Monitoring scoliosis patients on brace use prevents curve progression, surgery

Bracing often is recommended for adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, and a spinal curve between 25 and 45 degrees. When worn consistently and as directed, braces have been found to effectively halt or slow further progression of a spinal curve, often preventing surgery. However, experts say that monitoring the use of these braces is key for effective results.

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Racial disparity lies at intersection of HIV, Hodgkin lymphoma

Among HIV-positive patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, a new study finds that blacks are significantly less likely than whites to receive treatment for the cancer, even though chemotherapy saves lives.

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Half of primary care doctors provide unnecessary specialty referrals upon patient request

More than half of primary care providers reported that they made what they considered unnecessary referrals to a specialist because patients requested it, a new report outlines. Many physicians said they yielded to patient requests for brand-name drug prescriptions when cheaper generics were available.

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'Dry eye' linked to chronic pain syndromes

A link between 'dry eye' and chronic pain syndromes has been found by researchers, a finding that suggests that a new paradigm is needed for diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes.

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Oral contraceptive use not associated with increased birth defects risk

Oral contraceptives taken just before or during pregnancy do not increase the risk of birth defects, according to a new study. The researchers found that the prevalence of major birth defects was consistent (about 25 per 1,000 live births) across all pregnant women in the study population regardless of contraceptive use.

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Global medical experience

Despite good intentions, short-term international training programs for medical students may create problems for local health care.

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Happier and Healthier in 2016: New Years Resolutions That Work

Hello 2016! We welcome January with a sense of excitement and hope for the possibilities of change and accomplishments in the New Year. January is a time to think about change and for many of us that means setting a New Year's Resolution.

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What You Must Know About Family Medicine

A Primary care physician is required for those who have certain types of health care coverage plans. This type of doctor can perform physical exams, write prescriptions for your medication, make diagnoses, and treat common illnesses, ailments, and some chronic diseases like diabetes. You can locate primary care doctors in the online business directory, local telephone directory or a physician referral service can refer you to one in your area or surrounding area. These types of doctors provide care to all family members like adults, teens, children, and babies. Sometimes they may refer babies to a pediatric specialist. These doctors can be contacted online or by phone and many of them require you schedule an appointment unless you have an emergency.

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The 5 Things You Should Know About the New Dietary Guidelines

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services just released new federal dietary guidelines. The report, which comes out every five years, directly affects government programs, like public school lunches and The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (a.k.a. food stamps). It also gives general recommendations for all Americans—though no one is going to stop you from eating that Twinkie if you want to.

Here are the big changes this time around:

• Focus on "eating patterns" instead of specific nutrients. For the first time, the report says we should think about the big picture, not just "eating less saturated fat." But in a dose of irony, the new recommendations do come with some very specific suggestions (see below).
• Cut down on sugar. Added sugar should make up less than 10 percent of your total calories per day. Most Americans consume about 15 percent of their calories in added sugar now. Translation: Eat more whole, nutrient-dense foods and fewer desserts and sugary drinks, says Sara Haas, R.D., a nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Go ahead and eat some eggs—or maybe don’t. The dietary guidelines are hilariously wishy-washy when it comes to how much cholesterol we can have in our diets. The previous report was strict about limiting it to 300 milligrams (less than 2 eggs) per day. This time, it dropped the specific recommendation, but threw in this line: “Individuals should eat as little dietary cholesterol as possible.” Oh, politics!
• Keep sipping that coffee. Up to five cups per day. The guidelines say it can be part of a "healthy lifestyle" and is linked to health benefits. Score!
• Put down the protein, bro. Teenage boys and men should cut back on meat, poultry, and eggs—no mention of post-workout protein shakes, though.

Surprisingly left out of the report? Any recommendation about limiting consumption of red or processed meat (the World Health Organization suggests it could be linked cancer). Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University, says the decision is purely political and that the suggestion for males to eat less protein is a euphemism for everyone to consume less meat.

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6 Ways To A Six Pack

So it's what we all (well I'm guessing everyone who's stumbled across this at least!) wants but just can't seem to attain... the perfect six pack! You hit your abs constantly at the gym but just can't understand why you can't get that toned definition you're looking for. Or maybe you're just starting out and want to make sure you're not wasting your efforts and energy on the way to reaching your goal.

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Population Level Health Management and Predictive Analytics

Population level health management is a new field in healthcare; coupled with predictive analytics it can help drive down the cost of healthcare while improving outcomes. This article focuses on defining population level healthcare and then providing two examples of its correct use.

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Eight Fast and Safe Tips on How to Lose Weight

Drink Green Tea - Research has shown that green tea burns about 70 calories in a 24 hour period. 70 calories a day can add up add, and result to the 7.3 pounds of fat off your body. They believe that this is caused to the metabolism- enhancing antioxidants (catechins) found in green tea.

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Why You Should Take Herbal Supplements For Weight Loss

Our lifestyle and diet today can wreak havoc on our bodies. Many people aspire to have slim and toned bodies but losing weight is a difficult process. It is so easy to put on weight and people from all kinds of background battle a bulging waistline daily.

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Is Your Partner Bad for Your Health?

