As the effectiveness of antibiotics wanes, scientists are looking at medications that preceded them, such as those involving metals and metalloid...
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Medical News Today: Cancer survivors report an information gap in treatment side effects
According to a survey of people who had undergone treatment for cancer, about one-third wished that they had received more information on the side effect...
Medical News Today: Causes and treatment of a split lip
A split lip is a common minor injury with a range of possible causes, including cold weather, skin picking, and dehydration. Learn more her...
Medical News Today: What to know about tooth extraction
A person may need a tooth extraction for various reasons. Here, learn about the different types of extraction and what to expect during and after the procedur...
Medical News Today: Causes of right shoulder and arm pain
There are several potential causes of right shoulder and arm pain. Read on to find out the various causes and when to see a docto...
Medical News Today: Constipation in breastfeeding babies: What to know
Constipation is very uncommon in breastfed babies, but it does sometimes happen. Learn about the causes and treatment of constipation in breastfed babies her...
Friday, November 29, 2019
Medical News Today: Everything you need to know about fluoride treatment
Fluoride treatment may offer benefits to those at risk of tooth decay. Natural health advocates, however, question the safety of fluoride. We look at the benefits and side effects of fluoride and fluoride treatmen...
Medical News Today: Vitamins and supplements for athletes
Many athletes look for safe and efficient ways to boost their performance. In this article, we look at six vitamins and supplements that may hel...
Medical News Today: Tips for healing a sprained ankle fast
An ankle sprain is an injury to ligaments in the ankle. Read on to learn about first aid and long-term methods of supporting recover...
Medical News Today: What to know about newborn respiratory rates
A newborn’s respiratory rate may vary, but it should fall within a healthy range. Here, learn about this range and what to do if the rate is faster or slowe...
Medical News Today: What does it mean when acne is itchy?
Acne can cause pain and skin irritation, but is it normal for acne bumps to itch? Here, we discuss the causes and treatment of itchy acn...
Medical News Today: How fruit and vegetable compounds help prevent colorectal cancer
While scientists have known for some time that flavonoids can help fight colorectal cancer, the mechanisms have not been clear. Now, a study has found on...
Medical News Today: Letter from the Editor: Feeling grateful
Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude. In this month's letter, Managing Editor Honor talks about the importance of gratitude all year roun...
Medical News Today: Do soft drinks affect women's bone health?
People in the United States drink more than almost every other country. A new study asked if this might impact the bone health of postmenopausal wome...
Medical News Today: Fixing bird wings with sheep bones
The current method of fixing broken bird bones is not ideal. A recent study investigates whether pins made of dog or sheep bone might be more effectiv...
Medical News Today: One ketamine shot could help heavy drinkers cut down
An experimental study shows that a single shot of ketamine helps reduce drinking cravings, particularly after the retrieval of associated reward memorie...
Medical News Today: Black tongue: Causes and what to do
Black tongue is a temporary and harmless condition in which the tongue appears to be covered in hair. In this article, learn about the causes of black tongue, as well as how to treat and prevent i...
Medical News Today: What to know about blood thinners for heart disease
Blood thinners help reduce the risk of blood clots and heart disease. Learn more about the different types and their effects in this articl...
Medical News Today: When should I use a humidifier vs. a vaporizer?
Humidifiers and vaporizers are two options for adding moisture to the air. This article provides guidance about which one to choose for different uses and wh...
Medical News Today: Should people use tea tree oil on piercings?
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substance. Some sources suggest that it can help with piercings and keloid scars. Learn more about tea tree oil for piercings her...
Bullitt County schools to sue Juul Labs, alleging it create e-cig epidemic that has cost them money and instructional time
The Bullitt County school board voted Nov. 25 to sue Juul Labs and other manufacturers of electronic cigarettes, as well as distributors and retailers.
