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- As NFLs Ray Rice Scandal Gets Uglier by the Day, One Guilty Party Should Be Seen in New Light
- Patriot Place Puts the Stamp on the Krafts' Empire in Foxborough
- Winchester Teen Dies After Single-Car Accident
- Images from NASA
- Police say man, missing Va. student were at bar
- Sen. Shaheen Campaign Rips 'Defamatory' Attempt to Link Her to 34-Year-Old Felony
- Sunny Saturday, With Some Changes To Sunday's Forecast
- LEAKED: The Contents of Roger Goodell's Amazon Shopping Cart
- Massachusetts' Favorite Food is Cod? Really?
- Is Your Dog a Downer? Research Suggests Dogs Are Pessimistic, Optimistic
Top Event Picks
- The Black Keys at TD Garden
- Guess Who's Coming to Dinner at Boston University Theatre
- Sweeney Todd at Lyric Stage
- 11th annual Revels RiverSing at John W. Weeks Bridge
- Samba Spirit: Modern Afro Brazilian Art at Museum of Fine Arts
- FlamencoBoston presents: Flamenco and Tapas at Bar Lola
- Boston By Little Feet Walking Tour at Statue of Samuel Adams
- "5000 Moving Parts" at MIT Museum
- Carolee Carmello - The Boston Concert at Arsenal Center for the Arts
- Red, Yellow and Blue at deCordova Sculpture Park and Musem
Quick tricks to find happiness at work
Is stress getting in the way of your job satisfaction? Be Well, Boston host Lara Salahi talks with author Sharon Salzberg about how to find happiness and calm in a busy career.
Irregular menstrual periods linked to higher ovarian cancer risk
Women who have irregular menstrual periods take note: You may have more than twice the likelihood of getting ovarian cancer than women who get periods every month. That scary news finding was reported this week at the American Association for Cancer Research Conference annual meeting in San Diego.
5 Best apps for meditation
After writing extensively on the benefits of meditation, I've been eager to take a meditation class to learn the practice. I signed up for a few in my local area but have never made it to one due to my work or family conflicts. Meditating on my own schedule appears to work better for me. Thus, I decided to test some of the latest meditation apps that were recommended to me by meditation researchers during previous interviews; all can be downloaded for free.
No evidence that anti-viral drugs for flu prevent serious complications or deaths
The US government has spent more than $1 billion over the past decade stockpiling the anti-viral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza to prepare for a flu pandemic, but a new review of the manufacturers' clinical trial data finds that the drugs do not reduce flu-related hospitalizations or serious complications such as pneumonia, sinus infections, or death.
Could you live for a year without sugar?
I can't imagine telling my three kids that we're banning all products with sugar. But Eve Schaub hung tough and wrote about it in her new book titled, yes, Year of No Sugar.
Should some pregnant women should take a daily aspirin?
While healthy pregnant women are normally warned off all medications to prevent any harm to their developing baby, some should consider taking a daily baby aspirin after their first trimester if they're at increased risk of developing preecamplsia, a dangerous condition related to high blood pressure. That proposed recommendation was issued on Monday by the US Preventive Services Task Force, a government-sponsored panel of prevention experts.
Sneezes spread cold viruses further than once thought, MIT researchers find
Leave it to Massacusetts Institute of Technology researchers to determine why it's important to sneeze into your elbow — even if no one's nearby — rather than out into the empty air in front of you. It turns out virus droplets expelled through a cough or sneeze travel in an invisible cloud five to 200 times further than if they had been moving as isolated particles on their own.
Eczema doesn't go away in most children, study finds
A new study published this week in JAMA Dermatology suggests the children don't usually outgrow eczema: Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania followed more than 7100 children with eczema for several years and found that the skin condition lingered through the teens. Only 50 percent of those who reached age 20 had at least one six-month period where they were free of symptoms.
FDA approves user-friendly device to reverse opioid drug overdoses
Family, friends or passersby Consumers who encounter a person passed out from a heroin or other opiod overdose may soon be able to administer a drug to reverse the effects themselves before waiting for first responders to arrive. The US Food and Drug Administration announced on Thursday the approval of auto-injector device, called Evzio, to administer naloxone hydrochloride. It can be carried in a pocket or stored in a medicine cabinet and will be available by prescription this summer.
New anti-drug campaign shows rapid aging from meth via mugshots
As abuse of prescription painkillers and heroin continues to rise, a provocative new anti-drug campaign seeks to scare potential drug users by showing them how rapidly drugs age the face and destroy an addict's looks.
FDA approves first pill for pollen allergies
As the spring allergy season gets underway, a new pill to treat grass pollen allergies was just approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Are cardiologists refusing to follow new cholesterol recommendations?
Criticism over new cholesterol treatment recommendations appears to be growing, judging by remarks made by cardiologists this week at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology, the group that issued the new guideline last November along with the American Heart Association.
Benefits of mammograms may have been oversold, new study finds
Doctors may have oversold the benefits of mammography and underplayed its risks, which has left many women unable to make an informed decision about whether or not to have regular breast cancer screenings beginning at age 40. That troubling finding is based on the latest review of research conducted by Havard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers, which concluded that mammograms decrease a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer by a modest 19 percent.
Yoga poses to help you unwind after work
Long work days can leave you feeling tight. Yoga instructor Erin Conley shares a few yoga poses and stretches that can help you unwind and relax in this Be Well, Boston video.
5 Odd lifestyle factors that might raise heart disease risk
Can how many babies a woman has determine her later risk of developing heart problems? How about whether we stay married or remain single?
Water births not recommended because of possible risks, medical groups say
Delivering a baby into a pool of water hasn't been established as safe, two expert physician groups concluded on Thursday; doctors should only perform such births as part of a research study.
CDC: Autism rates rise in children by 30 percent
The percentage of American kids with autism jumped 30 percent in two years, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday which found that 1 in 68 children had autism spectrum disorder in 2010, up from 1 in 88 children in 2008.
Phone app keeps recovering alcoholics from falling off the wagon
Recovering alcoholics who used an experimental smart phone app had a far easier time avoiding alcohol for up to a year after they left rehab compared to those who didn't use the app.
Study: Migraines triggered by stress relief?
Those who suffer from migraines have likely been told by their doctors -- and the Internet -- that stress can be a powerful trigger, but new research suggests that it's the comedown after the craziness that brings on the pain.
No evidence that E-cigarettes help smokers quit
Electronic cigarettes are certainly trendy—look no further than the Vapefest taking place in the nation's capital this week—but whether inhaling nicotine vapors actually helps smokers quit traditional cigarettes remains a subject of fierce debate.
Beautiful video tells a mother what to expect from her child with Down syndrome
In time for World Down Syndrome Day, people from around the world note the normal and wonderful things an expecting mother can look forward to from her child's life.
Finding a friendlier colon cancer screening test
Deaths from colorectal cancer—the third biggest cancer killer—have dropped 3 percent a year from 2001 to 2010 thanks in large part to an increase in screening among Americans over age 50 and better treatments.
New study fuels debate on dietary fats and heart disease
Decades after Americans have switched from whole milk to skim, from butter to olive oil, and from red meat to turkey breast -- all in an effort to cut saturated fat -- nutrition researchers have concluded that saturated fat might not be so bad for our hearts after all.
Former Mayor Menino's cancer of 'unknown origin' raises many questions
Former Mayor Thomas Menino's recently announced cancer diagnosis has many of us scratching our heads. How is it possible for a stealth cancer to spread without leaving a trace of where it originated?
Live Chat: Joan Salge Blake on spring diets
Nutritionist Joan Salge Blake is answering reader's questions about healthy eating and diets from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.
Brigham launches large study to see if chocolate compounds can prevent heart disease
Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers announced they've received a $20 million grant to determine whether certain compounds in chocolate can act like a drug to protect our hearts.
Try these four spring superfoods
Here are four spring superfoods to look for in the grocery store that pack in a great nutritional punch.
Study fuels debate on surgery vs. watchful waiting for early prostate cancer
New findings from a two-decade-long clinical trial of Swedish prostate cancer patients will likely fuel the debate over the best way to treat men diagnosed with early, slow-growing tumors.
Does the '5-second rule' really work to keep off germs?
You know that old adage that says food dropped on the floor can be eaten if it's picked up within 5 seconds? A new finding suggests there may be some validity to that claim, but I'm not putting much stock in it.
Live Chat: Dr. Claire McCarthy on child vaccinations
Pediatrician and MD Mama blogger Dr. Claire McCarthy answers readers' questions about vaccines from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 13.
Study: Pregnancy diabetes could mean earlier heart disease
New research suggests that women who develop pregnancy-related diabetes—known as gestational diabetes—may have a higher risk of getting heart disease decades before the average woman.
Three nutritious meals in the frozen aisle
Frozen food sales have been cooling off over the past few years. But healthy new entrees and quick-assembly meals make the frozen food aisle a healthy destination again.
FDA approves first migraine prevention device
The US Food and Drug Administration gave the thumbs-up on Tuesday for the first device to prevent migraines in those who have the headaches on a regular basis.
How does restless legs syndrome impact long-term health?
The inability to rest without pain makes restless legs syndrome sleep's formidable enemy. A report released Wednesday by Harvard researchers found that the physical affects of this disease can be equivalent to five years of aging or moderate amounts of smoking.
Is juicing good for us?
Juicing is a popular diet trend with questionable nutritional benefits. Nutritionist Joan Salge Blake sets the record straight in this Be Well, Boston video.
Cheaper, generic versions of emergency contraception to be sold to buyers of all ages
Consumers will soon see generic versions of Plan B One-Step emergency contraception on drugstore shelves that will be sold to women and girls of all ages, after the US Food and Drug Administration lifted restrictions on one-pill generics this week.
Dating in Boston is a man's world
Recent surveys have shown that Boston is a great place for men to date because of an unbalanced gender ratio, but psychologist Dr. Monica O'Neal argues this inbalance creates anxiety for both genders.
A look at the new nutrition labels
The FDA's proposed nutrition label changes will make it easier to determine how much added sugar is in your favorite ice cream or yogurt.
Patient in Framingham measles case visited physician in Wellesley
The Wellesley Health Department has confirmed that the Framingham resident with a confirmed case of the measles visited their primary care physician's office in Wellesley on Feb. 17.
Evidence still unclear whether multivitamins prevent cancer, heart disease
Government-sponsored task force of primary care experts determined this week that there still isn't enough evidence to determine whether Americans should take multivitamins to prevent cancer or heart disease.
Obesity rates drop sharply in preschoolers
Obesity rates dropped sharply among preschool children in the past decade, from nearly 14 percent to just over 8 percent in 2011-12, according to a new federal government analysis. But the campaign to combat the nation's obesity epidemic has had no success with adults and older children, the study found.
Health officials identify second measles exposure location
State public health officials have identified a second location where the public was exposed to a confirmed case of the measles as Samba restaurant in Framingham.
