Research suggests canine companionship helps calm children undergoing cancer treatment

Although survival rates for children diagnosed with cancer have increased dramatically over the past 40 years, hard evidence of proven psychosocial benefits to improve quality of life among patients and families during treatment has remained elusive.

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Skin-to-skin contact with baby in neonatal unit decreases maternal stress levels

Research shows that stable parent-child bonds are fundamental to healthy child development. For parents of babies born prematurely or with special medical needs, this early bonding can be interrupted by the complex medical care required in a neonatal intensive care unit.

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Iinjuries from nonpowder guns severe among children

Researchers have shown that nonpowder firearms such as airsoft, BB, and paintball guns should not be viewed as toys, but rather powerful weapons causing increasingly severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries in pediatric patients.

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Children in foster care three times more likely to have ADHD diagnosis

Researchers already knew that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was the most common behavioral health diagnosis among children enrolled in Medicaid. A new study found that children in foster care were three times more likely than others to have an ADHD diagnosis.

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Drugs commonly used in kidney transplant patients not as effective as previously thought

Kidney transplants saves lives and dramatically improve quality of life, but transplant recipients often must take dozens of pills a day to keep their new kidney functioning and prevent complications. Now, new studies show that three of these drugs are not nearly as effective as previously thought and may have serious side-effects. The results are expected to change medical practice around the world.

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Certain vulnerable groups are less likely to use e-health resources

Black race, lower neighborhood household income, older age, and Medicaid/Medicare insurance status were each linked with less use of an electronic health record portal by kidney disease patients.

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Medical procedures should be recorded to improve quality and accountability, say experts

Medical procedures should be recorded to improve quality and accountability, say two American experts. They say that in addition to detecting unprofessional behaviour, video recording has the potential to radically improve quality through increased accountability, and can be used for learning and self improvement.

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Lab scientists to help build world's first total-body PET scanner

Scientists have set out to help build the world’s first total-body positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, a medical imaging device that could change the way cancers and other diseases are diagnosed and treated.

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People can raise their pain threshold by altering brain chemistry, study in arthritis patients shows

The numbers of opiate receptors in the brain increases to combat severe pain in arthritis sufferers, researchers have shown for the first time. By applying heat to the skin using a laser stimulator, the researchers showed that the more opiate receptors there are in the brain, the higher the ability to withstand the pain.

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BRCA1 expression in glioblastoma multiforme tumors predicts patient survival

Results of a new study are the first to show that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility gene (BRCA1) protein expression is an important predictive biomarker of overall survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme tumors.

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Combatting memory loss by enhancing brain function

Increasing a crucial cholesterol-binding membrane protein in nerve cells within the brain can improve learning and memory in aged mice, new research indicates.

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Focus on treatment decisions: Doctor, patient should decide together

Two new articles investigate the following questions: Do patients benefit from shared decision making? Is treatment more effective as a result? How do physicians gain from training in shared decision making?

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New modular partial wrist implant may help more people with painful wrist arthritis

Studies are underway to determine if a new modular partial wrist replacement will allow for better movement and last longer than traditional implants for people seeking relief from painful wrist arthritis.

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Sarcoidosis: surface marker allows new diagnostic approaches

A new strategy has been developed to determine monocyte subsets involved in diseases. The results could help facilitating the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and may improve the respective patient management.

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Treating pulmonary diseases using Alaska pollock gelatin

In recent years, patients with pulmonary emphysema have been increasing mainly among middle-aged and elderly males due to aging and excessive smoking. Emphysema makes brittle lungs, and in severe cases, holes develop in the lung tissue, causing air leakage. Researchers have developed a new sealant to close holes developed in lungs and blood vessels using Alaska pollock gelatin, and have reported that the sealant is about 12 times stronger than conventional sealants and is able to resist pressure as high as approximately 2.8 times the normal blood pressure.

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30 Weird But Awesome Recipes Using Canned Pumpkin

A Few Facts About Botox You Should Know

Confused about Botox, what it does and whether or not it is safe to use? That's not surprising. There are several myths out there about Botox, many of them entirely untrue. Unfortunately with a lot of emphasis on the adverse effects of this procedure, many people are looking for the real facts about Botox.

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What You Should Know About Flu Vaccines For Children

The flu vaccine is given annually to children who are above the age of two. It helps to protect these children from various kinds of illnesses that are often in the air during the season. More than a hundred kids die from flu in the country every year so it is important to try to prevent as many diseases as possible. It can also cause a lot of complications that can last for years if not treated properly. This makes it essential for all children.

