Health: News, features, tips and alerts to keep you healthy - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Are you a hardcore coffee drinker?

If so, you’re not alone - most adults in the United States still prefer coffee, making it America’s morning beverage of choice.

Earlier this month, superstar Lady Gaga took to social media to announce that she has long struggled with fibromyalgia.

Kidney dialysis patients in the United States have high rates of prescriptions for opioid painkillers and many also receive high doses of the potentially addictive drugs, a new study finds.

A combination antibody strategy could be the key to halting the spread of HIV, according to results from two promising animal studies.

The nicotine in e-cigarette vapor may cause adrenaline levels to spike in the heart, potentially increasing risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death, a new study reports.

Rising death rates from opioid abuse are chipping away at Americans' life expectancy, a U.S. government study finds.

Kids who start playing tackle football before age 12 have a higher risk of mental and behavioral problems in adulthood than their counterparts who began playing at older ages, a new study suggests.

Nonwhite Americans are surrounded by more air pollution from traffic than whites are, a new study finds.

Could some triathlon participants be pushing themselves too hard?

The number of American workers with high-deductible health insurance plans rose by 3.2 percent in 2016 -- reaching 24.8 million, new research reports.

When pop star Selena Gomez revealed Thursday that she had a kidney transplant, she put the autoimmune disease lupus in the spotlight.

Women who develop pre-eclampsia earlier in pregnancy may be at increased risk for heart problems soon after giving birth, a new study finds.

You probably already know that certain healthy lifestyle behaviors can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, but is any one behavior more important than the others?

Young people who've been infected with the H1N1 swine flu virus may be at increased risk for type 1 diabetes, a new study suggests.

Although older people have the highest suicide rates in the United States, a new study finds suicide attempts by younger adults -- especially those with mental disorders and less education -- are now on the rise.

Excess belly fat increases older women's risk of some cancers, new research suggests.

Despite a growing list of debilitating symptoms during the final months of life, most seniors never receive end-of-life hospice care -- or they delay doing so until their last few weeks of life, new research finds.

Days spent sitting for hours may increase your risk for an early death no matter how much you exercise, researchers say.

Obese people face an increased risk of heart disease, even if they are free of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, a large new study suggests.

Been looking for a reason to turn down your child's pleas for a pet Guinea pig? Dutch researchers say the rodents may carry germs tied to serious pneumonia.

Football remains America's favorite professional sport, even though a majority of fans admit they're concerned about brain injuries to players, according to a new survey.

Your kids eat healthful meals at home, but what about when they're at school?

A mostly vegetarian diet may provide relief similar to widely used medications for people with acid reflux, a new study suggests.

A new "cancer pen" promises to help surgeons immediately detect and completely remove cancerous tumor tissue, without having to send samples off to a lab for testing while the patient languishes on the table.

Annual flu vaccines are appropriate for everyone aged 6 months or older, the American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents.

If a gym visit elicits more grimaces than grins, you might be genetically predisposed to dislike exercise, Dutch researchers suggest.

Here's some good news for America's seniors: The rates of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia have dropped significantly over the last decade or so, a new study shows.

Backpacks can mean backaches for schoolchildren, but an orthopedic surgeon has advice for parents and kids about how to keep soreness at bay.

Who doesn't love a big serving of creamy mashed potatoes or a side of steamy rice with their chicken? They're delicious, but it's easy to overindulge in these starchy, higher-calorie foods while falling short on healthy vegetables

Fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic, is a key player in America's continuing epidemic of opioid-related overdose deaths, two new studies report.

Obesity rates in the United States appear to be leveling off, but Americans shouldn't think the battle of the bulge is won, health advocates say.

There's more evidence that having mononucleosis may up the risk for multiple sclerosis (MS), with researchers reporting that the link isn't limited to whites.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration broke new ground in cancer care Wednesday by approving the first gene therapy for patients in the United States.

If the cold weather makes you shiver, your blood vessels and heart may be quivering, too -- and that may be enough to trigger a heart attack in some people, new research suggests.

