...
Thursday, October 31, 2019
State universities get $4 million federal grant to create hub for entrepreneurial innovations in health care
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/education/2019/10/31/nih-selects-kentucky-4-million-federal-entrepreneurship-grant/4102661002...
Medical News Today: What to know about CT head scans
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head creates images of the skull, brain, and other parts of the head. Read about the uses, procedure, and risks of CT head scans her...
Medical News Today: Does apple cider vinegar help with bloating?
Some people take apple cider vinegar for bloating, but there is little scientific evidence for this remedy. Find out about the potential benefits and risks of apple cider vinegar for bloating her...
Medical News Today: Tendons and ligaments: What is the difference?
Tendons and ligaments are bands of connective tissue that help stabilize the body and allow movement. Learn about their differences and the common injuries that affect them her...
Medical News Today: Can apple cider vinegar treat ear infections?
Ear infections are usually due to an overgrowth of infectious bacteria or virus. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that could be effective against certain infections. Read on to find out what the research say...
Medical News Today: How can you help a loved one with depression?
When someone is depressed, it can be hard to know how to help. Find out here the ways people can help a loved one or friend, how to look after their own mental health, plus things not to sa...
Medical News Today: Letter from the Editor: Getting into the spirit
In this month's letter, Managing Editor Honor Whiteman reveals how MNT are celebrating Halloween and what articles have piqued your interest this mont...
Medical News Today: What are the real zombies?
Are there any zombies in nature? And what about humans, are we ever at risk of zombification? Read our special feature to find out what science has to sa...
Medical News Today: What does a healthy open relationship look like?
A study of mutual consent, comfort, and communication in primary relationships finds that consensual nonmonogamy can be as healthy as monogam...
Medical News Today: Impulsive behavior: What happens in the brain?
A recent study, carried out in rats, investigates which neural pathways and neurotransmitters might play a role in impulsive behavio...
Medical News Today: New method detects early stage liver disease
New research in mouse models and human tissues introduces a noninvasive and effective method to diagnose liver disease in its early stage...
Medical News Today: Acute cerebellar ataxia: Everything you need to know
Acute cerebellar ataxia is a disorder in children that causes a loss of coordination and movement control. Learn about the causes and treatments in this articl...
Medical News Today: What causes dizziness after a workout?
Feeling dizzy after a workout is sometimes a sign that a person has overexerted themselves, is dehydrated, or has low blood pressure. Learn more about these and other causes in this articl...
Medical News Today: What to know about codeine withdrawal
Codeine is a prescription medication that can sometimes cause addiction. A person who is dependent on codeine may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug. Learn about the symptoms of codeine withdrawal and their expected duration here, as well as the various treatment options availabl...
Health poll breakdown shows regional differences on drugs, syringe exchanges, statewide smoking ban, dental care
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky has released regional breakdowns of the Kentucky Health Issues Poll, which was conducted last fall. Each breakdown outlines respondents' answers to various questions and compares regional responses to statewide findings.
The poll focused on substance and tobacco use, access to health...
Plant-based diets are best… or are they?
People choose a vegetarian or vegan diet for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s out of concern for the way animals are treated or for the environment. But it’s also common to choose a plant-based diet because it’s considered healthier.
And that’s for good reason. Research over many years has linked plant-based diets to lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers (as compared with diets high in meat and other animal products)....
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Medical News Today: Why are my forearms itching?
Itchy forearms are not usually the result of a serious medical condition but can be very irritating. Read this article for more information on the possible causes and how to treat the...
Medical News Today: What to know about GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Learn how increased levels of GABA impact the brain and body. We also look at the possible benefits of taking GABA supplement...
Medical News Today: Everything you need to know about autism in adults
Most autistic people receive a diagnosis in childhood, but many adults also live with the condition. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and more in this articl...
Medical News Today: Symmetric vs. asymmetric arthritis: What to know
Symmetric and asymmetric arthritis are terms that describe whether arthritis affects both sides of the body in the same way. Learn more about these types of arthritis her...
Medical News Today: Cannabinoid use for mental health conditions lacks evidence
A meta-analysis of 83 studies finds insufficient evidence to support the use of medicinal cannabinoids to treat six mental health condition...
