Experts say that keeping a health journal can help you better answer your healthcare provider's questions. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends recording the following information: past illnesses or injuries, hospitalizations, past … [Read more...]
Wellness/Prevention
Earplugs Help Protect Hearing at Loud Concerts
Earplugs can protect concert-goers from the temporary hearing loss that can linger after a high-decibel music concert. In this study, researchers followed 51 participants who attended an outdoor music festival, half of whom used earplugs. The average … [Read more...]
Vitamin D Levels Linked to Cardiovascular Disease Risk
New research suggests that the risk of cardiovascular disease could be predicted by measuring levels of total and bioavailable vitamin D in both men and women. The study analyzed the vitamin D levels of 4,200 individuals aged 52-76 and assessed … [Read more...]
Experts Unsure If Seniors Should Have Routine Vision Checks
A panel of experts concludes there is not enough data to say whether or not seniors should be routinely screened for vision trouble by their primary care physicians. According to the panel, primary care doctors typically check vision with an eye … [Read more...]
Low Vitamin D Associated with More Aggressive Prostate Cancer
New research suggests that prostate cancer may be more aggressive in men who are vitamin D deficient. Researchers studied nearly 200 men with prostate cancer and found that those who had blood vitamin D levels below 30 nanograms per milliliter … [Read more...]
Probiotics May Prevent Dental Cavities
In the future, preventing cavities may be as simple as taking a supplement to keep unwanted bacteria in check. Researchers have found a strain of bacteria that could keep bad bacteria under control and pave the way to using probiotics (beneficial … [Read more...]
Breathalyzer-Locked Car Ignitions Save Lives
In the 18 states that require in-car breathalyzers with ignition interlocks for anyone convicted of drunken driving, researchers have observed a 15% decrease in alcohol-related deaths. Researcher Dr. Elinore Kaufman adds, "Other states have proven [a … [Read more...]
Is Ulcerative Colitis Treatable with Vinegar?
A study involving mice suggests that vinegar—or its main ingredient, acetic acid—may alleviate ulcerative colitis. This condition is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract that can cause … [Read more...]
My Heel Hurts!
If you suffer from painful heels, the American Podiatric Medical Association offers these preventive tips: wear shoes with sturdy soles that absorb shock and offer support, choose shoes designed for your activity preference, warm-up and stretch … [Read more...]
Regular Mammograms Worthwhile for Elderly Women
Previous research has shown that mammography screening reduces breast cancer death in women up to age 74. Now, a new study indicates that regular mammograms also benefit elderly women. An analysis of Medicare data from 1995 to 2009 on about 65,000 … [Read more...]
Cancer Death Rates Improving
The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that the rate of cancer-related deaths has dropped 23% since 1991. Experts from the ACS add that the decline in cancer deaths is likely due to early detection and treatment advances, along with fewer people … [Read more...]
Doctor-Patient Emails May Help Chronically Ill
For those with chronic health conditions, the ability to communicate with their doctor via email appears to improve their health. A survey of 1,000 patients with chronic conditions revealed that 56% had sent their doctor an email within the past year … [Read more...]
Excess Mass in Mid-Life Increases Dementia Risk
After reviewing data from 21 published studies, a team of researchers from Imperial College in London reports that individuals who are obese during later adulthood are 1.41 times more likely to develop dementia than those who maintain a healthy … [Read more...]
How to Make Resolutions Stick
Clinical psychologist Dr. Josh Klapow says that resolutions to improve your health are more easily made than kept, but there are ways to turn them into lifelong habits. He advises following the "S.M.A.R.T." system, which includes the following five … [Read more...]