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Slow Down! Enjoy Your Food and Enjoy Your Life

How long does it take you to eat a meal? 5 minutes, 10, 20? You may have learned that it takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that you are full. Many of us don't spend enough time eating to wait for that message. In addition to preventing overeating, eating more slowly can have other significant benefits.

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New study characterizes pediatric ED visits attributed to contact with law enforcement

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have found that injuries related to legal interventions, or contact with law enforcement, involving male teenagers is not an uncommon occurrence in the United States.

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Greatist Workout of the Day: Friday, October 23rd

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

5 Spot

Complete 5 rounds of the following as fast as safely possible.

1-minute Plank Hold
20 Step-Ups (10 per leg, alternating)
25 Sit-Ups

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold light kettlebells or dumbbells in both hands on the step-ups. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Cancer researchers publish findings on rare childhood leukemia

New findings on juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) were recently published. JMML is a very rare and aggressive form of childhood leukemia most often found in children younger than 6. Only about 50 children in the United States are diagnosed with JMML each year. While the most successful therapy is bone marrow transplantation, this intensive treatment is only effective for about 50 percent of patients and can result in long-term side effects.

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Advocating for raising the smoking age to 21

A physician, who during his 31-year career in medicine has seen the harmful effects of smoking on his patients, advocates for raising the smoking age to 21. He says the move would help curb access to tobacco products at an early age and lead to reductions in smoking prevalence.

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Discrepancies are common between reported medical outcomes and trial registry data

Only a quarter of publications reporting on headache clinical trials were registered in an approved clinical trial registry, a new study has found.

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Transfusion with stored blood safe in heart surgery

A large registry study has shed new light on the much debated issue of transfusions with stored blood. The study shows that the use of stored blood units does not influence patient outcomes after heart surgery.

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Simple Makeup Techniques for Accentuating Your Eyes With an Eyeliner

Do you know how to properly line your eyes for maximum impact? Learn a few simple techniques for defining and accentuating your eyes.

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The Benefits of Learning How to Braid

Braided hair serves as the basic foundation for many hair extension styles and also a common practice in protective styling. Hair braiding has been around for thousands of years and is an excellent skill to learn.

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Implant procedure helps patients with sacroiliac joint pain

A minimally invasive implant procedure is highly effective in reducing pain and disability for patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, reports a new clinical trial.

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Simple and Effective Home Tips for Burning Your Belly Fat

Personal health care is more important than everything else since it ensures your general health and well being and also, a longer life. Fat is mainly responsible for the deterioration of the body and is the catalyst that invites various infirmities and ailments like heart problems etc. In the process of accumulation of fat, the midriff portions like belly, abdomen and waist are the most susceptible to accumulation of fat.

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Racial differences in outcomes, costs of care in older men with prostate cancer

Older black men with localized prostate cancer were more likely to have poorer quality care, incur higher costs and have worse postoperative outcomes than white men but that did not translate to worse overall or cancer-specific survival, according to an article.

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For young patients with spina bifida, smartphone app improves self-management

A system incorporating a smartphone app may help adolescents and young adults with spina bifida to improve their daily self-management skills, suggests a new paper.

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Dehydration in older people could be detected by routine blood tests

Dehydration in older people could be accurately identified as part of routine blood testing according to new research. The best test for diagnosing dehydration, known as a serum osmolality test, is expensive and not currently viable for wide-scale NHS screening. But new research published today reveals how routine blood tests for sodium, potassium, urea and glucose could be used to screen for dehydration.

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Taking less asthma medicine can be done safely with guidance, study shows

Stepping down asthma medicines can be done safely and at less cost for patients says a new study. The team studied more than 4,000 patients (adults and children) who were taking daily asthma medicines and focused their analysis on two groups: patients who had stable asthma for at least one year who stayed on their same daily asthma medicine and patients who had stable asthma for at least one year who stepped down their daily asthma medicine.

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Common shoulder dislocation can heal just as well without surgery

Acromio-clavicular joint dislocation is one of the most common shoulder injuries orthopedic surgeons treat. Severe dislocations are often treated with surgery, but patients who opt for non-surgical treatment typically experience fewer complications and return to work sooner, according to new research.

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How's the Weight Loss Process Going So Far For You?

