Articles by Katherine Derla
Obese Seniors Live As Long As Thinner People But With Increased Heart Disease Risk
Obese or overweight senior adults can live more of their golden years but with increased risks of developing heart disease and getting it earlier in life. Findings suggest that lowering obesity rates among older people is fundamental.
Using Smartphones In The Dark While Lying In Bed Can Cause Temporary Blindness
Your nighttime smartphone habits can cause temporary blindness. Two women suffered temporary blindness for months due to regularly using their smartphones in the dark with one eye.
Workplace 'Cake Culture' Fuels Obesity Spike, Ruin Dental Health
A dental leader says the workplace 'cake culture' is fueling obesity spikes and contributing to poor dental health. Managers and employees should change the workplace culture into one that limits sugar and promotes healthier alternatives like fruits and nuts.
Unexpected Findings Reveal How Cancer Spreads, Insights Could Lead To New Tumor-Blocking Treatments
A breakthrough research reveals how cancer spreads and how to stop it. The unexpected findings could lead to new medications and treatments that could prevent the growth of secondary tumors.
Heroin Use In The US Reaches Highest Level in 20 Years: Experts Call Spike 'Alarming'
The heroin epidemic in the United States reaches the highest level in 20 years. The 'alarming' increase could be linked to new laws that made it more difficult to abuse opioid prescription drugs such as oxycodone.
CDC To Screen 80 Percent Of At-Risk Senior Adults For Colorectal Cancer: Can U.S. Facilities Handle The Job?
A CDC study finds that U.S. facilities' screening capacity can support the goal of getting 80 percent of people who belong to at-risk groups to undergo colorectal cancer screening by 2018. However, more work needs to be done.
Is Zika Infection Causing More Women To Get Illegal Abortions?
Abortion requests in countries with local Zika transmissions increased significantly. Is the global epidemic causing more women to get abortions in countries with banned or restricted access to abortions?
Americans Spend Billions On Alternative Medicine But Treatments Not Covered By Health Insurance
Americans are spending billions of their hard-earned money on complementary and alternative medicine even if they're not covered by health insurance. In 2012, Americans spent more than $30 billion on complementary health in out-of-pocket expenditures.
Ohio Teen Dies From Rare, Brain-Eating Amoeba After A Rafting Trip
A teenager from Ohio died on June 19 from a rare, brain-eating amoeba after a rafting trip at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) in Charlotte on June 8. The amoeba is often found in soil and warm freshwater.
AstraZeneca's FluMist Vaccine Fails Again, CDC Recommends Shots This Flu Season
AstraZeneca's FluMist failed to protect children for three consecutive years, causing an expert panel to recommend traditional flu shots to children this coming flu season. The recommendation could pose problems on vaccine supply this fall.
Should You Get Your Birth Control Pills From A Mobile App?
Several mobile apps are now offering to deliver birth control pills in a fast, convenient and hassle-free way. Is this particular mobile trend normal and safe?
Federal Panel Approves First Human Clinical Trial For Controversial Gene-Editing Tool CRISPR
The first human clinical trial using CRISPR/Cas9 gets approval from the National Institutes of Health. The approved proposal will use the gene-editing tool to target three different types of cancer.
Here's Why Employers Cut Down Wellness Programs, Benefits In The Past 20 Years
On-site flu shots, health coaching and insurance premium discounts saw a decline in the past 20 years among employers, a new survey found. Here's why your company's wellness programs are changing.
Mosquito Saliva Can Help Spread Zika Virus, Other Viral Infections
Mosquito saliva can help spread mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue and Zika, according to two new studies. Mosquito saliva tricks the immune cells into spreading any kind of virus throughout the body.
'Love Hormone' Gene Helps People Form Healthy, Lasting Relationships: Study
Science breaks down love into chemicals. A new study found that a "love hormone" gene affects social behavior, including a person's ability to form healthy and long-lasting relationships.