Health alert in Framingham issued over measles cases
State public health officials have confirmed two cases of the measles in the the Metrowest region of Massachusetts. Doctors are advising those who think they may have been exposed to call their doctor.
How worried should we be about a new 'polio-like' virus?
Pediatric neurologists in California have documented about 20 recent cases of paralysis in kids that they believe are linked to a polio-like virus—but not caused by polio itself.
How to work more kale into your diet
Kale is the hot new health food. Michelle Obama even offered kale chips to Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show last week. Here's how to eat more.
New weight loss drugs' side effects worrisome, say Dartmouth doctors
Two new drugs approved to treat against obesity last year have hardly become blockbusters that are used by millions looking to shed a few pounds. But that's not a bad thing, argue two Dartmouth researchers in a column in the February 10 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.
Five Olympics commercials with a healthy dose of hypocrisy
The Winter Olympics commercials are pretty entertaining. But some of them are just flat-out ridiculous with the health messages they're sending.
Heart disease risk app may increase statin prescriptions
The next time you have a general physical, you might be told to consider taking a cholesterol-lowering statin—even if you never had a heart attack, don't have diabetes, and don't even have high cholesterol. That's thanks to a new app hitting doctors' iPads and smartphones this month.
CDC: Flu hitting younger populations this season
The 2013-2014 influenza season so far is affecting younger and middle-age adults in greater proportion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest seasonal statistics released Thursday. The rate of flu-related hospitalizations for this group is climbing, while they are the least likely to be vaccinated.
Cancer's emotional side effects detailed in online patient registry
Cancer patients can document their experiences with the disease in a free registry being used by physicians and researchers to learn more about lingering side effects and emotional trauma from the diagnosis and treatment.
Study: 1 in 3 Medicare patients prescribed painkillers from multiple doctors
A Harvard Medical School study found that one in three Medicare patients who fill prescriptions for powerful narcotics get them from multiple doctors who were unaware that their patients were already prescribed these drugs.
Doctors say first-time mothers should avoid unnecessary C-sections
Physician groups issued new guidelines on Wednesday encouraging longer labor times to see if more babies can be delivered vaginally. It's all part of an effort to lower the two-decade surge in cesarean sections.
Which foods are heart healthy?
In this Be Well, Boston video Joan Salge Blake, an associate professor and registered dietitian at Boston University, sets the record straight about heart healthy foods.
Study: Brain training has lasting effect on alleviating ADHD
Parents and doctors alike have been eager to find alternatives to medications like Ritalin or Adderall to treat children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Tufts Medical Center researchers have compared the effectiveness of medication with a therapy called neurofeedback in new research published in the journal Pediatrics.
Chat: Dr. Monica on healthy vs. unhealthy dating
Is your dating behavior good for your emotional health? Psychologist Dr. Monica O'Neal answers reader questions on Valentine's Day at 1 p.m.
What is multiple myeloma cancer?
Tom Brokaw, a special correspondent for NBC News, is being treated for multiple myeloma. An oncologist at Dana Farber in Boston, who is not treating Brokaw, shared the latest prognosis on treating and surviving this type of cancer.
How should parents help teenagers manage stress?
Teens are stressed, and during the school year, even more stressed than adults. That's the finding of a new American Psychological Association survey of nearly 2,000 adults and more than 1,000 teens, and—as a parent of three teenagers—I can't say I'm surprised to hear the news.
Dating in Boston? These mind games may sound familiar
Despite positive relationship statistics, Boston's dating scene is full of anxiety-inducing mind games. Psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Monica O'Neal examines the emotional challenges for singles in the city.
Study questions value of mammography to reduce breast cancer deaths
In a research finding that will add to doubts about the value of breast cancer screening, Canadian researchers determined that women ages 40 to 59 who had yearly mammograms enjoyed no added survival benefit up to 25 years later compared with those who skipped the screening X-rays.
Eat more yogurt (without sugar) to cut diabetes risk, study suggests
Substituting low-fat yogurt once a day for a dessert or snack you'd normally eat—such as pretzels, a few Oreos, or a slice of cheesecake—can cut your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes nearly in half, a European study suggests.
Taking a cruise? Use these tips to prevent the norovirus
It's more than seasickness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Friday that the norovirus infected more than 600 people aboard Royal Caribbean's ship during a cruise to the Caribbean. Avoid the illness with these tips from a Boston infectious disease expert.
The top trending diets in Boston
We've entered that next pivotal phase after a month-long saga of resolution-fueled dieting in which people who have been trying to lose weight either stick with their program, or give up. Wondering what Boston is eating (or avoiding)? According to Google, these were the city's top trending diets in January 2014.
Dr. Heimlich's final maneuver: detailing his controversial life
One of the few doctors in America who is a household name, Dr. Henry Heimlich—who just turned 94—is not without his share of controversy. His autobiography that goes on sale next week, Heimlich's Maneuvers, highlights his life of medical innovation.
Stroke prevention guidelines highlight unique risks in women
Women need to be aware of their unique stroke risks that may be raised by pregnancy, migraines, or using birth control pills, according to a new set of recommendations released on Thursday by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.
CVS pharmacy ban on tobacco sales hailed as 'visionary' move
Health officials, politicians, and smoking researchers cheered the Wednesday announcement from CVS Caremark that they will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at pharmacy stores by October.
Dylan Farrow's molestation claims highlight complexity of assessing children
Dylan Farrow's shocking New York Times column detailing her claims that her adopted father Woody Allen molested her seemed pretty convincing. But her case highlights difficulties doctors have in assessing these claims in children when there's no medical evidence.
FDA campaign takes new angle to target teen smoking
In an attempt to scare teens away from cigarettes, the US Food and Drug Administration has launched a $115 million ad campaign that doesn't mention lung cancer, heart disease, or emphysema even once. Instead, it focuses on the price teens will pay with their looks.
Eating too much added sugar linked to higher risk of dying from heart disease
A new study confirms that eating too much sugar is bad for our heart and could lead to an earlier death. The research, published online Monday in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, examined nutrition surveys from nearly 12,000 Americans and found that those who reported consuming the greatest percentage of calories from added sugar were twice as likely to die from heart disease over a 14-year period compared to those who consumed the least.
Prevent injuries before hitting the slopes
Protect yourself against skiing and snowboarding injuries this winter before you head to the mountain. An orthopedic surgeon for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association shares his tips.
Six ways to trick yourself into exercising
With the Polar Vortex upon us, it's harder than usual to find motivation to exercise. Here are a few ways to trick yourself into staying active, despite the nasty weather.
Study shows yoga may reduce fatigue and inflammation for breast cancer patients
At least one in three women diagnosed for breast cancer suffers from lingering fatigue months or even years after treatment ends, but a recent study finds that practicing yoga significantly reduces this symptom and helps to decrease inflammation.
Empowering exposure: Photographer captures subjects' insecurities for exhibit
Consider your deepest insecurity—thunder thighs, explosive temper, big butt—would you scrawl it on your forehead and be photographed for the world to see?
Would you get infected with the flu for $3K?
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health are doing the seemingly unthinkable: recruiting 100 volunteers to get their noses swabbed with the flu virus for the sake of science. So far 24 people have allowed themselves to be infected for $3,000 compensation.
Revenge or rebound sex common for college students after a breakup, study suggests
Popular culture often depicts jilted lovers jumping into bed with the stranger they met at the bar to have "revenge" or "rebound" sex. But how often does this occur in real life? Pretty often, University of Missouri researchers found in a recent study.
Pot is not 'more dangerous than alcohol'? Science lacking on Obama's claim
When President Obama declared in a recent New Yorker magazine interview that he doesn't think pot "is more dangerous than alcohol," he seemed to contradict his own administration's policy that's firmly against the legalization of marijuana. He also seemed to indicate that the pot smoking he did in his teens had no major health impact -- but research is lacking to determine this with any certainty.
Practice these balance exercises to prevent fall injuries
Good balance not only prevents falls but also helps to prevent injuries when we do take a tumble. Falls become increasingly more common as we age, which is why doctors urge everyone to practice balance exercises regularly. Here are three to add to your routine.
Turn down the thermostat to lose weight
Have you gained weight this winter? Research suggests that turning down the thermostat could boost the amount of calories we're burning and keep the pounds off.
Quit those resolutions already? 3 ways to gear up again
Around this time of year, struggles to keep New Year's Resolutions frequently become the punch line of jokes. Try these three tips to get back on track.
Weekly challenge: store your batteries safely for fire prevention
Did you know storing used 9-volt batteries from smoke detectors could be a fire hazard? One homeowner whose house burned down for this reason provides this tip for proper storage.
How to combat seasonal depression
In this video, Harvard Vanguard nutritionist Anne Danahy shares tips and tricks to combat seasonal affective disorder, as well as how to tell when the winter blues might be a more serious mental health issue.
Rise in health problems from Spanx, corsets, and shapewear
After actress Jessica Alba claimed she shed all of her pregnancy weight by wearing a corset for three months, the "corset diet" has become increasingly popular. But is it safe?
Consumer Reports warns about high levels of cancer-causing chemical in Pepsi-One
Consumer Reports has released a new report warning against high levels of potentially carcinogenic caramel coloring in Pepsi-One and Malta Goya after testing levels in 12 brands of soda from five manufacturers.
Live chat: Dr. Monica O'Neal on how to build healthy eating habits
Psychologist Dr. Monica O'Neal answers readers' questions about how to build healthy relationships with food and discusses effective goal-setting strategies.
Heart device upgrades get speedy approval making safety risks more likely, study finds
Most upgraded pacemakers and defibrillators go through a speedy "supplement" review because they're considered to be updated versions of older devices with just minor modifications. But according to a study conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers, many of these devices have undergone substantial changes that may require better testing to ensure their safety.
Weekly challenge: choose water over diet soda to manage weight
A recent study finds that replacing high-calorie beverages with their diet, no-calorie versions may not help us lose weight—and could actually sabotage our efforts. Your challenge this week: replace those diet drinks with water.
Americans are making healthier food choices
It's a good news day for the battle against American obesity. An extensive report by the US Department of Agriculture shows American adults have made improvements in their eating habits, from eating out less to buying healthier groceries.
Some Fitbit Force users get rash from product
Fitbit has been receiving complaints from some users of its new Force product concerning itchy rashes that have developed on their wrist where the product is worn. The company is offering refunds and replacements.
Have cigarettes become more addictive?
As public health officials mark the 50th anniversary of the first US Surgeon General's report warning about the health hazards of smoking, some point out that although we've come a long way in reversing our nation's addiction to nicotine, we still have a long way to go—especially when it comes to lowering nicotine levels in each puff.
Death of 3-year-old girl from dental procedure raises questions about safe practices
The tragic death last Friday of 3-year-old Finley Boyle, a girl from Hawaii who died from a dental procedure gone horribly wrong, has raised questions this week about safe dentistry practices in Massachusetts and elsewhere.