If you've already tried to lose weight but haven't had much success yet, don't get down on yourself. Most people who attempt to tackle this issue have troubles and often need to start over a number of times before they get it right. If this is the case don't beat yourself up if you happen to encounter issues. You should actually be complemented since you're not giving up and are willing to give it another go. Therefore if you're reflecting on how the weight loss process is going so far, here are some important points to address and keep in mind.

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Time To Start The Healthy Water Habit

One aspect of the weight loss process that often gets overlooked is improving the choices of beverages consumed throughout the day. Many people forget the fact that soda, juice, energy drinks, and especially alcoholic beverages all have a particular calorie count. That calorie total depends on the type and size of the drink in question. This is why it's crucial you develop the healthy water habit.

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150+ Smoothies That Make the Perfect Portable Meal

Whether you're whipping up an on-the-go breakfast , refueling post-workout, or simply in the mood for a delicious, creamy blend, one of these healthy smoothie recipes is sure to hit the spot. From simple combos to more adventurous mixes, our collection of classic and seasonal smoothies offers nearly every flavor imaginable. Did we mention that plenty are packed with protein and superfoods? What are you waiting for? Bottoms up!

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Finally, a Great Looking Bag for Work and the Gym

Aer Duffel Pack

We’re big fans of post-work exercise. It’s the perfect way to release all of our pent-up energy and get our endorphins flowing after sitting most of the day. The perpetual problem: Our work bag is too small to fit all our gym gear, and carrying multiple big bags on our daily commute (plus strategically packing them in advance) gets annoying fast. Thankfully the designers over at Aer, a San Francisco startup, read our minds and just released the duffel pack, a sleek backpack that transitions perfectly from day to night (er, work to working out).

With sturdy straps and a side handle, you can carry this ingenious bag like a backpack or as an ordinary duffel. The inside offers all kinds of organization (perfect for all the Type A people out there), with plenty of pockets and pouches. Pack your gym clothes and toiletries in the roomy front compartment, and then slide your laptop or tablet in the padded back pouch for safe keeping. There's also a (ventilated!) shoe compartment to keep your smelly sneakers away from clean clothes. Yep, these guys literally thought of everything!

The duffel pack is slightly pricy, but it's versatility and durability (we put it through the ringer on the streets of New York) make it well worth the investment.

I Want This! $150

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Here's How to Tell When You Should Lift Heavier Weights

So you’ve been hitting the gym, taking classes, or doing bodyweight workouts for a while now, and suddenly you’re not seeing any more changes in your body. Your muscles aren’t growing, and a lot of the moves you've been doing seem easy now.

The likely culprit: You’ve hit a plateau because you’re not lifting enough weight.¹ Maybe you grab the three-pound weights you use in barre class to do curls while weight training, when you could easily lift 10-pounders. Or maybe you’ve been going to strength training classes for six weeks, but you're still picking up the same dumbbells.

“As Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram yoga, once said, ‘If you can, you must,’” says Rob Sulaver, founder and CEO of Bandana Training. So the question becomes: How do you know much weight you actually can lift?

What to Expect When Lifting Heavier

First, let’s get one thing straight. You’re not going to bulk up overnight. While some people would love to hear that increasing the amount of weight will get you ripped and jacked, others, especially women, fear this outcome.

Regardless, this won’t happen. Bodybuilders and gym rats spend hours, weeks, and months focusing on growing their bodies and strengthening their muscles to look a certain way, Sulaver explains. Women don’t have the hormone profile to pack on a lot of muscle—but they will increase lean body mass, decrease fat, and enhance self-confidence.²

The reality: Lifting heavier will challenge and change your body for the better. And the way in which you do it—the amount you increase by, the exercises you’re doing, the rep scheme you’re following—can help tailor the results.

Your Game Plan

1. Start small.

Determining the right weight depends on what workout you’re doing—whether it's something you've been doing for a while or if it’s brand new to you. If you’ve never done an exercise before, Sulaver recommends a warm-up self-assessment. “Start with 50 percent less than what you might expect to lift, and do a few reps with that,” he says. For example, if you normally lift 20-pound weights, start with 10s. “That should feel easy, so really make sure your form is spot on. Then gradually work your way up in weight doing a few reps at a time,” Sulaver suggests. Once you hit a weight that feels challenging, where you need to slow down in order to complete your reps with good form, use that for your first set. Bonus: Not only do you have a good idea of the weight you should use, but you’re also warmed up for your first set.

