Health Tips Line

SUNDAY, Sept. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- It's a perfect case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. A potentially dangerous bacteria appears to target malignant cells and could provide a new means of fighting cancer, a small, preliminary study reports. The bacteria, Clostridium novyi-NT , can cause gas gangrene and sepsis if infection is allowed to run amok in a wound. But when injected into a tumor, Clostridium novyi-NT appears to both attack the cancer directly and encourage the body's immune response against the cancer cells, said lead researcher Dr. Filip Janku. He is an associate professor at the department of investigational cancer therapeutics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston. "Patients only had one week of exposure to the bacteria, but even with that limited exposure we saw quite interesting and, in some patients, clinically meaningful activity," Janku said. Clostridium novyi has been linked to human illness. In 2000, t

SATURDAY, Sept. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Mowing your lawn can be a dangerous job, resulting in severe injury or even the loss of a limb. A new review of 51,000 lawn mower injuries between 2006 and 2013 found that 85 percent of the injuries were to men. Moreover, children up to age 4 were six times more likely to have a foot or toe or lower extremity injury and nearly two times more likely to have an amputation than those aged 15 and older. Older teens and adults were more than eight times more likely to have an injury to a hand or arm. "Despite consumer education programs and warning labels, lawn mower injuries in the United States remain a serious public health concern," said senior study author Dr. Deborah Schwengel, an assistant professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Young children are more likely to get injured by running into the yard while a family member is using a mower or getting the

Mix a cup of blueberries with a cup of yogurt for breakfast this morning Blueberries are one of the richest fruit forms of antioxidants, and a study published in The Archives of Ophthalmology found that women and men who ate the greatest amount of fruit were the least likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of blindness in older people. The post 24 Simple Habits That Can Improve Your Vision appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2OkxXfN

They never skip a face-wash Wondering how to prevent acne? You might start by considering your choice of skin cleanser and how often you use it, says Joshua Zeichner, MD , director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. “While having acne does not mean that you are dirty, washing your face has been shown in studies to improve the appearance of acne,” he says. Using a gentle skin cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. ” The key is to actually wash your face. Every. Single. Night. Skipping your daily face wash regimen, he adds, may lead to breakouts as dirt, oil, and makeup can block your pores. The post 17 Daily Habits of People Who Never Get Acne appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2InAbFN

Candy bars Surprise, surprise: Tossing back candy isn’t great for the aging process. To understand how sugar can lead to older-looking skin, it’s important to consider the two proteins that keep skin looking fresh and youthful: collagen and elastin. Anything that interferes with these proteins is going to have a negative effect—and sugar is one of their biggest enemies. As sugar is digested, it leaves behind debris known as advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. Over time, these AGEs build up and attach themselves to collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging, writes Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, on thelist.com . Keeping those AGEs in check is key to healthy, youthful skin. And the first step is cutting the sugar.  The post 10 Foods That Can Make You Look Older appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2OdUyef

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- For middle school students, witnessing school violence can be as bad as being bullied, new research suggests. An international team of researchers found that young witnesses face many of the same challenges later on as those who are direct victims of campus violence. Notably, eighth-grade witnesses are at higher risk for social and academic problems by the time they're high school sophomores. "It is clear that approaches to prevention and intervention should include witnesses as well victims and perpetrators and target all forms of school violence," said study leader Michel Janosz. He's director of the School of Psycho-Education at the University of Montreal. Janosz said supportive family and community relationships help young people cope after they're exposed to these traumatic events. "These also prevent emotional desensitization to violence which also contributes to aggressive behavior in youth," he said i

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- The cost of breast cancer treatment rarely comes up in doctor-patient discussions -- but most patients wish it would, researchers report. "Doctors and patients should be open to discussing the financial implications of treatment," said study author Dr. Rachel Greenup, of the Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, N.C. "Cost transparency could improve the quality of treatment decisions patients make and has the potential to reduce the risk of financial harm," she added. Her team surveyed more than 750 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Half the patients were younger than 50. Most had either private health insurance or Medicare and household incomes of more than $74,000. The researchers found that even though the women were relatively well-off, nearly 16 percent said their diagnosis was financially catastrophic. More than half had out-of-pocket costs of $3,500 or more. And 5 percent faced out-of-pocket costs of more than $30,0