X-ray shows acupuncture gone wrong
A South Korean woman's knee x-ray, taken after a series of acupuncture treatments for osteoarthritis, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, captures an interesting visual showing how acupuncture treatments can complicate reading x-rays.
Weekly challenge: cut the sugar in your breakfast
Obesity researcher Dr. Robert Lustig is out with a new cookbook to help us reduce the sugar in our diet. Here are his suggestions for a lower sugar breakfast and a recipe for home-made granola.
First flu death of season in Boston
Boston health officials reported the city's first flu death of the season on Friday, a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions.
Food industry cut 6.4 trillion calories, so why aren't we all thinner?
Food manufacturers—largely blamed for our nation's obesity epidemic—have finally gotten some positive reviews for living up to their promises to cut calories from their products. In fact, they've even exceeded them, according to a report issued Thursday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
FDA warns of laxative dangers
The US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning on Wednesday to consumers who use over-the-counter laxatives to help ease constipation.
Reality check: models are photoshopped to make them look fatter
There's a major body image debate going on in popular culture. While it's well-known that magazines edit photos to make models and actresses look thinner, they also retouch shots of extremely skinny models to please industry standards. This leaves us wondering: what's real?
Nutritionists rank best diets of 2014 for U.S. News & World Report
In its fourth annual ranking, U.S. News & World Report assembled a panel of nutritionists and diet experts to rank 32 currently trending diets. Some of the winners and losers may surprise you.
Doctors need to talk about alcohol, CDC urges
Has your doctor ever asked about your drinking habits? Most never do, despite the fact that alcohol is responsible for 88,000 American deaths each year. Public health officials would like that to change.
Can meditation treat anxiety and depression better than medication?
A review of 47 clinical trials involving more than 3500 participants with mild anxiety or depression found that those who took mindfulness meditation classes experienced an improvement in their mood on par with effects of prescription medications.
Staying safe in the deep chill: what to do
An arctic cyclone has spread throughout much of the country and will remain for another day or so. Here's how to protect yourself against the frigid weather.
Brain rest helps kids heal faster from concussions
For years neurologists have been telling kids with sports-related concussions to give their brains a rest meaning—not just a break from physical activity—but also abstaining from cognitive challenges like reading, texting, or playing video games for several days. But that advice wasn't backed by any real evidence indicating that it helped the brain heal faster, until now.
Weekly challenge: build a healthier sandwich
Health.com posted nutritious twists on the BLT, Reuben, and other favorites to help you build a better sandwich this week. Here are some of my favorite tips gleaned from their recipes.
Five health mistakes not to make in the bitter cold
Think you can go outdoors with your nose exposed in this weather? You could get frostbite in 30 minutes. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid in frigid temperatures.
Common snow shoveling health risks, tips to stay safe
Snow shoveling injuries are more common than you might think, says a Waltham-based emergency medicine physician. Check out these tips for safe snow removal.
Riskiest use of cell phones? Dialing while driving
A study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that we spend 10 percent of our time driving in a distracted state. Texting and dialing phones are the riskiest behaviors, but so is eating behind the wheel.
Winterize your diet with these five superfoods
With peaches, blackberries, and summer squash getting harder to find on supermarket shelves, it's time to switch over to cold-weather fruits and vegetables that pack a strong punch of antioxidants and other plant chemicals. Here are five winter superfoods to try.
Flu season hitting later this year: still time to get vaccine
Flu season hit Boston early and hard last year, but this season hasn't started yet in the Northeast—and isn't likely to peak until February or March. That means there's still time to get a flu vaccine.
Three deaths reported from heart inflammation caused by Lyme disease
Three young adults in the Northeast who abruptly died in the past 13 months had an undetected heart inflammation caused by Lyme disease, according to a federal study published Thursday that suggests death from the tick-borne bacteria is more common than previously thought.
Will teaching kids to code boost math SAT scores?
Code.org has launched a huge publicity effort this week to encourage kids to try computer coding, pointing to research that may link these skills with improved math performance. But with inconclusive research, starting coding and computer programming classes in public schools has been difficult.
Are slight health benefits of organic milk worth the extra cost?
A new study finds that organic milk has more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than regular milk, but a nutrition expert says the benefits aren't necessarily worth the extra money.
Can Viagra relieve menstrual cramps?
Some women suffer debilitating menstrual cramp pain every month without any relief from current treatments. That's led researchers on a quest, and they've seen some promising results with the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra.
Microsoft's smart bra designed to stop stressful eating
A bra provides many things to many women: functional support, sexy lingerie, or even a political statement. But could a tech-supported bra stop emotional eating? Microsoft has one in the works.
Increase in breast cancer gene screening: the Angelina Jolie effect
There's been a rapid rise in the number of women seeking to be screened for a breast cancer gene mutation after Angelina Jolie announced that she was a BRCA carrier and had a double mastectomy. But a more comprehensive test might soon offer more valuable information.
Feeling SAD? It's that time of the year
Do you feel irritable throughout the day? Is your sweet tooth more active than usual? These are signs and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the winter.
Bypass surgery and drugs trump stent procedures for clogged arteries
Are stents or bypass surgery more effective in preventing a future heart attack? A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine tips the balance clearly in favor of bypass surgery as the more effective route.
Potential new cure for peanut allergies holds promise
Boston Children's Hospital researchers may have found a new method to cure peanut allergies—even for those most at risk for deadly allergic reactions.
Do violent video games have an upside for kids?
How's this for a little Black Friday cheer as teenagers beg for the latest video shoot-out game? A press release issued earlier this week from the American Psychological Association declares: "Playing video games, including violent shooter games, may boost children's learning, health and social skills."
Plan B less effective in overweight women
European drug regulators warned earlier this week that an emergency oral contraceptive sold there —with the same hormone formulation as Plan B—does not work as well in overweight women, and some doctors are advising overweight American women not to take it.
Insomnia linked to earlier death in men
Are your worries keeping you up at night? Well, a new finding -- about insomnia itself -- could make it harder to get a little shut-eye tonight. Men who have trouble falling asleep at night or other insomnia symptoms had a 25 percent greater likelihood of dying over six years compared to those who had no sleep troubles, according to Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers.
Do women have different heart attack symptoms than men?
While women having heart attacks have somewhat different chest pain symptoms than men, the differences aren't enough for doctors to rely on, a new study finds.
Five worst treatments for migraines
About 36 million Americans suffer from excruciating migraine headaches, and many get treatments such as unnecessary imaging scans or prescription opiate painkillers that can be addictive. Here are the top five don'ts.
Teens trying 'cotton ball diet' to lose weight
There's a dangerous diet going viral on YouTube and Facebook. Teenagers are dipping cotton balls into a liquid before swallowing them, so they don't eat as much real food. The synthetic fibers can cause intestinal obstructions that could be life-threatening.
African Americans overdiagnosed with vitamin D deficiencies, study says
Research from Massachusetts General Hospital published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that many of the 70 to 90 percent of African Americans annually who are diagnosed as vitamin D deficient annually may actually have healthy levels and could be taking supplements unnecessarily.
Skip this dangerous growing trend: eye jewelry
While celebrities sporting gold and silver grills on their teeth has become passé, the latest trend is to implant bling—in the eye.
Can burned toast increase your cancer risk?
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a draft of recommendations to reduce the level of cancer-causing acrylamide in foods. This chemical usually forms in plant-based foods when they are fried or baked.
Calm down! The pill won't make you go blind
The research finding, presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology's annual meeting this week, found that women who took birth control pills for three or more years had double the risk of developing glaucoma. But there are too many caveats in this "study" to count.
Harvard study provides best evidence yet that nuts may reduce risk of death
Harvard research published Wednesday provides the strongest evidence to date that eating nuts can reduce a person's risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and a number of other causes.
New cholesterol guideline called inaccurate by top Boston heart doctors
Brigham and Women's Hospital heart researchers say tool for calculating risk of cardiovascular disease vastly overestimates patients who should get cholesterol-lowering statins.
Treating obesity: use drugs only after counseling fails, new guideline recommends
With all the hoopla over new cholesterol treatment guidelines, very little attention was paid to another recommendation released Tuesday, by the same cardiology organizations, about how to treat obesity.
School head lice policies need an update
Pediatricians have issued recommendations that schools move their head lice policies away from no nit policies that keep children unnecessarily out of school.
New cholesterol treatment guidelines could double number of Americans taking statins
A long-awaited update to cholesterol treatment recommendations was issued Tuesday, and it could lead to a doubling of the number of Americans taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs from 36 million to 72 million.
Weekly challenge: keep young kids away from violence in PG-13 movies
Parents who think the gun violence in PG-13 movies is tamer than what kids may see in R-rated movies should think again. A new study found that the amount of shoot-outs and murders by semi-automatic weapons in PG-13 films has more than tripled since 1985.
Is our nation unfit to serve?
While a small number of hard-core fitness enthusiasts embrace military-style bootcamp workouts, more of us have grown fatter and less able to qualify for a job in the military.
Red Sox nutritionist dishes about World Series-winning eating strategies
Registered dietitian Tara Mardigan has been the official Red Sox nutritionist since 2006, but perhaps the players were taking her words of wisdom a little more seriously this season. Heck, it might have even helped them win that World Series.
Fast food meals: which ones are the least worst for kids?
A new analysis from the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity found that fewer than 1 percent of all kids' meals -- 33 out of 5,427 -- met the recommended nutrition standards set by the Institute of Medicine. (Only 3 percent met the standards set by the food industry itself.) That hasn't changed since the Yale Rudd Center did its last evaluation in 2010.
Chat: Boston Red Sox nutritionist on healthy eating, Thursday at noon
The Boston Red Sox official nutritionist Tara Mardigan answered reader's questions about how to hit healthy eating out of the ballpark.
FDA seeks to ban trans fats in food
The US Food and Drug Administration has taken a bold step to remove trans fats from the food supply issuing a proposed regulation Thursday that would remove the artificially manufactured fat from its list of ingredients "generally recognized as safe."
Strep throat app could reduce unnecessary doctor visits
Boston Children's Hospital researchers are using a new risk assessment that combines a patients' symptoms with a data tracker on the number of strep infections occurring in a local area.
FDA: cigarette of the future could be non-addictive
Mitch Zeller, the director for the FDA Center for Tobacco Products, sat down for an interview Monday to discuss efforts to help people stop smoking and to keep teens from starting in the first place. High on his wish list? A non-addictive cigarette made with very little nicotine.
Measuring hormone levels could better predict a woman's breast cancer risk
Measuring levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone could help improve the predictability of breast cancer risk models, according to research results presented this week by Boston researchers at the American Association for Cancer Research conference.
Redefining death: should dying patients be able to donate organs?
Determining when a patient is dead enough to harvest organs for transplant has become extremely controversial as technology improves to measure brain function.
Should parents stop swaddling infants to prevent hip injuries?
A provocative paper published this week in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that while swaddling does help infants sleep better at night, it doesn't soothe colic symptoms -- another of its purported benefits -- and could raise the risk of serious hip problems later in life that necessitate hip replacements by middle age.
