Group Exercise Improves Quality of Life, Reduces Stress Far More Than Individual Workouts
Researchers found working out in a group lowers stress by 26 percent and significantly improves quality of life, while those who exercise individually put in more effort but experienced no significant changes in their stress level and a limited improvement to quality of life, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic […]
Spicy Food May Curb Unhealthy Cravings for Salt
Chinese subjects who enjoyed spicy foods appeared to eat less salt and have lower blood pressure, potentially reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension. “Previously, a pilot study found that trace amounts of capsaicin, the chemical that gives chili peppers their pungent smell, enhanced […]
Scientists Develop Broad-Spectrum Inhibitors of Influenza Virus
A team of researchers from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) and Janssen Research & Development (Janssen) has devised artificial peptide molecules that neutralize a broad range of influenza virus strains. Peptides are short chains of amino acids – like proteins but with smaller, simpler structures. These designed molecules have the potential to be developed into […]
Infant Sun Protection: How Parents Can Keep Their Baby Safe
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and it only takes one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence to nearly double a person’s chance of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life. This is why it’s imperative, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, that parents […]
FDA Tackles Drug Competition to Improve Patient Access
Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking two new, important steps to increase competition in the market for prescription drugs and facilitate entry of lower-cost alternatives. The agency published a list of off-patent, off-exclusivity branded drugs without approved generics, and also implemented, for the first time, a new policy to expedite the review of generic […]
40th Annual Report on the Health of the Nation
CDC today released Health, United States, 2016, the 40th annual report on the health of the nation from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the President and Congress. This year’s report features a Chartbook on Long-Term Trends in health and health care delivery over the past 40 years. From declines in cigarette smoking […]
Patient Race and Gender Are Important In Predicting Heart Attacks in ER
Researchers at the George Washington University (GW) found that certain symptoms are more and less predictive of patients’ risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes heart attack, in patients of different gender and race. “When people come to the emergency department with chest pain or shortness of breath, emergency physicians must diagnose the cause. […]
TDH Warns of Severe Flu Season
Tennessee Department of Health surveillance notes a steady increase in influenza activity in Tennessee and warns the 2014-2015 flu season could be severe. TDH urges everyone to protect themselves and their families by getting a flu shot now. “Early indications suggest this could be a more severe flu season than we have had for some […]
Protect Yourself against Shingles: Get Vaccinated
Almost 1 out of 3 people in America will develop shingles during their lifetime. Your risk increases as you get older. People 60 years of age or older should get vaccinated against this painful disease. Shingles is also known as herpes zoster. It causes a painful, blistering skin rash that can last 2 to 4 […]
HHS announces 27 Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns awards
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced 27 recipients of new Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns awards, made possible by the Affordable Care Act. Up to $41.4 million can be used by states, caregivers and others to find new ways to prevent significant, long-term health problems for high-risk pregnant […]
Flu Risks for Seniors
As you age, your immune system weakens. This weakening makes seniors—adults 65 years and older— more susceptible to the flu. For seniors, the seasonal flu can be very serious, even deadly. Ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older. It is important all seniors […]
Some Sleep Drugs Can Impair Driving
Many people take sedatives to help them sleep. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reminding consumers that some drugs to treat insomnia could make them less able the next morning to perform activities for which they must be fully alert, including driving a car. FDA has informed manufacturers that the recommended dose should be […]
Treating the Flu
What should you do if you have the flu? Follow these basic tips for treating the flu. If you have been diagnosed with the flu, you should stay home and follow your health care provider’s recommendations. You can treat the flu with or without medication. When treating without medication, be sure to get plenty of […]