A large, 18-country study may turn current nutritional thinking on its head.

High blood pressure doesn't seem to be as much of a concern for young American adults as it is for their 40 and older counterparts, a new study finds.

More than half of Americans will find themselves in a nursing home at some point in their lives, a new study shows.

Many people at risk for atrial fibrillation probably do have the irregular heart rhythm but have not been diagnosed, a new study reports.

People who suffer from allergies may start sneezing and wheezing in the fall, but there are things they can do to ease their seasonal misery.

"Awake" brain surgery may improve treatment of brain aneurysms, researchers say.

Six out of 10 U.S. parents are choosing to get their children vaccinated against the cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread by sexual contact, federal health officials reported Thursday.

An inexpensive over-the-counter antioxidant/zinc supplement that may help preserve vision in older people is also cost effective, a new study suggests.

Seniors who spend less time each night in the dream stage of sleep may be more likely to succumb to dementia as they age, new research suggests.

A short-term painkiller prescription is less likely to lead to opioid use disorder than a longer supply of pain pills, a new study suggests.

Men, and especially male smokers, appear to be more likely to develop lung cancer if they take high doses of vitamins B6 and B12, new research suggests.

Teens with depression might be more likely to commit violent crimes, a new study suggests.

Caffeine may help patients wake up more quickly after general anesthesia, an animal study suggests.

One of the biggest celestial events of a lifetime -- a total solar eclipse -- is heading towards millions of Americans on Monday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may shorten the list of caveats for drugs you see advertised on television.

Wealthier Americans are more likely than others to be sedentary for much of the week and then turn into active "weekend warriors" on Saturdays and Sundays, researchers report.

Zika virus might not remain in the semen of some infected men as long as previously thought, a small study suggests.

The number of Zika infections has dropped dramatically in Florida this summer, and scientists say herd immunity may be the reason why.

Despite some early concerns, a new study suggests the powerful cholesterol drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors may not cause memory problems or other mental symptoms.

Americans covered under the Affordable Care Act could see their premiums jump 20 percent if President Donald Trump follows through on a promise to cut federal subsidies to insurance companies.

As if people newly diagnosed with cancer don't have enough to worry about, a new study suggests the diagnosis may put their hearts at risk, too.

Rates of knee osteoarthritis have doubled in the United States since the 1940s, but it's not just because Americans are living longer and weigh more, a new study suggests.

No amount of extra weight is good for your heart, no matter how fit you are by other measures, new British research shows.

Scientists experimenting with the marijuana compound cannabidiol as an epilepsy treatment must evaluate any interactions with other anti-seizure drugs patients are taking, researchers report.

Many children look forward to heading back to school, but an expert in child psychology notes that the new school year can cause anxiety for some kids.

Behavioral therapy for children with autism also benefits their parents, a new study finds.

People with failing kidneys are at increased risk of developing a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm, a new report suggests.

Many cancer patients in the United States are shocked by their out-of-pocket costs for care -- with some spending one-third of their income on treatment, a new study finds.

More Americans than ever are living with epilepsy, federal health officials reported Thursday.

After steep price hikes, use of two common heart medications declined significantly in U.S. hospitals, a new study shows.

Rates of drinking and alcohol abuse are increasing in the United States, especially among certain groups of people, a new study suggests.

Colon cancer is claiming the lives of more younger, white Americans, a troubling new report shows.

Drug overdose deaths continue to climb in the United States, despite efforts to combat the nation's ongoing opioid addiction crisis, a new federal report states.

A new study suggests -- but doesn't prove -- that certain players of action video games may lose gray matter in a part of the brain that's linked to mental illness.

If your blood pressure varies from day-to-day, you may be at higher risk for dementia or Alzheimer's disease, new research from Japan suggests.

It can be tough for people with diabetes to choose appropriate over-the-counter medicines for a cold, cough or headache, a pharmacist explains.

Moderate drinking may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia in seniors, a new study suggests.