1. We don’t know where Columbus was born Historians agree that Columbus was born somewhere in the Republic of Genoa in northern Italy, but they’re not sure whether he was born in the city of Genoa or not. 2. Or when he was born His birthday was sometime between August and October in 1451. Some sources say he could have been born as early as October, 1450. 3. He was the oldest of five siblings He had four brothers: Bartolomeo (who also became an explorer and even joined Christopher in Hispaniola for a few years), Giovanni Pellegrino, and Giacomo. They also had a sister named Bianchinetta. 4. His first voyage was likely not to the New World Not much is known about Columbus’ early life, but as a young man, he was allegedly involved in an attack on Spanish ships off the coast of North Africa. His first long voyage was said to be in 1474, when he was hired for an expedition to the island of Chios in the Aegean Sea. 5. He had two sons His first son, Diego, followed in his footsteps

Today, first ladies play a prominent role in the American political landscape: They make speeches, lead campaigns, and even go on book tours . For over 100 years, the First Lady has always been the wife of the president, leading many people to believe that the two designations are one and the same. However, the title of “First Lady” simply refers to the official hostess of the White House. It could be the president’s sister, daughter, or niece, and by no means has to be the president’s wife. And, in the event that the president is unmarried, it can’t be. Throughout the history of the American presidency, there has only been one Commander-in-Chief who never married. Shortly before the Civil War, in 1856, Americans elected single Democrat James Buchanan to the office. The bachelorhood of the 15th president actually came about under sad, puzzling circumstances. When Buchanan was 28, he was engaged to a woman named Anne Coleman, but he broke off the engagement. Coleman died suddenly les

Don’t believe everything you read By now you’re probably familiar with antibiotics in your meat, pesticides on your produce, and the pink slime from fast-food outlets. But even supposedly healthy foods can pack some surprises. We rounded up some food facts you won’t find on any nutrition label, and the results may forever change what, how, and where you eat. Don’t miss the 11 common ways people read nutrition labels wrong . The post 20 Food Facts That Will Change How You Eat appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2Jevf9W

Where can you snorkel with manatees, explore ancient civilizations, and even go sandboarding? Welcome to Egypt. And if you’re already booking a flight, you’re not alone. The Middle Eastern nation just topped the list of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations, Forbes reported. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s most recent report , Egypt experienced 55.1 percent growth in the number of visitors from 2016 to 2017. Known as the Cradle of Civilization, Egypt is home to the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza. You can also explore the bustling bazaars of Cairo or take a cruise down the Nile River. More of an adventure seeker? Egypt has also become a destination for serious windsurfers and scuba divers who explore its coral reefs. Don’t miss these “tourist traps” around the world that are actually worth visiting . Travelers to Egypt hit a high point in 2010 with 14.7 million visitors—beating the number of tourists that visited Paris that year. B

Alabama: White barbecue sauce BBQ is one of the most divisive topics in the South. But Alabamians will stand strong in their opinion that sauce should be white. Wait… what? Yep, white BBQ sauce is as much a staple in Alabama as Crimson Tide games on Saturdays. Born in Decatur in 1925, the mayonnaise-based sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet substitute for your traditional red sauce. Don’t knock it ’til you try it! You’ll also want to find out the strangest food laws in every state . The post What Each State Should Be Most Thankful For appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2R8bQaY

Myth: Fasting amps up metabolism Sure, you can lose weight by following any of the hundreds of fad diets out there but studies show the results will be short-lived. “Drastic diets don’t work and lead to weight gain, not loss, and can decrease your metabolism,” says Ellen Albertson, PhD, of South Burlington, Vermont. In addition, Albertson cautions that dieting increases stress and the hormone cortisol, which is associated with weight gain around the belly. Learn about 50 easy ways to lose weight naturally . The post 11 Metabolism Myths That Might Be Ruining Your Weight Loss appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2OnQpEk

Grilled chicken breast The popular protein might be healthy, but it’s definitely not a good deal. Be wary of any chicken entrée that’s over $25  because chicken only costs the restaurant a few dollars per pound. Plus, in their attempts to prevent salmonella or food poisoning, chefs often tend to overcook chicken, leaving you with a piece of meat that’s as tough to swallow as the amount on your bill at the end of the night. Prepare yourself with these 57 secrets your restaurant server won’t tell you. The post 14 Restaurant Meals You’re Wasting Your Money On appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2xTtO8u

The FDA has approved the third of a new type of migraine drug to prevent migraine in adults. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2R81yaX The FDA has approved the third of a new type of migraine drug to prevent migraine in adults.

