Extra Pounds in Childhood May Mean Higher MS Risk in Adulthood

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Research has suggested that kids who enter puberty early appear to face an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as adults.

But a new study asserts that it's actually the excess weight these kids carry around that might raise their odds for MS.

"Although we did see ...

Eye-Soothing Tips for Computer Users

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Screens: They're at work, at home and even in the palm of your hand. But stare too long at them and your eyes -- and mind -- could pay a price, experts warn.

For example, too much screen time can lead to problems such as eye strain, dry eye, headaches and insomnia, the American Academy of O...

Many With Opioid Addiction Don't Get Meds That Can Help

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Most people struggling with opioid addiction lack access to FDA-approved medications that can head off withdrawal symptoms and quell their cravings, a new report finds.

Methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone all help opioid addicts by targeting the same brain receptors tri...

Why Men Won't Mention Suicidal Thoughts to Their Doctor

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Men may avoid talking with doctors about suicidal thoughts because they fear psychiatric hospitalization, researchers say.

In the United States, men are more than three times as likely to kill themselves as women. Moreover, nearly half of all adults who take their own lives have seen a prim...

Walk, Dance, Clean: Even a Little Activity Helps You Live Longer

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Want a reason to get out of your comfy armchair? Even low levels of regular physical activity -- brisk walking, dancing or gardening -- can reduce your risk of premature death, a new study finds.

Americans who got in just 10 to 59 minutes of moderate physical activity every week had an 18 p...

Tighter Blood Pressure Control May Prevent Brain Lesions

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Reducing high blood pressure in the elderly appears to lower their odds of developing brain lesions, a new study finds.

"I think it's an important clinical finding, and a very hopeful one for elderly people who have vascular disease of the brain and [high blood pressure]," said study co-pri...

Is Medical Pot a Blessing for Seniors?

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Legalized medical pot may be a boon to older Americans, boosting their health and ability to work, a new study finds.

"Research [on medical marijuana] has largely ignored older adults even though they experience the highest rates of medical issues that could be treated with medical marijuan...

AHA News: Family Adopts Three Children With Three Different Heart Conditions

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- James and Tara Fussell were on a Caribbean cruise celebrating their 10th anniversary when they decided to give their son and two daughters another sibling.

The girls were adopted from China, and by the time the couple stepped off the ship, they already had the adoption fil...

FDA Approves First Drug for Postpartum Depression

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Postpartum depression is a common and often devastating condition for new mothers, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved the first drug to help combat it.

The drug, Zulesso (brexanolone), is delivered via intravenous infusion.

"Postpartum depression is a se...

Reworked Nasal Flu Vaccine Looks Good for Kids, Pediatricians' Group Says

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Good news for kids: Next flu season, you can avoid a painful needle jab and get the nasal vaccine spray instead, according to a leading U.S. pediatricians' group.

In recent flu seasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended the shot over the nasal spray -- except if a child refused...

Heart Risks Vary Among Asian-Americans

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Not all Asian-Americans are equally susceptible to the deadly damage of heart disease and stroke, new research suggests.

The risk of premature death is highest among Asian Indian, Filipino and Vietnamese subgroups, the researchers found.

For the study, investigators analyzed U.S....

How to Spice Up Your Spring Salad

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- You already know that iceberg lettuce is low on taste and nutrients, but even the best greens can use a punch of flavor to keep your taste buds interested. Here are two ways to enjoy spring greens.

Peppery arugula is full of flavor and super low in calories, and it makes a great base for a ...

Be Prepared to Take FAST Action If You Suspect a Stroke

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Would you be able to recognize if you or someone close to you were having a stroke? A stroke is a 911 medical emergency and every second counts for survival.

To help you recognize the signs of stroke, the National Stroke Association wants you to remember F-A-S-T, or fast.

F...

Can High-Potency Pot Make You Crazy?

TUESDAY, March 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The jittery, delusional potheads of the old movie "Reefer Madness" have prompted eye rolls and chuckles over the years, but a new study argues that the cult classic might contain a kernel of truth.

Smoking pot every day could increase your risk of a psychotic break with reality, particularly ...

The Moose: A Rare But Often Deadly Road Hazard

TUESDAY, March 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- It's a good thing U.S. drivers are less likely to hit a moose than a deer. Because a run-in with a majestic bull moose is a whole lot deadlier, a new study finds.

The reason is simple -- moose are much larger than deer. Moose weigh 800 to 1,300 pounds and can reach 6 feet, 6 inches at the sh...

Can Some Children Outgrow Autism?

TUESDAY, March 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Some toddlers thought to have mild autism "outgrow" the diagnosis, but most continue to struggle with language and behavior, new research suggests.

The study is not the first to document cases of autism "recovery." Doctors have known for decades that a small number of young children diagnosed...

Hormonal Therapy for Prostate Cancer Might Raise Depression Risk

TUESDAY, March 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Hormonal treatment can help control prostate cancer but may increase a man's risk of depression, a new study by Danish researchers suggests.

Male hormones, such as testosterone, are known to fuel the growth of prostate tumors. So doctors use drugs to reduce hormone production. But that can b...

A Better Cardiac Pump for People With Heart Failure?

TUESDAY, March 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A new version of an implantable heart pump could cut the risk of blood clots, bleeding and stroke in patients with advanced heart failure, according to a study funded by the device's maker.

The study included more than a thousand patients who received either Abbott Inc.'s HeartMate 3 left ven...

Stopping Aspirin 3 Months After Stent Is Safe, Study Finds

TUESDAY, March 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Heart patients who get a stent to prop open a blocked artery are typically put on a powerful anti-clotting drug and aspirin for a full year after their procedure.

Now, new research suggests these patients can safely drop the aspirin regimen after just three months, and lower their bleeding ri...

AHA News: Emphysema May Raise Risk of Ruptured Aneurysms

TUESDAY, March 19, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- When a weakened artery wall balloons or bulges, it's called an aneurysm. For people with emphysema, the risk of that aneurysm rupturing is much higher than for those without the lung condition, new research suggests.

While family history may play a role, how and why aneurysm...