Weekly challenge: follow these 5 Halloween safety tips
Certain hazardous products associated with spooky celebrations can ruin a good time, according to a warning by the US Food and Drug Administration. Here are five tips to safeguard your Halloween health.
Secret to helping brain age well? Painting and other mental challenges
Research suggests that learning a completely new skill such as quilting or digital photography helps seniors improve their memory skills as they age.
Flu vaccine lowers heart attack risk, study finds
Looking for another reason to get that yearly flu shot? It could lower your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious heart complication -- especially if you already have heart disease. That's the finding of a study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Can 'Instagram diet' help you lose weight?
A recent finding from Brigham Young University suggests that clicking through dozens of food photos can actually make those foods less enjoyable to eat later on. Does this mean we can use photo sharing apps such as Instagram to lose weight?
How to talk to your kids after 2 Newton suicides
Experts say it's important to address this topic with facts and steer the conversation towards prevention.
Teens smoking flavored little cigars, despite laws banning sale to minors
With federal laws imposing tight regulations on cigarettes, more teens have been getting hooked on tobacco by using trendy new products that skirt the rules. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 36 percent of middle and high school students who smoke use candy-flavored little cigars that can be just as addictive.
Tufts Medical Center gets $40 million to see if vitamin D can prevent diabetes
A Tufts Medical Center researcher has received a grant of more than $40 million to head a multi-center clinical trial aimed at determining whether taking vitamin D supplements can help prevent type 2 diabetes in those at increased risk.
Does your brain take out the trash while you sleep?
One of the probing questions long asked by sleep researchers -- why do we need so much sleep? -- might finally have a more complete answer. In addition to improving learning and memory retention and helping us feel more rested and alert, sleep gives the brain a chance to sweep up and take out the trash, a study published in the journal Science suggests.
7 government programs that work to help us lose weight, exercise more, and live healthier
A new report details 79 evidence-based public health programs -- many obesity related -- that appear to be worth the money spent on them because they have a significant and lasting impact.
Researchers identify first gene mutations linked to eating disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have long been known to run in families, but scientists haven't been able to identify specific gene mutations linked to them -- until now. In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers studied the genes of two families severely affected by eating disorders and found two mutations associated with the mental conditions.
Does fitness mom who posted bikini photos inspire you to get fit?
I can't say I'm surprised by the controversy generated by Maria Kang. The a mom of three recently posted a photo of herself on Facebook looking great in a bikini and surrounded by her three toddler sons, with the caption: What's your excuse? But her subsequent apology is even more offensive than the photo.
Can weight lifting and eating fish boost a man's sperm count?
New research presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine meeting in Boston this week provides some clues to possibly help men boost their fertility, including exercising and avoiding red meat. But these findings are far from definitive.
Is Sprite the best cure for hangovers?
New research from China suggests that Sprite works better than 56 other beverages and various herbal teas to reduce the symptoms of a hangover. Here's why.
Airport noise linked to higher heart and stroke risks, studies find
Two studies published this week have found that living in a home with loud exposure to roaring jet engines as planes take off and land is linked to an increased risk of being hospitalized for heart disease or stroke.
Weekly challenge: give athlete-endorse products extra scrutiny
A new study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics examined food marketing endorsements from the 100 most popular professional athletes and found that the majority of the products they hawked were for sports beverages, soft drinks and fast food.
Salmonella outbreak in chicken sickens nearly 300
Nearly 300 people in 18 states have been sickened by salmonella found on raw chicken packaged by Foster Farms, according to an alert issued Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Twitter Chat Tuesday: Breast Cancer
On Tuesday, October 8th@BeWellBoston hosted a Twitter chat on breast cancer with our panel of medical experts. Read the highlights here.
What's really in that fast-food chicken nugget?
A new study finds that fat, bones, blood vessels and skin constitute half the "meat" in those nuggets sold at two popular fast-food chains.
5 ways the federal shutdown could impact on your health
With no end in near sight for the federal government shutdown, health officials have been sounding alarms over the potential impact on crucial services.
More doctors trying drug-free techniques to treat chronic pain
Drugs to treat chronic pain have recently come under increased scrutiny for their health risks. One solution: drug-free treatments integrated into primary care practices.
Hormone replacement therapy less risky for women in their 50s, latest data suggest
The latest followup data from the Women's Health Initiative trial suggest that the benefits of taking hormone replacement therapy for relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes outweigh the risks -- at least for women in their 50s.
Gotten your flu vaccine yet? New app makes it easier to find one
This year's seasonal flu vaccine has arrived in doctor's offices, and with new ones on the market, there are seven different shots and sprays now available. There's an app to help you find out and locate a pharmacy that has it.
Missed diagnosis most common malpractice accusation made against primary care doctors
When Massachusetts primary care doctors get sued for malpractice, they're usually accused of making some sort of diagnosis mistake because they failed to make the appropriate referral, rushed through a physical exam, or neglected to follow up on an abnormal test result, finds a new Brigham's and Women's Hospital study.
First pre-surgery drug approved for breast cancer: will more follow?
The US Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug to shrink breast tumors before surgery despite limited data showing that women live longer when treated with the new regimen.
Weekly challenge: Be mindful of serving size when pouring wine
One study, published in the journal Substance Use and Misuse, found that many people overpour the wine based on certain biases like the shape and color of the glass or whether they hold the glass when pouring the wine.
Do consumers who order gene testing discuss results with their doctors? Not likely, study finds
Nearly half a million Americans have had genetic testing through mail order kits, and new research from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that most are discussing their results with friends but only a minority are following up with doctors to change their health habits.
Married cancer patients live longer than singles, Dana-Farber study finds
Married people get diagnosed earlier with cancer, are more likely to get the appropriate treatment, and are less likely to die from the disease than non-married folks, finds a new Dana-Farber Cancer Institute study. The researchers used a national database to survey nearly 735,000 patients diagnosed with one of 10 different types of cancer and found that those who were married were 20 percent less likely to die of their cancers compared to those who weren't married.
Weekly challenge: Tackle fears while you sleep
I was intrigued by new research suggesting that we can overcome anxieties as we sleep. The small study, published online Sunday in the journal Nature Neuroscience, found that fears could be reduced by repeatedly exposing people to the memory during sleep.
Poster campaign urges Jewish women to get cancer gene screening
Many Jewish women attending their synagogue's high holiday services this month may have seen posters plastered on bulletin boards or near the entrance doors warning them that they may be at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. But I think women will mistakenly think that they definitely need a gene test, which most don't.
Abuse of 'bath salts' involved in more than 20,000 emergency room visits yearly
Illegal drugs called "bath salts" -- which have nothing to do with the products added to bath water -- were responsible for nearly 23,000 emergency room visits in 2011, according to a new report.
Weekly challenge: Do five minutes of intense activity each day to prevent weight gain
Whether exercise contributes much to weight loss has long been a matter of debate, but new research shows every minute of intense activity counts when it comes to preventing weight gain through the years.
Can healthy lifestyle changes reverse cell aging?
How motivated would you be to forgo the cheesecake, pratice relaxation techniques, and hit the gym if you knew that altering your lifestyle could not only slow, but actually reverse the aging of your cells? For the first time, researchers have produced preliminary evidence that this could be the case, but the findings need to be replicated in larger clinical trials.
CDC: Antibiotic-resistant infections cause at least 23,000 deaths annually
Antibiotic-resistant infections have become an "urgent health threat," striking more than 2 million Americans per year and killing at least 23,000, the federal government said Monday.
Americans are living the good life longer, study suggests
Recent predictions that the obesity epidemic will lead to shorter lifespans for today's young adults are challenged by a new study conducted by Massachusetts researchers, which suggests a more optimistic outlook: The average 25-year-old today can expect to enjoy at least two extra years of a healthy life compared with those a generation ago.
5 new rules to improve your child's sleep habits
When the American Academy of Pediatrics issued their last book on sleep advice nearly 15 years ago, cribs with drop-down sides were perfectly safe and teens weren't texting into the wee hours of the night. Now the pediatricians' group has a new book called Sleep: What every parent needs to know.
Botox injections now approved for 'crow's feet' lines around the eyes
The US Food and Drug Administration today approved Botox to temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes called "crow's feet".
Do better dads have smaller gonads? Wacky study suggests, yes
There are days when I feel sorry for men, and this is one of them. A headline grabbing study indicates that men with smaller testicles are more likely to be better fathers, presumably because they produce less testosterone which makes them more nurturing.
Twitter #BeWellChat Tuesday: Teen Health
Join Boston.com's health team and Dr. Claire McCarthy, a pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital and author of Boston.com's MD Mama blog, today at 1p.m. for a Twitter chat on teen health. Use the hashtag #BeWellChat
Study suggests women in their 40s benefit from mammograms, but doubts linger
A new analysis from Massachusetts General Hospital researchers suggests that mammograms prevent breast cancer deaths in women in their 40s by detecting some cancers in an earlier, more curable stage than cancers detected in women who don't get screened. But there are some serious flaws in the study design that cast doubt on the findings.
Weekly challenge: Think about what brings you happiness, and how that's changed with age
This week you may want to consider how your personal satisfaction -- or dissatisfaction -- with life has changed as you age. I read a great article in the September issue of Health magazine arguing that "calm is the new happy" for anyone over age 40.
Valerie Harper's DWTS stint highlights cancer patient trend to live life to the fullest
Valerie Harper's decision to go on "Dancing with the Stars" is a form of resiliance says a Dana-Farber psychologist, and illustrates a growing trend for end-stage cancer patients to live life to the fullest.
New home pregnancy test reveals how pregnant you are
Women have grown accustomed to learning in the privacy of their own bathrooms whether or not they're pregnant. Now, though, they can find out just how far along they are with a new home pregnancy test that hit store shelves this week.
Men's self esteem may suffer when their female partner succeeds, study suggests
New research suggests a man's self esteem does drop a little when his female romantic partner succeeds in academic or social settings. Does this mean women who "lean in" will have a harder time being happy in their relationship?
3 fruits that lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, at least a little
For years, nutritionists have debated whether fruit -- rich in natural sugars -- has a net positive or net negative impact on type 2 diabetes risk. Now a Harvard School of Public Health finding suggests that overall, eating several servings of fruit a week offers slight protection against type 2 diabetes. But certain fruits -- blueberries, grapes, and apples -- offer greater benefits.
Boston brain trauma experts react positively to NFL settlement
Days before the start of the football season, the NFL announced Thursday that it has reached a tentative $765 million settlement with former players over brain disorders they suffered, an agreement that Boston brain researchers hailed as a positive outcome that could improve medical care and research.
Eastern equine encephalitis threat level raised to 'high' in four commmunities
The Eastern equine encephalitis threat level was raised to "high" Thursday in four Massachusetts communities -- Easton, Raynham, Taunton, and West Bridgewater -- after detection of infected mammal-biting mosquitoes in the area.