American teens are using pot in many ways, and smoking is most popular, new research shows. Many also use "edibles" or "vaping" -- where cannabis aerosol is inhaled, smoke-free, with the help of electronic cigarettes. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2Qfn4cM American teens are using pot in many ways, and smoking is most popular, new research shows. Many also use "edibles" or "vaping" -- where cannabis aerosol is inhaled, smoke-free, with the help of electronic cigarettes.

High tech safety features on new cars could prevent 40 percent of all vehicle crashes and nearly 30 percent of traffic deaths, researchers said this week. But a lot of work needs to be done in to help drives know the devices’ limitations and their proper use. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2DEx9OW High tech safety features on new cars could prevent 40 percent of all vehicle crashes and nearly 30 percent of traffic deaths, researchers said this week. But a lot of work needs to be done in to help drives know the devices’ limitations and their proper use.

The 'import alert' from the FDA against Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals comes after a series of recalls for valsartan heart and blood pressure drugs that include ingredients made by ZHP. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2NO6QKL The 'import alert' from the FDA against Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals comes after a series of recalls for valsartan heart and blood pressure drugs that include ingredients made by ZHP.

Train Alexa to recognize your voice Do you ever get frustrated that Alexa can’t figure out what you’re saying? Simply open the app on your phone, head to Menu > Settings > Your Voice. Begin the process, where you’ll need to say 25 different phrases. After you do this, when you’re roaming around your home trying to use Alexa for convenience, it actually understands the first time! The post 20 Amazing Alexa Hacks All Homeowners Should Know appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2DDkAmX

Columbus may have sailed the ocean blue in 1492, but Berkeley, California, gave his big day the boot in 1992. It claimed that Columbus didn’t actually “discover” America; he simply started its colonization. So instead, the California city decided to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a tribute to the Native Americans who were here all along. And Berkeley is far from alone. While only four states have declared the switch from Columbus Day to Native Americans Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day—Alaska, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Vermont—plenty of cities across the country have taken a stand. Some of the major ones include Phoenix, Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland, Denver, and Albuquerque. Joining Berkeley, they’ve found new ways to honor the historic day in October. In Boulder, Colorado, attend the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration, where local tribes perform beautiful dances and a parade winds through the city streets. Or turn the festivities into a weekend-long celebration as they do i

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- American teens are partaking of pot in any way they can, from smoking to vaping to eating marijuana edibles, new research shows. The study, of Los Angeles-area high school students, found that about one-third had ever used marijuana. And most of them had used it in more than one way. Smoking was most popular, but many kids also took the drug via "edibles" or "vaping" -- where cannabis aerosol is inhaled, smoke-free, with the help of electronic cigarettes. There are a few reasons the findings are concerning, said senior researcher Adam Leventhal, a professor at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, in Los Angeles. "Smoking has traditionally deterred some kids from trying marijuana," Leventhal said. "They don't like the way it tastes, or the way it burns their throat." In contrast, he said, kids may be readily attracted to the "alternative" ways of using the drug

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Poverty may scar kids' mental abilities for the rest of their lives, a new study suggests. Children who grow up poor or otherwise disadvantaged are more likely to score lower on tests of thinking, learning, reasoning, remembering and problem-solving in old age, according to researchers. "Just like the body, the brain ages, but for some, it may age faster than others," said study author Dr. Pavla Cermakova, of the Czech National Institute of Mental Health in Klecany, Czech Republic. "A growing body of evidence suggests aging of the brain may occur over a lifetime, with its roots in childhood." For the study, Cermakova's team collected data on more than 20,000 people from 16 European countries who took part in the Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe. The average age of participants was 71 at the start of the study. Participants were interviewed and tested and then retested an average of five years late

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Younger siblings are less likely than firstborns to hear about the birds and the bees from their parents, a new study suggests. Instead, they may learn what's what from their older brothers and sisters, British researchers report. "Although there has been much research into how the order in which children are born into a family may impact psychological or social outcomes, studies on the relationship between birth order and sexual health outcomes are limited," said Dr. Lotte Elton, who led the research. The study also found that parents are less likely to teach their sons about sex than their daughters, according to Elton and colleagues at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. "Across all birth order categories, men consistently reported lower parental involvement in sex education than women," Elton said. It's not known if learning the facts of life from Mom and Dad delays sex. But middle-born boys

