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Health News Results - 46

New Youth Mental Health Program Shows Promise

Teenagers who land in an ER with a mental health crisis can be effectively helped by a community-based program.

New research shows that troubled teens placed in such a program were significantly less likely to return to the ER or require inpatient psychiatric care due to a follow-up crisis.

The program did not reduce risk of a subsequent suicide attempt, but did reduce the risk of b...

Caregiving Stress Can Raise Blood Pressure for Young Black Women

Caregiving for children or sick loved ones can be very stressful. so much so it can affect your heart health, new research shows.

High caregiving stress increases risk of high blood pressure by nearly 40% among Black women ages 21 to 44, according to results published recently in the journal

Holiday Travel With a Loved One With Dementia: An Expert Offers Tips

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 27, 2024 -- Thanksgiving travel is a must for millions of Americans, but those plans will be complicated for some because they’re traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

“A family trip to vi...

Halloween Can Be Extra Scary for Folks With Dementia. An Expert Offers Caregiver Tips

Halloween is meant to be a spooky season, but it can be downright terrifying to someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

“Halloween is full of scary sights and frightful sounds that create additional challenges for someone living with dementia, which is why being a proactive caregiver is so important,” said

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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  • October 27, 2024
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  • 14.3 Million Americans Are Caring for Ill or Disabled Veteran

    Millions of Americans are caring for veterans, putting their finances and their mental health on the line to help those who have served the country.

    More than 14 million Americans now provide daily care to wounded, sick or injured military service members or veterans, a new study finds.

    And data show that care is tak...

    More Than 1 in 4 Americans Over 50 Are Now Caregivers

    More than 1 in 4 Americans 50 or older are now caregivers, looking after at least one family member or friend who has a health problem or disability, a new poll has found.

    In all, 30% of all people in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found.

    By comparison, only 23% of people over 65 are caregivers, ...

    July 4 Tips for Folks Caring for People With Alzheimer's

    Big pops of noise and light are always a part of Independence Day celebrations.

    But the "rocket's red glare" (and bang) can be disorienting and upsetting for people struggling with Alzheimer's.

    An expert offers up four key tips for caregivers on how to make this...

    Older Americans in Senior Housing Have Better Health Than Those Living at Home

    Independent living is important for seniors, but a new study shows it might not be the best thing for their health.

    Older adults living in senior housing tended to have better health than those who remain in their own homes, researchers found.

    People in senior housing are less vulnerable to illness and accidents, receive more health care at home and live slightly longer than older a...

    Modifying Homes for Stroke Survivors Helps Them Stay Independent

    Everyday tasks like taking a shower or navigating stairs can be risky business for folks in the aftermath of a stroke.

    But grab bars, shower seats, ramps and other safety interventions allow many to live independently and reduce the risk of premature death, new research confirms. 

    One in eight stroke survivors die within a year of leaving the hospital.

    "The transition per...

    Tips to Making Your Home Safer for People With Alzheimer's

    Bright lights, loud sounds and trip hazards can make a person with Alzheimer's uncomfortable in the home and even pose real dangers.

    The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) says a few easy fixes can change all that.

    "Every family caregiver's...

    Nearly 7 Million Americans Have Alzheimer's, and Caregivers Are Stressed

    Nearly 7 million American seniors are living with Alzheimer's dementia, placing a huge strain on both personal caregivers and the U.S. health care system, according to a new Alzheimer's Association report.

    The cost of caring for seniors with Alzheimer's is projected to reach $360 billion this year, up $15 billion from just a year ago, says the association's

  • Dennis Thompson and Carole Tanzer Miller HealthDay Reporters
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  • March 20, 2024
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  • Staying Social Vital for People With Alzheimer's, Caregivers

    People with dementia -- and their caregivers -- need active social lives to stay healthy, a new study reports.

    However, researchers found that both dementia patients and their caregivers had declining social connections as the disease progressed.

    Patients' social netw...

    Stationary Bike Workouts Could Help Parkinson's Patients

    A bicycle built for two could be a positive prescription for Parkinson's patients and their caregivers, a small, preliminary study says.

    Parkinson's patients had better overall quality of life, improved mobility, and faster walking speed after sharing regular rides on a stationary tandem bike with a care partner, researchers plan to report at the annual meeting of the American Academy of ...

    Palliative Care Works, Even When Delivered By Phone

    Folks with life-threatening chronic illnesses can receive effective support over the telephone as they manage their condition day by day, a new clinical trial finds.

    Seriously ill veterans living with lung or heart disease experienced significant improvements in depression, anxiety and quality of life from a palliative care program delivered by phone, researchers found.

    "While we do...

    Living With a Depressed Loved One Can Take Mental, Financial Toll

    Reduced income, unemployment and mental health issues are more common among people who live with a loved one diagnosed with depression, new research shows.

    "These findings indicate that the impact of depressive symptoms may extend beyond the affected individuals, imposing a burden on other adults in their households,"study lead author

  • Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
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  • January 2, 2024
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  • Depression, Anxiety Common in Caregivers of Stroke Survivors

    Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress are common among people caring for the victim of a recent stroke, a new study has found.