Is drug overdose at House of Blues tied to celebrity-endorsed 'molly' drug?
After one person died and two others were hospitalized from apparent drug overdoses at the House of Blues on Tuesday night, police are investigating whether all three club-goers took the same substance and what that may have been. On their radar: an increasingly popular drug called "molly" that's been embraced by pop stars.
50 years after March On Washington, health disparities still exist: Five ways to overcome
On the 50th anniversary of the historic "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom," America has become a safer, more opportune society for all. But various critical disparities still exist for Black Americans, specifically in terms of the poorer quality of their health care and higher mortality rates compared to White Americans.
Rethinking breast "cancer" diagnosis in women with early signs of disease
Getting diagnosed with breast "cancer" affects treatment choices for women with very early signs of the disease, a new Massachusetts General Hospital study finds.
Not surprising but very unhygienic: Single men rarely change their sheets
I supposed we shouldn't be too surprised to hear that young single men rarely change their sheets, but in case you were wondering just how rarely, a new survey provides quantitative detail: 55 percent of single men ages 18 to 25 change their sheets once every three months on average.
Weekly challenge: Pay back your sleep debt
Think you can skimp on an hour or two of sleep every night during the week and just pay it back on the weekends by sleeeping in? That's not going to cut it if you want your brain to be at full functioning capacity.
Would you try a caffeine skin spray or a beer that prevents hangovers?
Judging by some wacky new products making headlines this week, inventors are getting a bit desperate to come up with an instant wealth-producing blockbuster: a beer that prevents hangovers and a caffeine spray for your skin.
Family history and mood disorder drug play strong role in type 2 diabetes risk
Two new studies found a heightened risk of Type 2 diabetes associated with a strong family history and anti-psychotic medication use in children.
Should prisoners like Bradley Manning get covered for gender change?
Bradley Manning's announcement that he plans to live as a woman named Chelsea – a day after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for leaking classified information – highlights some important issues raised for convicted felons. Are they entitled to the same mental health services as the rest of the population?
Brushing teeth lowers risk of HPV, study finds
Researchers have found an added benefit to daily flossing and brushing twice a day: a lower risk of getting infected with a sexually transmitted virus that causes throat cancers.
Risk level for EEE raised to high in five communities south of Boston
The death this month of a Norfolk County woman stricken with Eastern equine encephalitis has prompted state health officials to raise the risk level for the mosquito-borne illness to "high" in five communities south of Boston.
Should researchers abandon quest to find healthiest diet?
Will a high protein Paleo or Atkins-style diet lead to more weight loss than a low-fat diet? Sherry Pagoto, an associate professor of preventive medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, believes that's the wrong question to ask.
Worried too much about chemicals? You could have chemophobia
Many of us worry more about synthetic pesticides and fertilizers than about more dangerous food risks such as salmonella or cancer-causing substances formed in burned foods.
Lyme disease 10 times more common in US than previously reported, CDC says
Lyme disease is 10 times more common than the federal government previously had counted, with about 300,000 people across the country getting the disease each year from deer ticks – most in the Northeast.
Weekly challenge: Stop striving for a "thigh gap" or six-pack abs
Have you heard about the latest teen girl obsession? It's a thigh gap -- or space between the upper thighs when you stand with your feet together -- and psychologists worry that the new trend is fueling a rise in eating disorders.
One patient's experience
Recently, I interviewed a local Boston doctor to see if he might be a good primary care physician for me. My requirements were fairly straightforward, ones that anyone would seek: a compassionate bedside manner, solid commitment to the patient's long-term health, and admitting privileges at a top hospital. The doctor met all of these criteria, but in the end, we were not a match. Why?
Can drinking too much coffee really kill you? Not likely
If you've been scanning the health headlines today, you've probably seen the news that drinking too much coffee -- more than 28 cups a week -- will raise your risk of dying young. Sounds kind of scary right? But how many of us are actually drinking more than four cups of caffeinated coffee a day, even on the weekends?
Exercise to beat insomnia: you need more than you think
It's a Catch-22: A night of poor sleep leaves you tired and drained of energy, and the very thing that could help improve your sleep -- exercise -- is the last thing you're inclined to do. What's more, new research suggests that while exercise does help to improve sleep over time, a single workout one morning doesn't necessarily mean you'll fall asleep easier that night.
1 in 3 doctors still needlessly removing ovaries when performing hysterectomies
In performing hysterectomies, many doctors are still unnecessarily removing the ovaries of younger women who may still benefit from their heart-protective effects, finds a study from Baystate Medical Center.
Swallowable imaging capsule keeps improving but still not routine: Here's why
What ever happened to that swallowable imaging capsule that takes pictures of your digestive tract? It was supposed to replace colonoscopies when it came on the market 12 years ago, but it's now only used as a second-line diagnostic test. Why?
Can brain imaging prove that heaven isn't real?
In a quest to prove that heaven exists, or perhaps really doesn't, neuroscientists have been attempting to study near-death experiences. The latest study garnering prominent coverage concludes that near-death experiences are the creation of our brain; that's a pretty big leap to make, however, since the University of Michigan researchers were studying rats, not humans.
Was George Bush's stent surgery really unnecessary?
Ever since President George W. Bush had stent surgery last Tuesday to open a blocked artery, leading physicians who weren't involved in his care have wondered publically why he had this "unnecessary" procedure. But how can they know for certain without looking at his medical records?
Weekly challenge: Try these 5 strategies to improve study skills
Whether you're heading back to school yourself or helping your child get back into academic mode, this week is the perfect time to think about implementing some new memory-related habits. Such study practices can help the brain recall important information on tests, according to psychologist Kenneth Higbee, author of Your Memory and How It Works.
Can drinking hot chocolate keep your brain young?
In a small study published in Wednesday in the journal Neurology, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that drinking two cups of hot cocoa every day for 30 days improved blood flow to the brain in 18 seniors with vascular problems due to Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Should you drink more cocoa?
Is Sanjay Gupta's new pro-medical marijuana stance irresponsible?
Although I'm a fan of Dr. Sanjay Gupta and envy him for being able to report health stories on CNN using his expertise as a neurosurgeon, I'm a little skeptical about his full-frontal apology concerning his previous objections to using marijuana for medical purposes.
New vaccine against malaria shows promise
A new vaccine could for the first time provide total protection against malaria and appears to be more effective than other experimental vaccines that have been tested before to prevent the mosquito-borne disease.
Would you want to live to 120?
Would you choose to live to 120 or beyond if medical advances could take you well past the century mark? That's a question that was posed to 2,000 American adults of all ages in a recent survey conducted by Pew Research Center.
"Gluten-free" foods will finally be regulated helping those with Celiac disease
Six years after the US Food and Drug Administration proposed to regulate foods labeled "gluten-free" -- to ensure that they had negligible amounts of the wheat protein -- the agency has finally put these new labeling rules into effect.
Obesity rates drop slightly in state's preschoolers from lower-income families
Obesity rates in preschoolers from lower-income families declined in Massachusetts and 18 other states from 2008 to 2011, finds a new government report. Children from poorer families have had rapidly soaring rates of obesity over the past two decades, so any decline gives public health officials reason for optimism.
Popular blood pressure drug may raise breast cancer risk
Women taking a common class of drugs to control hypertension -- called calcium channel blockers -- have nearly twice the average risk of developing breast cancer if they continue the medication for more than a decade.
Weekly challenge: Make sure kids heading off to college are up-to-date on vaccinations
Parents sending children off to college for the first time may be busy buying dorm bedding and laptops, but they should also do a quick call to the pediatrician to make sure their child isn't missing any vital immunizations.
BPA linked to infertility, but tough for women to avoid
A growing body of evidence suggests that women who have high levels of bisphenol-A -- a chemical used in some hard plastics and to coat metal cans -- are more likely to suffer from infertility, and now researchers have found a possible reason why. BPA may disrupt eggs from maturing properly, according to a study from Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers.
You've got mail: Someone else's medical test results
The first e-mail came at the end of June. It was from a doctor's office in another state -- a large cardiology group. The note listed the name of a test. It listed the full name of a patient. It listed the full name of the doctor who treated that patient. It said the test was normal and provided a number that I could call for more information. Presumably, this was supposed to be good news. But it was someone else's test result.
Managing back pain: 7 mistakes doctors commonly make
Many patients who don't have a medical reason for their back pain -- like a spine injury from a car accident -- get unnecessary imaging tests and treatment with surgeries that won't do much to ease their discomfort. And the problem seems to be getting worse, according to a new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, because doctors aren't following practice guidelines.
Lung cancer screening with CT scans recommended for heavy smokers
Longtime heavy smokers should be offered annual lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography scans instead of chest X-rays, a group of prevention experts recommended on Monday.
Weekly challenge: drink coffee to lift the blues, study suggests, but here are other ways
Two years after wondering whether coffee has become the new green tea for all its purported health benefits, new research from Harvard School of Public Health draws a connection between drinking caffeinated coffee and a lower risk of committing suicide.
Sex after a heart attack: why many avoid it
Very few cardiologists broach the topic of sex after a heart attack, especially with their female patients, according to a study reported this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association, and this lack of reassurance about the safety of resuming sex leaves many patients with lingering fears.
Dannon urged to remove bug extracts from its yogurt products
The nutrition activist group, Center for Science in the Public Interest blasted Dannon yogurt this week for having food coloring containing bug extracts and urged the company to put "berries over bugs."
Unexplained coughing and wheezing in teens? Could be inhaled blowgun dart
Among the many things teenage boys are surreptitiously searching for on the internet, here's one parents may not have thought of: instructions on how to build a blowgun. Boys are building these devices and then using them incorrectly -- inhaling instead of exhaling which sometimes causes the dart to become lodged in their windpipe or lung.
Can wearing a cold cap prevent hair loss from chemotherapy?
Several news reports this week have highlighted the supposed benefits of placing a cold cap on the scalp to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy. While these reports have emphasized the experimental nature of the device -- it hasn't yet been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration -- some women have been using them on their own at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and elsewhere.
Twitter chat Tuesday: Caring for your aging loved one
Family members make up the largest group of providers of long-term care for the aging. J
FDA will only allow One-Step Plan B product on drugstore shelves for next three years
The US Food and Drug Administration decided late Monday night to grant exclusive rights to Teva Pharmaceuticals to put its brand name form of emergency contraception on drugstore shelves without any age restrictions for the next three years.
Weekly challenge: Avoid sunscreen sprays near hot spots
The FDA recently warned consumers not to wear sunscreen sprays near an open flame after investigating "five separate incidents in which people wearing sunscreen spray near sources of flame suffered significant burns."
Study: Menu calorie counts don't impact choices, at least for McDonald's eaters
Call it the McDonald's effect. Every time researchers test to see whether posting calorie counts on menu boards for Big Macs, fries, and shakes will drive consumers to order less calorie-laden options they come up with disappointing results.
5 Surprising ways to stay cool in the heat
It's hot, again. But there are natural ways to stay cool if you're far from central air conditioning. Kudos to Mother Nature Network for finding some natural cooling tips that are based on science. Here they are.
