NewsMD

Vitamin D supplements spill out onto a table

NewsMD

Low vitamin D levels linked to chronic inflammation

When you sprain your ankle or have an infection inflammation helps to heal tissues. But when inflammation is chronic, or long term, it can contribute to conditions such as heart disease and autoimmune diseases. Researchers have found a link between chronic inflammation and low levels of vitamin D. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

NewsMD

Minnesota man makes breakthrough in stem cell research

A discovery made in the lab sparked the creation of Anatomic Inc., which sells human stem cell-derived sensory neurons to pharmaceutical companies for the possible creation of new, nonaddictive painkillers.

August 07, 2022 10:00 AM

NewsMD

The 988 mental health hotline is expanding, but rural areas still face care shortages

Rural Americans, who die by suicide at a far higher rate than residents of urban areas, often have trouble accessing mental health services. While 988 can connect them to a call center close to home, they could end up being directed to far-away resources.

August 06, 2022 10:00 AM

NewsMD

What should I tell my husband with dementia when he tries to talk to his long-dead parents?

"Minding Our Elders" columnist Carol Bradley Bursack hears from a reader wondering how to respond when their spouse with dementia sees or talks with his long-deceased parents.

August 06, 2022 08:00 AM

Latest Headlines

Adults are supposed to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night, but at least a third of U.S. adults get less than that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NewsMD

Why the American Heart Association now lists sleep as a measure of heart health

Blood pressure, body weight, cholesterol and blood glucose are some of the numbers that measure heart health. The American Heart Association has added sleep to that list. Why? Because research about how sleep effects those numbers keeps emerging. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and sleep expert about why sleep is vital to your heart health.

August 05, 2022 04:33 PM

By Viv Williams

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NewsMD

Minnesota maternal mortality study reveals racial disparities in deaths

The Minnesota Department of Health's first-ever such study finds high disparities among Indigenous, Black persons, with most deaths in the months following giving birth associated but not related to pregnancy.

August 05, 2022 10:15 AM

By Paul John Scott

Minnesota

24 Minnesota crisis pregnancy centers promote ‘dangerous’ abortion pill reversal; some are state-funded

Abortion pill reversal, a controversial and harmful practice intended to ‘reverse’ an abortion halfway through, is still being advertised by Rochester's First Care Pregnancy Center and other Minnesota anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers. First Care Pregnancy Center does not receive state funds, but five centers that promote the practice do.

August 05, 2022 09:24 AM

By Molly Castle Work

Having a 20-minute nature experience reduced levels of stress hormones, a study found. (Dreamstime/TNS)

NewsMD

Breathe in the smells of nature to improve your sense of well-being

What is it about our sense of smell that can both transport us back to grandma's cozy kitchen or send us fleeing, noses pinched shut, for fresh air? Aromas can be powerful. New research shows that the smells of nature can improve your sense of well-being. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

August 04, 2022 06:00 PM

By Viv Williams

NewsMD

Find out what being a victim of financial fraud or a scam could do to your blood pressure

When a scammer calls about your car's warranty or overdue taxes that must be paid immediately or you'll be hauled off to jail, do you get mad, scared or irritated? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams checks out a new study that explores what being a victim of financial scams and fraud can do to your blood pressure.

August 03, 2022 06:30 PM

By Viv Williams

NewsMD

What gout flare-ups may mean to your risk of heart attack and stroke

If you're ever had gout, you know how painful and debilitating the flare-ups can be. But your feet may not be the only things that need attention. A new study shows a bout with gout may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke temporarily afterward. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

August 03, 2022 10:38 AM

By Viv Williams

NewsMD

Grandma Jean's board game prowess at age 91 may be the proof researchers seek about staying sharper longer

On a trip up north to the lake, a traditional family board game battle reveals a possible, real-life example of how participation may help keep your mind sharp. In this "Health Fusion" column, Viv Williams digs into research and shares thoughts on why 91-year-old Grandma Jean continues to preside over every game — no matter how challenging — as winner.

August 03, 2022 10:00 AM

By Viv Williams

NewsMD

FDA begins deliberations on menthol cigarette ban

A ban would halt the manufacture and sale of peppermint-flavored cigarettes and cigars. The cigarettes, which are used by 18.5 million Americans and 85% of Black smokers, are known to appeal to young users, increase tolerability, and make it harder to quit. Health officials say the ban would not result in the targeting of individual smokers for enforcement.

August 02, 2022 02:00 PM

By Paul John Scott

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NewsMD

Baby blues or postpartum depression? How to tell the difference and when to seek treatment

Many women feel tired, anxious and a little down after delivering a baby. Persistent symptoms could mean it's more than just the baby blues. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to an OBGYN physician about warning signs and treatment options.

August 01, 2022 02:33 PM

By Viv Williams