Hotter summer temperatures and prolonged periods of intense heat can lead to heat-related illness — and even deaths –– particularly in areas known as urban heat islands. People who are elderly and those with existing health problems are especially vulnerable. Know what to do to protect yourself and others.
Summer activities are underway, and some schools will be reopening come September. Does your child need a physical exam, or a form from the pediatrician? Here’s how to think through the options for fulfilling these requirements.
What are goosebumps? Why do we get them? Do they serve a purpose? Some of these questions can be answered, others can’t. But a recent study in mice links goosebumps to stem cells responsible for the regeneration of hair.
A majority of Americans know that sun protection is important. Yet less than half actually use it on a regular basis when they’re heading outside, according to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have created a risk model to help identify people at the highest risk for pancreatic cancer, which they hope could help find cases earlier, when they are most treatable.
People with the common skin condition eczema may have a higher risk of breaking a bone when compared with someone without the condition, says a study published in the February 2020 issue of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects some 16 million Americans, causing persistent redness, pimples, and dilated blood vessels on the face. Flushing makes the condition worse, and it can be exacerbated by hot flashes at menopause. Doctors typically diagnose rosacea by performing a skin examination and taking a medical history. The condition is treatable by avoiding triggers and using medications to reduce redness and swelling.
Research on artificial sweeteners has found mixed results. Some studies have associated them with weight gain and an increased risk for diabetes, while others have found potential benefits, including healthier weight. A recent study found a potential reason for the differences. When study subjects consumed a drink containing sucralose (Splenda) alone, they didn’t see any ill effects, but when the drink included a particular carbohydrate and was consumed for 10 days, it resulted in reduced insulin sensitivity, a precursor to diabetes.
Anxiety can produce physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach upset, and tightness in the chest. Sometimes this sets up a vicious cycle, in which anxiety triggers physical symptoms, and the symptoms magnify anxiety, which makes them even worse. Doing distracting tasks or relaxation exercises can help break this cycle. People should seek professional help if symptoms can’t be controlled.