Your Health

The Trump administration has reversed federal guidance that directed public schools to allow students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that corresponded to their gender identities.

Trump Administration Rescinds Obama Rule On Transgender Students' Bathroom Use

8:59pm February 22, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

The administration will not direct public schools to allow students to use facilities that match their gender identities. It notes the primary role of state and local districts in education policy.

There's no evidence that heart screenings for teens prevent deaths.

Heart Screening For Teens May Cause More Problems Than It Solves

1:24pm February 22, 2017

by Mary Chris Jaklevic

There's no evidence that screening adolescents with electrocardiograms prevents deaths, yet the heart tests have become widespread despite the false alarms they often cause.

A Planned Parenthood sign in Dallas. A federal judge has temporarily blocked an attempt by Texas officials that would have removed Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood clinics in the state.

Judge Rules Texas Can't Cut Off Medicaid Funds To Planned Parenthood — For Now

1:10pm February 22, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

After Texas officials moved to block the health provider from receiving Medicaid dollars, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the state, allowing the group to stay in the program.

Several new studies show mixed results for men taking testosterone supplements.

Health & Safety

Does Testosterone Improve Older Men's Health? It Depends

4:52pm February 21, 2017

by Patti Neighmond

Several studies out this week show mixed results for testosterone replacement. It appears to protect bone density and strength and prevent anemia, but there is no effect on memory and cognition.

Each year thousands of people from around the world tour the Gomantong Cave in Borneo. Although scientists have found a potentially dangerous virus in bats that roost in the cave, no one has ever gotten sick from a trip here.

The Next Pandemic Could Be Dripping On Your Head

10:35am February 21, 2017

Bats, birds and tourists love a good cave. And so do viruses. Scientists say this mixture could trigger a deadly outbreak.

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Resources to help parents are typically aimed at moms, not dads.

As They Dig Deeper Into Parenting, Fathers Seek Community, Support

5:00am February 21, 2017

by Juli Fraga

More dads are getting involved with parenting, but the resources to help them are much slimmer than those available for moms.

New guidelines recommend patients with back pain try exercise, yoga, or massage before drug therapies.

Got Back Pain? Try Yoga Or Massage Before Reaching For The Pills

1:28pm February 20, 2017

by Patti Neighmond

New guidelines encourage doctors to tell patients to try non-drug therapies for acute lower back pain first.

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There might not be much science to support the benefits of art therapy, but students in a poetry class in Los Angeles say creating art brings them joy.

Can Poetry Keep You Young? Science Is Still Out, But The Heart Says Yes

7:33am February 20, 2017

by Ina Jaffe

Scientific evidence showing health benefits from engaging in the arts is still weak. But Los Angeles students in their 80s say their poetry class gives them joy, solace, community and a voice.

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Eating: it's what I was born to do apparently!

Can Changing When And What We Eat Help Outwit Disease?

5:00am February 19, 2017

by Brandie Jefferson

I'm fasting intermittently as part of a research study, to see if changing my gut microbiome affects my multiple sclerosis. But maybe living on Peanut Chews isn't the best strategy.

Phlegm can give clues to what's going on inside. But as with so many things phlegmy, mysteries remain.

Why Oh Why Is There Phlegm?

5:00am February 18, 2017

by Wendy Mitman Clarke

Having a cold or a flu is unpleasant enough without suffering the indignity of phlegm. But those gobs of goo are there for a reason.