Top Health Updates:
How Social Media Increases Depression and Loneliness
Studies have linked the use of social media to depression, anxiety, poorer sleep quality, lower self-esteem, inattention, and hyperactivity — often in teens and adolescents. The list goes on. However, these studies are almost entirely of an observational or correlational nature. But, a new study concludes that there is in fact a causal link between the use of social media and negative effects on well-being, primarily depression and loneliness.
Fountain of Youth? Fit Seniors Can Have Hearts That Look 30 Years Younger
People in their 70s who have been exercising regularly for decades seem to have put a brake on the aging process, maintaining the heart, lung and muscle fitness of healthy people at least 30 years younger. Read More
Electronic Health Records Bogging Docs Down
Electronic health records are supposed to help doctors, but stress from using them may lead to burnout — and primary care doctors are at greatest risk, new research suggests.
Infants’ Liquid Ibuprofen Recalled at Walmart, CVS, Others
Tris Pharma Inc. has voluntarily recalled three lots of infants’ liquid ibuprofen sold at Walmart, CVS, and Family Dollar, because they may contain too much ibuprofen. Read More
More News:
Early Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Associated With Lower Imaging Rates, Opioid Prescriptions, and Overall Cost
In findings on neck pain that echo the results of similar studies on low back pain, researchers have identified an association between early consultation with a physical therapist (PT) and lower rates of opioid prescription, imaging, and injections. Those lower-use rates contributed to significant cost savings over a 1-year study period compared with patients who waited 90 days or more before seeing a PT, according to the study’s authors.
Two More Valsartan Drugs Make Growing Recall List
Two more valsartan blood pressure drugs have been recalled because of impurities in its key ingredient. Teva Pharmaceuticals announced a nationwide recall of all amlodipine/valsartan combination tablets and all amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets due to a problem with the valsartan active ingredient manufactured in Mylan, India. An impurity known as N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) was found in Mylan’s valsartan. NDEA has been found to possibly cause cancer in humans.
The FDA in July announced the recall of five other valsartan products for NDEA contamination as well as possible contamination from a similar impurity, NDMA. Several more recalls were announced in August, while an irbesartan-based blood pressure drug was recalled earlier this month, along with another made with losartan. Read More
Infections Like Flu, UTI Can Put You at Higher Risk for Heart Attack
Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and smoking cigarettes are all well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. So are conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Now a new study adds to that list. Researchers found that in older adults, infection increased the risk of having a coronary event — such as a heart attack — or stroke over the next three months.
Singing Relieves Symptoms of Parkinson’s
According to a recent pilot study, singing therapy might reduce some of the difficult-to-treat motor and mood symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
AHSA: 10 Tips for Getting Kids to Go Low Tech This Holiday Season
For audiologists and speech-language pathologists craving a lower-tech holiday season professionally and personally, share these 10 tips to make this goal a reality and help families instead embrace conversation, communication and bonding this holiday season. Read More
More Sickened in E. Coli Outbreak Affecting Romaine Lettuce, CDC Says
The number sickened in an E.coli outbreak involving romaine lettuce has grown to 52. Read More
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