Category Archives: Health News

A saliva test may be able to predict future health risks. White blood cells secrete immunoglobulins (IG) which are necessary to fight off illness. Secretory IgA (sIgA) can be measured through saliva and it is the body’s first line of defense against infection. The study looked at 639 participants saliva samples from 1995. IgA secretion ...click here to read more

A new study suggests following seven healthy habits could lower your risk of heart failure. Senior study author, Vanessa Xanthakis, Ph.D., said, “Even though there is awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, many people don’t act on those messages.” The study consisted of 3,200 Americans with an average age of 59. Participants were ...click here to read more

A common diabetes drug – metformin – may be able to help prevent and treat preeclampsia, which is a life-threatening, incurable condition experienced by pregnant women. Preeclampsia occurs typically at 20 weeks of pregnancy. A woman’s blood pressure rises and insufficient blood flow reaches the placenta and releases toxins into the bloodstream. Currently, the only ...click here to read more

A ban from the FDA lasting over 30 years has now been lifted, allowing gay men to donate blood – the catch is, donors are not allowed to partake in gay sex for at least 12 months prior to donating. The original ban has caused much controversy within the gay rights organizations, who believed the ...click here to read more

New findings uncovered that a vitamin D deficiency in older men does not increase the risk of worsening obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Senior investigator, Ken Kunisaki, M.D., said, “The link between obesity and vitamin D deficiency can be explained a number of ways, one of which is that obese individuals are less likely to be ...click here to read more

Whatever your reasons are for logging in to Facebook, the number of times you check the social media site and what you use it for could signal a Facebook dependency. Although that may sound harmful, researchers say it’s not as bad as it seems. Lead researcher, Dr. Amber Ferris, studies Facebook trends and found that ...click here to read more

A new study has found that graphic images printed on cigarette packs are actually an effective way to prompt smokers to quit. The findings suggest that smokers who were exposed to graphic images over the course of four weeks had higher negative perceptions of smoking compared to those who only saw written text warning labels. ...click here to read more

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research received a boost from a large gene study, which could help better understand the genetics involved in this progressive vision disorder. The findings came from the International AMD Genomics Consortium, where researchers collected data from 43,566 individuals and found 52 common and rare variants linked to AMD. Co-senior author Jonathan L. Haines, ...click here to read more

Even though Christmas brings friends and family together, many people still experience loneliness, which can impact their health. The American Psychological Association reported that one in four Americans experiences loneliness during the holidays. But loneliness isn’t just a seasonal problem. Previous reports found that 35 percent of Americans over the age of 45 feel lonely ...click here to read more

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been shown to be associated with low vitamin D levels. IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that disrupts the function of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort and sensitivities. Although the cause of IBS is unknown, dietary factors and stress have been tied to the onset of IBS. A research team ...click here to read more

Yale researchers have found a link, and possible solution, between overeating and depression; those who overeat or are stressed are at an increased risk of depression and anxiety. The researchers found that the anesthetic ketamine reverses depression-like symptoms in rats that were fed high-fat diets. Senior author, Dr. Ronald Duman, said, “The effects of a ...click here to read more

Postmenopausal women with periodontal disease are at a higher risk to develop breast cancer according to latest findings. Additionally, a history of smoking increased the risk of experiencing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, stroke and diabetes; it is an inflammatory disease which affects oral health. Previous findings uncovered a link between ...click here to read more

Traveling this holiday season? If so, you should be weary of your heavy luggage; it could harm your back. The new warnings come from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). AAOS spokesperson, Dr. Nitin Khanna, said, “Individuals are at high risk for back, neck and shoulder strains when carelessly handling heavy luggage. Always be ...click here to read more

A new study suggests that obesity it more dangerous than lack of fitness refuting the concept “fat but fit.” Researchers found that the protective effects of high fitness in obese people are negated. Much research has been conducted on the negative effects of low aerobic activity among the elderly but very little studies have been ...click here to read more