Medical News Today: Some narcissistic traits may be useful for mental health
Some researchers maintain that certain narcissistic traits could actually help safeguard mental health, offering a buffer against stress and depressio...
Medical News Today: Coffee drinkers have healthier gut microbiotas
New research finds that high caffeine consumers have more diverse compositions in their gut microbiotas with higher levels of anti-inflammatory bacteri...
Medical News Today: Alcohol intake and reduced brain volume: What explains the link?
Data from three different studies suggest that lower brain volume and a propensity for alcohol use may have the same underlying cause: genetic factor...
Medical News Today: What is the difference between CT scans and MRI scans?
CT scans and MRI scans are two medical imaging methods that create detailed images of internal body parts, including bones, joints, and organs. Learn about their similarities and differences her...
Medical News Today: What are the complications of psoriatic arthritis?
There are many possible complications of psoriatic arthritis, including uveitis, kidney disease, and depression. Learn about the risks and preventive steps her...
Medical News Today: How does alcohol affect Crohn's disease?
Alcohol and many other foods and drinks can cause flare-ups for people with Crohn’s disease. Here, learn more about the relationship between alcohol and Crohn’s, what the research says, and how to manage the symptom...
Medical News Today: What is trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a common but underdiagnosed psychological disorder. People who have the disorder feel an uncontrollable urge to pull out their hair. Read on to learn about the causes and symptoms of trichotillomania, as well as the treatments availabl...
Which is better for reading to your toddler: Print or ebooks?
As we move more and more into a digital age, we use our devices for communication, news, information, games, and so much more. So, it’s natural to reach for a tablet when it comes time to read our child a story. After all, a book is a book, whether it’s print or electronic, right?
Yes — and no. According to a study published in JAMA, there was an observable difference in interactions when parents read their toddlers books on a tablet instead of a...
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Medical News Today: What's the link between anxiety and shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath is one possible symptom of anxiety. In this article, we look at why anxiety causes this symptom, how to tell whether it is the cause, and treatment...
Medical News Today: Common symptoms of depression: What to know
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition. In this article, learn about 13 of the common symptoms, which include irritability and persistent feelings of sadnes...
Medical News Today: What to know about Ben Wa balls
Ben Wa balls are small, weighted balls that a person can insert into their vagina. Makers claim that they can help with Kegel exercises and boost sexual stimulation, but no research supports this. Learn more her...
Medical News Today: Could hair analysis diagnose schizophrenia?
A new study links higher brain levels of hydrogen sulfide to a subtype of schizophrenia and proposes hair levels of a related enzyme as a biomarke...
Medical News Today: Study challenges link between depression and inflammation
New research applies complex statistical analyses to existing data and casts doubt on the existence of a direct link between depression and inflammatio...
Medical News Today: Pigs have the intelligence to use tools
Researchers have observed that female Visayan warty pigs are capable of using twigs and bark as tools to help them construct their nest...
Medical News Today: Preventing herpes infections: Study offers new insights
A new study reveals a key protein that can encourage or slow the progression of the herpes simplex virus 1 and tests a compound that blocks the viru...
Medical News Today: Does drinking urine have any real health benefits?
There are no proven health benefits of drinking urine, though people have done so for centuries. In this article, learn about risks, reasons, and mor...
Medical News Today: How we learn things shapes our memory
A new study found that different learning modes are tied with distinct ways of storing information in the brain, and with differences in memory resilienc...
Medical News Today: What to know about angiograms
An angiogram is an X-ray of the blood vessels. Doctors use angiograms to help diagnose medical conditions related to the arteries or heart. Learn more about angiograms her...
Medical News Today: What to know about distal interphalangeal joint pain
Distal interphalangeal joint pain is often due to osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Learn more about the causes and their symptoms in this articl...
Medical News Today: What is a Doppler ultrasound?
A Doppler ultrasound can help check whether an issue such as a blockage is impeding blood flow. Doctors use the scans to diagnose a range of issues. Here, learn about the procedure, results, and mor...
Medical News Today: What to know about caffeine pills
Many people take caffeine pills as a way to boost short term energy and focus when they are working or studying. But do they work and are they safe? Learn more her...