Brain injuries among pro football players are in the headlines, but pro fighters often suffer damaging head injuries, too.

A new survey finds 55 percent of Americans regularly take a prescription medicine -- and they're taking more than ever.

If you've ever taken a yoga class, you probably know that it can help relax your body and your mind. Now, several new studies suggest that practicing yoga may also ease depression.

Many doctors aren't making full use of a medication that can wean people off addiction to heroin and prescription painkillers, according to results of a new survey.

A new treatment might open the door for more patients with advanced kidney disease to get a transplant, a preliminary study suggests.

In a first-ever experiment, geneticists have successfully modified a human embryo to remove a mutation that causes a life-threatening heart condition.

Breast-feeding helps protect women against breast cancer, a new report finds.

The Mediterranean diet -- rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts and whole grains -- has long been hailed as a heart-healthy eating plan. But new research suggests its health benefits may be limited to the rich...

If nothing is done to address climate change, tens of thousands more early deaths may occur worldwide from exposure to air pollution in the coming decades, a new study contends.

More than one out of three average Americans used a prescription opioid painkiller in 2015, despite growing concerns these medicines are promoting widespread addiction and overdose deaths, a new federal study shows.

Prescribing generic drugs for seniors' eye problems could save the U.S. government hundreds of millions of dollars a year, a new study suggests.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will focus on reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes to make them less addictive, while also making other nicotine products -- including patches and gum -- safer, agency officials said...

Ever wonder what you're inhaling as you idle in rush-hour traffic? New research finds air pollution levels in cars are much higher than previously believed.

That glass of wine or pint of beer you enjoy with dinner every night might come with an added benefit -- a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a new Danish study contends.

The emotional and physical costs of cancer can be staggering. But the financial side of cancer is also a great burden, with many patients in the United States struggling to pay for treatment, new research reveals.

More Americans are giving up cigarettes, and a new study suggests electronic cigarettes may be the reason why.

Distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from another common form of dementia may get easier using a new, noninvasive technique, researchers say.

HIV treatment prevented transmission of the virus in gay couples when only one partner had the virus, a new study shows.

Ninety-nine percent of former NFL players who donated their brain to science turned out to have the devastating disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to a new report.

Most primary care doctors can't identify all 11 risk factors for prediabetes, a small new survey finds.

Just a minute or two of running every day could strengthen your bones, new research suggests.

Combining a sugary soda with your burger or fried chicken can really prime your body to pack on more pounds, a new study suggests.

If you like grapefruit juice, you need to be aware that it can affect the way some medications work, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or an irregular heart rhythm.

Women exposed to estrogen for longer periods of time during the reproductive years may have a lower risk of depression, a new study finds.

People who undergo knee surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can expect to stay active and maintain a high quality of life, researchers report.

Sophisticated brain scans might be able to detect consciousness in brain injury patients who appear unconscious in the intensive care unit, a new study says.

Americans traveling to Europe should take steps to protect themselves against measles, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising during pregnancy isn't just good for the developing baby.

Folks with heart-healthy habits in their 20s tend to have larger, healthier brains in their 40s -- brains that may be better prepared to withstand the ravages of aging, a new study reports.

More than 100 million U.S. adults have diabetes or prediabetes, health officials say.

Sometimes less really is more. New research suggests that when it comes to long-term use of opioid painkillers, cutting back on the dose of the drugs might improve pain and function, as well as boost quality of life.

Two more Republican senators announced Monday night their opposition to the GOP plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Most Americans know that ticks can make them sick, and many take steps to avoid them. But few know that this summer could be a particularly bad one for tick bites, a new HealthDay/Harris Poll shows.

Back injuries are common, especially among competitive athletes.

Just a slight increase in social interaction benefits older adults with dementia and lowers health care costs, a new British study suggests.

On July 2, a 7-week-old baby boy died after being left in his grandmother's van for almost eight hours on a hot summer day in Mary Esther, Fla.

A treatment targeting wayward immune cells in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may help even years later, a new study finds.