2. Know when it’s time to increase the weight.

If you’re more experienced with dumbbells, kettlebells, or a barbell, the question is when and how to add more weight. Take a look at the speed of the lift and how you feel after you complete your sets, Sulaver suggests. Those are both good indications of whether you should be going heavier. “If your last couple reps are slow and über strenuous, leaving you sweaty and short of breath, then you’re using the right weight,” he says. “If you’re performing the last couple reps easily at normal speed, you could probably go heavier.”

3. Figure out how much weight to add.

When we say that it’s time to up the numbers, we’re not talking humongous increases. However if you want to see gains and create that lean yet strong physique, you can’t push the same weight week in and week out and expect not to plateau. Sulaver recommends adding weight every week. “But in baby steps—sometimes it’s only 2.5 percent heavier than the prior week,” he says. There’s a balance between pushing yourself and listening to your body’s limits that you’ll be able to find as you start lifting more.

The Bottom Line

There comes a point where light weights and high reps just become a waste of your time, Sulaver explains. “The only thing you get good at when you’re lifting two to three pounds for hundreds of reps is lifting two to three pounds for hundreds of reps,” he says. “If you want to be good at that, then it’s a smart thing to do.” But if you’re looking for more of a challenge (and change in your body), follow the tips above.

Works Cited

1. Effect of exercise intensity, duration and mode on post-exercise oxygen consumption. Børsheim E, Bahr R. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 2004, Mar.;33(14):0112-1642.
2. Strength training for women: debunking myths that block opportunity. Ebben WP, Jensen RL. The Physician and Sports Medicine, 2012, Oct.;26(5):0091-3847.

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Weight Loss - Are Workout Videos Effective For Fat Loss?

Exercise is a must for losing weight and keeping it off. Studies show people who are successful at long-term weight loss burn about 400 calories a day with exercise. Even if you increase your activity level to burn just 100 extra calories a day, this can produce a ten-pound weight loss over the period of a year, If you're considering getting started on a workout program to help shed a few of the extra pounds you've gained, and improve your health so you can manage your blood sugar levels better, you might be considering a home workout option. Going to the gym takes time - time you may not have, so it's far more convenient to walk into your basement and get fit there. Not to mention, a lot cheaper. In this decision to try home workouts, you may question whether you should consider a workout video. Will it get the job done? Let's look at the reasons why home workout videos can be effective for fat loss when chosen correctly...

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7 Oatmeal Bakes for the Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast

Greatist Workout of the Day: Thursday, October 22nd

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Double Up

Complete as many rounds of the following as safely possible in 15 minutes.

5 Step-Ups (per leg)
10 Handstand Kick-Ups
15 Mountain Climbers (per side)

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold light dumbbells or kettlebells in both hands on the step-ups. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Genomic study sheds light on protective effects of malaria vaccine candidate

An international team of researchers has used cutting edge genomic methods to uncover key biological insights that help explain the protective effects of the world's most advanced malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S). Applying highly sensitive sequencing technology to more patient samples than previously tested, the team was able to determine that genetic variation in the protein targeted by RTS,S influences the vaccine's ability to ward off malaria in young children.

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First human trials of drug to prevent death due to severe blood loss

Researchers will launch the first Phase 1 human trials of a drug — derived from the female hormone estrogen — that may help patients with severe bleeding survive long enough to get to appropriate medical care. The drug may have a profound effect on an individual’s ability to survive major blood loss.

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New care approach to liver operations speeds patient recovery

Patients undergoing oncologic liver operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program returned sooner to their normal life function and adjuvant cancer therapies than patients who were treated with a traditional approach to perioperative care, according to a new study.

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Choosing A Weight Loss Patch You Can Rely On

Weight loss patches are relatively new diet product type considered to be safe and effective in aiding weight loss. The patches are said to offer effective and fast results in the safest way and the market has different brands. If you are looking for a simple way to lose weight, then the patches could come handy, but then you ought to make a very informed decision before settling for a particular brand. Below are some of the things you should look at when selecting the patch for your weight loss program.

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Effect of duration of storage of red blood cells transfused for cardiac surgery

Although some studies have suggested that transfusion of stored red blood cell (RBC) concentrates may be harmful, as blood undergoes several physiological changes during storage, an analysis of patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Sweden over a 16-year period found no association between duration of RBC storage and risk of death or serious complications, according to a study.

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Muscle relaxant or opioid combined with NSAID does not improve low back pain

Among patients with acute, low back pain presenting to an emergency department, neither the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen combined with oxycodone/acetaminophen or the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine provided better pain relief or improvement in functional outcomes than naproxen combined with placebo, according to a study.