Bisexuality and health: The cost of invisibility
On September 23, 2019, the 20th anniversary of Bi Visibility Day, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) held its first-ever bisexual health research workshop. As an invited panelist at this event, sponsored by the NIH’s Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office, I joined 19 other researchers to discuss key findings, gaps in knowledge, and future directions.
You may be asking yourself: Is there really a need for this workshop? How is bisexual health...
Monday, October 28, 2019
Medical News Today: What to know about gallbladder polyps
Gallbladder polyps are growths of tissue within the organ. The vast majority are harmless, but some may become cancerous. Here, find out more about symptoms, complications, and treatment...
Medical News Today: What can cause toe swelling?
There are many possible causes of a swollen toe. In this article, find out about the different causes and their associated symptoms and treatment...
Medical News Today: What to know about pressure in the temples
There are many causes of pressure in the temples. They include certain types of headache, head injuries, and some more serious conditions. Learn more her...
Medical News Today: The best stretches for runners
Running works many leg muscles and also puts a strain on the knees and back. Learn about 10 stretches that can help keep runners performing well in this articl...
Medical News Today: How long do blood tests results take?
Blood test results can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks to come back. This article looks at the waiting times for different types of tests and which factors affect timing...
Medical News Today: Dementia risk higher in those who eat more trans fats
A new study of 1,628 older people living in Japan found a 52–74% higher chance of developing dementia in those with higher blood levels of trans fat...
Medical News Today: Women and men at risk of different obesity-related conditions
A new study has found that women and men with obesity face different health risks, while the condition can lead to a range of complications for al...
Medical News Today: Yogurt, fiber, and lung cancer: What's the link?
A new analysis using data from more than 1.4 million people concludes that eating an ample amount of fiber and yogurt may protect against lung cance...
Medical News Today: Exercising before breakfast may be most healthful choice
In a new study, people with overweight or obesity who worked out before eating breakfast burned more fat and saw overall health benefit...
Medical News Today: Could turmeric help solve the antibiotic resistance crisis?
New research uses nanocapsules that contain curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, to tackle antibiotic resistant strains of Helicobacter pylor...
Hope and caution during infertility treatment
Many years ago, I worked for a reproductive endocrinologist who hosted a yearly gathering of former patients. It was there that I encountered a woman holding infant twin daughters. When I congratulated her on her twins, she had these thoughts to share: “I’m a psychiatrist and I hope you’ll pass this on. Please tell people not to worry about being positive and hopeful. I abandoned hope and went through my last IVF cycle as the queen of negativity.”...
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Medical News Today: Researchers activate problem-solving during sleep
Researchers at Northwestern University show, for the first time, how to trigger the brain’s unique ability to solve problems during slee...
Medical News Today: New technology better controls type 1 diabetes
New research shows the benefits of artificial pancreas systems, which automatically release and adjust insulin doses, thus improving blood sugar contro...
Open enrollment for federally subsidized heath insurance (Obamacare) begins Friday, Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15
Insurance Department maps, adapted by Kentucky Health News; click on either for a larger version.
Open enrollment for federally subsidized health insurance in Kentucky next year will begin Friday, Nov. 1 and run through Dec. 15.
Plans will cost more or less than this year, depending on the insurer and the type...
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Trump may back off planned e-cigarette flavoring ban and allow mint and menthol, to the pleasure of tobacco companies
President Trump’s campaign manager has warned him that his plan to ban most flavored electronic cigarettes "could backfire in the 2020 election," placing Trump’s re-election campaign in the middle of a governmental debate over a major public-health issue," report Michael Scherer, Josh Dawsey, Laurie McGinley and...
U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers gets first Humanitarian Award from Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse
Rep. Hal Rogers
U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers of Somerset was honored in Washington Oct. 23 by Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse, a non-profit, chaired by his former House Republican colleague Mary Bono and founded by mothers who have lost children to the opioid epidemic.
Rogers, who represents Eastern...
Medical News Today: Does sunlight change our gut microbiome?
Scientists have found changes in the gut microbiomes of vitamin D deficient volunteers after only three sessions of ultraviolet light exposur...
Medical News Today: Cancer care: Are personalized exercise prescriptions the future?
