Health Library

Extra Vitamin D May Ease Crohn's Symptoms, Study Finds SATURDAY, May 18 (HealthDay News) -- Vitamin D supplements may help those with Crohn's disease overcome the fatigue and decreased muscle strength associated with the inflammatory bowel disease, according to new research. Extra vitamin D "was associated with significantly less physical, emotional and general fatigue, greater quality of life and the ability to perform activities of daily living," said Tara Raftery, a research dietitian and doctoral ca...

Eyelash Extension Adhesives May Cause Bad Reactions THURSDAY, May 16 (HealthDay News) -- For those who aren't born with long, fluttery eyelashes, cosmetic extensions can help achieve that often sought-after look. But eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply these eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) warns that among the potential dangers associated with cosmetic eyelash extensions and the adhesives used to apply them are infections o...

Erectile Dysfunction Tied to Long-Term Narcotic Use in Men WEDNESDAY, May 15 (HealthDay News) -- If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life. A new study found that men who were prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction or low testosterone levels were more likely to be taking opioid (narcotic) medications for chronic back pain. "People who have persistent pain problems need to know that a potential side...

Experimental Drug Seems to Aid Memory in Mice With Alzheimer's TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- An experimental drug improved the memory and brain function in older mice with advanced symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. Researchers from the Salk Institute in San Diego found that the drug, known as J147, increased levels of proteins that form the connections responsible for learning and memory, and reduced levels of a protein linked to cell death in the mice. This explains how t...

Even Low Levels of Lead Hamper Kindergartners' Reading Skills: Study TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Even children with low levels of lead in their blood score lower on reading-readiness tests when they begin kindergarten, a new study found. "We now know that poorer scores on reading-readiness tests are associated with low lead levels," said researcher Patricia McLaine, director of community/public health nursing at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. "That's important, because we are very...

Exercise May Ease Pain of Fibromyalgia, Study Suggests FRIDAY, May 10 (HealthDay News) -- Exercise won't exacerbate the pain associated with fibromyalgia, and it may actually improve it, a new study suggests. Researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., found that engaging in light to moderate physical activity over time could ease symptoms of the condition. "For many people with fibromyalgia, they will exercise for a week or two and then start hurting and think that exerc...

Estrogen Levels Tied to Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death in Study FRIDAY, May 10 (HealthDay News) -- Higher levels of the hormone estrogen are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in men and women, a new study suggests. Sudden cardiac death can occur when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating (sudden cardiac arrest). Each year in the United States, more than 350,000 people die of sudden cardiac death. Researchers examined data from people in Portland, Ore., who suffered sud...

Everyday Noise Levels May Affect the Heart THURSDAY, May 9 (HealthDay News) -- Even the minor noise that fills everyday life, from the ring of a cell phone to the conversation that follows, may have short-term effects on heart function, a small new study suggests. In the study of 110 adults equipped with portable heart monitors, researchers found that people's heart rate tended to climb as their noise exposure increased -- even when the noise remained below 65 decibels. That's about as loud as a normal ...

Eating Peppers Tied to Lower Parkinson's Risk, Study Finds THURSDAY, May 9 (HealthDay News) -- Eating vegetables that naturally contain nicotine, such as peppers and tomatoes, may reduce your risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. Previous research has found that smoking and other types of tobacco use are associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, and it is believed that nicotine provides the protective effect. Tobacco belongs to a plant family called Sola...

Extreme Birth Weights Tied to Autism in Swedish Study FRIDAY, May 3 (HealthDay News) -- A much larger or much smaller birth weight than average may be associated with an increased risk of autism, according to a large new study. Researchers examined data from more than 40,000 children in Sweden, and found that those who weighed more than 9.9 pounds or less than 5.5 pounds at birth were more likely to have autism than those with a normal birth weight. Specifically, smaller babies had a 63 percent greater ...