Should you take an aspirin a day to prevent colon cancer?
Should you take an aspirin every day or two to lower your risk of cancer? Medical groups such as the American Cancer Society have so far recommended against the practice, but that might soon change as evidence stacks up in favor of taking aspirin for preventing colon cancer.
Length of time being obese raises heart disease risks
In another dire warning against the perils of childhood obesity, researchers have determined that the amount of time people remain obese the greater their likelihood of developing early signs of heart disease years before their peers.
Online tests for Alzheimer's are unreliable, researchers warn at Boston conference
Free Internet tests claiming to diagnose Alzheimer's disease don't work and could harm the elderly, researchers cautioned this week at an international Alzheimer's conference in Boston.
Salmonella outbreak sickens 12 in state, triggers closure of Clover restaurants
Twelve people in Cambridge, Boston, and possibly elsewhere in the state have been sickened by a salmonella outbreak in recent days prompting the closure of Clover restaurant with locations in Cambridge, Brookline, Burlington, and Boston and food trucks throughout the city.
Weekly challenge: make yourself less tasty to mosquitoes
As most of us have long suspected, scientists have now determined that about 1 in 5 people are particularly delectable for mosquitoes, getting more bites on a regular basis than everyone else. Which factors make a difference?
Socioeconomic disparities account for higher Alzheimer's risk in African-Americans
A study being presented this week at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Boston says socioeconomic factors are to blame for the higher risk of Alzheimer's disease among African-Americans than white Americans.
A tick in her hair serves as reminder to take precautions against Lyme disease
I felt the bump on my head at dinner with friends in Roslindale.
Overcoming infertility after a childhood cancer: new study offers optimistic outlook
Treating childhood cancers has largely been a success story, but those same treatments that have saved young girls lives have also left many infertile in their adult years; a new Dana-Farber study, though, provides a glimmer of hope for these women.
FDA moves to limit arsenic in apple juice
In a nod to consumer groups that have urged for limits on the amount of arsenic allowed in foods, the US Food and Drug Administration released a plan on Friday that would limit the poisonous element in apple juice.
Do you have the brain power to detect a hot idea and make it go viral?
What distinguishes a hot new idea from one that's destined to be a dud? What makes that laughing baby video go viral? A new study provides some clues.
Americans exercising more, but health still ranks near bottom of Western nations
Americans are making more of an effort to exercise, but that hasn't done much to reverse our slide into obesity. We've also increased our average life expectancy -- from 75 years to 78 years from 1990 to 2010 -- but other Westernized countries have made more dramatic improvements despite the exorbitant amount of money we spend on our healthcare.
Listeria outbreak in Crave Brothers cheese
Another listeria outbreak has been linked to cheese killing one person so far and causing a miscarriage in a pregnant woman, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Four steps to cancer-free grilling
When you get the grill going on the Fourth of July, take care to BBQ safely. Grilling puts you near cancer-causing chemicals, warn Dana-Farber Cancer Institute doctors -- but with a few precautions, it's easy to have a safe and healthy holiday.
Long John Silver's serves America's fattiest meal, consumer group charges
Maybe it shouldn't be a surprise that a meal of fried fish, onion rings, and hush puppies is bad for you. But a consumer group this week slammed Long John Silver's "Big Catch Meal" as worse for your health than almost anything else you could possibly eat.
Prescription drug deaths soar among women, CDC reports
Eighteen women a day die of a prescription drug overdose in the United States, five times more than a decade earlier, the federal government reported Tuesday.
New drug for hot flashes may not provide much relief, experts say
The US Food and Drug Administration approved a new treatment for hot flashes -- a low-dose version of the antidepressant paroxetine (Paxil) -- in a surprise move last Friday. How well does it work?
How much milk do we really need?
For more than a century, American parents have prodded their kids to drink three daily glasses of milk, but now the tide may be turning against this once seemingly essential beverage.
After 4 deaths last year, mosquito-borne illnesses worry state health officials this summer
Anxious about a repeat of last year, when four people died from mosquito-borne illnesses in Massachusetts, state health officials offered warnings and advice Monday on getting through a buggy summer.
Weekly challenge: protect your eyes from July 4th fireworks
Thinking about seeing some fireworks this 4th of July? Nearly half of the 9,000 fireworks injuries that occur in the U.S. each year are in children under age 15. Prevention tips.
HHS issues final regulation on contraceptive coverage allowing exemptions for religious groups
The Obama administration on Friday released its final rule determining contraceptive coverage under the federal health care law; religious organizations can be exempt from this coverage, but their employees will still get free coverage from their insurance companies due to some creative loopholes.
Which fish are linked to lower breast cancer risk?
A new study grabbing headlines today links a high intake of fatty fish with a modestly reduced risk of breast cancer. But what kind of fish should women eat?
Which beaches in Massachusetts are most polluted?
The Natural Resources Defense Council issued its annual review of pollution at American beaches this week. Here's how the ones in Massachusetts rate.
Has obesity been mislabeled as a disease? Why doctors don't mind
Weight management specialists widely cheered the American Medical Association's decision to label obesity as a disease at its annual meeting last week -- including those who have previously argued that obesity isn't always equivalent to poor health.
PTSD linked to a doubling in heart disease risk later in life
Post traumatic stress disorder, suffered by hundreds of folks who witnessed the Boston marathon bombings, appears to be associated with heart disease years later, finds a new study funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
HRT provides no brain benefits for young menopausal women, new study finds
A new study finds that taking hormone replacement therapy soon after the onset of menopause offers no protection against memory problems or other signs of cognitive decline that occurs with aging, but it won't harm brains either.
Weekly challenge: Try these thirst-quenching fruits and vegetables to beat the heat
With temperatures soaring, you may not have had a chance yet to acclimate to the heat. Try these thirst quenching fruits and vegetables.
Paula Deen's racism controversy: Harvard psychologist calls it teachable moment
Celebrity chef Paula Deen has gotten herself into hot water again purportedly making racist comments. But her actions can be a teachable moment, getting us to look inward at our own feelings about race.
James Gandolfini: Fatal heart attacks often come with warning signs
I was surprised to hear that actor James Gandolfini was dead of a heart attack at only 51. Such tragedies are decreasing, but they can still happen especially when medical treatment is delayed.
4 Surprising ways to prevent diabetes
Besides eating fewer carbohydrates and exercising, several new studies suggest a host of more surprising lifestyle factors that contribute to your diabetes: how much sleep you get, when you exercise, and whether you skip breakfast or eat steak for dinner.
Melissa Etheridge calls Angelina Jolie's double mastectomy choice "fearful"
I'm not sure why singer Melissa Etheridge felt inclined to attack Angelina Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy after finding out she carried a high-risk gene mutation. But I'm more concerned about her statements connecting breast cancer to stress.
Ever heard of "lime disease"? Prevention has nothing to do with ticks
"Lime disease" -- not Lyme disease -- is a painful, itchy rash that sometimes causes blisters and appears a day or two after skin splattered with lime juice has come into contact with sunlight. Other foods that cause it and how to avoid.
Starbucks set to post calorie counts
If you head into your local Starbucks next Tuesday, you'll see calorie counts listed on the menu boards -- and may be shocked to see just how many calories you're drinking in your favorite Frappuccino or iced latte.
Weekly challenge: summerproof your skin
Summer weather has finally arrived in Boston, and you'll likely need to make some adjustments to your skin care routine as you head to the sandy beach or a chlorinated pool. Here's how to maintain the health of your dermis.
Your brain on yoga: pratice offers bigger mental boost than running
Exercise has long been hailed as an elixir for the brain, to boost your mood, improve learning, and ward off memory loss. But is yoga even better? That's what a new study suggests.
Why Plan B isn't yet on drugstore shelves
After a busy two weeks of court rulings, the US Food and Drug Administration has finally come to an agreement with the federal courts concerning emergency contraception. But the product still isn't on drugstore shelves and won't be for at least another month.
Increase in overseas travel infections: 3 ways to prevent illness this summer
If you're traveling to an exotic destination this summer -- especially developing countries in Africa, South America, or Southeast Asia -- you'll likely need to take certain precautions to avoid getting an exotic infection, which new research finds are on the rise.
Facebook changes policy to allow post-mastectomy photos
After facing a wave of criticism over its handling of post-mastectomy photos, Facebook has finally clarified its policy in writing.
Weekly challenge: avoid overdosing on foods that can kill
Can eating too much of a particular food in one sitting actually kill you? Actually yes, if it contains too much salt. A 19-year-old recently drank an entire bottle of soy sauce on a stupid dare and nearly died. Five other foods that could be toxic.
Chat Tuesday: Seasonal Allergies
Join Dr. Anna Kovalszki of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Tuesday at 12p.m. as she answers your questions on those pesky seasonal allergies.
Is caffeine withdrawal really a mental illness?
I had a hard time believing that caffeine withdrawal is now classified as a mental illness in the new DSM-5 manual of psychiatric diagnoses, despite what news reports have proclaimed. But it is indeed listed there under the heading "Caffeine-Related Disorders." Experts who developed it explain why.
FDA panel greenlights loosening of restrictions on diabetes drug Avandia
An independent panel of experts convened by the US Food and Drug Administration voted on Thursday for the agency to consider lifting or altering the prescribing restrictions for the diabetes drug rosiglitazone (Avandia) after reviewing the latest research data that suggests the heart attack risks associated with the drug are "modest" and "uncertain."
Appeals court ruling will lift age restrictions on some emergency contraception pills
In a strange twist of events, a federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday that two-pill generic versions of the morning after pill should immediately be made available over the counter, without any age restrictions; the court, though, denied unrestricted sales of the Plan B One-Step product until it determines whether the government's appeal should be upheld.
Finally proof that sunscreen slows skin aging
Any dermatologist will tell you that most of the wrinkles and age spots we develop through the years can be blamed on sun exposure, but can we actually look younger by regularly using sunscreen? That's always been assumed but never tested in a rigorous clinical trial -- until now.
Komen cancels 3-day Boston walk for 2014
Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced that they were cancelling several of their 3-Day walk events including one planned for Boston in 2014. Here's why.
Sudden death in Bentley player raises questions about EKG screening in athletes
The tragic sudden death of 19-year-old Joe Glynn, a Bentley University basketball player, who collapsed during a Monday night game raises the same questions that arise every time a young athlete dies far too early in life: Did he have an underlying health problem that contributed to his death? If so, could the problem have been detected earlier? Would that have saved his life?
Chat Tuesday: Dr. Jonathan Edlow on Lyme disease
Cases of Lyme disease are rising and so is the controversy on the nature of the diagnosis and methods of treating the condition, Boston Globe reporter Beth Daley writes in her special report on Lyme Disease. Dr. Jonathan Edlow, vice chair of emergency medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, discussed your questions on Lyme disease.
Michael Douglas blames throat cancer on oral sex: what are risks?