In a series of recent papers, a group of scientists outlines the importance of exercise for individuals with cancer and those who have survived cance...
Medical News Today: Does the flu shot give you the flu?
The flu shot cannot give a person the flu because it does not contain active viruses. In this article, learn about how the vaccine works and why a person may feel sick after a flu sho...
Medical News Today: What causes excessive sleepiness?
Excessive sleepiness often occurs following a poor night's sleep. In some cases, it may be a symptom of a sleep disorder or another underlying health condition. Read on to discover the causes of excessive sleepiness, as well as their symptoms and treatment...
Medical News Today: Natural treatments and diet for fibroids
Natural treatments may help relieve the symptoms of uterine fibroids, though there is little research that they are effective. In this article, we discuss the evidence behind diets, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes for fibroid...
Medical News Today: What causes breast itchiness without a rash?
There are many common causes of itchy breasts without a rash, including allergens and growth. This article looks at the causes and how to treat the...
Health Literacy Month reflects why Kentucky Health News exists; attention must be paid to health issues, including drug abuse
By Al Cross
Editor and Publisher
Kentucky Heath News is in the business of health literacy: helping Kentuckians understand how to maintain and improve their health, and understanding the health-care system. But somehow we failed to notice that October is Health Literacy Month. Maybe we've been too busy with our work. But that prompts me to write a bit about KHN, why it exists, and what we hope you get from it.
The idea was conceived at a Kentucky...
Friday, October 25, 2019
Medical News Today: How long is the ideal nap?
The best nap duration varies from person to person, but experts tend to agree that 20 minutes is ideal. Learn more about how long naps should be in this articl...
Medical News Today: Can diet help with candida infections?
The candida diet involves avoiding foods that may promote the growth of Candida yeast in the body, such as sugars, gluten, and some dairy products. In this article, we look at how to follow this diet and whether it is effectiv...
Medical News Today: What to know about heart murmurs
In this article, we discuss different types of heart murmur, what causes them, and when they could be serious. We also discuss some treatment option...
Medical News Today: Everything you need to know about ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are a popular treatment for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. Read on to learn about the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors and the different types available. We also discuss their potential side effects and risk...
Medical News Today: How do gut microbes help mice extinguish fear memories?
A recent study of how intestinal microbes helped mice unlearn fearful memories sheds new light on the mechanisms through which the gut controls the brai...
Medical News Today: A new drug could improve dermatitis after a single dose
A proof-of-concept trial has shown that a single dose of a new drug might significantly improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, a common skin conditio...
Medical News Today: What is the best first line of treatment for hypertension?
New research finds that the drugs that physicians most commonly prescribe as the first line of treatment are not necessarily the most effectiv...
Medical News Today: Menopause: Could Chinese herbal remedies reduce hot flashes?
A recent paper asks whether Chinese herbal medicine might reduce hot flashes relating to menopause. Although there is hope, we need much more dat...
Medical News Today: How a high salt diet may lead to cognitive decline
New research in mice sheds light on the mechanism that explains the causal link between a diet high in salt and a marker of Alzheimer's diseas...
Medical News Today: What are the best ways to eat coconut oil?
People can eat coconut oil in many different ways, including as a cooking oil, as an alternative to butter in baking, and in smoothies. Learn about how to use it, and how much to use, her...
Medical News Today: How to reduce puffy nipples
Although it is not a medical concern, some men do not like having puffy nipples because of how they look. In this article, learn about how to reduce the appearance of puffy nipple...
Medical News Today: What to know about herniated disc surgery
People who have a herniated disc may need surgery to alleviate pain and other symptoms. Find out here about the different surgical options and their risks, plus the recovery proces...
Medical News Today: Calcium channel blockers: What to know
Calcium channel blockers are a common type of medication for high blood pressure and heart conditions. We discuss how these medications work, as well as their uses and potential risk...
As 'vaping' devices evolve, new potential hazards emerge
By Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
Kaiser Health News
The smokeless tobacco industry that began with low-voltage cigarette look-alikes has evolved to include customizable, high-wattage machines capable of generating enormous clouds of vapor or aerosol ― and potentially toxic substances.
As the technology continues to change, researchers...
