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Not getting enough sleep? Your time zone could be to blame

Sleep scientist Matthew Walker has observed that "human beings are the only species that deliberately deprive themselves of sleep for no apparent gain." We stay up late to watch our favorite TV … more

By Christopher Ingraham, The Washington Post | 4/19/19, 2:06 PM

A new study shows that those live on the side of the country where the sun sets later in the evening go to be, on average, 19 minutes later than those with earlier sunsets.

Are heavy backpacks bad for kids?

Q: Our sons are ages 9, 11 and 14, and like all of the other schoolkids we know, they're hauling around crazy-huge backpacks all day. What does that weight do to a child's back? Can carrying a heavy … more

By Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D. | 4/19/19, 1:36 PM

Measles 101

The United States is experiencing its second-highest number of measles cases in nearly two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the diagnosed cases have climbed to 465. At … more

By Lena H. Sun, The Washington Post | 4/12/19, 2:39 PM

Signs advertising free measles vaccines and information about measles are displayed at the Rockland County Health Department, in Pomona, N.Y. U.S. measles cases are continuing to jump, with most of the reported illnesses continuing to be in children. Health officials on Monday, April 8 said 465 measles cases were reported through last week, the second-highest total in 25 years.

Health Take-Away: Lung screening is recommended for smokers, those who quit

Though cigarette smoking has reached the lowest level ever recorded among U.S. adults, it still remains the number-one cause of preventable disease and death, accounting for more than 480,000 deaths … more

By Christian G lvez, M.D. | 4/12/19, 2:39 PM

Some 40 million U.S. adults still smoke cigarettes. That's 14 of every 100 Americans 18 years or older. Their odds of developing lung cancer are 25 times higher than someone who never smoked. The only proven way to dramatically improve the chances of surviving lung cancer is through early detection using low-dose computer tomography (CT) screening.

New dietary guidelines weigh in on pregnant women, infants and young children

There's troubling new evidence that the obesity epidemic might start in the delivery room, or even before.Historically, legislators and medical professionals haven't focused attention on precisely … more

By Laura Reiley, The Washington Post | 4/5/19, 11:39 AM

The 2020 dietary guidelines for for pregnant women, infants and young children likely will include breast feeding over the use of baby formula.

Ask the Doctors: Trusting your gut on gut health

Q: I read with interest your column about how sugar likely affects the gut, and I now have questions concerning antibiotic treatment. Are all gut bacteria eliminated? Can they be restored? Do … more

By Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D. | 4/5/19, 11:36 AM

Health Take-Away: The benefits and dangers of over-the-counter medicines

It's four days into one of your worst colds ever, and you've got another one of those piercing headaches that just won't quit. The Dayquil you've been taking has suppressed the coughing and … more

By Hayden Kuhn | 3/29/19, 1:39 PM

Ask the Doctors: Blame genetics for under-eye circles

Q: I'm a white man in my mid-40s, and I have significant dark areas under and around my eyes. I feel awkward inquiring about this, but people stare and judge, and I've become self-conscious. What is … more

By Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D. | 3/29/19, 1:39 PM

FDA: Women need breast-density information

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday proposed requiring mammogram providers to notify women with dense breasts that the condition can make it harder to interpret … more

By Laurie McGinley, The Washington Post | 3/29/19, 1:39 PM

The Food and Drug Administration has proposed requiring mammogram providers to notify women with dense breasts that the condition can make it harder to interpret mammograms and urging them to they talk to their doctors about whether they should have additional tests to check for cancer.

FDA approves first drug specifically for postpartum depression

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved the first drug specifically for postpartum depression — a debilitating condition that affects hundreds of thousands of women a year in the … more

By Laurie McGinley and Lenny Bernstein, The Washington Post | 3/22/19, 1:51 PM

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug specifically for postpartum depression. The disorder is characterized by feelings of worthlessness or guilt, or thoughts of suicide and is far more severe than the common "baby blues." The condition can interfere with a mother's ability to bond or with an infant, which can affect the baby's development.

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