HealthDay (7/7) reported, "Experts are urging residents of several states to beware of the 'giant hogweed,' a tall plant native to Central Asia with umbrella-size flowers containing toxic sap that can cause burns, blisters and, in some cases, even blindness." The plant, whose botanical name is Heracleum Mantegazzianum, "is already a concern in the Northeast and … Continue reading Giant Hogweed May Cause Burns, Blindness
KDT Posts
Massage Therapy May Relieve Chronic Back Pain
Massage therapy may effectively reduce or relieve chronic back pain for 6 months or more, according to the results of a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial reported in the July 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. "Recent reviews have found limited evidence that massage is an effective treatment for chronic back pain, and no studies have compared … Continue reading Massage Therapy May Relieve Chronic Back Pain
Study: Medicaid Recipients Better Off Than Uninsured
The New York Times (7/7, A14, Kolata, Subscription Publication) reports, "When poor people are given medical insurance, they not only find regular doctors and see doctors more often, but they also feel better, are less depressed and are better able to maintain financial stability, according to a new, large-scale study that provides the first rigorously controlled assessment … Continue reading Study: Medicaid Recipients Better Off Than Uninsured
Sitting For Long Time May Double Women’s Risk Of Pulmonary Embolism
The CNN (7/5, Hudson) "The Chart" blog reported, "Extensive sitting increases women's risk of pulmonary embolism, finds a new study in the current issue of the British Medical Journal." HealthDay (7/5, Preidt) reported, "The researchers said their study is the first to prove that an inactive lifestyle increases the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when … Continue reading Sitting For Long Time May Double Women’s Risk Of Pulmonary Embolism
Eye on Health: Colored Contact Danger
The desire to look like celebrities might be fueling the craze for colored contact lenses. For Erica Barnes, her decision to change her look nearly cost her vision. "I couldn't open my eyes and every time I tried it started hurting more," says Barnes. The 14 year old had only worn them for a day … Continue reading Eye on Health: Colored Contact Danger