Nancy Shute
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Despite decades of effort, doctors have made almost no progress in reducing the number of people with uncontrolled high blood pressure. It's time to take a much broader approach, an advisory says, with insurers, pharmacists and the community all involved in making it easier for patients to get help.
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Doctors know who's had a stroke, but they often know a lot less about those people's quality of life afterward. A study of the long-term effects finds that even people with very mild strokes report declines in their quality of life. Anxiety about another stroke and the need for ongoing medical care are two factors.
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Hormone replacement therapy used to be considered a fountain of youth for women. Then studies from the Women's Health Initiative found that HRT raised women's risk of chronic diseases. A final report from the massive study says hormone therapy can help younger women manage menopause symptoms, but it isn't safe for use long-term.
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Ask a 9-year-old how likely it is that his bike will be stolen, and he'll probably lowball the risks — even after you tell him the odds. Researchers say children and teens aren't very good at applying data about on dangers, which may explain their seemingly irrational decision-making.
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Lots of parents yell at their teenagers, but harsh verbal punishment is associated with more bad behavior on the part of the kid. Research shows that yelling is ineffective for changing behavior. A step back and a deep breath may be better options.
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Young athletes who have two concussions within a year take nearly three times as long to recover as someone experiencing one concussion. A history of past concussions also hurt recovery times.
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When researchers challenged people with heart disease to perform some stressful tasks, those who took a popular antidepressant had fewer symptoms related to low blood flow to the heart. The findings, though preliminary, suggest another avenue for treatment.
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Supplements with the antioxidant lutein and omega-3 fatty acids didn't stop age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the United States, a new study suggests. But other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, do seem to help.
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The Pennsylvania Dutch didn't invent the whoopie pie and other dubious tourist fare. Instead, they developed a complex, largely unknown cuisine that reflects the pressures and possibilities of becoming American.
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Getting groceries delivered may be the easiest environmentally friendly thing you've ever done, new research says. Think of it as your food taking mass transit.