A new study finds ‘timing cells’ in the brain may underlie an animal’s inner clock NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY EVANSTON, Ill. — Are you taking your time when feeding your pet? Fluffy and Fido are on to you — and they can tell when you are dawdling. A new study from Northwestern University has found some of...
Category: <span>Patient Education</span>
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Are generics as good as brand-name drugs?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandates that they perform the same way and are as safe and effective as brand–name drugs. However, makers of generics don’t have to repeat the clinical trials done on the originals. To be approved by the FDA, a generic must show “bioequivalence”—there can’t be a significant difference from the brand in the rate and amount of absorption of the drug when...
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What causes multiple sclerosis? What we know, don’t know and suspect
U.S. actress Selma Blair announced on the weekend she has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “I have probably had this incurable disease for 15 years at least,” she wrote. “And I am relieved to at least know.” People exposed to low levels of sunlight are more likely to have MS than those who live in warm climates. Credit:...
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Why washing your hands well is so important to protect your family from the flu
During my second year of graduate school, I moved in with my sister’s family to save money. “You must get the flu shot if you are going to live here,” my sister declared. Both of my nieces were under the age of 5, putting them at a high risk of flu complications; therefore, it was critical that I do my part in,...
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Bad Breath, Funky Feet, and 6 More Embarrassing Issues You Should Talk to Your Doc About
These “embarrassing” little problems can be big, fat warning signs for some seriously dangerous medical issues. On the path to adulthood, we’ve all faced our fair share of challenges. We’ve overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our personal and professional lives. We’ve had to find our voices and stand up for ourselves. We’ve learned to be fearless...
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Parents Advised Not to Give Decongestants to Young Children
Experts say the mild relief decongestants provide for colds aren’t worth the side effects. Some experts say children under 6 shouldn’t be given decongestants. Getty ImagesDecongestants used to treat symptoms of the common cold are largely ineffective and should mostly be avoided, a new study says. Researchers say the minor relief offered by decongestants is outweighed by the risks and side effects associated...
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Can I still use prescription drugs after they expire?
The Harvard Medical School republished a well-worn article in August that recounted a 1985 study in which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looked to pinpoint expiration dates for more than 100 drugs in an effort to unburden the U.S. military from some of the exorbitant annual costs of replacing its pharmaceuticals. Credit: CC0 Public Domain...
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3D mammography detected 34 percent more breast cancers in screening
After screening 15 000 women over a period of five years, a major clinical study in Sweden has shown that 3D mammography, or breast tomosynthesis, detects over 30% more cancers compared to traditional mammography – with a majority of the detected tumors proving to be invasive cancers. The extensive screening study was conducted by Lund...
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Teenaged girls did not engage in riskier sexual behavior after HPV vaccination introduced in school
Despite fears to the contrary, sexual behaviors of adolescent girls stayed the same or became safer after publicly funded school-based HPV vaccinations were introduced in British Columbia (BC), according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) Some groups have been concerned that HPV vaccination could encourage early sexual activity, unprotected sex, and...
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Five salad killers to skip
Whether you’re at home or facing a tempting all-you-can-eat salad bar at a restaurant, these tips will keep fat and calories in check. Creamy dressings can have more than 130 calories per serving, nearly all of the fat—and not the healthiest type of fat, either. Ranch, cheese and mayo-based dressings are all culprits. Instead, a drizzle of vinegar and...