"Bullitt County Public Schools, like every other school district in the country, has witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of vaping products by its students," the board's resolution said. "The targeting of school children by these companies in their marketing campaigns has resulted in an epidemic...
Juul Labs used research that tobacco-cigarette manufacturers wanted to use to get young people to become addicted to nicotine
In this screenshot of an April 2016 video, recently removed from YouTube, a co-founder of Juul Labs, James Monsees, presents an R.J. Reynolds research memo (YouTube image via Los Angeles Times)
In developing the world's most popular electronic cigarette, the founders of Juul Labs used the decades-old research...
Could white-coat hypertension harm your heart?
For most people, going to the doctor is usually a bit nerve-racking. But for some, the stress of a medical appointment triggers a temporary rise in blood pressure. If that’s the case for you — and if your blood pressure is normal at home and in other nonmedical settings — you may have what’s known as white-coat hypertension. Now, a large study suggests that people with this condition face a greater threat of heart disease than people whose blood...
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Kentucky state senator taken aback by 'shoutfest' in Oval Office between electronic-cigarette interests and their foes
A Kentucky state senator witnessed what one report called a "shoutfest," hosted by President Trump in the Oval Office, between lobbyists for health interests and those for electronic cigarettes.
Sen. Julie Raque Adams, a Republican from Louisville, "says she was taken aback by the lack of decorum shown by vaping industry executives," reports Joe Sonka of the Courier Journal.
"There was a lot of passion in that room," Adams told Sonka. "Frankfort...
Medical News Today: What to know about angioplasty
Angioplasty is a medical procedure that opens a blocked or narrowed artery close to the heart. Learn about the procedure, the types, recovery, and risks her...
Medical News Today: What causes pain under the left armpit?
Causes of pain under the left armpit can range from minor skin infections to nerve damage. Learn about these and other causes, as well as when to see a docto...
Medical News Today: What does high blood pressure in the morning mean?
Some people may have abnormally high blood pressure in the morning. Here, learn about its causes and treatment, as well as how to measure blood pressure at hom...
Medical News Today: What is obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) causes a person to feel an overwhelming need for order. Read about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of OCPD her...
Medical News Today: Humans and autoimmune diseases continue to evolve together
As humans have evolved the ability to fight pathogens, these same adaptations have led to the emergence of inflammatory diseases, new research suggest...
Medical News Today: Through my eyes: Living with an invisible illness
My name is Sylvia Arotin, and I have an invisible illness. This is my story of living with dysautonomia, and why I won't let it get in the way of my dream...
Medical News Today: Board games may stave off cognitive decline
Newly published research finds a strong association between playing non-digital games and experiencing less cognitive decline in older ag...
Medical News Today: How personality traits affect the placebo response
In a recent review, the authors attempt to identify personality traits that enhance the placebo effect. It seems that optimism is particularly importan...
Medical News Today: Causes and removal of eyelid skin tags
Having skin tags develop on the eyelids can be irritating. Learn about why they develop, as well as how to remove them safely and effectively, her...
Medical News Today: What to know about salpingectomy
Salpingectomy is the surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes. Here, learn about the reasons for this surgery, what to expect, and mor...
Medical News Today: Vasectomy side effects: Everything you need to know
A vasectomy is a common surgical procedure that works as an effective form of male contraception. We look at side effects, risks, and recovery following on from the procedur...
Medical News Today: What to know about diphallia (double penis)
Diphallia, or double penis, is a very rare genetic condition. Learn about its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, as well as its effects on a male's life, her...
Will a purpose-driven life help you live longer?
Do you get joy out of volunteering, helping out with your grandkids, or learning new skills in that class you’ve been taking?
If you said yes, it could help you live longer. As it turns out, being inspired by things in your life doesn’t just help your emotional well-being — it may keep you healthier.
A 2019 JAMA Network Open study found that among a group of nearly 7,000 adults over age 50, those who scored highest on a scale that measured “life...
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Substance abuse drives decrease in life expectancy in U.S., Ky.