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Minority medical residents routinely face bias and comments that can subtly reveal racial, ethnic or religious slights or preconceptions, a new study suggests. In the United States, black, Hispanic and Native Americans make up one-third of the population but only 9 percent of practicing doctors. For the new study, researchers led by Dr. Aba Osseo-Asare, from Yale University, investigated how race and ethnicity affected the training experience of medical residents. The investigators interviewed about 24 minority residents in various specialties who attended a medical conference in 2017. The doctors represented a range of races and ethnicities. The study, published online Sept. 28 in JAMA Network Open , found that bias is a daily struggle for minority residents. In many cases, these instances are subtle. Many of the doctors surveyed reported being asked to serve as race/ethnicity "ambassadors" to help find solutions for diversity

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (American Heart Association) -- At just a couple of calories a cup, good old black coffee packs quite a punch. It wakes you up, boosts your metabolic rate and decreases the risk of some diseases. Not that habitual coffee drinkers need convincing, but evidence of its health benefits stacks up quickly: It gives you energy and may help you lose weight and sharpen your mental focus, thanks to the magic of caffeine. Studies have shown that caffeine may improve your mood, help your brain work better and improve performance during exercise. A regular java habit is associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, in one study, caffeine was linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Coffee is an excellent source of antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage. Higher consumption of coffee -- caffeinated and decaf alike -- was associated with a lower risk of total mortality, including deaths attributed to he

The DEA has rescheduled the epilepsy cannabidiol drug Epidiolex, paving the way to market for the cannabis-based treatment. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2xWMdBi The DEA has rescheduled the epilepsy cannabidiol drug Epidiolex, paving the way to market for the cannabis-based treatment.

Older patients with MS have less depression and better quality of life compared with younger people, new research suggests. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2zD3526 Older patients with MS have less depression and better quality of life compared with younger people, new research suggests.

What is gastritis? Put simply, it’s the inflammation of your stomach lining. Gastroenterologist  Taruna Bhatia , MD, medical director of hepatology at CarePoint Health System, explains that if your stomach is burning or aching, you may have gastritis. The only way to diagnose the condition is with an endoscopy: A specialist snakes a tube down your digestive tract to your stomach to assess the situation. “Gastritis is a condition diagnosed based on biopsy of the lining of the stomach,” Dr. Bhatia says. If you’re having persistent issues with your stomach, you’ll want to make an appointment with your gastroenterologist and get scoped. By the way, if you’re experiencing pain on the left side of your abdomen, familiarize yourself with  these health problems linked to that symptom . The post 12 Silent Signs of Gastritis appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2OgiRrX

Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany Visitors at Oktoberfest need not go far to reach the Four Points by Sheraton Munich Central , which is the closest hotel to the main fairgrounds. Its rooms book up quickly—often nearly a year in advance—thanks to its excellent location. A recent renovation touched up all corners of the hotel including in the Wanderbar, where you can enjoy even more beer surrounded by photos of iconic Munich locations. Any of the fifth-floor studio rooms, like 508, overlook the fairgrounds (some even come with small balconies).  The post 19 Top Bucket List Hotel Experiences Around the World appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2N9nz5U

Your dog has a lot in common with a toddler “The secret to understanding dog behavior is that the average dog has a mind that’s equivalent to a human two- to two-and-half-year-old,” says Stanley Coren , PhD, a professor emeritus in the psychology department at the University of British Columbia. Dogs can understand about 165 words, meaning they follow more of what you’re saying than just “walk,” “treat,” and “Ginger,” but they are most likely to learn single vocabulary words that have concrete objects or activities associated with them. The post 50 Things You Didn’t Know About What Makes Your Pet Tick appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2Opjm2G

Plan a route in advance Trick-or-treating could take you several streets away from your house, which can cause sore legs and a bit of frustration. Avoid long paths by mapping out a route before leaving the house. Stick to paths that you and your child are familiar with to avoid getting lost. Find out if you live in one of the best neighborhoods in America for trick-or-treating. The post 10 Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2N8WakG

Having a monkey for a pet Ross had one on Friends , so maybe you thought you too could keep a monkey as a pet . The thing about Friends, though—it’s fictional. In real life, you can’t have a pet monkey anywhere in New York, Alaska, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Utah, and Vermont. That said, good news for wanna-be monkey parents: It’s legal in all the 38 other states. In fact, in Oregon, you can have a monkey as a service animal, should your needs require it. https://ift.tt/2srRod8 The post 20 Things You Think Are Illegal but Aren’t appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2OpjhvU