Goals like getting up for morning jogs, hitting the gym after work, or sticking to healthy meals can be tough. And when someone we care about doesn't support us, those goals become even more difficult. But should you leave your significant other simply because he or she doesn't get your yoga obsession? The truth is, conflicting health habits are often manageable, but occasionally they can be the sign of a much deeper problem.

The Need-to-Know

It's science: Romantic partners who exercise together stick with their relationships and their exercise plans for longer than those whose routines diverge. Plus, sharing an exercise high can make partners feel closer, increase a woman's sex drive, and even lead you to burn more calories.¹ But not all duos are each other's best allies when it comes to staying healthy. One survey of gym-goers in Boston and Washington, D.C. found nearly half of them have partners who think their gym sessions are unnecessary.

The survey also found a partner's lack of support was a huge barrier in sticking to fitness goals. (Think: "You're going to the gym now? But I really wanted to grab a drink tonight.") Face it: Any situation involving healthy habits and love could get complicated.

But should that added complication be a dealbreaker? Not necessarily. “Different lifestyles or exercise habits don't matter when you have a strong emotional connection with your partner,” says Jamie Turndorf, Ph.D., couples therapist and author of Make Up, Don't Break Up.

According to Turndorf, conflicts over divergent health habits are a sign that something's off in the relationship. Getting pissed at a partner for being too health-conscious may be a way of saying "I don't feel important enough" or "I'm worried you'll leave me." On the flip side, sometimes the healthier partner can guilt the other for binge-eating fries or skipping the treadmill. Turndof says complaints like, "Why don't you work out more? " or "Couldn't you eat a little healthier? " might be subtle ways of saying, "I'm not satisfied with who you are." Ouch.

In other cases, one partner might make fun of the other's heath regimen because he or she feels intimidated. "Negative attitudes towards a partner's eating and exercise habits can also be self-protection strategies," says William J. Doherty, Ph.D., a therapist and professor at the University of Minnesota. Translation: You tease your partner about a gym routine because it makes you feel less bad about never showing up to spin class.

Your Action Plan

In any romance, it's important to discuss differences in health habits to avoid conflict.² Pick a neutral time when you're both calm (e.g., not 6:30 a.m. when your partner just bailed on your gym session for the umpteenth time or after a frustrating work day). Here are some talking points to help.

If you're pissed your partner can't keep up with your fitness and health routine, gently tell him or her you're feeling held back. Try: "When you don't join me at the gym, it makes me feel like you don't care about health." Express your emotions and then listen. If your partner is amenable, make constructive suggestions: Suggest they join you once a week for an early workout or help cook a healthier meal on the weekends.

On the other hand, if a partner's health or fitness goals make you feel bad, be honest. Tell him or her you're feeling left out or self-conscious. Try: "I feel guilty for not going to the gym as often as you do."

If a partner pressures you to change your lifestyle, calmly tell your partner what you will and will not compromise on (For instance: midnight weight-lifting sessions, yes; morning workouts, no. Or, pizza every night, yes; pizza once a week, no.).

Whatever the scenario, don't automatically blame yourself. Doherty says sometimes it's really not you, it's them. If your partner actually puts you down for not following his or her gym schedule, they may be the ones with the bigger problem.

The Takeaway

Don't let anyone stop you from enjoying your healthy lifestyle, Turndorf says. And don't let a partner intimidate you on your own journey to getting healthier. If you think you may be using a certain activity to push your partner away, explore why—either with your partner, a friend, family member, or a therapist.

If no one is willing to budge or even discuss lifestyle conflicts, it may be time to call it quits. But if both partners are willing to honestly examine their attitudes, they may be able to establish an even stronger bond.

Special thanks to Lara Kammrath, Michelle vanDellen, Benjamin F. Armstrong III, Marilyn Freimuth, and Eli Finkel for their contributions to this article.

Originally published September 2012. Updated January 2016.

Works Cited

1. The roles of testosterone and alpha-amylase in exercise-induced sexual arousal in women. Hamilton LD, Fogle EA, Meston CM. The journal of sexual medicine, 2008, Jan.;5(4):1743-6109.
2. Food choices among newly married couples: convergence, conflict, individualism, and projects. Bove CF, Sobal J, Rauschenbach BS. Appetite, 2003, Oct.;40(1):0195-6663.

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Will Eating at Night Make You Gain Weight?

Forget the boogeyman—eating directly before bedtime can cause nightmares too, and these feature expanding waistlines. Studies have suggested a range of connections between late-night eating and weight gain, but does consuming calories after sunset really lead to a bigger gut?

The Midnight Munchies—Why It Matters

Eating before bed has long been touted as a cardinal sin of weight loss, leading some weight-conscious individuals to forgo any food after 8 p.m. One study with more than 400 participants found that nocturnal snacking was associated with higher body mass index (aka BMI). ¹ Several others determined that eating food when a body should be at rest can be detrimental. One study found that mice—our smaller, furrier, nocturnal friends—gained significantly more weight when fed during the day, when they'd normally be asleep. The results were a loose proxy for what can happen when humans eat a bunch of calories at night (when we'd normally be asleep). ² When the mice followed a time-controlled diet (not just eating whenever)—the risk of metabolic diseases decreased. ³

We're not mice, but sometimes we don't act much differently: "It's important to realize that nighttime eaters tend to skip breakfast, which ends up in a vicious cycle where the person is hungrier and more likely to overeat later in the day, and then not hungry for breakfast again," says Greatist Expert Sherry Pagoto, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist and expert in behavioral counseling for obesity. If the same total number of calories are consumed each day, it doesn't matter how they're distributed. But eating later in the day may be directly related to eating too little earlier in the day, and it's that pattern that leads to overconsumption. So nighttime snackers should be sure they are having an adequate breakfast and lunch, Pagoto says. If they aren’t, it may be why they're getting hungry so late.

