Exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease)—a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that are responsible … [Read more...]
Health Alert
Swaddling May Raise Risk of SIDS
The custom of swaddling infants to promote sleep by making them feel secure and calm may be linked to an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers found that the risk of SIDS is greater among swaddled babies and the risk is … [Read more...]
FDA to Ban E-Cigarette Sales to Minors
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced it is banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. The new rules will also cover other alternative forms of tobacco such as cigars, hookah tobacco, and pipe tobacco. Additionally, … [Read more...]
Bedbugs Too Common in Low-Income Housing
Among a sample of nearly 2,400 individual low-income apartments in the state of New Jersey, researchers found about 12% of the households in their study had a bedbug infestation and half of those with bedbugs weren’t even aware of it. The researchers … [Read more...]
Waistline May Predict Heart Disease
A new study involving diabetic patients suggests that an increasing waist size is a stronger predictor of serious heart disease than either body weight or body mass index. Researchers evaluated the heart function of study participants and found that … [Read more...]
Hearing Loss May Indicate Higher Medical Bills for Some Adults
Hearing loss among late middle-aged adults appears to be associated with higher medical costs. Investigators examined the healthcare use of over 560,000 adults between the ages of 55 and 64 and found that those with hearing loss had 33% higher … [Read more...]
Diabetes Has Quadrupled Worldwide Since 1980
According to a new report, the number of men and women diagnosed with diabetes around the globe increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, with the most severe increases noted in low- and middle-income countries. Experts say these … [Read more...]
Secondhand Smoke Exacerbates COPD Symptoms
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. A recent study found 20% of COPD patients live with an active smoker and 27% were … [Read more...]
Daylight Savings Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke
Finnish researchers have found that changing the clock forward or back leads raises an individual's stroke risk. The team analyzed data from 3,033 men and women hospitalized during the week after a daylight saving time transition and found that the … [Read more...]
Lawn Mowers Pose Dangers to Kids
Children in the United States continue to suffer severe injuries from both regular power lawn mowers and ride-on mowers. Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no child under the age of 16 operate a ride-on mower and no child … [Read more...]
Radiation for Prostate Cancer May Carry Other Risks
An analysis of 21 studies has found that radiation treatment for prostate cancer may place men at a slight increased risk for other cancers such as bladder, colon, and rectal cancers. Oncologist Dr. Anthony Zietman writes, "[The study] confirms our … [Read more...]
Asthma Increases the Risk of Abdominal Aneurysm
Individuals age 50 and older who have had recent asthma-related health issues appear to be at an elevated risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the body's main artery, which can rupture, causing massive … [Read more...]
Common Air Pollution May Increase the Risk of Preterm Birth
An analysis of 225,000 births reveals that exposure to high levels of small particle air pollution from car exhaust, burning wood, coal, and other fossil fuels during pregnancy can increase the risk of early birth by up to 19%. Study author Dr. Emily … [Read more...]
High Blood Sugar Can Increase Heart Attack Complications
A new study suggests that high blood sugar can cause stronger contractions of blood vessels, increasing the risk of complications in heart attack patients. Researcher Dr. Richard Rainbow explains, "This is the first study to show direct evidence of … [Read more...]