Michael Douglas has revealed that his stage 4 throat cancer was the result of an HPV infection, that he got from oral sex.
Weekly challenge: redouble your efforts to stop texting while driving
Nearly three years after Massachusetts implemented a no texting while driving law, nearly 40 percent of drivers in the state say they still send text messages while driving, according to a March survey of 500 drivers released on Monday.
Boston ranks 6th fittest city in US
We already know Boston has the number one hospital in the nation, that Massachusetts ranks 4th in the nation for overall health. But did you know that Boston folks are also among the buffest in the nation?
Pills to boost sex drive? Natural alternatives to try instead
A New York Times magazine story last Sunday touting two new pills in the pipeline to boost a woman's low libido made it seem as if they were on the verge of hitting the market. They're not, but here's what to try now.
College women drink more than men, study finds
While college students are well versed on the dangers of binge drinking, many may know the health risks of exceeding too many alcoholic drinks on a weekly basis; in fact, women are more likely to do this than men, according to a recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital.
Mayor Menino's prostate surgery uncommon but necessary for those with very large glands
Mayor Thomas Menino is heading to the hospital for surgery on Friday to fix a problem with his prostate that most men over age 60 experience. His enlarged prostate shows no signs of cancer, but it is likely impeding his ability to fully empty his bladder.
Weekly challenge: curb obesity in your pet
As Americans have gotten fatter over the years, so have their pets. About 53 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight, according to a 2013 survey of veterinarians conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. What to do if you think your dog or cat may be overweight.
Are you less beautiful than you think?
The Dove video concluding that women are "more beautiful than they think" may have gotten it wrong. Usually, we're less beautiful than we think, according to the latest research.
Cure for distracted mind: Stare at a painting for three hours
Are distracting smartphones making us more stupid? New research suggests that could be the case. A Harvard art professor thinks she has a cure: Get students to stare at a painting for three hours.
Tonsil surgery reduces behavioral problems in kids with snoring condition, study finds
Having surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids significantly reduces sleepiness and behavioral problems in kids who snore, but it does not improve their performance on attention and memory tests. That's the finding from a long-awaited clinical trial conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and elsewhere.
Victoria's Secret says no to mastectomy bra
After much debate last week over whether sex symbol Angelina Jolie's double mastectomy would help other women with mastectomies feel sexier, Victoria's Secret announced Monday that it wasn't going to contribute to the effort by designing a bra for women who had mastectomies and opted not to have breast reconstruction.
Weekly challenge: sanitize your handbag
File it high on the list of yuck factors: Purses -- especially their handles -- have up 10 times the level of germs than the average toilet seat. What to do.
Prevent kidney stones: drink coffee but not cola?
Want to reduce your risk of getting kidney stones? Try drinking coffee and tea instead of sugary sodas. That's the finding of a Brigham and Women's Hospital study.
Dangers of sexual enhancement supplements: why men should avoid them
Men can order the little blue Viagra pill online without a prescription via a quick Internet search and credit card payment. They can also order "all-natural" sexual enhancement alternatives such as Rock Hard for Men or Lightning Rod. But what are they really getting?
Angelina Jolie's double mastectomy highlights tough decisions on genetic screening
Angelina Jolie's announcement on Tuesday, in an eloquent New York Times column, that she had a double mastectomy underscores the very difficult decisions women must make when they have a frightening family history of breast cancer.
Calorie counts in small Boston restaurants higher than area in fast food chains, Tufts study finds
While most health-conscious Bostonians probably shun McDonald's Big Mac and fries for a grilled tandoori chicken dish at a local Indian restaurant, they may be getting twice as many calories as a result, according to new research from Tufts University.
Weekly challenge: Say no to Abercrombie & Fitch's weight discrimination
In a somewhat fitting set of coincidental circumstances, New Jersey governor's Chris Christie's weight loss surgery dominated headlines last week along with a controversy brewing over clothing designer Abercrombie & Fitch's refusal to carry extra-large clothing sizes.
How did Bangladesh woman survive for so long?
In a miracle of sorts, a woman was pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building in Bangladesh on Friday -- surviving for 17 days on dried food and bottled water that she'd found. How long can a person live without food and water?
Power foods for your brain
Can what you eat actually affect how well your brain ages? That's been a subject of heated debate, but nutrition activist Dr. Neal Barnard believes a vegan diet will protect our brains from memory loss and other signs of Alzheimer's disease. He makes the case in his new book Power Foods for the Brain.
Do you need to worry about a new sexually transmitted superbug?
There was a bit of buzz last week about a new "sex superbug" making its way into the U.S., but reports of an antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea strain are premature, according to public health officials. That doesn't mean we can rest easy.
What do you think of new FDA warning labels on tanning beds?
It's been three years since an advisory committee convened by the US Food and Drug Administration recommended that teens be barred from tanning salons or at least obtain parental consent -- and now the FDA is finally moving to toughen its rules on tanning beds.
Urology group stops recommending routine PSA screening for men
A large physicians group representing urologists who treat prostate cancer has stopped recommending a routine blood test to screen for prostate cancer saying that men should decide for themselves whether to be screened for the prostate specific antigen marker.
5 ways to avoid amusement ride injuries in kids
Just in time for amusement park season, researchers found in a new study that nearly 93,000 emergency room visits in children from 1990 through 2010 were due to an injury from an amusement park ride.
Is it too soon for some to be Boston Strong?
The catch-phrase "Boston Strong" has become an emotional rallying cry after the marathon bombings. More than 45,000 people have bought Boston Strong t-shirts, raising $700,000 for the One Fund Boston charity established to help victims and their families.
FDA lifts some but not all age restrictions on Plan B
Less than a month after a federal judge ordered the US Food and Drug Administration to make emergency contraception available over the counter without any age restrictions, the agency announced that it would allow one product to be offered on drugstore shelves -- but only to those age 15 and over.
FDA to investigate Wrigley's caffeinated gum and other foods with added caffeine
Wrigley's launched a caffeinated gum this week called Alert Energy, adding to the numerous foods and beverages now containing added caffeine for energy. The government has decided to investigate whether these products pose a health hazard.
Weekly challenge: toning arms after weight loss
A spate of news stories Monday discuss a hot trend in plastic surgery: upper arm lifts to reduce the sag and wag of extra tissue and skin. Exercises to try instead.
Salmonella-tainted cucumbers found in Massachusetts and other states
Fresh vegetables, yet again, have been linked to a food poisoning outbreak. This time it's cucumbers tainted with salmonella. Imported from Mexico, the cucumbers have sickened at least 73 people in 18 states, including Massachusetts, where one illness was reported.
Common medications taken during pregnancy increase baby's autism risk
Many women continue taking prescription medications while pregnant, but research suggests that the anti-seizure drug valproate and some other medications could increase their baby's chances of developing autism.
Dove's Real Beauty ad highlights women as their own worst critics
Have you seen the new Dove commercial where women are asked to describe themselves for a sketch artist who can't see them? Do you think it paints too rosy a picture of how the world views women's beauty?
Burger King expanding delivery service but still not in Boston
As if drive-throughs weren't enough, now Burger King now offers a delivery service to all those who are too lazy to get up, step into their cars, and drive to the nearest location. The fast-food chain announced on Tuesday that it would now be delivering to Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. That's in addition to deliveries already made in New York, Miami, and Houston. Would you like to see the service expand to Boston?
Which meats are most likely to give you food poisoning?
What are the riskiest meats? After examining more than 33,000 cases of foodborne illness connected to beef, pork, and poultry, a nutrition activist group concluded that chicken and ground beef are the most likely to make you really sick, while chicken nuggets, ham, and sausage pose the lowest risk of foodborne illness. The group, Center for Science in the Public Interest, created a risk pyramid as a guide for consumers to assess the health risks of handling certain raw meats.
Boston health officials revise downward number injured in bombings to 264
Boston public health officials said Tuesday they have revised downward their estimate of the number of people injured in the marathon attacks, to 264. A spokesman for the Boston Public Health Commission had said Monday that state health officials had counted 282 people who were injured and treated at Greater Boston hospitals, as of Saturday. Why did the number decrease? "It turns out that we had double-counted some patients that were transferred from one hospital to another," said the spokesman.
Free counseling offered at various sites throughout city
Those experiencing lingering depression, anxiety, or other psychological effects from last week's bombing attack can get free counseling this week at various clinics throughout Boston. The Boston Public Health Commission has a new drop-in center that opened today. Here's a list of other places offering counseling.
Weekly challenge: get kids to avoid taking the cinnamon challenge
Here's another stupid health risk teens take that parents need to warn them against: a "cinnamon challenge" where a tablespoon of ground cinnamon is swallowed in less than a minute without drinking fluids. In some cases, the choking it causes can lead to cinnamon winding up in the lungs and even lung damage, according to a new study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
Going stir crazy? How to deal
If you're like most of Boston stuck inside and experiencing feordom -- fear mixed with boredom -- today, you may wondering how to deal with that feeling of being pent up like a caged animal. A lot of you tweeted us @BeWellBoston that you're turning to ice cream, a lot of it, to get you through the day. Others have been planking. Good for you! Here are a few videos to watch to boost your mood through laughter, focused attention via meditation, and exercise.
Boston hospitals in lockdown: patients and doctors can't leave
With Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev still at large, Boston hospitals are currently in lockdown mode; staff members and patients can't leave until Boston police lift the citywide travel restrictions. Outpatient clinics have been closed, and scheduled appointments with primary care physicians and specialists have been canceled for the day.
Sleep problems plaguing many in Boston after marathon bombing
All over Boston, people are sleep-deprived this week. With nerves jangled and brutal images of Monday's bombing replaying in their minds, many are having trouble falling or staying asleep. In fact, sleeping difficulties have been one of the most common health complaints since the attack, according to local hospital physicians.
Ringing in ears? Many who heard the bomb blast may now have tinnitus
Hundreds of people were in close proximity to the deafening bomb blasts at the Boston Marathon on Monday, and many have been treated at local hospitals for serious ear injuries. But hearing specialists say an untold number of other people could be suffering from hearing loss or ringing in their ears, called tinnitus, though they did not seek out medical help immediately.
Why do few high-risk women take drugs to prevent breast cancer?
With little fanfare and scant media coverage, a government task force recommended on Monday that women at high risk of breast cancer consider taking drugs to prevent the disease. The primary care physicians on the panel reaffirmed their previous recommendations made back in 2002, but few high-risk women opt to take the estrogen-blocking medications -- either tamoxifen or raloxifene -- and I'm guessing very few will likely take them in the future. Here's why.
Coping with the marathon bombing: expect fear, anxiety, and anger, psychologists say
Anger, frustration, a sense of helplessness, depression, overwhelming fear. Mental health experts say those in Boston should expect to feel a range of those emotions over the next few days as they try to process the horrors of Monday's marathon bombing. The extent to which they're negatively affected depends on how close they were to the events -- whether they witnessed them firsthand or had a loved one who was injured -- and their brain's individual coping skills. Here's what mental health experts recommend to cope.
