Latest Health News

21Jan
2020

Simple Tweak to Hospital Computer Program Cuts Opioid Prescriptions

Simple Tweak to Hospital Computer Program Cuts Opioid PrescriptionsTUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Could a simple computer hack help make a dent in the opioid epidemic? New research suggests that the number of painkillers prescribed to patients can be reduced just by lowering default computer settings that display a preset number of pills. That simple change led doctors at two California hospitals to prescribe fewer opioids, and the approach could improve opioid prescribing practices elsewhere and help prevent addiction, the researchers said. Prescription opioids are a key part of the U.S. opioid crisis, the authors of the new study explained. "It's striking that even in the current environment, where doctors know about the risks from opioids and are generally thoughtful about prescribing them, this intervention affected prescribing...

Don't Want a 2nd Heart Attack? Lose the Belly Fat

21 January 2020
Don`t Want a 2nd Heart Attack? Lose the Belly FatTUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- For heart attack survivors, a fat belly could mean another one is likely, a new study suggests. Earlier studies have shown that abdominal obesity puts people at risk for their first heart attack. This new study shows it also ups the odds for a second one, researchers say. "Abdominal obesity not only increases your risk for a first heart attack or stroke, but also the risk for recurrent events after the first misfortune," said study author Dr. Hanieh Mohammadi of Karolinska University Hospital in Solna, Sweden. A healthy waist measurement is important for preventing future heart attacks and strokes, no matter how many preventive drugs you may be taking or how healthy your blood tests are, she said. "Abdominal obesity can be tackled by...

Sunscreen Chemicals Absorbed Into Body, Study Finds

21 January 2020
Sunscreen Chemicals Absorbed Into Body, Study FindsTUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The chemicals in sunscreens help shield people from the sun's rays, but they are also absorbed into the body at levels that raise some safety questions, a new study confirms. The study, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a follow-up to a 2019 investigation. Both reached the same conclusion: The active ingredients in popular sunscreens can be absorbed into the blood at levels that exceed the FDA threshold where they can be presumed safe. However, both the agency and skin cancer experts were quick to stress that there is no proof that sunscreen ingredients cause any harm. And people should keep using the products to prevent sunburn and curb the risk of skin cancer, they said. "The fact that an ingredient is absorbed through...

Vape Devices Like Juul 'Reversing' Efforts to Keep Youth...

21 January 2020
Vape Devices Like Juul `Reversing` Efforts to Keep Youth From Tobacco: StudyTUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The epidemic of addictive vaping among youth continues, with e-cigarette devices by Juul continuing to surge in popularity among teens and young adults, new research shows. The number of Americans aged 15 to 34 who said they had at least tried one of the small, convenient Juul devices more than doubled between 2018 and 2019, researchers report. And the number of current Juul users who said they used the device regularly -- at least 10 days out of the last 30 -- rose to more than one-third during the same time period, from about 26% to nearly 38%, the study found. Current Juul use was highest among youth and young adults, with just over 8% of 21- to 24-year-olds, about 13% of those aged 18 to 20 and nearly 8% of 15- to 17-year-olds using the...

Many Gun Owners Leave Weapons Unlocked at Home

21 January 2020
Many Gun Owners Leave Weapons Unlocked at HomeTUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Four in 10 gun owners have at least one gun at home that isn't locked up, even if there are children in the home, a new survey suggests. To come to that conclusion, researchers questioned nearly 3,000 people while they waited for a free gun storage device (lockbox or trigger lock) at public gun safety events in 10 cities in Washington state between 2015 and 2018. While many of the participants emphasized the need for such gun safety events, 40% reported having at least one gun at home that wasn't locked up, 39% said they kept a loaded gun at home, and 14% stored all of their guns loaded and unlocked. The presence of children in the home did not make a difference in how people stored their guns, the findings showed. "Even in this...

Millions of Americans With Heart Disease Use Pot, Bringing Potential Harm

21 January 2020
Millions of Americans With Heart Disease Use Pot, Bringing Potential HarmTUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Over 2 million Americans with heart disease have used marijuana, despite evidence that it might be harmful to them, a new research review finds. The report, published in the Jan. 28 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, comes at a time when many states are legalizing medicinal or recreational marijuana use. And, some studies suggest, a growing number of Americans are lighting up -- or using the drug in other forms. "We've reached an epidemiological shift," said Dr. Muthiah Vaduganathan, the senior author on the review. "For the first time, there are more marijuana users than cigarette smokers in the U.S." But while the health consequences of tobacco smoking are well documented, less is known about the risks of...

Health Tip: Nuts and Heart Health

21 January 2020
(HealthDay News) -- Regular nut consumption can lower the risk of heart disease by up to 14 percent, says the American College of Cardiology. Nuts contain heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. The group reminds people that a complete heart-healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish and nuts. But as one ounce of nuts can contain as many as 200 calories, be mindful of your portion size, the group says.

Health Tip: Dealing With Flea Infestation

21 January 2020
(HealthDay News) -- Fleas feed on the blood of people and your furry friends, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Flea infestation can be difficult to quash, so prevention is key, the agency says. To prevent, reduce or eliminate flea infestation, the EPA suggests: Check carpets, cushioned furniture and cracks and crevices daily. Steam clean carpets regularly. Pay extra attention to areas where pets sleep. Wash all pet bedding and family bedding on which pets lie every two weeks. Use a flea comb on your pet to expose adult fleas. Keep your pets indoors as much as possible.

Family Therapy Best for Youth at Risk for Bipolar Disorder

MONDAY, Jan. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Therapy for the entire family might help kids and teens vulnerable to bipolar disorder stay healthy longer, new research suggests. Researchers from the...

Health Tip: Sleeping While There's Anxiety

(HealthDay News) -- Anxiety can cause or worsen sleeping problems, says the National Sleep Foundation. If disrupted sleep due to anxiety happens, the foundation says you may want to try a few...
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