But other studies seem to contradict the notion that nighttime binges lead to expanding waistlines, at least in primates. A study on monkeys found those consuming the majority of their calories later at night were no more likely to gain weight than their day-eating companions. So is eating at night actually monkey business?

Made in the A.M.

While evening calories may not be the main culprit, other influences might be at work. "Since the appetite-regulating hormone ghrelin is better regulated in the morning, it is easier to prevent overeating during the day versus at night," says Greatist Expert Lisa Moskovitz, R.D., C.D.N. This means that the body's ability to feel full is much stronger in the morning, so we stop eating sooner. But if you exercise at night or work late hours, don't feel like you can't eat—Moskovitz says calorie intake/burn is still the most important thing for managing weight.

But keep in mind that those who eat most of their calories after 8 p.m. may experience poor sleep quality following their binge sessions (and poor sleep is associated with future weight gain and obesity). ⁴⁵ Finally, a reason for an afternoon nap! Apart from interrupting snore—err, we mean sleep—cycles, late-night eaters tend to munch on high-calorie snacks and often end up exceeding their recommended daily caloric intake. In addition, nighttime snacking tends to take place in front of the TV, where overeating is all too easy.

Sweet Dreams—The Answer/Debate

Eating directly before bed may lead to weight gain, but researchers haven't pinpointed the exact culprit. Sleep and calorie source seem to be the two main villains. It turns out our bodies are generally better able to metabolize food at certain times of day (read: not nighttime). Studies indicate that late-night calories impact sleep cycles, throwing off normal body rhythm and packing on the pounds. ⁴⁵

Focus on improving sleep quality by avoiding high-sugar foods directly before bed and kicking the late-night TV habit for a book. (Or at least ditch the TV-time snack…) Have a hankering for sugar? It's easy to reach for high-sugar, high-fat foods to curb cravings late at night, which can cause calorie intake to skyrocket, mainly due to decreased activity and more couch time. If that bedtime snack is a necessity, reach for healthier options (think low-fat dairy products, low-sugar fruit, and veggies) and pass up the frozen bagel bites in favor of something self-prepared. ⁶

The Takeaway

Overall, it's better to focus on how often you eat and exactly what you're eating. To support healthy metabolism and digestion and manage energy and weight, it's typically best to eat every three or four hours, have breakfast within one or two hours of waking, and stop eating one or two hours before bedtime. Try to steer clear of sugary snacks late at night (cramming for an exam? They're probably also not helping). And always include some lean protein and fiber-rich complex carbs with every meal and snack.

Originally published May 2012. Updated January 2015.

Works Cited

1. Night eating syndrome and nocturnal snacking: association with obesity, binge eating and psychological distress. Colles SL, Dixon JB, O'Brien PE. Centre for Obesity Research and Education, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. International Journal of Obesity, 2007 Nov;31(11):1722-30.
2. Circadian timing of food intake contributes to weight gain. Arble DM, Bass J, Laposky AD, et al. Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. Obesity, 2009 Nov;17(11):2100-2.
3. Time-Restricted Feeding without Reducing Caloric Intake Prevents Metabolic Diseases in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. Hatori, M., Vollmers, C., Zarrinpar, A., et al. Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA. Cell Metabolism. 2012 Jun 6;15(6):848-60.
4. Role of sleep timing in caloric intake and BMI. Baron KG, Reid KJ, Kern AS, et al. Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Obesity, 2011 Jul;19(7):1374-81.
5. Short sleep duration and weight gain: a systematic review. Patel SR, Hu FB. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Obesity, 2008 Mar;16(3):643-53.
6. Fast food consumption and increased caloric intake: a systematic review of a trajectory towards weight gain and obesity risk. Rosenheck R. Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Obesity Reviews, 2008 Nov;9(6):535-47.

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Losing Weight in 2016

Losing weight can be difficult. Here are some of the best tips to help you get healthy and lose weight in 2016.

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Palliative care offers greater cost savings for cancer patients with multiple chronic conditions

Patients with incurable cancer and numerous other serious health conditions who consulted with a palliative care team within two days of hospitalization had significant savings in hospital costs, according to a new study.

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Fast and sharp: Medicaid expansion gives hospitals immediate relief from uninsured care

Just six months after opening up health insurance to more low-income people, states saw a huge drop in the amount of care their hospitals provided to uninsured patients, and a rise in care for people with coverage, a new study finds. But in states that have not chosen to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, hospitals continued to experience the same or even higher demand for care from people without insurance.

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Advancements for the Treatment of Gastric Health Problems

Acidity, stomach ulcers and heartburn are common health issues in India that come under Gastroenterology. While these diseases individually aren't grave, they could be a warning for a more serious health issue in the making. The main points to look out for is the severity and duration of gastric disorders.

