Taking vitamin D pills reduces the risk of fracture in adults over 65. But this benefit occurs only if they also take calcium. That’s the conclusion of a new study that put together the results of 50 prior studies. The report came from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This is an expert group that provides advice on preventive care to health professionals. The journal Annals of Internal Medicine published the study. HealthDay News wrote about it December 19. The report author told HealthDay that the group could not advise specific doses. People in the studies reviewed took from 300 to 1,100 international units of vitamin D. The calcium doses they took daily ranged from 500 to 1,200 milligrams.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics has amended its guidelines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Research is adding to the theory that epilepsy and schizophrenia are biologically linked.
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I take Avodart for my enlarged prostate. But I heard that Avodart increases prostate cancer risk. Is that true? Should I quit taking Avodart?
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Identity thieves are targeting medical businesses to deceptively acquire billing information.
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Winter’s cold temperatures contribute to heart problems.
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Two studies showed that people with back pain who took yoga classes experienced some degree of relief.
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Drinking tea or coffee with fish may prevent the body from absorbing mercury in the fish.
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A headache specialist discusses the causes of and treatments for migraines.
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Even children without special health needs are healthier and make better use of health care if they have a “medical home,” a new study finds. A medical home meets certain standards. Care should be easy to get. The office should coordinate all of it. Care should be sensitive to family needs and cultural differences. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a medical home for all children. The new study was based on a large health survey. It focused on 70,000 children who did not have special needs. About 58% had a medical home. They were more likely than other children to get preventive care. They had fewer sick visits and trips to the emergency room. Their parents were more likely to describe the kids’ health as excellent or very good. The kids also were more likely to wear a bike helmet. They watched less TV and were read to more often.
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