Women who are trying to conceive should take action to maintain adequate levels Women risk having their vitamin D levels fall when they stop using birth control pills or other contraceptives containing estrogen, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of…

People who develop heart failure after their first heart attack have a greater risk of developing cancer when compared to first-time heart attack survivors without heart failure, according to a study today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.Heart failure refers to a…

Research suggests that the application of current to the brain-known as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)-may enhance cognition and lessen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions. While tDCS devices can be built with simple tools, experts are cautioning do-it-yourself users that there may be…

For the first time, the American Heart Association has issued a statement cautioning that drugs used to treat a variety of conditions can cause or worsen heart failure. Patients should show each of their healthcare providers a complete list of their medications, including over-the-counter drugs…

Travelers frequently report experiencing a significantly slower jet lag recovery after an eastward vs. westward flight. While some are quick to dismiss this complaint as being “all in their head,” new research suggests it may be caused by the oscillation of a certain type of…

Zinc acetate lozenges may reduce the duration of the common cold by nearly 3 days, according to a recent analysis.Among 199 patients with the common cold who participated in three randomized placebo-controlled trials, the effect of zinc lozenges was not modified by allergy status, smoking,…

Changes may increase risk of continued drug use and addiction Most people would get a little ‘rush’ out of the idea that they’re about to win some money. In fact, if you could look into their brain at that very moment, you’d see lots of…

Keeping count of daily steps and boosting physical activity can really pay off for children with type 1 diabetes, according to new research from the University of Adelaide and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.For the first time, researchers have shown that children who have type…

Ten potentially modifiable risk factors account for 90% of strokes worldwide, but regional variation should be considered, says studyHypertension remains the single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke, and the impact of hypertension and nine other risk factors together account for 90% of all…

Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome report lower sexual activity, desire, and sexual satisfaction, according to a new report in The American Journal of MedicineUnderstanding the effects of age and disease on sexual wellbeing is crucial as sexual health is increasingly associated with vitality. In a…

Consuming probiotics, so-called ‘good bacteria’, can reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI) according to a new meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.The digestive health benefits of probiotics have been widely debated. Probiotic supplements, often added to yoghurts, may…