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Mission: Successful Liver Transplants

One of the most vital organs is the liver which is mainly responsible for detoxification and synthesis of protein in the body. Regular consumption of large quantities of alcohol, lack of nutrition and viruses are factors that cause serious trouble to the liver. A subtle symptom like sleepiness and a more serious symptom like jaundice are indications of a failing liver.

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Explore Some Facts About Essential Oils

The Essential Oil is basically the oil extracted from the herbs. The obtained oil is considered as the healer for several diseases. The herbs are basically the miraculous plants that are well known for their healing properties. These plants contain various ingredients that help in providing the curative impact on the body.

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Qigong Health Benefits Types and Energy Healing Effects

Qigong has many benefits and has various types for fitness, mind strengthening, physical healing, even a type for different disabilities to benefit. It is a gentle way for any person to increase their stamina, relieve stress, increase muscle tone and simply increase the energy flow through their bodies. The beneficial effects of increased energy flow are endless. Discover more

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How You Can Slim Down Quick With Low Carb-High Protein Foods

You would imagine that if the low-carb diet plan fad taught us anything at all, it is the significance of proteins. However, even though you haven't eaten a burger bun since the later '90s, it does not mean you are obtaining a sufficient amount of what usually is between the bread.

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Multiple Problems, One Solution: Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a treatment that is making a lot of noise around the globe. People are making use of this relatively novel idea that works be injecting medications into the mesoderm. The medications used are a conglomerate of FDA approved drugs, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and homeopathic drugs. Small quantities are injected into the site with the help of a specialized injector known as the mesogun. Since the conditions treated and their extent vary in individuals, so does the medication that is provided to them. Mesotherapy can help in rejuvenating the skin, removing localized fats and cellulite and also in case of hair loss. Like most similar treatments, Mesotherapy too needs to be repeated a few times to achieve the intended outcome. Side effects are usually mild and last for a short amount of time. Generally there is no downtime afterwards. If you want to correct any of the aforementioned conditions, you might consider Mesotherapy.

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This Powerful Facebook Post Will Inspire You to Love Your Body as Is

Thanks to good old New Year’s resolutions, we spend a lot of January thinking about our bodies. Maybe we want to lose weight, eat better, or meditate more. All that reflection on what we want to change makes it way too easy to think of the things we don’t like about our bodies—the part that jiggles, the part that doesn't look quite right.

That’s why this Facebook post from Molly Galbraith, a certified strength and conditioning coach and co-founder of Girls Gone Strong, stopped us in our tracks. It’s the good, the bad, the ugly, and ultimately the amazing revelation we could all stand to have. Check it out below:

This is my body.

This not a before picture.

This is not an after picture.

This just happens to be what my body looks like on a random Tuesday in December of 2015—it's a LIFE picture.

This is a body that loves protein and vegetables and queso and ice cream.

This is a body that loves bent presses and pull-ups and deadlifts and sleep.

This is a body that has been abused with fast food and late nights and stress.

This is a body that has been pushed to the brink of leanness in figure competitions and maximum strength in powerlifting meets.

This is a body that begged for mercy when it was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and PCOS.

This is a body that has been called:

- too fat
- too thin
- too masculine
- too strong
- too weak
- too big
- too skinny

...all within the same week.

This body has been publicly evaluated, judged, and criticized, and those judgments have been used to determine my level of skill as a coach and a trainer, and my worth as a person, both positively and negatively.

Some people say they would "kill to have this body."
Others say they would "kill themselves if they had this body."
(Yes, unfortunately that's actually a thing humans say to one another.)

This is a body that I spent too much time, energy, and mental space wishing would look differently.

And today?

Today this is a body that is loved, adored, and cherished by the only person whose opinion matters—ME.

This is the first year in as long as I can remember that I have made NO resolutions to change the way my body looks.

This is a kind of freedom I didn’t think I’d ever experience, and it feels really, really good.

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A Low-Impact Workout to Build Lower-Body Strength

Fact: You don't need to break into a sprint or execute plyometric moves to get a great workout. Sometimes small movements, with little resistance and a higher number of repetitions, are all you need to feel the burn.

And that's where this week's 35-minute Pilates-style workout from Grokker comes in. There's no jumping, punching, or running—but it's still a great workout that will help build muscle in your lower body and work small muscles you've likely been neglecting.

You'll start on the floor and work your abs, glutes, and thighs. Next, you'll use the barre in a series of movements that will stretch and extend your legs. For this workout, you'll need a barre (the back of a chair will work), a Pilates ball (or a soft cushion), light hand weights (optional), and a resistance band you can tie into a loop. You'll start slow, so there's no need for a warm-up. Just hit play below when you're ready.

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Early trial shows injectable agent illuminates cancer during surgery

A new injectable agent has been tested that causes cancer cells in a tumor to fluoresce, potentially increasing a surgeon's ability to locate and remove all of a cancerous tumor on the first attempt.

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Buprenorphine found superior to methadone in treating infants born in drug withdrawal

A study of two opioids used to wean babies born in withdrawal from drugs their mothers have taken shows that buprenorphine is superior to methadone in reducing duration of treatment and length of hospital stay.

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Cannabis-based drug reduces seizures in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy

Children and young adults with severe forms of epilepsy that does not respond to standard antiepileptic drugs have fewer seizures when treated with purified cannabinoid, according to a multi-center study.