    Nearly 30% of caregivers of severe stroke patients experience stress and emotional problems during the first year after the patient leaves the hospital, according to a report in the journal Neurology<...

    Caregiving's Financial Toll Is Often Hidden

    A growing number of people have become unpaid caregivers for loved ones, and a new report says many are overlooking the financial consequences of their selflessness.

    One in five adults now provide uncompensated care to family and loved ones with health problems, according to the

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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  • November 7, 2023
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  • More Americans Grow Old Alone, and Faltering Minds Bring Risks

    An estimated 26 million Americans 50 and older live alone, and researchers estimate that more than 4 million have dementia or cognitive impairment.

    That means a large number of older Americans are at risk for medication mix-ups, unsafe driving, wandering and missing important medical appointments. And, a new study warns, the U.S. health care system is ill-equipped to address the needs of ...

    In an Aging America, a Looming Shortage of Home Health Care Workers

    Over the last decade, an aging American population has increasingly turned away from nursing homes in favor of trained caregivers who can provide critical help in the home with basic daily tasks.

    But a new investigation warns the need for at-home care has vastly outpaced a much smaller growth in the pool of home care workers.

    The result: between 2013 and 2019, the number of availabl...

    Many Young Kids With Autism Are Kicked Out of Day Care: Study

    About 1 in 6 preschoolers with autism get expelled from their day care program, new research finds.

    On average, such kids are about 3 years old when they get kicked out.

    While their parents may already harbor concerns, many of these kids "do not as yet have a diagnosis or label," said study leader

    Caregiving Brings Stress. Here Are 6 Tips to Help Ease It

    The stress of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease can take a toll on loved ones.

    It's important for caregivers' own health and well-being to reduce that stress, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America says.

    "Finding ways to manage and reduce stress is of paramount importance for every Alzheimer's caregiver -- untreated stress over a prolonged period of time can lead to caregiv...

    Caregiving for Someone With Cancer

    A cancer diagnosis can be tough to take, and not just for the patient.

    Caregivers are a vital part of a cancer patient's care team, but the role can be exhausting. Plenty of caregivers struggle with the challenges of helping their loved one navigate treatment and, hopefully, survival.

    Research published in the journal

  • Sue Benzuly, RN HealthDay Reporter
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  • April 3, 2023
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  • Caregiving for Someone With Dementia

    There is little doubt that caregiving for someone with dementia can be demanding and challenging, and that knowing how best to care for both the patient and yourself can be hard to figure out.

    Here are some tips to help you navigate this difficult time and be the best caregiver you can be for your loved one.

    According to the

  • Sue Benzuly, RN HealthDay Reporter
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  • March 31, 2023
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  • Remodeling Your Home for Wheelchair Access

    Millions of Americans get around with the help of wheelchairs, from those born with disabilities to those who have been struck with disabilities later in life.

    Home is a sanctuary for many -- a place where comfort, safety and ease are especially important -- so remodeling a house for wheelchair access makes sense.

    Like with any renovation project, when remodeling for wheelchair acce...

    Caregiving for Someone After a Stroke

    When a loved one suffers a stroke, it can be a relief that they survived and are getting good care.

    But recovery can take time for the patient.

    Making sure they get the care they need can be a challenge for the spouse, grown child or other loved one who is providing that care at home.

    Fortunately, resources exist to help you through this difficult time while taking the best c...

    How to Find a Caregiver: A Guide

    Choosing a caregiver for a loved one is a decision no one takes lightly.

    Figuring out the level of care your loved one needs can help make the process go more smoothly. That's why it's a great place to start your journey.

    "The goal is to pick up clues early, before they start to impact day-to-day life in a significant way, so we can do something about them,"Cleveland Clinic's

    Dealing With Caregiver Stress & Burnout: A Guide

    If you've been suffering from caregiver stress, you've got plenty of company.

    It affects about 36% of the 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States, according to a recent report by the AARP and the National Alliance for Car...

    Tough Journeys: When Cancer Strikes People Living With Dementia

    America's aging population means that more families are soon going to be grappling with a heartbreaking issue -- a loved one living with dementia who then develops cancer.

    These families will have to work their way through a series of tough decisions regarding screening, treatment and end-of-life care, a new report warns.

    People with dementia already start out at a disadvantage as f...

    What Exactly Is Hospice Care?

    When former President Jimmy Carter recently entered home hospice care after many years of cancer treatment, it was an invitation for families across America to consider how they would like to spend their final days.

    For experts in end-of-life care, the 98-year-old's

    Many Seniors Shunned In-Home Care During Pandemic, Worsening Health

    The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on older Americans.

    A new study finds that many older adults declined medically necessary in-home care during the height of the pandemic in 2020 for fear of contracting the coronavirus, but doing so may have led to new or worsening health conditions.<...

    Home Drug Infusions Can Be Dangerous, But Many Home Care Staff Aren't Trained

    Intravenous (IV) lines are generally associated with medical centers -- picture a patient in a hospital bed, an IV drip-dropping needed fluids, nutrients and medicines into their arm.

    But millions now are receiving IV treatments at home, and a new study warns that not enough people are being p...

