopping numbers on whooping cough
(HealthDay)—The return of measles made headlines in recent years, but it’s not the only disease that poses a particular threat to kids that has experienced a resurgence. Another is pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough because of the distinctive sound it causes as people experience severe coughing bouts. An infection of the respiratory system, pertussis […]
Exposure to numerous pets during infancy found to reduce allergies later on
A team of researchers at the University of Gothenburg has found that when infants live with pets, they grow up to have fewer allergies and other diseases. In their paper published on the open access site PLOS ONE, the group describes their study of datasets that held information on children’s health and whether they had […]
Is juice on school menus a problem?
(HealthDay)—When given the option, students in school meal programs are more likely to choose fruit juice over more nutritious whole fruit or milk, a new study finds. “This is a problem because compared to juice, milk and whole fruit are better sources of three nutrients of concern for adolescents—calcium, vitamin D and fiber,” study co-author […]
Chest CT can ID respiratory AE risk in RA patients on biologics
(HealthDay)—Chest computed tomography (CT) findings may identify risk factors for respiratory adverse events (RAEs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing long-term biological therapy, according to a study recently published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. Takuya Matsumoto, from the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan, and colleagues assessed the association between chest […]
Health insurance on demand? Some are betting on it
A startup is trying to shake up health insurance by letting customers buy some of their coverage only when they need it. Bind Benefits has designed insurance that gives patients coverage for most medical needs and then has them buy additional protection for planned procedures like knee surgery. Bind also pushes patients to think more […]
Innovative model helps kids on autism spectrum avoid behavioral drugs in ER
An innovative care model developed by Nemours Children’s Hospital for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the emergency department (ED) reduces the use of medication administered to kids who are prone to stress and sensory overload in this care setting. Information about this care model was presented today at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s […]
Opioids Exact Another Toll on Newborns: Smaller Heads
MONDAY, Dec. 10, 2018 — Infants born addicted to opioids may be more likely to have smaller heads that might hinder their development, new research suggests. “Babies chronically exposed to opiates [during pregnancy] had a head size about a centimeter smaller” than babies born to moms not using drugs, said lead researcher Dr. Craig Towers. […]