Weekly challenge: 5 surprising ways to deal with spring allergies
Have you started sneezing yet? Pollen counts have been rising in Massachusetts, leaving many wheezing, sneezing, and dealing with itchy eyes. Recent research and treatments offer new or surprising approaches to get some relief. Try the following.
Are there health benefits to going bra-less? Study suggests yes
Like many women, I've always had a love-hate relationship with my bra. I bought my first padded bra at 13, and tried push-up bras after nursing three kids, but found them too uncomfortable to wear for very long. Sports bras and camisoles are by far the most comfortable, but they're also the least attractive. A growing number of women, though, are simply opting out -- a throwback to the bra-burning days of the '60s. And one French researcher says that could be providing them with health benefits.
Spring shoes that won't destroy your feet: what to look for
Sandal season will soon be upon us, and I've been perusing websites for spring shoes that provide enough comfort and support to walk around the city after work. That's proving to be a tough challenge based on advice I received from Dr. Kenneth Leavitt, chief of podiatric medicine and reconstructive foot surgery at New England Baptist Hospital. Flats are out, he told me, as are sky-high heels. "You should look for a shoe with one-inch heel differential," Leavitt said.
Energy drinks: health risks increased by misleading labels
Have we become a nation of energy-boosting addicts? Sure, most of us drink caffeinated coffee to get a little boost, but now we're spending more than $12.5 billion a year on energy drinks, shots, and drink mixes -- 60 percent more than we spent in 2008. No wonder energy drink makers are so eager to keep their products on shelves despite facing wrongful death lawsuits and harsh warning letters from federal health officials, members of Congress, and consumer watchdog groups.
Breast cancer radiation treatments raise risk of future heart disease
The vast majority of the nearly 300,000 American women diagnosed with breast cancer each year receive radiation treatment to help prevent a relapse, yet a new study suggests that those treatments increase the risk of heart attacks and of dying from heart disease up to 20 years later. These findings, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, emphasize the need for better cardiac care for breast cancer survivors, many of whom also take chemotherapy drugs that weaken their heart muscle.
Does size really matter? Study suggests well-endowed men more sexually attractive
I'm loathe to put much stock in the new study that finds that penis size matters when it comes to women choosing a sexual mate. Sure, it makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint that women – like men – do a quick fertility scan to determine if their male partner would be more likely to successfully procreate. Here's what the study found.
Weekly challenge: cut back on red meat and energy drinks to protect your heart
If you needed another reason to limit your intake of red meat and sugary energy drinks, here's one more: Both contain a certain amino acid that leads indirectly to the formation of plaque in the arteries, raising the risk of a future heart attack or stroke. Your weekly challenge: reduce your intake of red meat and avoid carnitine in energy drinks.
Judge lifts age limits on sale of Plan B morning after pill without a prescription
Consumers may soon find Plan B emergency contraception on supermarket and drugstore shelves next to condoms, tampons, and pregnancy tests after a federal judge ruled on Friday that the product must be made available for purchase over-the-counter without any age restrictions.
Should male baldness be a new heart disease risk factor?
Should men have their hairline checked -- along with their weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol -- to assess their heart disease risk? That seems to be the take home message of a study published Wednesday in the British Medical Journal Open, which found that men with severe baldness had as much as a 44 percent greater risk of developing heart disease over the course of 10 to 15 years than men with hair.
New website makes finding a clinical trial easier
While we'd all like to have straight-forward medical diagnoses with simple solutions, some of us get thrown the curve balls: a rare disease that strikes fewer than 1 in 10,000, or a life-threatening illness with no known cure. In these cases, entering a clinical trial may make sense for patients. A new website, myclinicaltriallocator.com, makes it easier to find one.
FDA: Longer use of nicotine gum safe for helping smokers quit, but e-cigarettes not recommended
After writing about a new anti-smoking ad campaign, a few of you mentioned that you've been using e-cigarettes to help you quit and prefer the battery-operated devices over other nicotine patches, lozenges and gum. But the FDA calls e-cigarettes unsafe and is now saying that other nicotine replacement aids can be used long-term to help smokers wean themselves off nicotine.
Statin side effects: Brigham and Women's Hospital study indicates they usually go away
Statins have a great track record for lowering cholesterol and helping heart disease patients live longer, but about half of those taking statins stop taking the drugs at some point -- often due to side effects. Now a Brigham and Women's Hospital study suggests that more than 90 percent of patients who go back on statins don't have the same troubles the second time around.
The 5 worst kid meals at chain restaurants
Kids meals at restaurant chains are just as bad as ever, according to a new analysis by the non-profit Center for Science in the Public Interest, and more than 90 percent don't even meet the nutritional standards set by a restaurant industry-group. Here are the five worst offenders.
Will the CDC's new anti-smoking ads really help smokers quit?
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has once again released a batch of graphic anti-smoking ads, aimed at motivating smokers to quit by showing the horrible health effects of the nasty habit. But, in my opinion, the campaign emphasizes an over-simplified message: that to quit, all smokers need is a little fear. For the next 12 weeks, the grisly ads will run as public service announcements on TV and in movie theaters, magazines, and newspapers.
More than 1 in 3 moms feed infants solids too soon: advice on when to start
Pediatricians, along with emphasizing the benefits of breast-feeding over infant formula, have recently been pushing parents to delay the introduction of solid foods until a baby is 6 months old. But many parents haven't gotten the message: More than 40 percent of mothers reported that they fed their infants solid foods such as rice cereal before age 4 months, according to a study by researchers at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are temporary tattoos toxic? FDA warns against them
As spring break season gets underway, the US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against a dangerous practice that many college kids engage in while on vacation. No, not binge drinking or using tanning oil instead of sunscreen: getting a temporary tattoo. These typically last from three days to several weeks and use a dye like henna to tint the skin without piercing beneath the skin's surface -- as with a permanent tattoo.
Weekly challenge: Design a better condom for $100,000
Have an idea for a better condom that will entice men outside of committed relationships to wear one every time? Send it to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They're offering $100,000 in a start-up grants and up to $1 million in continued funding to anyone who designs the "next generation condom that significantly preserves or enhances pleasure, in order to improve uptake and regular use."
New autism risk factor: Women abused as children more likely to have child with the disorder
Autism diagnoses have continued to climb, and 2 percent of American children ages 6 to 17 have received the diagnosis, according to parent surveys collected in 2011 to 2012, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday. A study released the same day and led by a Harvard researcher pointed to a new risk factor for autism: Women abused as children were 60 percent more likely to have a child with autism than mothers who reported no abuse.
Pediatricians' group comes out in support of gay marriage and adoptions by homosexual single parents
As the Supreme Court prepares to consider the legality of gay marriage next week, the American Academy of Pediatrics, which represents thousands of pediatricians, took a firm position Thursday in support of gay civil marriages in a policy statement drafted by two Boston doctors. The group also came out in support of full adoption and foster care rights for all parents, regardless of sexual orientation; the pediatricians said states should not limit adoptions nor foster care placements to single parents who are heterosexuals.
Pediatricians' group comes out in support of gay marriage and adoptions by homosexual single parents
As the Supreme Court prepares to consider the legality of gay marriage next week, the American Academy of Pediatrics, which represents thousands of pediatricians, took a firm position Thursday in support of gay civil marriages in a policy statement drafted by two Boston doctors. The group also came out in support of full adoption and foster care rights for all parents, regardless of sexual orientation; the pediatricians said states should not limit adoptions nor foster care placements to single parents who are heterosexuals.
Should you skip surgery for torn knee tissue?
For the nearly 20 percent of Americans considering surgery to fix their knee pain, a new Brigham and Women's Hospital study suggests that they may want to hold off for a bit -- even if an imaging scan reveals a torn meniscus. Most older individuals with meniscus tears that often occur with aging and arthritis get the same long-term relief with time and physical therapy as they do with surgery, according to the findings published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
New concussion rules for athletes highlight importance of proper diagnosis
With increased awareness about the risks of concussions, athletic coaches and trainers know that they shouldn't allow any player who sustains one to remain on the field. But sometimes it's tough for them to tell. For this reason, the American Academy of Neurology issued new recommendations this week outlining a basic strategy to assess players with head injuries on the field -- including one assessment test that coaching staff in Massachusetts aren't required to do.
1 in 6 Boston specialist physicians can't accommodate disabled patients
More than one in six Boston doctors offices refused to schedule appointments for callers posing as disabled patients in wheelchairs, researchers at Baystate Medical Center reported Monday in a study of specialty practices in four cities.
1 in 6 Boston specialist physicians can't accommodate disabled patients
More than one in six Boston doctors offices refused to schedule appointments for callers posing as disabled patients in wheelchairs, researchers at Baystate Medical Center reported Monday in a study of specialty practices in four cities.
Weekly challenge: parents need to get over their fear of the HPV vaccine
Many parents, however, are still concerned about the HPV vaccine's safety risks, according to a new study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, which could explain why only 32 percent of American teens have received the full series of three shots. Why they should worry more about HPV-related cancers than the vaccine's safety risks.
Rabies death in Maryland resident due to organ transplant
A patient who contracted and died of rabies earlier this month in Maryland contracted the disease after a kidney transplant a year earlier, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on Friday. Three other people were infected as well and are being treated for rabies. The organ donor wasn't tested for rabies at the time of donation and isn't thought to have died of the disease.
Why do most women with ovarian cancer get sub-standard treatment?
It's hard to believe in this age of patient empowerment and instant Internet access to the latest cancer research that most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are getting sub-standard care, but that's exactly what a new study found -- and it could be subtracting a year or more from their lives.
FDA warns about Zithromax and risk of fatal heart problems
The US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning today about the popular and powerful antibiotic azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax), saying that it could lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm in patients who are at higher risk for heart problems. These include people with low blood levels of potassium or magnesium or a slower than normal heart rate, or who use certain drugs to treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias.
New York soda ban ruling could affect Cambridge efforts to ban supersize sodas
After a New York judge struck down a planned ban on supersize soft drinks in New York City on Monday, legal experts say it could have ramifications for other cities' attempts to restrict jumbo sugary drinks -- including a measure proposed in Cambridge.
Is Kim Kardashian's vampire facial safe for you and does it work?
Kardashian has publicized a cringe-inducing "vampire facial" she had on her reality show that involves a messy amount of blood. The facial involves drawing two teaspoonfuls of blood from the arm, spinning it down to separate out a layer filled with platelets, growth factors, and a few stray stem cells, and reinjecting that mixture through tiny needles all over the face to purportedly rebuild collagen and smooth skin. Does it work and is it risky?
Weekly challenge: reduce pet allergens in your home
About 15 percent to 30 percent of people with allergies have allergic reactions to furry or feathered pets. The dander -- a combination of dead skin cells and hair (or feathers) -- shed by cats, dogs, and birds can trigger sneezing, runny nose, and itchy watery eyes in those who are susceptible. Here are some ways to reduce them.