Sports Position Doesn't Affect Risk of Concussion-Linked CTE Illness

The position played in sports like football and hockey isn't associated with risk of a concussion-linked brain disease later in life, a new study suggests.

The number of years played doesn't affect risk of the neurodegenerative disease -- chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) -- either, researchers found.

CTE has been linked with re...

'Telestroke' Care at Hospitals Is Boosting Patient Outcomes

You've had a stroke and arrive at a hospital, but the stroke specialist is off-duty. Never fear: Telemedicine may help save your life.

Especially during the COVID-19 crisis, so-called 'telestroke' services -- where health workers use video to consult with a stroke specialist who could be miles away -- is helping to lead to better patient o...

Face Masks Won't Impede Your Breathing, Study Confirms

Breathe easy, folks. A new study affirms that wearing a cloth or surgical face mask won't hamper your breathing.

Researchers in Ohio based that conclusion on tests of 50 adults (median age: 33), both with and without masks. Nearly one-third said they had a chronic health condition, such as asthma.

Volunteers' heart rate, oxygen level...

Pot May Not Be the Best Rx for a Migraine

MONDAY, March 1, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- If you decide to try pot to relieve your migraine, new research suggests you could be asking for trouble.

In fact, marijuana use was linked to rebound headaches, which can occur when pain medication is overused, scientists noted.

"This study shows that there is some kind of...

Study Debunks Notion That Statin Meds Trigger Muscle Aches

People taking statin drugs often complain of muscle aches, but a new study finds the medications are unlikely to be the culprit.

The results come from a trial involving patients who had quit taking their statins, or were considering quitting, due to muscle pain.

The researchers found that those aches we...

Stem Cell Injections Show Early Promise Against Spinal Cord Injuries

MONDAY, March 1, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Spinal cord injuries can be devastating to the more than 17,000 Americans who suffer them each year. But many patients may have new reason for hope: Early research suggests infusions of stem cells could help them regain lost sensation and movement.

These improvements may occur wi...

Many Women Getting Wrong Antibiotics to Treat a UTI: Study

If you've gone to the doctor for a urinary tract infection (UTI), chances are that you've been given the wrong antibiotic or a longer-than-necessary treatment plan.

That's even more likely if you live in a rural area, researchers say.

A new study of private insurance claims data found that 47% of women were prescribed antibiotics tha...

AHA News: Finally Getting Around to That Annual Physical? Here's What You Might Find

Some patients looking to reschedule annual physicals, wellness visits or other routine medical appointments long delayed by COVID-19 first may need to make time to find a new doctor.

Thousands of practices have closed because of the pandemic, a recent survey shows, with thousands more planning to close in 2021. Finding a new doctor means m...

AHA News: Which Blood Pressure Number Matters Most Might Depend on Your Age

Systolic blood pressure is the best way to predict future cardiovascular events and death, irrespective of age, according to new research. But in younger people, diastolic blood pressure could still be important.

Systolic pressure – the upper number in a blood pressure reading – measures how hard the heart pumps blood into arteries. Di...

Sharp Drop Seen in COVID Testing As New Cases Plateau

MONDAY, March 1, 2021 (Healthday News) -- The amount of COVID-19 testing being done in the United States has fallen by 30 percent in recent weeks, even though testing can curb the spread of coronavirus and spot new outbreaks quickly.

From a high of nearly 14 million tests a week in early January, the pace fell to fewer than 10 million...