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Detecting when, why deadly blood clots form

A better assay for testing blood's clotting tendency, also known as hemostasis, has been devised. Researchers say it could one day prove lifesaving in a variety of clinical situations in which a patient's health is jeopardized by abnormal blood coagulation and platelet function.

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New touchless device makes earlier detection of heart problems possible

A revolutionary system for monitoring vital signs has been created that could lead to improved detection and prevention of some cardiovascular issues, as well as greater independence for older adults.

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Exercise to improve skill and coordination can help reduce lower back pain, new research shows

A new review shows that targeting exercises to muscles that support and control the spine offers another strategy to reduce pain and disability caused by lower back pain.

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U.S. emergency departments face serious drug shortages

A new study reveals that drug shortages affecting emergency care have skyrocketed in the United States in recent years. While the prevalence of such shortages fell from 2002 to 2007; the number of shortages sharply increased by 373 percent (from 26 to 123) from 2008 to 2014.

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Lung cancer clinical trial finds lung function without additional imaging

A clinical trial is evaluating a new method for pinpointing and sparing healthy lung tissue during lung cancer radiotherapy. The group is applying advanced image analysis techniques to 4D CT scans already performed as a standard step in targeting lung cancer radiotherapy, to map areas of lung function without additional testing.

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Orthopedic surgery simulation

A unique training simulator for orthopedic open surgery (knee reconstruction with total joint replacement) has been developed by researchers.

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Here's A Meditation App You'll Actually Use

Meditation Studio App

Most of us aren’t so great at being alone with our thoughts. What’s the first thing you do when you’re waiting for a friend at the bar? Grab your phone and start scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, email, the news—anything to keep yourself occupied.

We get it, it’s hard to curb that knee-jerk reaction to whip out your phone. But maybe you don’t have to. We downloaded the Meditation Studio app and try to use it once a day, in place of our usual mindless scrolling. After just a few days, we felt less stressed and even a little more creative.

The app (available on iOS devices) includes more than 160 guided meditations categorized by issue, like stress, sleep, confidence, and compassion. Most run less than 10 minutes, so they're doable during a lunch break or while waiting at the doctor's office (when we need zen most). We love that the app is made for experienced meditators and newbies alike—there's a meditation essentials course that's an awesome introduction for people new to the practice. And we actually stuck with meditating, thanks to the scheduling feature, which syncs with your phone’s calendar and lets you set reminders. It’s probably the most worthwhile $2.99 we’ve ever spent in the app store—yes, even more than Candy Crush.

I Want to Try This! $2.99

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Simple Unknown Tricks to Help You Lose Weight

Did you know that there are so many little tricks that you are not aware of that can help you lose weight effortlessly? From what you wear to what you smell, a pretty interesting read for anyone with excess weight.

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New antithrombotic guideline update for treatment of VTE disease

Each year, there are approximately 10 million cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) worldwide. VTE, the formation of blood clots in the vein, is a dangerous and potentially deadly medical condition and is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In this latest evidence-based guideline, experts provide 53 updated recommendations for appropriate treatment of patients with VTE.

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Most men not getting prostate cancer screening, treatment information they need

Men and their health providers are not having important discussions when it comes to prostate cancer screening and treatment, new research has discovered.

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Teens with autism and caregivers should plan early for adulthood

As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders continues to rise, medical professionals have emphasized early diagnosis, intervention and treatment. However, less attention has been given to children with autism once they reach their teen years and adulthood. Now researchers are working to find ways to support teens with autism and their caregivers so the teens can transition into adulthood successfully and independently.

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Smokers diagnosed with pneumonia found to have higher risk of lung cancer

Screening heavy smokers admitted to the hospital with community-acquired pneumonia could facilitate the early diagnosis of lung cancer and thereby reduce the incidence of mortality, a new report suggests.

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Traditional Medicaid expansion and 'private option' both improve access to health care

Two different approaches used by states to expand Medicaid coverage for low-income adults -- traditional expansion and the 'private option' -- appear to be similarly successful in reducing numbers of the uninsured and in expanding access to and affordability of health care.

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Medicaid tobacco cessation: Big gaps remain in efforts to get smokers to quit

New data shows how often state Medicaid programs provide help with smoking cessation. Smoking, the leading cause of preventable disease in the United States, puts a particularly heavy burden on Medicaid, the nation's largest health insurance program. In fact, about one-third of US adults with Medicaid coverage currently smoke, a rate that is roughly twice as high as that for the general public.

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New approach to diagnosing low back pain, revealed by clinical study

A new, personalized approach to diagnosing low back pain has been discovered by researchers. Low back pain is the second most common cause of physician visits in the US and contributes to an estimated $100 billion in US costs per year, making it clear that it causes a significant burden on both the healthcare system and the economy. For physicians trying to diagnose low back pain, they are looking at many potential causes and unpredictable responses to treatment.

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Study raises questions about reporting incidental genetic findings

The study of 2,022 patients identified 63 who had genetic variations considered to be 'potentially pathogenic' -- capable of producing arrhythmias. Yet their electrocardiograms (ECGs) were no different from those who did not carry the 'disease genes.'

