For many young adults, social media is where life happens: Friendships, news, stress, all rolled into a single screen. But a new study suggests that stepping away, even for just one week, may help ease anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Researchers tracked 295 young adults ages 18 to 24 who agreed to limit their social…

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What if something as simple as a daily walk could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease? A new study finds taking just over 5,000 steps a day may slow the buildup of tau protein in the brain… one of the key hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, along with amyloid plaques. These proteins spread as the disease…

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Why does sugar taste so good — and why do we want it so badly? Scientists may finally have the answer.  For the first time, researchers have figured out the structure of the sweet receptor — the tiny part of your tongue that tells your brain when something tastes sweet. The study, published May 7…

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Spring has sprung, and the battle with seasonal allergies is underway in earnest. But there’s a lot folks can do to manage their pollen-produced misery, according to Dr. Zachary Rubin, a Chicago-area pediatrician and allergy expert. “There’s a lot of different issues at play when it comes to seasonal allergies, especially as tree pollen counts…

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Heart disease might contribute to the sort of brain shrinkage seen in dementia, a new study says. People with early signs of heart problems are more likely to have brain changes associated with dementia, researchers reported on March 26 in the journal Neurology. Specifically, people whose hearts aren’t pumping blood efficiently are more likely to…

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Many seniors suffer long-term health issues after a hip fracture, even after hip replacement surgeries.  Now, research shows that a patient’s mental health could be crucial to how well they bounce back in the years after these injuries. “Addressing overall mental health during the recovery process from hip fractures is crucial,” concludes study senior author…

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Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, otherwise known as ADHD, may face a shorter life expectancy than their peers. On average, men with ADHD died seven years earlier than men without it, while women with ADHD died nine years earlier than their counterparts, according to a study of more than 30,000 people published Thursday in…

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Despite decades of campaigns highlighting the “baby on back” recommendation for safe infant sleep, 12% of 4-month-old babies in the United States are still put to bed lying on their sides or tummies, a new report finds. That number rises to 19% among infants aged 9 months and 23% among 1-year-olds. Putting an infant to…

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People whose genes put them at high risk for dementia may be able to fight Mother Nature and win, new research out of Sweden suggests. The weapon: Working out on a regular basis to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, also known as CRF.  CRF is the capacity of the body’s circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen…

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