It's Getting Hot In Here: Tips On How To Survive A Heat Wave
Southwest U.S. is getting hotter due to the current heat wave, which is expected to last until Wednesday, June 22. Here are some tips on how to survive a heat wave and prevent heat strokes.
Newly Discovered Mineral On Mars Could Rewrite Red Planet's History: NASA
Scientists found evidence of the mineral tridymite on Mars based on the analysis of samples sent back by NASA's Curiosity rover. The discovery has the potential to change what we know so far about the red planet's ancient history.
Many Children Suffer From Untreated Sports-Related Concussions: Study
The majority of children who suffer concussions from sports or recreational activities go untreated. Findings suggest the need to educate parents, kids and coaches on the importance of timely and appropriate clinical care following the injuries.
Parkinson's Disease Getting More Common: Mayo Clinic Study
A Mayo Clinic report finds that Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism could be getting more common. The increased rates were highly observable among men aged 70 and above based on study findings.
World's First Zika Vaccine Ready For Human Clinical Trials
The world's first Zika vaccine will start human clinical trials in the next few weeks after getting FDA approval on Monday, June 20. The GLS-5700 vaccine could be instrumental in fighting the global Zika virus epidemic.
'Star Trek' Actor Anton Yelchin Dies In A Car Accident At 27
'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin, known for his portrayal of Chekov in the rebooted films, died in a freak car accident last Sunday morning. The actor was found dead outside of his home in Los Angeles.
ISS Astronauts Land Safely On Earth After Spending 186 Days In Space
Three ISS astronauts land safely back on Earth after spending 186 days in space. NASA's Tim Kopra, Roscosmos' Yuri Malenchenko and ESA's Tim Peake were part of several experiments and studies conducted on board the ISS.
Simple Blood Test Reveals Risk Of Suffering From Heart Attack Within Five Years
A simple blood test that looks into the levels of protective IgG antibodies can reveal a person's risks of suffering from a heart attack within five years. The findings can lead to new methods for preventing heart problems among high-risk individuals.
Cranberry Juice Fights UTI, Lowers Need For Antibiotics: Study
Drinking cranberry juice daily can keep UTI at bay and help lower worldwide dependence on antibiotics. To maximize the little red fruit's benefits, you need to drink cranberry juice before the UTI symptoms even start.
Obesity Among Women Can Be Passed On To At Least Three Generations
If you plan on getting pregnant, lose weight first. A new study finds that obese women can pass on the weight problem to at least three generations along with metabolic issues such as insulin resistance.
More Than Half A Million Older Men Are Lonely, Harms Their Health: Report
About 550,000, or one-third, of older men in the UK who are suffering from long-term health issues are lonely. The numbers are expected to surge to two-thirds by 2030 as the life expectancy for senior men becomes closer to that for women.
'Rare, Dangerous' Heat Is Coming To Western U.S.
'Rare, dangerous and deadly' heat is coming to Western U.S. On Sunday, June 19, Phoenix temperature is predicted to reach 118 degrees Fahrenheit (47.7 degrees Celsius) and peak at 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48.3 degrees Celsius) on Monday, June 20.
'Baby Fat' Can Lead To Heart Failure In Middle Age
Excess weight during adolescence can lead to heart problems in middle age. A study finds increased risk of developing heart failure among obese or overweight teenage boys, and even in boys whose BMI are within the normal range.
Genetically Modified Malaria-Fighting Mosquitoes Endorsed By Bill Gates
Bill Gates endorses the use of the promising but controversial gene-editing tools to develop genetically modified, malaria-fighting mosquitoes. These gene-edited mosquitoes are already flying in labs and could potentially eradicate malaria.
Judge Orders Leonardo DiCaprio To Testify In $15 Million Defamation 'The Wolf Of Wall Street' Lawsuit
Leonardo DiCaprio has been ordered to testify in the $15 million defamation 'The Wolf of Wall Street' lawsuit. In 2014, former Stratton Oakmont executive Andrew Greene sued over his defamatory depiction in the 2013 film.
