Experts warn about hidden birth control pill risks after 2 young women die in the same month

Experts warn about hidden birth control pill risks after 2 young women die in the same month

A coroner has issued a warning about the risks of the contraceptive pill combined with an often unknown underlying condition after two women died in the same month in similar circumstances. On a morning in September 2021, 24-year-old makeup artist Georgia O’Neill sent a text to her roommate and her father to say she was … Read more

Vaginal infection has been long linked to pregnancy risks — and doctors finally know why

Vaginal infection has been long linked to pregnancy risks — and doctors finally know why

Researchers believe they have had a breakthrough in understanding how certain bacterial populations disrupt vaginal health, sometimes leading to pregnancy loss, sexually transmitted infections, and other health complications. A study by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, published Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine, explores the circumstances behind bacterial vaginosis (BV), … Read more

Burning scented candles comes with serious safety risks — follow these tips to avoid hazards

Burning scented candles comes with serious safety risks — follow these tips to avoid hazards

Scented candles have become a beloved fixture in numerous households, admired for their ability to fill spaces with delightful fragrances and create a cozy atmosphere. Whether it’s the calming scent of lavender, the refreshing aroma of citrus, or the earthy notes of wood, these candles cater to a wide range of preferences and occasions, enhancing the … Read more

Hair products, styling tools can pose significant health risks, experts warn

Hair products, styling tools can pose significant health risks, experts warn

Your hairdo may be a hair don’t. Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMS), commonly found in hair products, are known for shining and smoothing tresses — desirable qualities when you’re trying to tame frizz and prevent tangles. But a new study published this month by the American Chemical Society suggests that when these molecules are heated … Read more

Are the benefits of a cold shower worth the potential risks?

Are the benefits of a cold shower worth the potential risks?

Most of us have experienced that moment of shock when the hot water runs out mid-shampoo — but many experts claim the benefits of a frigid shower are worth the unpleasant jolt. For those who aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into ice baths or cryotherapy, cold showers can provide a way to ease … Read more

What is ashwagandha? Doctors debate controversial ‘glizzy pills’ herbal supplement risks, benefits

What is ashwagandha? Doctors debate controversial ‘glizzy pills’ herbal supplement risks, benefits

Social media is swooning over a trendy herbal supplement that’s been around for thousands of years. Ashwagandha, a shrub that’s native to Asia and Africa, is also known as Indian ginseng, as Withania somnifera to scientists, or as “glizzy pills” to TikTokkers. A powder made from the ground root of the ashwagandha plant is a … Read more

CDC gives guidance for trans people ‘chestfeeding’ kids, accused of failing to consider possible health risks

CDC gives guidance for trans people ‘chestfeeding’ kids, accused of failing to consider possible health risks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s official website published advice for trans and non-binary individuals on seeking guidance on how to “chestfeed” their infants. In sections of the major health institute’s guidance on breastfeeding, it contained information for those who have had much of their breasts removed in gender-reassignment surgeries, or for biological men taking hormones … Read more

Lesbians, gay men face very different heart disease risks: US cardiac experts

Lesbians, gay men face very different heart disease risks: US cardiac experts

Women who identify as lesbian or bisexual may have a greater risk for heart disease, according to a new study by the American Heart Association (AHA).  Gay and bisexual men, on the other hand, are usually at lower risk of heart disease than men who identify as heterosexual, the study authors found — as long … Read more

Insta-‘kidfluencers’ on the rise, despite risks of child exploitation: study

Insta-‘kidfluencers’ on the rise, despite risks of child exploitation: study

A communication researcher in Australia is calling for more regulation of the growing practice of kids hawking toys as paid social media influencers. “These are often children of celebrities who develop lucrative partnerships with brands to maximize engagement and ‘selling power,’” Dr. Catherine Archer, of Edith Cowan University, said in a statement Wednesday. “Our study … Read more

EPA proposes ban on working-class chemical linked to fatal health risks

EPA proposes ban on working-class chemical linked to fatal health risks

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a solvent in adhesives, paint and coating products that is known to cause serious health risks and even death. “The science on methylene chloride is clear, exposure can lead to severe health impacts and even death, a reality for far too many families … Read more