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Veterans, civilian patients at risk of ICU-related PTSD up to a year post discharge

One in ten patients is at risk of having new post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to their ICU experience up to a year post-discharge. This was the finding from a multicenter, prospective cohort research study of veterans and civilians.

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The Only 7 Things You Can Control in Life

12 "Healthy" Snacks That Make You Hungrier

8 Proven Healthy Weight Loss Tips

Happy New Year! Welcome back to our daily routine after the season festivities. One thing for sure we all have indulged a little too much, and one of most made new year's resolution is to lose the extra weight gained from the culinary excesses.

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The Most Popular Running Songs in the World

If your New Year's resolution includes crushing a 5K, training for a marathon, or just logging more miles, you'll probably need some motivation to get there. To help, Spotify put together a playlist of the most-played running songs in 2015.

The music-streaming service looked at popular songs on Spotify Running playlists as well as users' personal playlists with translations of the word "running" in the title. Fun fact: Seven of the top 10 songs come from female artists, including Queen Bey, Sia, Missy Elliott, and TLC.

All you need to do is grab your new sneakers, turn up the volume, and hit ground the running.

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7 Easy Homemade Sauces to Spice up Any Meal

The Surprising Power of Being OK With Your Body

No increased risk of autism, ADHD with prenatal antidepressant exposure, study indicates

An analysis of medical records data from three health care systems finds no evidence that prenatal exposure to antidepressants increases the risk for autism and related disorders or for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

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Here's Why Your Nose Always Runs When It's Cold

Ever wonder why we can't seem to stop our noses from running the second the thermometer drops below 32 degrees? This video from the Sci Show says we should blame biology and physics: Our body produces more mucus when it's cold to keep our nasal cavities moist (how delightful), and water droplets form when the hot air in our lungs meets the frigid temps outside. Combined, they get our nose running faster than a marathon runner.

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Antibiotics pave way for C. diff infections by killing bile acid-altering bacteria

Bile acids, which are altered by bacteria normally living in the large intestine, inhibit the growth of Clostridium difficile, new research indicates. The work sheds light on the ways in which some commonly used antibiotics can promote C. diff infections by killing off the bile acid-altering microbes.

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High rate of symptoms, hospitalization following gastric bypass surgery for obesity

Although the vast majority of patients reported improved well-being after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, the prevalence of symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue were high and nearly one-third of patients were hospitalized, according to a study.

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Heavy users of mental health care have substantially different patterns of health care use

While a small number of people account for a disproportionately large portion of health services use, heavy users of mental health care have substantially different patterns of health care use than other heavy users of health care, according to new Canadian research. The study is one of the first to look at heavy users of mental health care specifically.

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Premium-based financial incentives did not motivate obese employees to lose weight

Employers around the nation are increasingly searching for ways to help their employees make healthy lifestyle choices including encouraging obese employees to lose weight, often by offering financial incentives in the form of reduced health insurance premiums to help encourage success. But these programs are likely to fail, according to new research.

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31 Healthy Meals You Can Make in 10 Minutes or Less

Which Workout Is Your State Obsessed With?

Some of us swear by barre, while others can't get enough of Soul Cycle. So it's no surprise that our favorite form of exercise is different from our neighbor. Vox analyzed Google search trends to determine the most searched workouts in each state. Here's what we learned:

• We drank the celeb Kool-Aid. Utah wanted to work out like Kate Hudson and Wisconsin searched for The Biggest Loser trainer Jillian Michaels. And in a surprising showing of bipartisanship, politicos in D.C. searched most for Rep. Paul Ryan's workout.

• This was the year of HIIT. High-intensity workouts were popular across the country. The top search in New Jersey, Missouri, and Vermont was some variation of a HIIT workout.

• Some workouts are far from traditional. Oregonians stayed #hip with the dead bug exercise, while pole dancing workouts were popular among Floridians.

To find out the most searched workout in your state, check out the full story, complete with snazzy interactive graphic.

See the Top Workout in Your State

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Two Easy Steps to Lose Weight and Keep It Off

Do you want to lose weight in a healthy way without spending hours in the gym, meticulously counting calories, or worrying about overeating? Look no further.

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Weight Loss With EFT - Why The Seemingly Negative Statements

Weight loss, in my experience, is best done by losing the reasons why we overeat, under-exercise, sleep very little, or are mega-stressed. All of these reasons have been proven to contribute to weight loss. Emotional Freedom Techniques, in most of its forms, involves saying what we desire that does not serve us, whilst stimulating special acupressure points to release these feelings at their energy source.

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Do no harm: Examining the impact of medical students' short-term international study

International study experiences are a valuable and increasingly expected part of medical students' academic experience, but authors of a new article say not all programs leave patients and communities better off. They have recommendations for choosing effective programs and also for shifting the focus to ensure the programs are beneficial for all.

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Sharing of research data and findings should be the norm in public health emergencies

Opting in to data sharing should be the default practice during public health emergencies, such as the recent Ebola epidemic, and barriers to sharing data and findings should be removed to ensure those responding to the emergency have the best available evidence at hand, according to experts.

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A stronger ethical culture within the US military health care environment is needed, experts urge.

The health professional community should urge the United States Secretary of Defense to adopt and implement the recent recommendations of the Defense Health Board, and in addition rescind directives authorizing participation of health professionals in interrogation and force-feeding because they are inconsistent with professional ethics, according to experts.

