As more Americans try to stay healthier and to beat the pains of commuting by car, bus, or light rail systems, many (including yours truly) have turned to bicycling. But as a result, non-fatal bike injuries have skyrocketed—especially for men and for riders older than 45—and two-wheel collision treatment has become expensive: The annual cost….
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Uncertainty rises about leadership in nation’s top health posts
Although attention has focused on the GOP-promised repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act, other big changes also are afoot in the federal government that will have significant effects on health care in this country. There are appointments pending from President Trump at the federal Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease….
Continue ReadingOlympians pique interest in whether alternative treatments are golden
With fans around the world fixated on the U.S. gold medal-winning Olympic swimming team, curious minds wanted to know: Just what were those circular, purple marks covering the much-bared bodies of athletes like Michael Phelps? To anyone who has spent time in East Asia or who lives in a metropolis (like Washington, D.C.) with sizable….
Continue ReadingBrexit will be bad for health of Britons
British experts predict the exit from the EU will be bad for Britons’ health. Brexit advocates, in fact, celebrated their win by immediately conceding a giant campaign falsehood: They suddenly denied claiming that almost a half-billion dollars wrongly was going to the EU, and that these sums would, post Brexit, help to support the embattled British National….
Continue ReadingHygiene at public swimming pools may be an issue
Kids and parents may want to think twice before jumping into that cool looking public pool or local watering hole. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just issued its new study on public swimming pools, hot tubs, and other bathing facilities in the states with the most of these, including Florida, Texas, New York,….
Continue ReadingA check-in on New Year’s resolutions, weight loss, exercise, and brain health
How is it that February is almost gone? For those who made New Year’s resolutions about health, fitness, and diet, it might be time for a check in: Is that exercise regimen producing both the physical and mental health results desired? Is it time to toss at least one long-time, favorite exercise that was supposed….
Continue ReadingDon’t blame those caveman genes for smoking and other risky behaviors
It’s fun stuff that has serious scientific purpose. New research is delving into our genetic past for insights about our health today. But before anyone drags their knuckles across the cave floor with the mistaken notion that genes dictate behavior, let’s be clear: Individual bad decisions, not prehistoric propensities, can be detrimental to good health,….
Continue ReadingA glimmer of good news in U.S. crisis in care for dementia patients
With the United States getting grayer by the day and a national crisis looming in dementia- and senior-care, new information from one of the larger, longer running, and more significant health studies has offered a glimmer of optimism. Experts say dementia risks are showing a decline─by as much as 20 percent. They’re uncertain exactly why…..
Continue ReadingA Valentine for teens and their improving health behaviors
Let’s give a Valentine’s hug to the high schoolers of today for their improved health behaviors. Federal researchers, who survey 10,000 of them every other year, report that kids are, as one report describes it, are getting into a lot less trouble than ever before. The U.S. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey finds, as one news….
Continue ReadingCan new schools help a troubled medical profession turn out better doctors?
A major health maintenance organization says it wants to start its own medical school. Will this change the culture of medical education for the better? The need is definitely there, as young doctors increasingly report burnout from the medieval training practices they experience. Whether the HMO’s approach is the cure, though, remains to be seen. Kaiser Permanente, an….
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