    Make the Holidays Comforting for Loved Ones With Alzheimer's

    Those who have dementia can find the holiday season disorienting, but their loved ones can help.

    "The holiday season can be both joyful and stressful for all of us, especially individuals living with a dementia-related illness," said Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social se...

    Caring for Kids and Aging Parents: The 'Sandwich' Generation Is Under Strain

    Nearly one-quarter of all American adults who care for an elderly parent also care for a child at the same time, a new study reveals.

    And when compared with those who only have a parent under their watch, members of the so-called "sandwich generation"-- namely caregivers of both the old and the young -- are much more likely to struggle with money problems, emotional trouble and exhau...

    Caregiving Can Heighten Loneliness, or Ease It

    Taking care of a loved one can either be a break from loneliness or help to bring loneliness on, depending on your circumstances, new research shows.

    Researchers broadly studied the issue, using data from 28 studies with more than 190,000 participants in 21 countries. They found certain types of caregiving -- such as volunteering and caring for grandchildren -- offered protection against ...

    Time Spent in Day Care Won't Harm Child's Development

    Millions of parents drop their toddlers off at day care centers so they can go to work, but some are racked with guilt about it.

    One of their main concerns? Time spent in group day care could encourage their toddler to start acting out.

    Now, a large, new study suggests that parents can breathe a sigh of relief: Kids who spend long hours in day care centers aren't any more likel...

    Half of Americans Over 50 Are Now Caregivers

    More than half of Americans aged 50 and up are helping an older adult manage tasks ranging from household chores to care for medical conditions, a new national poll shows.

    Researchers said the findings highlight the critical ro...

    How 'This Is Us' Put Alzheimer's Care in the Spotlight

    When the wildly popular TV show "This Is Us"wrapped up its final season this year, it did so with a storyline that showed one of the lead characters dealing with Alzheimer's disease as her adult children disagreed over the type of care she should receive.

    Now, a new online survey of more than 700 peop...

    Alzheimer's: Who Is Caring for the Caregivers?

    Katherine Sanden drove over 1,400 miles, from California to Nebraska, to care for her beloved uncle after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in November 2020, but seeing him after years apart was more devastating than she could have ever imagined.

    Like Sanden, many family caregivers are thrown into t...

    U.S. Nursing Homes Are Understaffed, But Minority Communities Have It Worst

    Staffing shortages at nursing homes across the United States are severe in disadvantaged areas where needs may be greatest, researchers say.

    The study -- recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society -- looked at staffing before the COVID-19 pandemic. It fou...

    Poll Finds Many Diabetes Caregivers Exhausted, Lacking Support

    Diane Kondyra knows a lot about the hidden dangers of diabetes.

    Both she and her husband have been diagnosed with the blood sugar disease, and her husband suffered one of its devastating complications in 2018 when he developed a staph infection that cost him part of his leg. Uncontrolled diabetes can restrict blood flow to the legs, making it more likely that simple cuts can turn int...

    Biden to Propose Overhaul of U.S. Nursing Homes

    Minimum staffing levels will be a main feature of a major overhaul of U.S. nursing homes that President Joe Biden is expected to announce in his State of the Union speech Tuesday night.

    Staffing levels are considered a critical marker for nursing home quality, but the pandemic has left many facilities short of nurses, nursing assistants and other workers who care for patients.

    ...

    Severe Illness in Children Brings Hardship for Families

    When a sick child spends time in the intensive care unit, the impact lasts even after the hospital stay is over.

    Added to it are days, weeks, sometimes months out of school for the young patient and extended work absences for their primary caregivers.

    "Pediatric critical illness impacts a family's health and well-being not only during the child's treatment but after they leave the ...

    Severe Illness in a Child Takes Big Toll on Parents, Siblings: Study

    When a child has severe health problems, the suffering often extends to the entire family, new research finds.

    Using data from a single health insurance provider, the study authors assessed nearly 7,000 children with life-threatening conditions and their families, and compared them to a control group of more than 18,600 children without a life-threatening condition and their families.

    ...

    Many Home Health Care Workers in Poor Health Themselves

    They take care of others, but many U.S. home health care workers say they're not in good shape themselves, a new study finds.

    Researchers analyzed self-reported data collected from nearly 3,000 home health care workers in 38 states between 2014 and 2018 and found that more than a quarter rated their general health as fair or poor, 1 in 5 reported poor mental health, and 14% reported poor ...

    Give Others Help, Get Back Health Benefits: Study

    When it comes to helping others and your health, it might be better to give than to receive, a new study suggests.

    Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 Americans between 34 and 84 about their social involvement and how much they thought they could rely on their family, friends or a spouse if they needed help.

    On a key measure of health -- chronic inflammation -- positive social rela...

    How 1.3 Million Americans Became Controlled by Conservatorships

    Pop singer Britney Spears was at the height of her fame in 2008 when, through a series of arcane legal maneuverings, her father gained conservatorship over her and took control of her personal and financial affairs.

    Spears' plight and the #FreeBritney movement has shone a bright spotlight on America's guardianship system, which experts say is shrouded in secrecy, ripe for abuse and in des...