Hospice patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may choose to turn off the shock function of the devices to avoid a potentially painful shock.
Many factors influence the body’s production of vitamin D, including age, weight, and air quality.
Another study adds to the evidence that exercise helps protect the brain from cognitive decline in older age.
The mechanism of addiction to a substance or pleasurable activity is rooted in the brain’s reaction to the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Writing about a traumatic experience may help some people deal with their feelings in a healthy way.
More than 5 million people have received free preventive care now offered by Medicare, U.S. officials say. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 required these benefits. Officials released a report about their use on June 20. For Medicare, preventive care includes an annual wellness visit. It also includes tests such as screening for breast and colon cancer. These services require no copayments or deductibles. Officials say they want more people to use these benefits. They believe this could save money by preventing illness or catching and treating it early. Therefore, the government is launching a campaign to promote the benefits. HealthDay News and Reuters Health news service wrote about the announcement.
Deep brain stimulation is still considered an experimental treatment for depression, but one small study suggests that some patients could benefit from it.
People who are depressed may be suffering from hypothyroidism, which in turn can be caused by another disease or treatment for a medical condition.
Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, discusses the findings of an FDA advisory committee regarding the question of whether artificial food colorings and additives contribute to behavioral issues in children.
More than 200 U.S. children died from drowning in portable backyard pools from 2000 through 2009, a new study finds. Another 35 came close to drowning. The new study looked only at portable pools, not the in-ground type. The depth was up to 4 feet. But 41% of the cases where the pool depth was known occurred in “wading pools.” These pools are less than 18 inches deep. Almost half of the children who drowned were 1 year old. Nearly all were under 5. About 66% of children were supervised. But in 18% of these cases the attention lapsed. Most often this happened because the supervisor fell asleep, did chores or answered the phone. Researchers say keeping children away from the pool is the most important step. But they noted that many people may consider a fence not affordable for a portable pool.