Articles by Judy Mottl
ACL surgery best done soon after a child's injury as delay can mean further knee damage
New research reveals anterior cruciate ligament tears needing surgery should be done as fast as possible to avoid further injury when it's a child. Risk factor for more damage increases the longer surgery is put off.
Hot temps bring on kidney stones, claims new study, and so does cold temps in some cities
Research report reveals a link between hot days and kidney stone ailments in various cities. As mean daily temperatures rose above 50 F, it seems the risk of kidney stone presentation increased in all the cities except Los Angeles.
Firefighters battling a new enemy besides fire: Obesity
New research reveals 70 percent of firemen are obese or overweight. The report says firemen aren't getting needed advice and guidance on keeping a healthy weight.
Achy back pain isn't due to bad weather, latest study finds
If you think the weather plays into your lower back pain issue, think again. Scientists say several studies show there is no real connection.
Can you go 99 days without Facebook? A new campaign issues the challenge
Facebook users are being challenged to go more than three months without the social network. The effort claims it can save users 28 days of time and may make their lives happier.
Remote-control birth control may be stepping stone for innovative drug administration
A new chip being developed to provide birth control for 16 years, worked by remote control, could lead to new drug administration in other healthcare scenarios. The chip could be on the market by 2018.
Obese? It's the lack of exercise and not the potato chips packing on pounds, says new research
Being obese may have much less to do with diet and much more to do with inactivity, according to new research. It's not calorie intake but a lack of exercise that packs on the pounds.
Want to quit smoking? Try a patch and a pill, says new study
Smokers striving to quit the habit may want to combine using a nicotine patch as well as a medication. But there is some risk with medication, notes a federal agency.
Violent video gaming could be making for more compassionate, moral human beings
New study says bad video game behavior may be increasing the moral sensitivities of video game players. So what your momma says about violence in gaming could be all wrong.
More homes going just wireless but growth rate is ebbing off, reveals new study
More Americans than ever are tossing landlines and going pure wireless in the home. But the growth rate is slower than a few years ago.
Children in same-sex households doing well, even better, than those in traditional family environments
New study shows children in same-sex families outscore children in traditional family settings by 6 percent on well-being and behavior examination. But not everyone's convinced the lifestyle is good for children.
Nanojuice may just help diagnose those tummy ailments a bit easier and quicker
Got a gut issue? You soon may find your doctor prescribing a new drink, tagged 'nanojuice' by its researchers, to determine what's causing you pain in the bowel region.
Steroids may not be the most effective back, leg pain treatment
New research says even when mixed with the painkiller lidocaine steroids aren't the panacea many doctors may believe. The study recommends greater research be done.
Walking regimen may help ease Parkinson's disease symptoms
New research says more study is needed but that it appears regular steady walking can help ease symptoms and boost energy levels. The study was published in the July issue of Neurology.
Alabama leads in painkiller prescriptions, CDC calls for more scrutiny and policy making
A new report lists where doctors are prescribing opioid pain relievers and Alabama is leading the charge. Federal agency is calling on states to implement more oversight.
Duh! Headbanging isn't good for the head as it can lead to brain injury
This obviously falls into the 'all too obvious' category, and no, it is not a Ripley's Believe it or Not report. But apparently banging a head, at least during concerts, can cause brain damage and injury.
Dark chocolate may ease artery disease impact, improve walking ability
A new small research report indicates dark chocolate intake could help open leg arteries to allow more blood flow, making walking easier for those with artery disease. Researchers warn the results require deeper investigation.
Risk profile can help predict future teen binge drinkers
Researchers say new approach has a 70 percent accuracy rate in determining which teens will be binge drinkers by the age of 16. Over 40 variables were taken into account in crafting the model.
Lack of sleep fosters brain aging, may speed up cognitive decline
If you're sleeping less you might want to try and get more sleep given new research that indicates less sleep makes for an older brain. Seven hours of sleep is optimal, say researchers.
Verbal cues during sleep can boost the memory, at least when it comes to vocabulary
A new study reveals that it may be easiest to learn that second language if you incorporate some verbal cuing during a snooze right after studying.
Malnutrition in young childhood years boosts blood pressure risk in adult years
New research reveals poor nutrition between age of infancy and five years old may lead to high blood pressure in adult years. It also impacts heart development.
HIV treatment may reduce genital herpes virus risk, claims new study
A research team claims Truvada, used to treat HIV infection, has the additional benefit of warding off the herpes 2 virus. It lowers risk significantly, states the report.
E-cigarettes subject of new usage bans, legislation in Minnesota
Minnesota has now outlawed e-cig use in schools and also calls for child safety packaging. New York lawmaker is calling for similar controls.
Childhood immunization, vaccination side effects are rare, claims newest research
Latest research claims children should get vaccinated. The study claims side effects are rare. The debate over vaccinations and potential side effects, such as developmental obstacles and autism disorders, will rage on as a new report claims children should be vaccinated given that side effects are rare.
Knee replacements under scrutiny as one in three aren't appropriate, claims report
One-third of total knee replacements in the U.S. are not necessary and are 'inappropriate,' according to new research. The study says more than half a million such surgeries take place every year.
Who would have guessed? Sexting may be factor in sexual behavior by middle school crowd
Teens who sex text more are likely to be having sex, as are teens who just send a bucket load of no-sex texts every day, claims new research. What's under debate is whether sex text is a risk behavior or digital teen flirtation.
E-cigarette nicotine safety caps needed to stop poisonings, says NY lawmaker
New York Senator Charles Schumer said poisonings from liquid nicotine used for e-cigarettes are already nearly double this year, with 70 reports. There were 46 incidents in 2013.
Vitamin D may play into blood pressure, hypertension issues, claims new research
Once again vitamin D is in the news and this time researchers examined its impact on blood pressure. The research team says greater examination between vitamin D and hypertension is needed.
FDA: Lidocaine, other drugs not best remedy for teething babies
Government agency advises parents to use cold washcloths or frozen teething ring to help babies who are teething. Prescription and over-the-counter medications should be avoided.
FDA acne alert cites potentially deadly reactions, side effects
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert to consumers regarding side effects and potentially deadly adverse reactions to certain over-the-counter acne drugs. The agency urges users to do spot product tests before full application use.
