Aaron Jencks

TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Too little sleep. Not enough exercise. Far too much “screen time.” That is the unhealthy lifestyle of nearly all U.S. high school students, new research finds. The study, of almost 60,000 teenagers nationwide, found that only 5 percent were meeting experts’ recommendations on three critical health habits: sleep; exercise; and time spent gazing at digital media and television. It’s no secret that many teenagers are attached to their cellphones, or stay up late, or spend a lot of time being sedentary. But even researchers were struck by how extensive those issues are among high school students. “Five percent is a really low proportion,” said study leader Gregory Knell, a research fellow at University of Texas School of Public Health, in Dallas. “We were a bit surprised by that.” In general, medical experts say teenagers should get eight to 10 hours of sleep at...

(HealthDay News) — Lice are typically spread by direct head-to-head contact, and less often can be spread by sharing clothing or belongings such as backpacks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Once head lice fall from a host, they can survive for fewer than a couple of days, the agency adds. The CDC suggests how to control the spread of head lice: Avoid head-to-head contact with an infested person. Do not share hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons or barrettes. Do not share combs, brushes or towels. Disinfect combs and brushes by soaking them for several hours in hot water (at least 130 degrees F). Avoid beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with an infested person. Wash and dry in hot water clothing, bed sheets and other items that an infested person used. Items that are not washable can...

MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — One way to get better medical care and more value for your health care dollars is to find yourself a primary care provider, researchers say. For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 70,000 U.S. adults who took part in a Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Of those, more than 49,000 had a primary care doctor and about 21,000 did not. Adults with primary care were more likely to receive high-value cancer screenings, such as colonoscopy or mammography (78 percent with primary care versus 67 percent without). They also received more diagnostic and preventive tests, such as flu vaccination and blood pressure checks. Patients with primary care were also more likely to receive counseling, especially to help them quit smoking, the investigators found. “If you have a primary care relationship, you have a better experience with care, better access to care, and a...

(HealthDay News) — When a thin piece of wood, glass or metal gets embedded within the top layers of your skin, you know how annoying and painful a splinter can be.
The U.S. Library of Medicine suggests how to remove a splinter safely:

• • Sterilize a pin or needle by soaking it in rubbing alcohol or by placing the tip in a flame.
  • Wash your hands with soap.
  • Use the pin or needle to gently remove skin over the splinter.
  • Then use the tip of the pin to lift the end of the splinter out.
  • You may need to use tweezers to pull out the splinter after you lift it.

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WEDNESDAY, Jan. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you’d like to lighten up on carbs without compromising the taste of dishes you love, make cauliflower “rice” your go-to substitute ingredient. Cauliflower is among the healthiest of all vegetables, high in vitamin C, fiber and folate. “Ricing” it simply means pulsing it in a food processor until chunks become the size of rice grains. Then use them for dishes that call for rice, pasta and even potatoes. This recipe is a great substitute for traditional fried rice, and you can customize it with additional low-calorie vegetables of your choice. For a complete meal, toss in cooked shrimp or chicken cubes at the end. Cauliflower Fried Rice 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided 4 carrots, chopped 1 red or yellow onion, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons ginger, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup corn kernels...

(HealthDay News) — Cooking with your child will help build confidence in tasting the unfamiliar, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.
By exposing your child to different types of food, you will boost the child’s willingness to try new dishes.

The academy mentions these additional potential benefits:

• • You can help your child boost senses besides taste.
  • Use cooking as a way to teach concepts such as counting, measurement and fractions.
  • The family meal can celebrate your cultural heritage.
  • Teach your child the importance of staying safe while cooking. Show the child how to use kitchen tools safely, how to use oven mitts to protect hands, and how to turn appliances on and off safely.
  • Ask the child for input in planning meals.

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(HealthDay News) — Bronchitis is typically caused by a respiratory virus, and much less frequently, by a bacterial infection, the American Lung Association says.
Risk factors include having close contact with someone who has bronchitis, failure to get age-appropriate vaccinations, and exposure to tobacco smoke, fumes, dust and air pollution.

The American Lung Association says symptoms of bronchitis typically include:

• • Coughing up mucus that may be yellow or green.
  • Runny and stuffy nose starting a few days before chest congestion.
  • Feeling tired.
  • Sore ribs from prolonged periods of coughing.
  • Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing.

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TUESDAY, Jan. 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Socializing with friends is great for physical and emotional well-being, but if all of your get-togethers are at restaurants or bars, it can be hard to stick to a healthy eating plan. Try these ideas for having fun without placing the emphasis on food. Both you and your friends will benefit. Turn your brunch group into an arts project. Whether you’re quilting, knitting or crafting, busy hands can’t reach for snacks. If you’d rather look at art than create it, try going to different museums rather than bar-hopping with your friends. Want to get even more physical? Grab a few friends or another couple and sign up for a 5K or 10K race, and hold your own training sessions once or twice a week until the big event. Or choose a charity and do volunteer work as a group on a weekend afternoon....

TUESDAY, Jan. 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — As a giant polar vortex sweeps down over most of the United States, bringing with it temperatures so frigid that frostbite and hypothermia can happen within minutes, doctors have some advice for those who dare to venture outside. The swath of the cold freeze is so wide and deep that roughly 75 percent of Americans living on the U.S. mainland will feel its effects, according to CNN. If you are under the age of 25, “you’ve never felt this cold before,” said CNN meteorologist Tom Sater. Already, two deaths are being blamed on the sub-zero temperatures, one in Minnesota and one in Illinois, CNN reported. And the worst weather is still to come for many. So, how can you protect yourself from the onslaught of Arctic weather? “In the cold weather, it’s important to keep your head, face and nose covered, but most...

(HealthDay News) — More than 12,000 women get cervical cancer every year, but more than 90 percent of cases may be preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
In 2012, some 8 million U.S. women aged 21 to 65 reported they had not been screened for cervical cancer in the last five years, the agency says.

The CDC recommends:

• • Vaccinate girls ages 11-12 against human papilloma virus (HPV), a primary cause of cervical cancer.
  • Obtain Pap tests every three years for women 21 to 29.
  • Women ages 30 to 65 should either get a Pap test every 3 years OR a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years.

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(HealthDay News) — As your child ages, he or she should play a greater role in getting medical care, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.
The academy suggests how to empower your teen to make informed medical decisions:

• • At about age 14, kids should be able to: understand and explain any medical conditions they have, know which medicines they take and why, be aware of any allergies, and know whom to contact for medical equipment or supplies.
  • By age 18, your child should know: how to make doctor appointments. how to fill a prescription and pick it up from the pharmacy and how to look for a primary care doctor by asking for recommendations and checking insurance coverage.

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MONDAY, Jan. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — When counting calories, don’t forget those in beverages. You might not realize how many you’re drinking. For instance, if you have a fancy coffee to start your day, a large soda with lunch and sweet tea with your afternoon snack, you could tally up hundreds of calories before you factor in your first bite of solid food. Here are seven ideas for cutting back on these calories to speed weight loss and give you more leeway for satisfying meals: Number 1: Make water, plain tea or black coffee your default drink. Even diet sodas aren’t good for your health, so avoid them. Instead, add a splash of fruit juice to a glass of sparkling water and top it off with a lemon, lime, cucumber or watermelon slice. Number 2: For every other beverage, consider its nutritional value before you take a sip. For...