Charts from report show impact of drug overdoses; ages 45-54 showed an increase almost as steep.
By Al Cross
Kentucky Health News
Americans are dying younger, and Kentucky is a big part of that.
The most basic measurement of a population's health, life expectancy at birth, has decreased in the United States for...
Louisville newspaper tracks huge, powerful and violent drug cartel's invasion of small towns in Kentucky and other states
Courier Journal illustration shows farm worker who oversaw flow of $30 million in drugs into Kentucky.
The tentacles of a huge, powerful and violent drug cartel reach from Mexico into unlikely places in Kentucky and other states, Beth Warren reports for the Louisville Courier Journal.
The "New Generation Jalisco...
New state Medicaid contracts drop Passport and Anthem, which say they will appeal; top Beshear aide voices concern
On its way out, the administration of Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has given five health-insurance companies new, five-year deals to manage the care of Kentuckians on Medicaid -- and dropped Anthem Inc. and the nonprofit Passport Health Plan, which now have contracts with the state.
The three returning firms are subsidiaries...
Medical News Today: What to know about proctitis
Proctitis is the inflammation of the lining of the rectum. Here, learn about the causes and treatment of proctitis, as well as the difference between proctitis and coliti...
Medical News Today: What to know about thoracic outlet syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when something compresses the nerves, arteries, or veins that pass through the thoracic outlet. Learn more about this condition, including symptoms and treatment options, her...
A clue to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease
Are you worried about Alzheimer’s disease? Does one of your parents or siblings have the disease? If so, your risks are between two and four times that of the general public. What about people without a family history of the disease? Unfortunately, everyone is at risk for it. By age 85, half of you reading this article today will have developed Alzheimer’s disease, with or without a family history.
Sounds pretty scary, doesn’t it?
I’m writing today...
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Report says Kentucky Medicaid could save nearly $240 million by cutting middlemen between drug makers and pharmacists
Kentucky's Medicaid program could save nearly $240 million a year by eliminating pharmacy benefit managers and returning to its old "fee for service" system of reimbursing pharmacists for each prescription, a state report says.
Pharmacy benefit managers are the middlemen between insurance and drug companies. The PBMs have...
Medical News Today: What to know about sharp lower back pain
There are many possible causes of sharp lower back pain, from a mild muscle strain to some potentially more serious underlying conditions. Read this article for information, treatment options, and when to see a docto...
Medical News Today: Lazy bowel: What to know
Lazy bowel is a term for slowed digestion. Here, learn about the causes and treatment of a lazy bowel and the other symptoms that may accompany i...
Medical News Today: What happens if you stop taking birth control pills mid pack?
Some people may choose to stop taking birth control pills. Read on to discover if stopping these pills mid pack has any associated risks or side effect...
Medical News Today: Study links some antibiotics to a raised risk of Parkinson's disease
New research suggests that certain antibiotics in common use may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease, likely because of their effect on gut microbe...
Medical News Today: Peas and beans: Can they improve heart health?
A new analysis concludes that eating more legumes may reduce heart disease risk. However, according to the authors, the evidence is not of high qualit...
Medical News Today: How fast does a blue whale's heart beat?
Scientists have recorded a blue whale's heart rate for the first time. The findings may explain why no other animal has ever been larger than a blue whal...
Medical News Today: Sleep loss may contribute to heart disease in those with low incomes
Recent evidence suggests that insufficient sleep may mediate the link between a low socioeconomic status and a higher risk of coronary heart diseas...
Medical News Today: 6 home remedies for obstructive sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a common condition. Without treatment, it can lead to more serious health issues. Here, learn about the causes of sleep apnea and six home remedies for i...
Medical News Today: Epiploic appendagitis: Everything you need to know
Epiploic appendagitis occurs when something cuts off the blood supply to small pouches in the digestive system. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options in this articl...
Medical News Today: Weed: Can it kill you?