The Constitution is on hemp paper The Constitution, as well as the Declaration of Independence, are on parchment, not hemp paper. According to the National Constitution Center , the myth stems from the fact that some of the unofficial, working drafts of both documents might have been on paper made from hemp since it was a common paper-type during that time. Here are other facts about America you never learned in school. The post 10 Myths About the U.S. Constitution Most Americans Believe appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2OGOjfv

He can remember a command from a year ago Most pups can be taught to obey some commands, but a really smart dog will remember those commands over time, even if they haven’t been used in a while, says Robert Cabral , a professional dog trainer and behavior expert. “For instance, if I taught a dog to walk backward on command and haven’t done it with him in a year, if he’s smart, he will still remember how to do it when asked,” he says. But be warned: Giving bad commands is one of the 53 mistakes all dog owners make. The post 13 Simple Ways to Tell if Your Dog Is Smart appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2xMhU0T

Gas tank locator How many times have you pulled into a gas station in a rental car and been hit by the sudden realization that you have no idea which side the gas tank is on? Guessing wrong is more than annoying—you either have to execute a fancy maneuver or try to pull the hose all the way around to the other side of the car. Even if you’ve logged many years behind the wheel, driving cars that were yours, borrowed, or rented, as well as (the worst) rented moving trucks, you may be blown away to learn that there’s a tiny arrow next to most gas gauges that shows which side it’s on. The feature has been standard on new cars for almost a decade, according to  Country Living . Find out why all gas caps aren’t on the same side. The post 13 Weird Car Features You Didn’t Know You Might Have appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2Qbm0GC

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Living with a potentially disabling condition like multiple sclerosis (MS) can be difficult, but new research suggests patients get better at dealing with it over time. "There's an aging paradox in healthy adults. We expect people who are older to be more depressed and anxious because of aging processes [such as physical aches and pain and losing friends and family], but instead, people who are older tend to be less depressed and have better well-being in comparison to younger adults," said study author Yael Goverover. "We saw this same pattern in people with MS. Older patients with MS reported less depression and better quality of life compared to younger people," Goverover explained. She's an associate professor of occupational therapy at New York University, and a visiting scientist at the Kessler Foundation in East Hanover, N.J. Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. It

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- When you're hungry, everything's annoying and tempers can get short. Now, animal research might help explain why. Researchers working with rats found that the sudden drops in blood sugar that occur with hunger make people "hangry." That drop in blood sugar -- and the ensuing mood changes -- may also be a key to depression and anxiety, the study authors said. "We found evidence that a change in glucose level can have a lasting effect on mood," said study author Francesco Leri, from the psychology department at the University of Guelph in Canada. "I was skeptical when people would tell me that they get grouchy if they don't eat, but now I believe it," Leri added. Low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, "is a strong physiological and psychological stressor," he said in a university news release. For the study, the researchers injected rats with a glucose blocker that caused low blood sugar.

FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Calories in must be less than calories out -- that's the basic rule of dieting. But there's more to losing weight because more than hunger often motivates people to eat. So how can you find effective motivation to change your eating habits and lose weight? Try these five keys to weight-loss success. Monitoring your diet and exercise efforts is job number one to stay the course. Choose the method you're most comfortable with, from pen and paper to an online journal or app. Be sure to include daily food intake, exercise output and your weight changes. Accountability is crucial. That's why regularly checking in with a weight-loss coach can keep you on track, especially if he or she provides personalized feedback. Yes, this is an expense, but one that could be offset by smaller grocery bills. Be part of an in-person or even an online weight-loss group for the social benefits along with the opportunity to share tips. A weigh

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment added to standard drug therapy "is the most beneficial treatment option" for a type of sudden hearing loss, a research team in South Korea has found after a review of the collected evidence. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2OWCNNu Hyperbaric oxygen treatment added to standard drug therapy "is the most beneficial treatment option" for a type of sudden hearing loss, a research team in South Korea has found after a review of the collected evidence.

A new survey has found that 74 percent of kids still receive unhealthy drinks or side items with their kids' meals when they eat fast food, despite many restaurants’ promises of more nutritious options for youngsters. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2R4Gz91 A new survey has found that 74 percent of kids still receive unhealthy drinks or side items with their kids' meals when they eat fast food, despite many restaurants’ promises of more nutritious options for youngsters.