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Nivolumab in melanoma: Added benefit in certain patients

Treatment-naive patients with BRAF V600 mutation-negative tumor have an advantage in overall survival, reviewers of the drug report.

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Drinking Green Tea and Ginger to Lose Weight

Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. It is loaded with antioxidants and various substances that are beneficial for health. Many studies have shown that green tea can increase fat burning and help you lose weight. Here is a recipe to try for results.

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Researchers find AKI a predictor of higher mortality rates for stroke patients

Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients who suffer from acute kidney injury requiring dialysis have higher death rates and greater odds of entering long-term care or nursing facilities after hospitalization, a new report concludes.

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Provision of mental health care services, not just screenings, critically important for children with food allergies

Mental health screenings – for anxiety, for example – is routinely recommended by various pediatric societies. Now, findings from a large-scale screening effort in a pediatric food allergy clinic questions the wisdom of such guidelines.

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Memo to docs: Mind the nonresistant bugs too

Drug-resistant bacteria have dominated news headlines and the attention of public health experts, but a study shows that nonresistant bacterial infections occur far more often and can take just as great a toll on newborns as their drug-resistant cousins.

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Health economists call for strategies for universal access to medicines

Health economists outline the importance for universal access to medicines in the control of neglected diseases, other major infections, and chronic diseases.

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Two lefts make it right: Cardiac experts find novel approach to treat heart failure

A teenage girl faced with sudden rapid heart deterioration, a man in the prime years of his life suffering from debilitating heart failure and a former NFL athlete crippled by end-stage heart failure were all successfully treated with a surgical approach recently pioneered in California.

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Advances made against deadly infection complication, sepsis

Sepsis is an inflammatory response to infection that can develop in hospital settings and can turn deadly if not discovered early on. In a new study, a hospital surveillance program focusing on reducing the risks of sepsis was found to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, such as death and hospice discharge, by 30 percent over the course of one year.

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Simple Ways of Having A Healthy Day

Skincare products are there to help you achieve a beautiful natural skin tone. It is however important to note that a healthy lifestyle is equally important if you would like to be happy with your life. Put yourself on a healthy diet and perform some simple body exercises to realize just how much transformation you are able to achieve within a short time.

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Why Even Super-Fit People Get Winded Walking up a Flight of Stairs

You can crush a spin class, run a 5K with ease, and power through weight sessions at the gym. But you still get winded climbing a flight of stairs.

The good news is that's totally normal. "It doesn’t mean you’re out of shape," says Jordan Syatt, a certified personal trainer and Greatist expert. "You just elevated your heart rate and need more oxygen." Unless you’re doing staircase workouts or using the StairMaster religiously, a quick burst of energy can leave you short of breath, says Nieca Goldberg, M.D., a cardiologist and director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Climbing a flight of stairs uses more muscles than the simple act of walking, Syatt says. After all, you're essentially doing lunges uphill (and fighting gravity in the process). And a move like that might be slightly more advanced than most people's fitness level, Goldberg says. As any trainer will tell you, once a workout becomes too easy, you need to add intensity if you want to keep seeing progress. At the new level of difficulty, you’ll be challenged again.

Another potential culprit? If you’re already working out vigorously to train for a strenuous event, like a half or full marathon, getting up a flight of stairs is just contributing to your already heavy workload. Running up 20 stairs, as opposed to running 20 paces on flat land, combines an aerobic activity with a strength activity, says Jason Fitzgerald, a certified track and field coach and Greatist expert. “Even if you’re in great shape, that’s going to get you out of breath very quickly,” Fitzgerald says.

Your Action Plan

"Like anything, you’ll get better at it with practice," Fitzgerald says. Syatt suggests incorporating lower-body strength exercises like split squats, lunges, and reverse lunges into your workouts to help mimic the movement of going up stairs.

"Start with your own body weight, then eventually add 15, 30, or even 40 pounds," Syatt says. "When you're walking up the stairs, it'll be a lot easier because you're more conditioned for it."

So go ahead and breathe a sigh of relief—as soon as you get to the top, that is.

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The Best Jerky for a Portable, High-Protein Snack

Some Exciting Facts About Weight Loss

Many of us intend to lose weight. We try out different ways to achieve the same; some of us may choose to go for high intensity exercise, while others may set out to achieve their weight loss goals by means of dieting, or maybe trying out an all new diet. While achieving weight loss goals gives one a high, one might feel disappointed if one is not able to lose weight. Nevertheless, a very surprising fact about weight loss is that one receives a tremendous boost to one's everyday health and well being, even if one loses 5-10% of bodyweight. This fact is backed by science. If one loses just 5-10% of weight, it enables one to get over a host of obesity related conditions.

