Study ties sodium and potassium to heart health

Ingesting too much sodium and not enough potassium might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study based on a long-term analysis by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The findings also suggest increasing potassium intake and lowering salt consumption could reverse the risk. More...

Doctors explain side effects to avoid giving antibiotics

Physicians are explaining potential side effects to patients as an effective argument against prescribing antibiotics for ailments that most likely won't respond to the drugs. Recent research, including a CDC study that found 1 in 1,000 people taking antibiotics ended up in the emergency room, is giving doctors the data they need to educate patients. More...

Counseling, support help prevent postnatal depression

Professional counseling can reduce postnatal depression rates in women by 40%, and support from other mothers can reduce a woman's risk of postnatal depression by half, study results show. Researchers say the barriers to care remain high, including a lack of awareness about the condition, a tendency to minimize symptoms or a fear or being labeled mentally ill. More...

Severity of first heart attacks decreasing in U.S.

U.S. researchers say better prevention efforts and therapies are making first heart attacks less severe and less fatal for men and women across racial groups. The lead author said patients and providers must work to maintain the gains, especially in light of increasing rates of obesity. More...

Some experts say nutrition improves during recession

As more people save money by eating at home, they are cutting back on sodium and upping their intake of produce and whole grains, nutrition experts say. They also note that restaurant chefs are improving the nutrition profile of many of their offerings. More...