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The Right Way to Shed the Extra Pounds

With his love for being a foodie and cherishing cuisines from all corners of the globe intact, Bill was sure that he wouldn't be dieting anytime soon. But Bill was feeling down. He wanted to be shapelier, just like his friends, and was sure that it made him more desirable. He had to work out a plan, and he wanted a plan to be in place. He was looking for a simple plan to lose weight, which would be the right way to go about things.

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How to Encourage Healthier Habits—Without Being Annoying

Weight Loss - Let's Talk About Progress and Your Weight Loss Success

Health can be quite the animal to tame. In today's world, being healthy is no easy task. There are systems in place to make sure a food supply is always available to us in abundance. We are fortunate in the Western world because there is virtually no risk of starvation. However, because we have such easy access to large amounts of food, it can be a serious challenge to avoid overeating on a chronic basis.

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Does White Noise Really Help You Sleep Better?

Anyone who sleeps with white noise is likely to tell you they can't fall asleep without it. And when you count up all the apps and white noise machines on the market, it may seem like you've stumbled upon the holy grail of sleeping.

While sleep experts agree that white noise apps or machines (or the original version—fans) are definitely soothing, the data to back up whether it truly helps us sleep is limited at best. Yet with apps listed in the "Health and Fitness" category ,and manufacturers who claim "sleep is just a click away," is there really any science behind it?

The Great White Way

For the people who say it helps them sleep, white noise functions as a kind of anti-noise, says Joseph Ojile, M.D., medical director and chief executive officer of the Clayton Sleep Institute. It's a redundant noise, something that distracts your brain but you don’t have to focus on.

Not everyone needs it to catch some zzzs, but for those who do, white noise dampens other sounds, sort of like snow muffles noise. The whirring of a fan, an app, or a machine covers up all the little sounds that could be distracting to your brain—your partner’s snoring, a dripping faucet, or people talking outside your apartment on a Saturday night, says Christopher Winter, M.D., a fellow at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and medical director at the sleep center at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

White noise aficionados know there are a ton of options to choose from (from gentle, light rain to a hurricane to the sound of a cat purring, for instance). Which one works best for you just comes down to personal preference, says Shalini Paruthi, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the director of the Pediatric Sleep and Research Center at Saint Louis University.

But if you tend to wake up in the middle of the night, she says to opt for a machine that'll keep humming all night rather than a timed app that may stop after an hour. Waking up in an environment that's different from what you fell asleep in can make it harder to doze off again, she explains.

Sweet, Routine Dreams

Winding down with a calming sound can be helpful, but making sure it’s part of a nightly bedtime routine is integral to a good night’s sleep, Paruthi says. Often they can be one in the same (lights off, fan on), but the effectiveness of white noise may actually come down to that routine aspect.

“Your body likes to anticipate what’s going to happen,” Winter says. “So if you always end your day by taking a hot shower, dimming your lights, and then turning on your noise machine, every night that your body does those things in that order at that time, it tells your brain sleep is coming up,” Winter says. It's essentially a stage cue for melatonin—enter sleep, right on time.

Easy enough for the 80-year-old’s in the room. But for those of us who don’t have quite such defined schedules (although Paruthi and Ojile both say that’s the gold standard), Winter says even just the routine of hearing your fan can be helpful.

The only danger arises when you feel like you can’t get to sleep without it, Winter says. As helpful as those routines are, there’s also a flip side, when people can't sleep without going through rigid motions, Ojile says. But it’s unlikely for white noise to create dependence in itself—that’s probably some level of anxiety talking.

If your partner truly hates the sound, whether it's waves or a gentle whir, you can wean yourself off the app by setting a timer that shuts it off after a certain amount of time. But if your sleepmate also likes a gentle rainforest sound? There's no harm in pressing play nightly.

The Takeaway

Anti-noise can create a helpful blankness for people who love it, but there’s nothing in the sound itself that will enhance your sleep. For others, it’s the same as going to sleep in a totally quiet room. More essential to sleeping like a baby is having a standard nightly wind-down routine to let your body know it’s time for some shut-eye.

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Nap Anywhere Thanks to This Genius Hoodie

Photo: Hypnos Hoodie

There are few things we love more than naps, but it's not so easy to zonk out away from your bed. At least it wasn't, until some clever designers created Hypnos, the nap-anywhere hoodie. The zip-up sweatshirt has an inflatable pillow inside the hood that blows up with just a few puffs.

The hoodie seems like the inevitable next step in the be-comfy-anywhere athleisure movement—the Snuggie 2.0 if you will. But it's backed up by some impressive industrial design that’s ergonomic, functional, and (most importantly) hidden. So you can wear it on the plane, to brunch, or out at a bar and be subtle about the fact that you're stashing a super comfy pillow inside.

The bad news? Hypnos is still in its Kickstarter phase (it already crushed its $30,000 fundraising goal), but you can fork over $49 to pre-order. So you’ll have to wait a few months before you can properly pass out in public.

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The Crazy Things Food Stylists Use to Make Meals Look Delicious

The food you see in magazines and on billboards looks unbelievably delicious for a reason. Burgers are seared to perfection and drink glasses are always frosted. What is this sorcery, you ask? The Guardian spoke with a number of food stylists, and while their tricks make food ready for its close-up, it's rarely edible.