Think your child might have a disability or developmental delay? Take these steps
While we all want our children not to have any problems at all, the reality is that life doesn’t always work that way. Many children suffer from some sort of problem, whether it’s something minor and often temporary, like a speech delay, or something more difficult and permanent, like cerebral palsy or autism.
Children with problems or disabilities are no less wonderful and deserving than children without. The key to getting them on the right path...
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Medical News Today: Aplastic anemia: Everything you need to know
Aplastic anemia is a rare condition that damages vital stem cells in the bone marrow. Learn about the symptoms and treatment options for aplastic anemia her...
Medical News Today: How to treat peripheral neuropathy naturally
Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves. This can cause various sensations, including pain. Here, learn more about the symptoms and causes and which natural treatments may hel...
Medical News Today: What do different TSH levels mean?
A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test measures how much TSH is in the blood, which can help doctors diagnose thyroid conditions. Here, we describe normal, high, and low TSH ranges in males and females of different age...
Medical News Today: How long does eye dilation take to wear off?
Some eye examinations require the dilation of the pupils. Pupil dilation and its effects can continue for hours after the examination has finished. Read on to find out how long pupil dilation lasts and how to manage the potential side effect...
Medical News Today: Brain immune cells may protect against OCD, anxiety
In a new study in mice, scientists have linked a subset of brain immune cells with a defined genetic lineage to obsessive compulsion and anxiet...
Medical News Today: Failed dementia drug gets a second chance
Biotech company Biogen have announced that they will file for official approval of a new Alzheimer's drug, while results in clinical trials were uncertai...
Medical News Today: Celiac disease: New treatment shows promise in trial
The results of a clinical trial are promising for people living with celiac disease, as a new treatment helps build gluten toleranc...
Medical News Today: Do stress-related disorders raise the risk of infections?
New research suggests that post-traumatic stress disorder and other stress-related conditions may raise the risk of certain infections by up to 63...
Medical News Today: Sleep allows immune cells to do maintenance work on the brain
Research in mice suggests that the brain's dedicated immune cells are better able to do repair work during sleep, and explains the underlying mechanis...
Medical News Today: What to know about passing a kidney stone
Kidney stones are an accumulation of chemicals or minerals that form in the kidney or ureter. They can cause pain and discomfort. Read on to find out how long it takes to pass a kidney stone and how to speed up the proces...
Medical News Today: Ewing sarcoma: What to know
Ewing sarcoma is a rare form of bone cancer that most commonly affects children and teenagers. In this article, learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment option...
Medical News Today: What is amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a condition that causes abnormal proteins to grow on a person's organs. It can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the organs involved. Learn more her...
Albany weight loss clinic sees big results with old-fashioned methods: eat better food, less of it, and exercise
Dr. Carol Peddicord holds a model representing 5 lbs.
of body fat. (Clinton County News photo)
A doctor and pharmacist in rural Albany, Kentucky are seeing big results in the fight against obesity after opening a weight loss clinic. Since The Doctor's Health and Weight Loss Clinic opened in January, its 433...
Can exercise help treat anxiety?
Chances are good that you, or someone you know, is dealing with anxiety. One in five Americans over 18, and one in three teenagers 13 to 18, reported having a chronic anxiety disorder during the past year. And when I talk to college students, they’re not at all surprised that a whopping 63% of students felt tremendous anxiety during their freshman year, according to a report by the National College Health Association.
The toll of anxiety can be high:...
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Lawmaker files 2 anti-vaping bills; some want a ban on flavors, but sponsor says that should be left up to the feds
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
A Louisville lawmaker has pre-filed two regulatory bills to combat the surge of youth use of electronic cigarettes in Kentucky, but some say they don't go far enough.
Rep. Jerry Miller announces his pre-filed vaping bills, aimed
at thwarting rampant teen use of e-cigarettes. WLKY...
Three cases of whooping cough have been reported in Lexington high-schools this year; best defense is vaccination
Two cases of whooping cough have occurred in less than a month at a Lexington high school, and another Lexington high school reported a case earlier this month.
Two cases were reported at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and one at Frederick Douglas High School, reports Valarie Honeycutt Spears of the Lexington...
