Latest Health News

SATURDAY, Nov. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Vaping significantly increases the risk of lung disease, according to a new study that adds to growing evidence that e-cigarettes are dangerous.Researchers from Boston University analyzed data gathered from more than 21,600 U.S. adults between 2013 and 2018 and found that those who'd used e-cigarettes in the past had a 21% increased risk of respiratory disease, and current e-cigarette users had a 43% increased risk.In terms of specific diseases, current e-cigarette use was associated with a 33% increased risk of chronic bronchitis risk, a 69% increased risk of emphysema risk, a 57% increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk, and a 31% increased risk of asthma."This provides some of the very first longitudinal evidence...

FRIDAY, Nov. 13, 2020 (HealthDay) -- Since last April, hospital emergency rooms across the United States have seen a sustained surge in visits related to the mental health of school-aged kids, a new report reveals.The findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on children because of disruptions to their everyday life, anxiety about illness and social isolation. That conclusion comes from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention review of data on hospitals in 47 states. Those hospitals account for nearly three-quarters of emergency department visits nationwide.The study tracked emergency visits involving children under age 18 who sought care for a mental health issue between Jan. 1 and Oct. 17, 2020."Our study looked at a composite group of mental health concerns...

FRIDAY, Nov. 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Minority patients who suffer life-threatening cardiac arrest may get fewer treatments in the hospital -- and face a grimmer outlook -- than white patients, a new, preliminary study suggests.The findings add to a large body of research finding racial disparities in U.S. health care, including heart disease treatment.What's different is that the study looked at a "particularly dramatic presentation" of heart disease, said senior researcher Dr. Saraschandra Vallabhajosyula.The study focused on over 180,000 Americans who were hospitalized for a heart attack and suffered cardiac arrest as a complication. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating normally and can no longer pump blood and oxygen to the body. It's fatal within minutes without...

FRIDAY, Nov. 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Millions of people take a fish oil or vitamin D supplement in hopes of warding off a host of ills. But a new study finds the nutrients won't shield against the common and potential heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation."A-fib" affects about 2.7 million Americans and can lead to complications such as blood clots, stroke and even heart failure. The risk of a-fib increases with age, high blood pressure and heavy drinking, and may be more common in some families.The study results "do not support using marine omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D to prevent atrial fibrillation," said lead author Dr. Christine Albert. She's founding chair in the Department of Cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Smidt Heart Institute in Los Angeles.On...