The good, the bad and your coffee: Study exposes risks, benefits

The good, the bad and your coffee: Study exposes risks, benefits

Many people start their day with a nice cup of coffee, and though it has its benefits, it also comes with some disadvantages. A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the daily consumption of at least one cup of joe positively affects movement but negatively impacts sleep. It may … Read more

Coffee could slash obesity, type 2 diabetes risks: study

Coffee could slash obesity, type 2 diabetes risks: study

Making coffee a part of your daily grind can be beneficial to your health. A new study published in the journal BMJ Medicine suggests that drinking coffee regularly could reduce body fat and lower the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Researchers wanted to see if coffee drinkers were safe from type 2 diabetes because … Read more

Thousands of kids pajamas sold at Etsy, Macy’s recalled for burn risks

Thousands of kids pajamas sold at Etsy, Macy’s recalled for burn risks

Tens of thousands of children’s pajama sets are being recalled for failing to meet federal flammability standards.  Approximately 38,740 children’s PJ sets – manufactured by Selfie Craft Company – are included in the recall due to fears that they pose a risk of burn injuries to children, according to the recall notice posted by the Consumer Product … Read more

FDA warns that LASIK surgery patients need to be better informed of risks before procedure

FDA warns that LASIK surgery patients need to be better informed of risks before procedure

The surgery known as LASIK — Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis — is under the lens of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is causing controversy among eye experts.  The FDA released a 25-page draft guidance after receiving input from patients who felt they were not fully informed of the risks associated with the surgery, the … Read more

A top statistician says he’s started eating ‘a little more’ red meat after crunching the numbers on cancer and heart health risks

A top statistician says he’s started eating ‘a little more’ red meat after crunching the numbers on cancer and heart health risks

Studies often come to contradictory conclusions on how diet and fitness impact our odds of developing diseases. A new, independent statistical tool aims to cut through that noise.  One top expert said he has “a little more tolerance for eating red meat,” after developing the tool.  Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access … Read more

Neanderthal DNA May Provide Clues About the Genetic Risks for Brain Disorders and Addiction – Neuroscience News

Neanderthal DNA May Provide Clues About the Genetic Risks for Brain Disorders and Addiction – Neuroscience News

Summary: Traits with the strongest Neanderthal DNA contribution were sleep patterns, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption. Source: Estonian Research Council It has been known for a long time that human brain disorders such as neurological or psychiatric diseases run in families, suggesting some heritability. In line with this hypothesis, genetic risk factors for developing these … Read more

Strokes, heart attacks, sudden deaths: Does America understand the long-term risks of catching COVID?

Strokes, heart attacks, sudden deaths: Does America understand the long-term risks of catching COVID?

A 35-year-old acquaintance drops dead from a hemorrhagic stroke. A friend in her 40s, and another in his 70s, experience recurrent spells of extreme dizziness, their hearts pounding in their chests when they stand. A 21-year-old student with no prior medical history is admitted to the ICU with heart failure, while a 48-year-old avid tennis … Read more

Why Do Some Kids Take Bigger Risks Than Others? – Neuroscience News

Why Do Some Kids Take Bigger Risks Than Others? – Neuroscience News

Summary: A parent’s wealth and social status can influence a child’s risk-taking behaviors. Source: Boston University Some kids are risk-takers. Others tend to play it safe. Are these differences simply based on personality, or do children’s environments help shape their willingness to take a gamble? A new study from researchers in Boston University’s Social Development and Learning … Read more

Scientists Find Different Types of Obesity, Confirming High BMI Doesn’t Always Signal Health Risks

Scientists Find Different Types of Obesity, Confirming High BMI Doesn’t Always Signal Health Risks

Photo credit: RyanJLane – Getty Images “Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.” According to a new study published in Nature Metabolism, obesity is not just a matter of weight in relation to height or body mass index (BMI)—there are actually at least four metabolic body … Read more

Doctors want alcohol warning labels to flag cancer risks

Doctors want alcohol warning labels to flag cancer risks

If you drink alcohol, you’ve probably seen — or overlooked — warning labels on the back of bottles. But those labels haven’t been updated since the late 1980s. Now, researchers say they don’t adequately advertise alcohol consumption’s biggest potential health consequence: cancer, including breast cancer. In a perspective article in the New England Journal of … Read more