There's been a great deal of attention paid lately to the potential lasting damage of head blows suffered by professional football players. But what about other sports where repeated trauma to the head is also common?

Typically, better-paying jobs and those that require higher education are thought more desirable, but a new study suggests white collar workers have a higher risk of death from two neurodegenerative diseases.

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to what could soon be the first gene therapy to be marketed in the United States.

Middle-aged and older adults who start eating better also tend to live longer, a large new study shows.

Expectant mothers have been warned for years to avoid cigarettes. Now researchers report another reason to follow that advice: Teens and young adults whose mothers smoked during pregnancy may be more likely to break the law and be antisocial.

Lifestyle counseling could help protect the long-term heart health of adults who aren't yet at high risk for heart attack and stroke, a panel of medical experts says.

It's worked wonders for men battling erectile dysfunction, and now early research suggests that Viagra -- when added to artery-opening stents -- might cut a patient's odds for clots.

Probiotic supplements may not protect babies from catching colds or stomach bugs in day care, a new clinical trial suggests.

Summer is the time when everyone dives into yard work and takes family vacations. But all that time spent bending, lifting and traveling can strain your back, spine experts say.

Here's news to perk up your day: Drinking coffee might help you live a little longer, two new studies suggest.

Most people don't like talking about dying, especially their own death. But it's important to let your loved ones know how you'd like your medical care handled when your "time" comes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first new drug for sickle cell disease in nearly two decades.

Intense summer heat can be downright dangerous.

Shingles may be tied to an increased risk for heart disease, a new study suggests.

Make sure safety is part of kids' summer fun.

Firecrackers, sparklers and bottle rockets may seem harmless enough, but there's really no such thing as safe fireworks for consumers, eye doctors warn.

Many children suspected of being allergic to the inexpensive, first-line antibiotic penicillin actually aren't, new research indicates.

Parents may be worried that toddlers aren't getting enough calories or nutrients.

High intensity interval training involves cardiovascular exercise in short intervals at high intensity.

America's exit from the Paris climate change agreement will lead to more punishing summer heat waves and thousands of additional heat-related deaths each year in major U.S. cities, a new report claims.

Well-meaning family and friends may push your children to clean the plate or offer dessert as a reward, but those aren't the messages you want to send.

Many women at high risk for breast cancer do not take the drug tamoxifen to prevent the disease, often because they confuse naturally occurring symptoms with side effects from the drug.

New research might change the way doctors treat skin abscesses in children and adults, medical experts say.

Have you ever thought about what it might be like to live into your hundreds?

An experimental flu vaccine patch with dissolving microneedles appears safe and effective, a preliminary study shows.

The number of Americans hospitalized for heart failure has dropped substantially since 2002, but blacks still face higher risks, a new study finds.

If you have heart disease, unrelenting stress might hasten your death, researchers report.

The Senate Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act would leave 22 million more Americans uninsured by 2026, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said Monday.

Nothing spoils a trip faster than getting sick. And a good way to protect yourself is by getting certain vaccinations before you leave home.

Many people in pain are apprehensive about taking an opioid painkiller to ease their suffering, and rightfully so.

People who spend lots of time on their smartphones may be scrolling, tapping and swiping their way to carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful wrist and hand disorder.

As the debate continues about the best time for mammograms, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is asking women to add their voice to the discussion.

Attempting to thread a very tight needle, Senate Republicans on Thursday released a health-care reform bill intended to undo major parts of the Affordable Care Act while still supporting the public's access to healthcare

Over the past few decades, death rates linked to cancer and heart disease have declined in most developed nations, thanks to more effective prevention strategies, early detection and greater access to quality health care.

Cancer doctors are often mute when a patient asks about the cost of treatment, a new study shows.

Environmentally conscious parents have long struggled with the fact that their baby's dirty diapers wind up in landfills, but what option do they have?