Most medical experts agree there is very little risk of death from using marijuana alone. Read this article to learn more about the potential health risks of cannabis use and what the research says about the risk of dyin...
Medical News Today: Everything you need to know about choline
Choline is an essential nutrient that humans need for neurodevelopment and many other bodily functions. Learn more about choline her...
Holiday-season tips to enjoy all of your favorite foods, without the weight gain
Seasonal, calorie-rich holiday foods that show up on Thanksgiving Day and stick around until New Year's Day can be detrimental to the waistline. But the good news is that there are strategies which will allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods without the unwanted weight gain.
Beth Ackerman of the University of Louisville...
Living with Crohn’s disease: Recognizing and managing flares
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Together with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s is one of the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn’s affects approximately 500,000 Americans and is a chronic, lifelong condition that typically alternates between periods of relatively stable or absent symptoms (remission) and periods of symptom flare-ups that can last for days, weeks,...
Monday, November 25, 2019
Medical News Today: Chronic Lyme disease: Everything you need to know
Chronic Lyme disease occurs when a person who has already received treatment for Lyme disease continues to have symptoms in the long term. Learn more about this condition her...
Medical News Today: Vitamins for constipation: Do they work?
While increasing fiber intake and taking over-the-counter laxatives are commonplace constipation treatments, vitamins may also work for some people. Learn more in this articl...
Medical News Today: Microvascular ischemic disease: What to know
Microvascular ischemic disease refers to conditions that affect small blood vessels in the brain. Learn more about the causes and symptoms in this articl...
Medical News Today: Everything you need to know about the Noom diet
The Noom diet, named after the phone app it is available through, is a personalized weight loss plan. This article provides information on the efficacy of the Noom diet and its potential risk...
Medical News Today: Racial disparities in premature deaths from power plant emissions
A new study has found that air pollution from power plants caused 16,000 premature deaths in the U.S. in 2014, with disparities across racial group...
Medical News Today: How bacteria 'act as one' to escape antibiotics
New research reveals a mechanism by which several conspecific bacteria 'unite' to become more resistant in the fight against antibiotic...
Medical News Today: Lung cancer: AI shows who will benefit from immunotherapy
A team of researchers has developed a machine learning model able to predict which individuals with lung cancer will most benefit from immunotherap...
Medical News Today: Should we worry about an eastern equine encephalitis outbreak?
This year has seen a surprising upsurge in cases of a rare viral infection in humans. Specialists warn that we need a strategy to prevent an outbrea...
Medical News Today: Study shows the progression of multiple sclerosis can be slowed
New research in mice finds that blocking a key molecule can slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. The findings pave the way for new treatment...
Yes, you can avoid weight gain over the holidays!
The holidays are a time when family and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company — and eat! Indulgent meals, bountiful buffets, cookie swaps, holiday parties… it’s no surprise that maintaining a healthy weight can present even more challenges during the holidays than throughout the rest of the year. Each year, on average, we tend to gain a small amount of weight (about one pound per year). According to some research, most of that weight is gained...
Why hire a full-time health reporter when you can buy news off the shelf?
While somewhere there is still some important investigative reporting going on in some local TV stations, here is a fresh warning to anyone who gets much of their health care information from local TV health news.
A recent case in point – seen on television stations across the country – is news about a minimally invasive nose-freezing...
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Medical News Today: Sleep deprivation 'triples the number of lapses in attention'
Accumulating evidence shows that sleep loss can severely hamper our ability to handle complex tasks, which, researchers note, can be 'risky...
Medical News Today: Can the gut microbiome unlock the secrets of aging?
A new study finds that gut bacteria from old mice can help rejuvenate the neurons of younger ones, suggesting that gut bacteria are key to agin...
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Medical News Today: Anal cancer mortality rates have more than doubled in the US
Researchers warn that the incidence and mortality rates of anal cancer have been increasing steeply in the United States over a period of only 15 year...
