Welcome to the HealthGrabber podcast - a unique medical information resource featuring brief audio segments on interesting health and wellness topics.
Are you guilty of sitting at a computer jutting your head forward to look more closely at the screen?
Patients who undergo heart surgery do not experience worse memory changes when compared to less-invasive catheterization procedures, according to new research.
When someone comes to work sick, about half of the commonly touched surfaces in an office will become infected with the virus by lunchtime - according to a University of Arizona study.
FDA Alert - Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Cipro and Levaquin can increase the occurrence of rare ruptures or tears in the main artery of the body, called the aorta.
The American Heart Association notes statins are associated with a low risk of side effects and their benefits outweigh the risks.
Doctors could improve the care of high blood pressure by relying more on home blood pressure checks and not so much on the less-accurate office blood pressure measurements.
People younger than age 40 who have high blood pressure are at increased risk of heart failure, strokes and blood vessel blockages as they age.
In folk medicine, it has long been believed that odorous compounds derived from plant extracts can relieve anxiety. Science confirms the smell of lavender is relaxing.
People with high blood pressure taking medication are more likely to benefit from the therapy if they have good oral health, according to a new study in the journal Hypertension.
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea who have short interruptions in breathing while they sleep - are actually at higher risk for death than those with longer interruptions.
Yo-yoing fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and/or blood sugar levels in otherwise healthy people may be associated with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death from any cause compared to people with more stable readings.
It's not just for kids - even adults appear to benefit from a regular bedtime. People with irregular sleep patterns weighed more, had higher blood sugar, higher blood pressure, and a higher projected risk of having a heart attack or stroke within 10 years - according to Duke University research.
Special MRI scans of hockey players with concussions found that the protective fatty tissue surrounding brain cell fibers was loosened two weeks after the injury--even though the athletes felt fine and were deemed ready to return to the ice. Passing a concussion test may not be a reliable indicator of whether the brain has truly healed.
Chigger bites may be another cause of the "alpha-gal" allergic reaction to red meat. The majority of "alpha-gal syndrome" in the U.S. has been thought related to the bite of the Lone Star tick.
Chagas disease is most commonly acquired through contact with an infected “kissing bug.” This disease is endemic throughout much of Mexico, Central America, and South America – but the American Heart Association recently estimated that about 300,000 people are infected with Chagas in the United States.
Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clears up in a few days, but measles can cause serious health complications.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Occurrence has more than doubled in the past 30 years.
As children spend more time tethered to screens, Ophthalmologists have increasing concern about potential harm to visual development.
In the majority of concussions there is no loss of consciousness - but there is temporary loss of some sort of brain function.
Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death of American children. Many deaths could be prevented.
University of Arizona research shows lavender aromatherapy is all it takes to calm an anxious equine.
Any dog no matter the size might bite if provoked. Children and seniors are the most common victims.
This new study found teens who were heavy users of digital devices were twice as likely as infrequent users to show symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - ADHD.
Living close to nature and spending time outside has significant and wide-ranging health benefits according to new British research. In Japan Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) is already a popular practice.
The real benefits and risks of vitamin and mineral supplements according to the American College of Cardiology.
Treating atrial fibrillation with ablation reduces mortality and stroke according to a new study.
Sometimes simple actions in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Listen to some basic things anyone should know.
Boating safety demands understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide and knowing the potential sources on a boat.
Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if over exposed to the sun and the heat.
New guidelines recommend earlier colorectal cancer screening - because an increased incidence has been found in young adults.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255
City upbringing without pets may boost vulnerability to mental illness - possible new aspect of hygiene hypothesis.
Patients with stable coronary artery disease can benefit from heart artery stenting if significant obstruction to heart artery flow is proven according to new research.
Recreational water illness can be a variety of infections including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections.
Many people develop vision trouble with prolonged viewing of computer, tablet and smartphone screens. Helpful solutions to consider.
More than 9,000 children younger than age 6 are hospitalized annually for accidental ingestion of prescription drugs. Learn tips for keeping young children safe.
Yogis and Buddhists are right - meditation and breathing exercises can sharpen your mind. New research suggests the neurophysiological link between breath-focused meditation and attention.
Parents not only need to pay attention to the amount of time children spend on digital media - but also how, when and where they use it!
Only using electric fans to relieve high levels of heat and humidity could be disastrous for seniors. Everyone needs to know how to avoid heat-related illness.
Five healthy habits can have a huge effect on living longer. Women can get an extra 14 years of life and men 12 extra years, according to new research.
Each day in the U.S. more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 people are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.
Young children are particularly at risk because their bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster. Consider reminders that a child is in the car.
Blue light at night suppresses melatonin and increases alertness. Amber-tinted glasses may provide relief.
Coffee consumption linked to decreased rate of atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias.
Heart attacks in women can present differently than in men and have a greater risk of death!
Drinking 24 or more ounces of sugary drinks a day could lead to a higher risk of dying from heart disease.
Gasping is a survival reflex triggered by the brain and can increase the chances of surviving cardiac arrest.