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Why Back to School Should Include a Dental Checkup
SUNDAY, Aug. 18, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- As kids head back to school this fall, there is probably one item many parents haven't thought to put on the to-do list: dental checkups. But they should make sure their children's teeth are in good shape, said Dr. Natasha Flake, president of the American Association of Endodontists. First, remember that kids grow, and so do their teeth, Flake noted. That matters most for kids who wear mouthguards while playing sports. Growth spurts, losing teeth and having new ones come in can change the fit of the mouthguard, so it may be time to have it checked for the right fit. What else should be checked? After a long summer of potentially bad dental hygiene, cavities can form. So, it’s a good time to get your kid's teeth cleaned and remind them of the importance of good dental habits. If your child develops tooth pain, seek out an endodontist, Flake added.
Mosquitos: Get Them to Buzz Off
SATURDAY, Aug. 17, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- It's that time of year when mosquitoes are at their peak, buzzing around barbecues and stinging at will. But you don't have to become their next victim, says one expert who offers tips on how to avoid being bitten. Dr. John Wolf, a professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, says it comes down to preparation. First, if you plan to be outside, know that mosquitoes are most abundant at dawn and dusk, so you might want to avoid working in your yard at those times. If you do venture out, wear loose-fitting clothes made of lighter fabrics that have long sleeves and pants.
FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for Syphilis
Syphilis cases have risen sharply in the United States over the past few years The FDA on Friday approved the first nonprescription at-home test for the infection Any test result should be confirmed via a lab test arranged through a doctor's visit, the FDA stressed FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- As syphilis cases surge throughout the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first diagnostic at-home test to spot the bacterial disease.
High Job Stress May Raise Your Risk for Dangerous Heart Rhythm Problem
Too much work stress may raise your risk of developing atrial fibrillation or A-fib, a dangerous heart rhythm problem. Researchers say the risk is especially high in low-paid employees and those who receive little recognition for their efforts. The study included more than 5,900 white collar workers who reported on their job stress between 1991 and 2018. A review of their medical records found those who reported high job stress and low rewards were 97% more likely to develop A-fib.
Parents' Excessive Smartphone Use Could Harm Children's Mental Health
Most parents admit that their smartphone use interferes with interactions with their kids New research suggests that this parental 'technoference' in the home is tied to adolescents becoming more anxious, inattentive and hyperactive In some cases, a child's behavioral issues could drive parents to their smartphones as an escape FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A child at the dinner table talks about trouble at school or an argument with a friend, but parents aren't listening: They're checking their smartphones instead.
Likelihood of Dementia Getting Diagnosed Varies Widely Across U.S.
A person’s place of residence could play a role in whether they get a timely dementia diagnosis Americans could have twice as much chance of getting a dementia diagnosis in some parts of the country than others Timely diagnosis is crucial for early intervention FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Where you live in the United States could play a role in whether you get a timely diagnosis of dementia, a new study says.
Sweden Reports First Case of New Mpox Strain as Africa Outbreak Continues
FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- As an outbreak of a new strain of mpox continues in Africa, Sweden announced Thursday that it has confirmed the first case in that country. Known as the clade I strain, this latest iteration of mpox appears to be spread more easily and cause more severe disease, experts say. "A person who sought care at Region Stockholm has been diagnosed with mpox caused by the clade I variant. It is the first case caused by clade I to be diagnosed outside the African continent," the Public Health Agency of Sweden said in a news release. "In this case, a person has been infected during a stay in the part of Africa where there is a major outbreak of mpox clade I," said state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén. "This case does not require any additional infection control measures in itself, but we take the outbreak of clade I mpox very seriously. We are closely monitoring the outbreak and we are continuously assessing whether new measures are needed."
Uterus Transplants Are Leading to Healthy Pregnancies
The first uterus transplant occurred in 2011 New data on 20 women who underwent uterine transplant finds successful pregnancies and live births in 14 of the patients Obstetric complications were common, but there was no evidence of congenital abnormalities in baby born from a transplanted uterus FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Uterine transplants are relatively rare and recent -- the first was performed in 2011, and to date a little more than 100 transplants have been conducted worldwide.
Your Brain Cells 'Reset' During Sleep, Readying for Tomorrow's Memories
Sleep is crucial to memory Neurons that store a day's memories reset at night, essentially opening up more storage space for new memories Electrodes implanted in mouse brains revealed this pattern FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A good night’s sleep is crucial for helping people make new memories, a new study says.
