According to new laboratory findings, vapor from electronic cigarettes may increase young individuals' risk for contracting respiratory infections due to the vapor impairing the immune response in the epithelial cells that line the inside of the … [Read more...]
Health Alert
Hospital Infection Rates Falling
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the rates of many types of hospital-acquired infections are on the decline. The researchers found a 46% decline in “central line-associated” bloodstream infections, a 19% … [Read more...]
COX-2 Inhibitors Associated with Increased Risk of Death from Stroke
Some commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis and pain may increase a patient's risk of dying from a stroke. According to a new study, users of COX-2 inhibitors are 19% more likely to die after a stroke when compared with non-users. COX-2 inhibitors … [Read more...]
Riding Adult-Sized ATVs Can Be Deadly for Youth
Riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) poses a high-risk for injury or death to children and teens. Dr. Mary Aitken, a professor of pediatrics and public health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, writes, "Finding a more effective way to … [Read more...]
Biggest Cause of Fatal Allergic Reactions is Medications.
More than half (59%) of allergy-related deaths are caused by medications, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In 40% of cases in which a specific drug was identified, it was an antibiotic. The next most … [Read more...]
Possible Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer
An international research group has concluded that breast implants can cause a new subtype of rare, yet malignant, lymphoma known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This type of cancer is usually found in lymph nodes, skin, lung, liver, and … [Read more...]
Medicare Penalties Will Hurt Vulnerable Patients with COPD
Experts say that new polices regarding hospital readmissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will penalize at-risk patients. Since 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has reduced payments to hospitals that … [Read more...]
Cigars Contain Harmful Toxins
Many cigar smokers believe that cigars pose fewer health risks than cigarettes; however, a new report reveals that cigar smokers are exposed to high levels of cancer-causing agents, as well as other toxic substances. Investigators found that cigar … [Read more...]
Young Biker’s Brains Benefit from Universal Helmet Laws
Young American motorcyclists who live in states that have mandatory universal helmet laws are 2.5 times less likely to experience a traumatic brain injury in the event of a crash than those living in states with less-strict or no helmet … [Read more...]
Pavement Sealer Ban Linked to Cleaner Lake Water
A ban of certain types of pavement sealants made from coal tar has led to lower levels of cancer-causing compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an Austin, Texas lake. In 2006, Austin was the first city in the United States to ban … [Read more...]
Kidney Stones Increase Risk of Heart Disease
A new study suggests that kidney stones can increase an individual's risk for coronary heart disease and stroke. The results of the study found that patients with kidney stones have a 19% increased risk for coronary heart disease and a 40% higher … [Read more...]
Good News, Smoke-Free Homes Have Doubled!
The results of a recent study indicate that the national prevalence of smoke-free homes in the United States (US) has increased from 43% in the early 1990s to 83% at the start of the current decade. The authors of the study hypothesize that the … [Read more...]
E-Cigarettes a Possible Gateway to Drug Use, Addiction, and Tobacco Smoking
An alarming report claims that using electronic cigarettes may lead to tobacco cigarette smoking and increase the likelihood of illicit drug use and addiction. The researchers discovered that when mice were exposed to nicotine, the substance … [Read more...]
Heart Attack Survival Rates Affected by Arrival Time at Hospital
The American Heart Association has found that heart attack patients who present to a hospital at night, during the weekend, or on a holiday have a 13% increased risk of dying compared with heart attack patients who are admitted during regular hours. … [Read more...]