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MONDAY, May 15, 2023 (HealthDay News) – Baby equipment is costly, so many parents buy it used, but they’re not always sure whether it’s still safe, a nationwide poll reveals.About half of the 932 parents surveyed in February said they had used pre-owned equipment for their baby, most often cribs and high chairs, according to a University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital poll released May 15.Yet, 2 in 3 said it was hard to tell if the equipment was safe.“Used child essentials are often more cost-effective, environmentally friendly and convenient,” said poll co-director Sarah Clark. “However, many parents in our poll weren’t completely confident they could identify safety concerns, such as unsafe wear and tear, recalls or hygiene issues.”About half said...

MONDAY, May 15, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- It’s important to understand your bone health to avoid damage as you age.Losses of bone mineral density and bone mass can cause weakening, potentially leading to a fracture, especially in the hip, spine and wrist.Osteoporosis is considered a silent disease because it often has no symptoms until someone breaks a bone in an unusual way, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.“Breaking a bone after falling while in a standing position could be a sign of osteoporosis,” endocrinologist Dr. Jessica Starr said in a hospital news release. “Any fracture should prompt a discussion of bone health with one’s doctor.”Chances of that happening go up with age. Before osteoporosis comes osteopenia, a less-serious loss of bone...

MONDAY, May 15, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- While people might assume suicide is more common in the darker months of winter, it actually peaks in spring and early summer.Researchers investigating what’s happening have found that suicidal thoughts peak in December but then take a few months to reach a “tipping point.” People are also most vulnerable to ending their lives between 4 and 5 a.m., according to a new study.“It is well documented that winter is the time when people with mental health problems may struggle with worsening mood and depression. Indeed, seasonal affective disorder is a recognized issue related to the change in season that affects many people’s mental health,” said study co-author Brian O’Shea. He is an associate professor of psychology at the University...

SUNDAY, May 14, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- It’s important to ask questions when your doctor or dentist writes you a new prescription.This is especially true for opioid pain medications, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone or morphine.While these drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for acute and chronic pain, they can have serious side effects, including addiction and even death. Misuse of opioids have led to the current drug overdose crisis in the United States. The majority of overdose deaths in this country involve opioids, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The FDA offers some tips for using these medications safely. Start by asking your doctor how long your pain is likely to last and what medication is being prescribed.If the drug is...