Giggling Epilepsy
Epilepsy can show itself in many ways, including as episodes of giggling and laughing. An expert discusses the case of a then-nine-year old boy with such seizures, the danger they posed, and the novel way he was treated.
Public Health and Public Safety Sub-categories:
- Child Safety (37)
- Crisis Intervention (3)
- Distracted Driving (6)
- Drug Overdose (11)
- Drunk/Impaired Driving (7)
- Food Insecurity (8)
- Global Health Emergency (2)
- Harm Reduction (11)
- Obesity and Body Weight (42)
- Opioid Epidemic (33)
- Oral Health and Dental Hygiene (11)
- Public Health (494)
- Public Safety (196)
- Risk (323)
- Smoking (31)
- Vaping and E-cigarettes (12)
- Vulnerable Populations (295)
Copper Toxicity
High levels of copper in the body can produce mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and aggression. However, most doctors don’t test for copper levels and may prescribe medications like antidepressants instead.
History’s Worst Plagues
Plagues can wipe out entire populations and create fear and great mystery in how they spread. An author who has explored plagues and dangerous diseases explains.
The Economics of Later School Start Times
Thirty years of research has shown that teenagers’ biology prevents them from getting to sleep much before 11pm, and with most high schools starting classes around 8 am, they are chronically sleep deprived. Experts discuss how students and even the economy would benefit and why many school districts still oppose the change.
Dog Breeds and Dog Bites
Nearly 40 percent of American homes have a dog, and while dogs may be “man’s best friend,” sometimes they bite, and sometimes with serious consequences. An expert who has studied dog bites discusses the reality of breed temperament, especially when children are around, how to prevent bites, and whether breeds with dangerous reputations deserve them.
School Crossing Safety
A safety expert and a veteran school crossing guard—the nation’s “favorite crossing guard”-- discuss.
A Radical Diet to Prevent Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer in the US, but a well known cardiologist says if everyone would follow a plant-based, oil-free diet, heart disease could be eradicated. Yet many cardiologists won’t prescribe such a diet, fearing it’s so difficult to follow that it’s a prescription for defeat. Experts discuss.
The Pros and Cons of Mobile Health Apps
Mobile health apps are becoming very popular, though some are being shown to have little benefit. Few barriers exist to almost anyone entering the field whether they have health expertise or not. Privacy is also a concern. Experts discuss how people can protect themselves and find apps that do what they want.
Medical Notes: Week of July 21, 2019
A study showing gestational diabetes during pregnancy can raise the risk for type 1 diabetes in the child. Then, a specific antibiotic that might help women with symptoms from endometriosis. And finally, gazing down at smartphones is causing the development of "horns" in young adults.
Fatty Liver Disease: Silently Growing
Most people associate cirrhosis of the liver with heavy alcohol use. But nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which also leads to cirrhosis, is growing rapidly, and may affect a quarter of the population. Experts discuss this silent disease and what people can do to prevent and treat it.
Cancer Treatment and Sex
Cancer treatment has always focused on survival. Now doctors are increasingly focusing on side effects, including the effect of treatment on sexual function and satisfaction. However, many patients are shy about bringing up their difficulties, unaware there are ways to help. One of the nation’s top experts discusses.
Medical Notes: Week of July 14, 2019
A new study finds the people we trust most, friends and family may be at fault for triggering opioid addiction. Then, a new study finds that vitamin D may help cancer patients live longer, and finally, another reason you should think twice before dozing off with the television left on.