The safety of hair products has been debated for years. Now, new research suggests that black women who use dark hair dyes face a higher risk of breast cancer, while chemical relaxers and straighteners boost the odds in white women

Most Americans want to be in better shape, but few are putting in the work to get there, a new survey shows.

If you suffer from chronic low back pain, yoga might bring you as much relief as physical therapy, a new trial shows.

When it comes to stomach discomfort during exercise, forget that old adage "no pain, no gain." New research suggests that excessive strenuous exercise may lead to gut damage.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that it's working with the drug company Pfizer to remedy a shortage of important injectable medications, including emergency syringes of epinephrine.

Once astronauts leave the Earth's protective magnetic field, their cancer risk would soar while traveling to Mars, new research indicates.

The American Medical Association is calling for more transparency in drug pricing amid skyrocketing costs that are putting some lifesaving medications out of reach for patients and communities.

It may not be for everyone, but a new study suggests that the smooth stride of a gentle horse may help stroke survivors regain lost mobility and balance years after their brain attack.

For the first time since the U.S. government began tracking e-cigarette use among American youth, a new report shows fewer teens are vaping.

When seasonal allergies strike, what remedy is right for you? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has some answers.

Your Mom may have been right about broccoli's goodness. A small study hints that a substance in the crunchy veggy may help some with diabetes get better control of their blood sugar.

A flu shot is the best way to avoid getting sick, but new research reveals the vaccine doesn't work as well for people who are obese.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday announced that the launch of an updated "nutrition facts" panel on foods, developed during the Obama administration, will now be delayed.

When is a carrot not just a carrot? When it's a "twisted citrus-glazed carrot."

Nearly 10 million American adults have a serious mental illness, and a similar number have considered suicide during the past year, according to a new government report on the nation's behavioral ills.

People with type 2 diabetes who aren't taking insulin don't necessarily need to check their blood sugar levels, a new study contends.

Summer beckons, and with those sunny skies comes a warning to protect yourself from skin cancer.

An infant's fascination with faces is already evident in the womb, a new study contends.

Women are routinely prescribed more opioid painkillers than they need after Cesarean sections, creating a high risk for misuse, a trio of new studies suggests.

One in 20 women in the U.S. territories who were infected with Zika during pregnancy had babies with serious birth defects, officials reported Thursday.

Fatigue and mood changes are the most common symptoms that occur before children develop migraines, a new study finds.

An electric shock is an often overlooked threat to swimmers, a safety expert warns.

People who drink at even moderate levels may see some of their mental skills slip faster as they age, a new study suggests.

Overweight kids are excluded and ostracized by classmates in school more often than their thinner peers, new research indicates.

Deadly Legionnaires' disease is lurking in the water systems of hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, putting the most vulnerable patients at risk, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.

An unfriendly divorce can raise a child's risk of colds in adulthood, a new study suggests.

Competitive sports may be safe for many athletes who have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), new research suggests.

When people with advanced cancer report their symptoms to health care providers using an online program, they may live longer, a new study suggests.

It's healthiest to evict infants from their parents' bedroom at 6 months of age, suggests new research that runs counter to national guidelines.

Frequent pot smokers might be dooming themselves to diseased gums, a new study suggests.

If you're an avid runner and you think compression tights might shave a few seconds off your time, a new study begs to differ.

The Zika virus will strike the continental United States again this summer, and looming federal budget cuts will make it hard for local officials to curb its spread, public health experts said Wednesday.

The Alzheimer's Association has just completed a new survey that asked more than 1,500 adults to share their fears and concerns about getting older, getting sick and/or caring for a family member struggling with dementia.

A pill that contains three powerful antiviral drugs might offer a cure for many hepatitis C patients who have failed other treatments, researchers report.

Millions of Americans have had to swear off shellfish, eggs, peanuts or soy to avoid allergic reactions that can range from stomach cramps to life-threatening swelling of the airways, new research shows.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as E. coli, can be found in more than one-quarter of people living in nursing homes, a research review finds.

If you're a new father, spending plenty of time with your baby could boost his or her mental development, a new study suggests.