I sometimes get muscle cramps so severe that I can’t use the stairs. I am into weight lifting, but never work the same muscle groups on back-to-back days. I get plenty of water and potassium. Any ideas what could cause this?
About 38% of people in Europe have some type of mental illness, a new study estimates. That’s a total of about 165 million people. And most do not get treatment, researchers said. The study was based on data from more than 30 countries. It included common illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Alcohol and drug dependence also was part of the study. But the sweep was even broader. The study also included conditions such as attention disorders, sleep problems and dementia. The authors said only about one-third of people get treatment. The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology released the study. The Associated Press wrote about it September 6.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that all children age 6 months and older should get a new flu shot this season — even if they had one last year. The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against the same three strains of influenza as last year’s vaccine. The vaccine’s protection from the flu only lasts for about 6 to 12 months. That’s because a person’s immunity drops by as much as 50% after vaccination. So it’s important to get the flu vaccine every year to keep your protection up to date. The journal Pediatrics published the new guideline online on September 1. HealthDay News wrote about it.
A small study found that people who ate potatoes twice a day had lower blood pressure without weight gain. The 18 people in the study were all overweight. They ate 6 to 8 purple potatoes twice a day for a month. The potatoes were baked in a microwave without toppings or oil. Blood pressure dropped by about 4%. Potatoes provide vitamins, fiber and potassium. But the way they are prepared may often counteract any health benefits. Scientists from the University of Scranton did the study. They reported the results August 31 at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting. Several online news outlets, including MSNBC.com and the Irish Times, wrote about the study September 1.
My 9-year-old daughter is small for her age and below the growth chart norm. She had a bone test that said the age of her bones was 7 years. How can that be and what does it mean?