Medical News Today: How dormant herpes springs back to life
Researchers have now uncovered a cellular mechanism that may explain how the herpes simplex virus goes into and comes out of hidin...
Medical News Today: Flu in toddlers: Everything you need to know
Toddlers can catch the flu, just like other people, and it can be hard to know when to seek help. Learn more about flu signs and symptoms in toddlers and treatments availabl...
Medical News Today: What is a preauricular pit?
A preauricular pit is a second hole in the ear that forms before birth. This is not usually a cause for concern, but infection may lead to mild complications. Read this article to learn mor...
Medical News Today: What are the benefits of aerobic exercise?
Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of many health conditions. National guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week. Here, learn more about the benefits of aerobic exercise on the body and brai...
Employer-sponsored insurance health plans in Ky. more costly in 2018; high premiums and deductibles leave many underinsured
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
A recent analysis by The Commonwealth Fund, a foundation interested in the health-care system, shows that the overall cost of employer-sponsored insurance plans keeps going up, and families are spending more of their income on health care.
“The majority of people under age 65 in the...
Friday, November 22, 2019
Medical News Today: What is resistant starch?
Resistant starches are starches that the body cannot break down and use for energy. Read this article to learn about the types of resistant starch and their potential health benefit...
Medical News Today: Obsessive love: What to know
Obsessive love disorder can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition or due to previous trauma. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatments her...
Medical News Today: Sinus tachycardia: Everything you need to know
Sinus tachycardia is when the sinus node in the heart sends electrical impulses faster than the normal rate, resulting in an increased heart rate. Learn more in this articl...
Medical News Today: What to know about recovering from concussion
Concussion recovery usually takes 2 weeks to 1 month, and most people make a full recovery. Learn about concussion recovery and recovery tips her...
Medical News Today: Inflammation drives tau damage in Alzheimer's
Inflammation drives neuron damage by tau protein accumulation in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative brain diseases, according to new researc...
Medical News Today: Brain cancer: Lithium may restore cognitive function after radiation
New research has found that lithium improves memory and learning capabilities in young female mice that have undergone radiation treatmen...
Medical News Today: Alzheimer's: Poor air quality may contribute to cognitive decline
A recent study adds to the evidence linking air pollution with cognitive decline. The researchers also suggest a possible underlying mechanis...
Medical News Today: Through my eyes: Living with shoulder arthritis
My name is Rudy Kadlub, and I'm a 70-year-old powerlifter. This is my story of how I continued to break world records after shoulder surger...
Medical News Today: Heart attack protein may raise early death risk
New research finds a link between troponin, a heart attack-related protein, and a high risk of early death among people of all age...
Medical News Today: How long does bronchitis take to go away?
Bronchitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs. Here we look at the differences between acute and chronic bronchitis, how long each type may last, and when to see a doctor for treatmen...
Medical News Today: What to know about a tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that can help a person breathe. Here, find out when the procedure is necessary, what it involves, and its associated risk...
Medical News Today: 8 yoga poses to relieve constipation
Constipation is a common complaint, but yoga poses can help by stimulating the digestive system and relieving gas. Learn more about yoga poses for constipation her...
Words matter when writing about addiction, and the wrong ones increase stigma; speakers at workshop offer tips
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
ASHLAND, Ky. -- The words used to describe drug addiction and those suffering from it can either perpetuate the stigma that is attached to the disease or can help people move beyond it, and journalists have a responsibility to stop using stigmatizing language.
Bishop Nash and...
Kentucky offers free service to help teens quit vaping and smoking; Courier Journal reports on how few teen options exist
In an effort to help teenagers stop vaping, the Kentucky Department for Public Health has launched a free service called “My Life, My Quit.”
The service allows teens who want to quit using electronic cigarettes or other tobacco products to text or call a toll-free number, 1-800-891-9989, and be connected with a "quit coach"...