Red Meat Could Be Prime Driver of Colon Cancer in the Young
Red and processed meats might be driving colon cancer risk in young adults Young adults with colon cancer had higher levels of metabolites tied to red and processed meats This indicates diet might be a way to lower colon cancer risk FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- There are clues that red and processed meats could be driving the increased risk of colon cancer in young adults, a new study claims.
Text Message Program Helps Teens at Risk for Suicide
Automated text messages can provide crucial support for kids considering suicide Kids who got the messages following a suicidal crisis felt more hopeful and supported They said they would love to keep getting the messages if possible FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Kids considering suicide after receiving mental health care at a hospital can be helped by automated text messages that help them feel hopeful and supported, a new study finds.
Parents Think Social Media, Tech Is School Kids' Greatest Foe: Poll
Social media and technology are parents’ top concerns heading into the school year Half of parents worry social media and screens will interfere with their kids’ ability to form meaningful connections Bullying and the social impact of the pandemic are also concerns FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Parents are worried that social media and technology will get in the way of schoolkids building meaningful connections with classmates and teachers during the upcoming school year, a new poll finds.
Creative Hobbies Can Really Benefit Your Mental Health
British data suggests that engaging in a creative pursuit can boost levels of happiness and the sense that life is worth living This was true even for folks who were unemployed or had low incomes Creative pursuits' mental health boost exceeded that typically supplied to people by their jobs FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Painting, woodworking, writing: Whatever you turn to creatively, it could equal or exceed work in terms of maintaining mental health, new research shows.
Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to a New School Year
FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Back-to-school can feel like a rushed jumble, as kids leave behind summer fun for the next step in their education. But there are specific ways parents can help students show up sharper, get young athletes ready to compete, and have anxious kids settled down and ready to learn, experts say. Prioritize sleep Kids will have a good start to the school year if they enter it with sound sleep hygiene, experts say.
FDA Moves to Further Reduce Salt Levels in Food
After some success in its initial efforts to curb sodium levels in U.S. foods, the FDA said it is moving on to phase 2 of its voluntary sodium reduction targets The new targets support reaching a daily sodium intake of 2,750 milligrams (mg) per day per person That's still below the 2,300 mg daily that's recommended by U.S. Dietary Guidelines THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Emboldened by success in its initial efforts to cut dietary salt intake by Americans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday announced Phase II of the endeavor.
Caffeine Overload May Cause High Blood Pressure in Otherwise Healthy People
A new study may have caffeine addicts thinking twice before refilling that endless cup of coffee. Researchers say heavy caffeine consumption on a regular basis can lead to elevated blood pressure and heart rates – even in otherwise healthy people. Their study focused on the impact of coffee, tea, carbonated sodas and popular energy drinks. 92 adults, 18 - 45 years of age, underwent a three-minute step test and had heart measurements taken 1 minute and 5 minutes after completion. The results showed those who consumed 400 milligrams of caffeine daily experienced an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
New Deals Will Cut Medicare Costs for Expensive Drugs
THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- The Biden administration said Thursday that it has signed deals with drug companies that will lower the prices on 10 of the most popular and expensive drugs used by American seniors. Taxpayers should save $6 billion because of the new prices, while seniors using Medicare could save roughly $1.5 billion on their medications, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in a news release announcing the new prices. Those negotiated prices should lower the cost of drugs used by millions of older Americans to help manage diabetes, blood cancers and to prevent heart failure or blood clots. The medications affected include the blood thinners Xarelto and Eliquis and the diabetes drugs Jardiance and Januvia. Medicare spent $50 billion covering those medications last year.
Frequent Coffee Drinkers Could Put Their Hearts at Risk
Heavy caffeine drinkers might have a higher risk of heart disease Drinking more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily significantly raised blood pressure and heart rate That’s four cups of coffee, 10 cans of soda or two energy drinks THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Chugging coffee, swilling colas or pounding down energy drinks could cause heart damage over time, a new study warns.
WHO Declares Africa Mpox Outbreak a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared an ongoing outbreak of mpox in Africa a global health emergency The announcement is meant to put other countries on alert for the potentially deadly virus, and to free up resources to help affected poorer nations Scientists are worried about a new, more severe strain of virus that may spread more easily between people THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- The World Health Organization on Wednesday made the rare move of declaring an ongoing African outbreak of mpox a global health emergency.
Brain-Computer Combo Lets Mute Man With ALS 'Talk' Again
An experimental brain-computer interface restored the ability to speak to a man with ALS Electrodes in his brain record speech-related activity and feed it to a computer The man now has a 125,000 word vocabulary, and the computer interprets his words with 97% accuracy THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Casey Harrell was losing his ability to speak due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
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