Latest Health News

29Nov
2021

Your Plant-Based Diet Could Really Help the Planet

Your Plant-Based Diet Could Really Help the Planet MONDAY, Nov. 29, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Worried about climate change? You can do something about it every time you lift your fork, a new study suggests.Folks can reduce their personal carbon footprint by eating less red meat, nibbling fewer sweets and cutting back on tea, coffee and booze, according to the findings. "We all want to do our bit to help save the planet," said senior researcher Darren Greenwood, a senior lecturer in biostatistics at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. "Modifying our diet is one way we can do that."And the nice part — the foods that are best for the Earth are also really good for your health, in general."Most food that's healthy for us is likely to be better for the planet, too," Greenwood said.It's a timely message as we enter the holiday...

Merck's COVID Pill Appears Effective, But May Pose...

29 November 2021
Merck`s COVID Pill Appears Effective, But May Pose Pregnancy Risks: FDAMONDAY, Nov. 29, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Merck's experimental COVID-19 antiviral pill appears effective, but may pose risks for pregnant women, including birth defects and toxicity to developing fetuses, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.On Friday morning Merck announced updated results from its molnupiravir study that showed a smaller benefit than first thought: Among more than 1,400 adults in a company study, the drug reduced the combined risk of hospitalization and death by 30 percent, less than the 50 percent first reported.Nearly 7 percent of patients who received Merck’s drug within five days of COVID-19 symptoms ended up in the hospital and one died. That compared to 10 percent of patients hospitalized who were taking a placebo and nine deaths.Potential risks...

Hot Days Can Send Even Younger Folks to the ER

29 November 2021
Hot Days Can Send Even Younger Folks to the ER MONDAY, Nov. 29, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Extreme heat brings a jump in emergency room visits by adults of all ages, a new study shows. While it's well known that extreme heat puts adults aged 65 and older at increased risk of hospitalization and death, it's been less clear how it affects young and middle-aged adults. To find out, the researchers analyzed the associations between heat and ER visits among more than 74 million adults in more than 2,900 U.S. counties in the warm months (May to September) from 2010 to 2019. Overall, there were nearly 22 million emergency department visits during the study period. Days of extreme heat (average of 93.9 degrees Fahrenheit) were associated with a 7.8% higher risk of ER visits for any cause, compared to days with the lowest temperatures during...

Red Light in Morning May Protect Fading Eyesight: Study

29 November 2021
Red Light in Morning May Protect Fading Eyesight: StudyMONDAY, Nov. 29, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- A weekly dose of deep red light in the morning may protect fading eyesight as people age, U.K. researchers say."Using a simple LED device once a week recharges the energy system that has declined in the retina cells, rather like recharging a battery," according to Glen Jeffery, lead author of a small, new study.In previous work, the researchers found that daily three-minute exposure to long-wave deep red light switched on energy-producing mitochondria cells in the retina, giving a boost to naturally declining vision. In this new study, the investigators wanted to assess the effect of a single three-minute exposure once a week, and whether exposure in the morning or afternoon made a difference.The study included 13 women and seven men, aged 34...

New Insights Into What Might Drive Parkinson's Disease

29 November 2021
New Insights Into What Might Drive Parkinson`s DiseaseMONDAY, Nov. 29, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- A defect in the blood-brain barrier may play a role in Parkinson's disease, a groundbreaking research study suggests.The blood-brain barrier acts as a filter to keep out toxins while still allowing the passage of nutrients to nourish the brain. This study found that in some people with Parkinson's, the blood-brain barrier doesn't work right.In these patients, the barrier traps toxins in the brain, prevents glucose and other nutrients from getting in, and permits inflammatory cells and molecules from the body to enter and damage the brain."Much work remains to be done, but just knowing that a patient's brain vascular system is playing a significant role in the progression of the disease is a very promising discovery," said senior study author...

How Easily Can Singing Spread COVID-19?

29 November 2021
How Easily Can Singing Spread COVID-19?MONDAY, Nov. 29, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Singing in a choir may be good for your soul, but it can also spread COVID-19 far more easily than conversation does.A new study also found that the louder and person sings or talks, the more particles are spewed into the air, and that more particles are released by men than women, and by adults than children. Fears that airborne transmission of COVID-19 could pose a risk to performers and audience members severely curtailed live performances in the early stages of the pandemic, so researchers decided to assess the levels of aerosols (tiny airborne particles less than 100 microns in size) emitted by singers, actors and musicians who play wind instruments. The study included about 100 volunteers, ages 12-61, who sat or stood while talking,...

A Pre-Game Routine Can Boost an Athlete's Performance: Study

28 November 2021
A Pre-Game Routine Can Boost an Athlete`s Performance: StudySUNDAY, Nov. 28, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- NBA great Michael Jordan had a special ritual he would follow before every free throw: He would assume a shoulder-width stance, spin the basketball in his hands, bounce the ball three times, and then spin the ball once more while focusing on the rim before finally taking his shot.Now, new research suggests similar routines could improve your sports performance, whether you're an amateur or elite athlete.In fact, many top professional athletes have a pre-performance routine (PPR), which can include specific movements or thoughts. "Routines such as that of Jordan can strengthen concentration and help to dive into optimal mental state for performance," said senior study author Peter Gröpel, a sports psychologist from the University of Vienna in...

A Routine Skin Check Could Save Your Life

27 November 2021
A Routine Skin Check Could Save Your LifeSATURDAY, Nov. 27, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- It may sound dramatic, but skin checks save lives.While encouraging people to do routine self-exams, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) shares some case studies that led to important discoveries. Richard Danzer, of West Palm Beach, Fla., found a large, painful cyst on his back during a skin self-exam. Dermatologist Dr. Brittany Smirnov examined him, and he was later diagnosed with lung cancer and given lifesaving treatment.When John Ahearn, of Phoenix, had dark bruising that appeared on his legs, dermatologist Dr. Lindsay Ackerman suspected he might have a serious blood issue. She collaborated with a hematology-oncology specialist who diagnosed Ahearn with leukemia. He is now in remission after a bone marrow transplant.After noticing...

As Holidays Return to Normal, Here's How to De-Stress

FRIDAY, Nov. 26, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- A return to a more normal holiday season may also mean higher stress levels, so an expert offers some coping tips.Don't get too focused on buying the...

Give Others Help, Get Back Health Benefits: Study

FRIDAY, Nov. 26, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- When it comes to helping others and your health, it might be better to give than to receive, a new study suggests.Researchers surveyed more than 1,000...
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