The milk in that Frosted Flakes ad is probably glue, and chances are those burritos in the Taco Bell commercial are perfectly plump thanks to instant mashed potatoes. The message here: Don’t trust everything you see, and don’t feel bad if your cereal looks soggy and your burrito a bit deflated. (At least you still have Instagram filters.)

And if you want to find out what food stylists use WD-40 and shaving cream for, check out the full story.

Read the Full Story

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5-Ingredient Healthy Dinners for Busy Weeknights

The Plan That Works For Weight Loss Fast

Here are the three steps to follow to lose weight fast: Reduce your Appetite Significantly. Lose weight fast, without you having to go hungry. While improving your metabolic health.

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Tips For Staying Motivated on a Diet

Dieting can be challenging, but there are some simple and realistic ways you can stay motivated while dieting. Here are some really helpful tips on how to get and stay motivated on your diet.

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Medical specialties receiving highest payments from manufacturers identified

The Physician Payments Sunshine Act, passed under the Affordable Care Act, requires all pharmaceutical and medical device companies to report payments to physicians, including consulting fees, gifts, speaking fees, meals, travel and research grants. A recent study analyzed this database and compared payments among different specialties and identified which ones topped the list.

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My Favorite Things From 2015: Beauty Edition

Oprah has her list of favorite things and now I have mine! Do you use a lot of the same products every day? I didn't even realize that I had a My Favorite Things list until this week. So, I wanted to share them with you.

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Radiation an important addition to treatment for pancreatic cancer surgery candidates

Radiation therapy was associated with a lower risk of cancer recurrence in pancreatic cancer surgery patients, making it, like chemotherapy, an important addition to treatment, new research found. Whether radiotherapy helps patients after pancreatic cancer surgery has been a long-standing question, and the findings suggest that it does, says the study's senior author.

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Optical coherence tomography may speed detection of pneumonia-related bacteria in ICU patients

Hospital medical staff may soon be able to more quickly visualize the presence of biofilm in endotracheal tubes, lessening the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, reports a new article. Researchers have demonstrated that demonstrated that optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to determine the presence of biofilm, providing an alternative to methods requiring arduous sample preparation.

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Penetrating head gunshot wounds in children and adolescents: Factors predicting outcomes

Intracranial gunshot wounds (GSWs) in children and adolescents have been studied by researchers who identified nine clinical, laboratory, and radiological factors that were predictive of these patients' outcomes.

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Lose Weight With Green Tea Extract

How can green tea extract help in slimming teas or weight loss teas? Please read our article and find out some intriguing facts on green tea.

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Top 3 Mistakes Outside the Gym That Will Slow Your Progress!

Are you making any of these mistakes without knowing it and holding back your progress in the gym? Find out now!

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19 Powerful Bodyweight Exercises for Strength and Speed

Body Wrap Weight Reduction

Having a body wrap feels great. Certain spas advertise body wraps as an enjoyable, moisturizing reward. Some, however, tout particular body wraps to cleanse, reduce your weight, or handle cellulite build-up -- statements that could go too far.

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5 Steps To Blast Away Belly Fat In 2016

No matter what you do, that unwanted fat around your stomach seems to stubbornly refuse your best efforts at getting rid of it. But the following 5 steps will help you blast away belly fat in 2016.

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Top Healthy Foods for Indian Children

As a parent, one would wake up everyday only thinking of the best food to give their child, so that he/she will be able to do well in academics. Everyday, the lady of the house is put forth so many questions from family and friends questioning if her choice of food is helping the child or not. Here's a short informative on what is good for the children.

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Do Men Win the Weight Loss Race? 5 Differences Between Men and Women During Weight Loss

Do men lose weight faster than women? Sometimes, it seems like it's not fair. Men decide to lose and the scale goes down while a woman feels like her scale is stuck in one place. Here are 5 differences that become obvious when men and women try to lose weight.

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Medical research influenced by training 'genealogy'

By analyzing peer-reviewed scientific papers that examined the effectiveness of a surgical procedure, researchers provide evidence suggesting that the conclusions of these studies appear to be influenced by the authors' mentors and medical training.

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Experts question automatic osteoporosis drug holidays

A new editorial urges physicians to individualize treatment decisions based on their patients' fracture risk, rather than automatically interrupting or stopping bisphosphonate therapy after five or three years.

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10 Science-Backed Reasons Being Single Is Good for Your Health

Join Greatist's 5-Day Coloring Challenge!

A few weeks ago we grabbed a fistful of colored pencils, turned on a podcast, started coloring, and totally zoned (and zenned) out. We weren’t sitting cross-legged or focusing on our breathing, but it sure felt a lot like meditating.

Adult coloring books are a big trend right now, and we get it: It’s soothing, relaxing, and mindful (or mindless). Coloring helps spark your inner creativity and the end result is art. Even if you’re totally type A, don’t worry about sticking inside the lines. There are no grades or judgment here.

For our five-day coloring challenge, the goal is to finish one page per day to help you find zen (check out a couple samples below). Click the button to download the full book, and then print out the pages and let the coloring begin! Share your artwork using #colormegreatist, and don't forget to check back next month for a brand new challenge.

Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:

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