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Here's What Really Happens If You Don't Wear a Sports Bra

Since we pulled on our first pair of leggings, the sports bra has remained a natural counterpart. And these days—with superstars like Misty Copeland and Ronda Rousey as trendsetters—the racer-back tops have never looked better. But even with the countless sleek shapes and straps available, we can't overlook those often-steep prices. Which got us thinking: What would actually happen if we ditched sports bras entirely?

The Here-and-Now

First, a brief anatomy review: Breasts are made out of a mix of fat and glandular (milk-producing) tissue and are suspended by fibrous tissue called Cooper’s ligaments. Because breasts are only anchored to the chest wall, they're super vulnerable to motion, says Sherry Ross, M.D., a Santa Monica-based OB/GYN. On top of that, highly sensitive nerves are also layered throughout breast tissue (thus, erogenous zones), meaning that aggressive movements and activities can disrupt and tear them, creating pain.

Wearing a sports bra keeps the weight well-distributed during exercise, says Karena Wu, P.T., a physical therapist at New York's ActiveCare Physical Therapy. "They offer support to the breast tissue, so that you can actually use your postural muscles on the back to stay vertical," Wu says.

If you go without a bra, the weight of your breasts could round your posture, pulling your head forward and pushing your ribcage down. For larger cup sizes, that can potentially cause pain, discomfort, and even headaches due to compressed nerves in the neck. (Wu says that women with smaller cup sizes are fine to go without, assuming their posture isn't dire.) Additionally, wearing a sports bra might be especially important if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, since hormones amp up breast sensitivity during this time.

And, as most women who have ever run down the street to catch the bus can attest, the impact force of movement is sometimes too painful. "The most immediate effect of having unsupported breast tissue is sharp or burning pain, with breast tenderness and tightness in the breast tissue," Ross says. "This type of short term pain can be mild or severe, lasting hours, days, or months."

The Long Haul

So yes, sports bras are good at making workouts less painful. But in the long run? They don't do much, says Natasha Desai, M.D., a sports medicine specialist at Columbia Doctors at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Remember the fibrous Cooper's ligaments we mentioned? Those ligaments gradually lose their elasticity as we age, and gravity spares no one—Lululemon-clad or not.

"Especially after menopause, that glandular tissue recedes, and the fat tissue takes up the majority portion of the breast. That makes breasts inherently softer, and [they] tend to sag," Desai says. "That’s natural, and not really prevented by any one intervening factor."

The thinking behind sports bras is that they may reduce the amount of force on your Cooper's ligaments, minimizing stress to maintain whatever elasticity they do have. But that's all theoretical, as there haven't been any long-term studies on the subject.

The Takeaway

While there's not much research on the good sports bras can do for long-term sagging concerns, the logic is there—and so is the pain if you go without. Sports bras help you maintain proper posture, and all in all, there are few downsides.

But if you love the wild and free life, have a set of As, and have been spared any pain during a late-for-work dash: Feel free to keep doing you. We're all headed to the same place eventually.

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Greatist Workout of the Day: Wednesday, October 21st

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Basics Burner

Complete as many rounds of the following as safely possible in 12 minutes.

20 Air Squats
30-second Push-Up Hold
20 Bicycle Sit-Ups (per side)

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold a light dumbbell or kettlebell in front of your chest on the air squats. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Botox may prevent irregular heartbeat after bypass surgery

Botox injections into fat surrounding the heart reduced the chances of developing an irregular heart rhythm -- the most common complication of bypass surgery -- say scientists.

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Researchers develop drug delivery technique to bypass blood-brain barrier

Researchers have successfully prevented the development of Parkinson's disease in a mouse using new techniques to deliver drugs across the naturally impenetrable blood-brain barrier. Their findings lend hope to patients around the world with neurological conditions that are difficult to treat due to a barrier mechanism that prevents approximately 98 percent of drugs from reaching the brain and central nervous system.

from Today's Healthcare News -- ScienceDaily http://ift.tt/1M56AtN

Superbug infection greatest increase in children ages one to five

Children are becoming infected with the highly fatal antibiotic resistant bacteria CRE at a much higher rate than the recent past, according to a data analysis in the United States.

from Today's Healthcare News -- ScienceDaily http://ift.tt/1Xidynb