Among a sample of 434 head and neck cancer patients, researchers found that those with a vitamin D deficiency were almost twice more likely to experience a cancer recurrence than patients with healthy vitamin D levels. Laryngoscope, May 2018

Experts estimate that up to 20% of Americans aged 12 to 19 have some degree of hearing loss. Technology is most likely to blame, especially with the use of earbuds. To help protect your child’s hearing, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends: instruct them turn down the volume to about 60%, ask them to take…

Early breast cancer screening may translate into smaller tumors and less aggressive breast cancer treatments. In this study, researchers found that women whose last mammogram was 25 months or more before their breast cancer diagnosis were 50% more likely to need chemotherapy, 32% more likely to have a mastectomy, 66% more likely to need lymph…

Americans can add a decade to their life expectancy with just a handful of healthy habits. The findings from two studies that followed the health habits and lifestyles of over 123,000 health professionals starting in the 1980s revealed that the five key factors for improving longevity include not smoking, eating healthy, exercising regularly, maintaining a…

Individuals who suffer from gluten intolerance or sensitivity must pay close attention to ingredients, as even a small amount of gluten can cause a reaction. Even over-the-counter and prescription meds can contain gluten. To avoid gluten in medications, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests: carefully read the ingredients on all your meds, talk to…

Little research exists on child safety in rear-facing car seats in the event of a rear-end crash. In this study, Ohio State University researchers tested several rear-facing car seats in rear-end crashes and found that all of the seats were effective at supporting a child’s head, neck, and spine. Study lead author Dr. Julie Mansfield…

The Office of Women’s Health notes that drinking polluted water can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, and reproductive and developmental problems. To help reduce the risk of consuming polluted water, the agency recommends the following: recycle batteries and other harmful electronic waste; test your drinking water for harmful pollutants; filter or boil water to remove…

When receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, it is important to prepare a list of questions for your doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends inquiring about the following: the type and size of the breast cancer; if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere; what stage is the cancer; how curable is the…

Because blood sugar and blood pressure can influence cholesterol levels, the American Diabetes Association recommends the following: if you smoke, quit; lose excess weight; exercise daily; and eat a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. American Diabetes Association, March 2018

An analysis of the health histories of over 25,000 veterans revealed that colonoscopy screening cuts the risk of colorectal cancer mortality by as much as 61%. Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Andrew Chan writes, “I am not surprised… The results confirm an already substantial body of data supporting that colonoscopy is associated with a substantial reduction…