Allergies & Asthma: Keep Sneezes & Wheezes at Bay This Holiday Season

SATURDAY, Nov. 26, 2022 (HealthDay News) – It’s possible to have a joy-filled holiday season while keeping allergies and asthma in check.

Being aware of triggers is a key, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“While the holidays bring much joy, some of the good times can be derailed by al...

Vitamins: It's Best to Get Them From Food, Not a Bottle

Bottled vitamins might seem a convenient way to get all the important nutrients, but the best delivery method is still just eating actual healthy food.

“We have plenty of studies showing that when we look at food as the bioavailable source of certain nutrients of vitamins and minerals, they tend to be one of the best options,” said Kr...

Exercise Might Ease Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment

An exercise program, even if it's not as intense as national guidelines suggest, could help breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy reduce fatigue and have a better quality of life, new research suggests.

Researchers from Edith Cowan University in Australia included 89 women in this study -- 43 participated in the exercise por...

About 1 in 35 U.S. Pregnancies Exposed to Opioids

FRIDAY, Nov. 25, 2022 (HealthDay News) – Researchers have found that nearly 3% of pregnancies in the United States were exposed to addictive opioid drugs.

The finding stems from an analysis of data from 21,905 pregnant women in what's dubbed the ECHO program (Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes), a federally funded effort t...

As COVID Restrictions Lifted, Asthma Attacks Rose

When COVID-19 restrictions lifted in the United Kingdom, the risk for severe asthma attacks doubled.

While having COVID isn't more likely to cause asthma attacks than other respiratory infections, it may have been that safety measures, such as wearing masks and reduced socializing, kept these attacks at bay, the authors of a new study sugg...

Transgender Youth Much More Likely to Have Troubled Sleep

Transgender youth are more likely than others to experience sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, and researchers now recommend these young people be screened for sleep problems.

“Transgender and gender-nonconforming identity may precede mental health disorders, and both influence insomnia diagnosis,” said study co-author G...

Acupuncture Might Ease Back Pain During Pregnancy

Many women experience back pain during pregnancy and a new study review suggests an ancient treatment can help.

Acupuncture provided significant relief of lower back and pelvic pain, according to an analysis of 10 trials from various parts of the world. The findings were published Nov. 21 in BMJ Open.

"Acupuncture significan...

Flakes Are Falling Again: Here's the Safe Way to Shovel Snow

Shoveling snow is a strenuous workout that poses risks for people with heart conditions.

“We have to think of shoveling snow as a pretty significant exertion, like an exercise,” said Dr. Donald Ford, chair of family medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio. “So if you’re going out to exercise, people who have heart conditions or p...

Tips for 'Stomaching' the Holidays If You Have IBS

Stress affects gut health and intensifies pain, which — for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — can make traveling to see family during the holiday season excruciating.

“People living with IBS often say the holidays are especially stressful, above and beyond the typical holiday stress most people report having," said Tiffany...

All That Vaping Might Damage Your Smile

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- On top of their other health hazards, electronic cigarettes may help rot your teeth, a new study suggests.

Vaping appears to promote cavities, which can result in tooth loss if not treated quickly, experts say.

"If you are vaping, be aware that there are potentially som...

A Gene Therapy for Hemophilia That Costs $3.5 Million Gets FDA Approval

People with one form of the genetic blood disorder hemophilia now have a one-time treatment with a $3.5 million price tag.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the new gene therapy Hemgenix on Nov. 22. Soon after, drugmaker CSL Behring revealed its cost.

The company said its drug would ultimately reduce health care costs b...

Diabetes Drug Metformin Might Keep Severe COVID Away

A century-old diabetes drug seems to help keep high-risk COVID-19 patients from falling deathly ill, a new study reports.

Metformin reduced the risk of death from COVID-19 by 44% in a group of diabetics who were taking the drug when they became infected with the coronavirus, according to the researchers.

Diabetics taking metformin a...

AHA News: Her Heart Stopped in Front of the U.S. Capitol

It was a Wednesday morning last October and still dark when Delya Sommerville took off for a run with her jogging club.

They usually went out two to three times a week in the Capitol Hill area of Washington, D.C., and ran for about an hour. On this day the focus was hills.

"I don't feel very strong today," she said to one of her runn...

Food Banks Save Needy Families Up to $1,000 Per Year

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 23, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Millions of Americans will enjoy a hot, nutritious Thanksgiving meal thanks to their local food pantry, often staffed by volunteers. Now, new research spotlights just how important these charities are.

Families who rely on pantries for food assistance come away with $600 to ...

Mental Health Care Shortage Could Play Role in U.S. Youth Suicides

The kids aren't alright.

Up to 1 in 5 children in the United States has a mental health condition, but only about half of those who need mental health care are now receiving it. What's more, suicide is the second leading cause of death among U.S. kids and teens, and youth suicide rates have been rising over the last decade.

Now,...

White House Urges COVID Booster Shots Again, Citing Effectiveness

It’s not too late to get the latest COVID-19 booster shot.

Whether it’s the bivalent vaccine from drug maker Pfizer or from Moderna, the shots offer more protection against symptomatic infection, public health officials reiterated at a White House briefing on Tuesday.

However, since the vaccines debuted in September, only 13% o...

COVID Vaccine Boosts Protection, Even After Prior Infection: Study

Even if you've already had COVID-19, you can still benefit from a vaccine that can help prevent another infection, a new study shows.

Danish patients gained between 60% and 94% protection against reinfection, depending on the COVID variant wave, the researchers found.

The findings were published Nov. 22 in the open-access journal

Shopping Black Friday for TVs, Furniture? Don't Forget the Tip-Over Kit

That new television, cabinet or appliance you're looking to snag on Black Friday or Cyber Monday could bring unexpected dangers to your home.

So don't forget to buy a kit to anchor it to the wall and keep it from tipping over and harming young kids, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges.

"With the holiday shopping seaso...

Your Child Is Sick. Do You Call Your Doctor or Head to the ER?

It's a common dilemma when your child seems sick: Do you call the doctor, make a trip to urgent care or head straight to the emergency room?

If it's not an emergency, a call to your child's pediatrician may help guide you. The doctor's staff may recommend bringing your child in for a visit or going to urgent care -- particularly after hour...

All the Flavor, Better Health: Holiday Dinner Ingredient Swaps That Work

Holiday meals offer an opportunity to indulge in some favorite foods.

Now for those who want to enjoy healthier versions of these holiday treats, a registered dietitian from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston offers some easy suggestions.

Veggies can help with the post-meal fatigue you usually feel after a big meal, said Courtney ...