Most of us have been told at one time or another ‘to never lose hope.’  This plea is particularly common when dealing with medical problems.  But new University of Michigan Health System research indicates that there may be a dark side to hope when dealing with disease or chronic medical conditions.

The H1N1 virus will soon be all around us, adding an additional cause for concern this flu season. But what groups are considered most at-risk for complications from H1N1 virus and who should be vaccinated.

Hospital mortality rates following in-patient surgery vary widely across the country.  Previously, researchers attributed this to differing post-surgical complication rates at the highest mortality hospitals versus the lowest.  A new national study at the University of Michigan, published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrates that this is not the case.

Three of every 1,000 children born has a port wine stain, which is made up of numerous dilated vessels in a localized part of the skin. There are lots of theories, but no answers, about why port wine stains develop. Experts use laser therapy to treat these birthmarks.

According to a report released today by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, only 26 percent of parents would give their child’s high school an “A” for preventing bullying and school violence.

University of Michigan tests show short-term exposure to fine particle air pollution can drive up high blood pressure, raise risk of heart attack

It’s well known that measures such as exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking can help reduce high blood pressure, but researchers at the University of Michigan Health System have determined the very air we breathe can be an invisible catalyst to heart disease.

Inhaling air pollution over just two hours caused a significant increase in diastolic blood pressure, the lower number on blood pressure readings, according to new U-M research.

Expert recommends parents and schools monitor activities, coaching and safety precautions more closely

Cheerleading has become the leading cause of catastrophic injury in young female athletes. University of Michigan Health System expert discusses cheerleading injuries and advises parents on how to help keep their children cheering safely.

Studies are under way to help understand the disease and offer more effective treatment. By the year 2050, about 30 million Americans are expected to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Experts in the field are trying to determine if sophisticated imaging equipment can help predict the development of the disease.

Childbirth may be the most natural thing in the world, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s easy! Over half of women suffer from postpartum ailments. Many of these women suffer in silence, embarrassed to talk with their doctor or even their friends about these difficulties. The University of Michigan is offering a unique program to assist these new moms.

Americans annually spend billions of dollars undergoing various types of procedures to improve their appearance.  Using laser treatment for skin imperfections in the past has had its challenges. Now, a University of Michigan expert talks about the most recent evolution of laser technology.

Is it the cool style or the vibrant colors that should attract you to a shoe? Or is it the fit, function and structure of a shoe? A University of Michigan Athletic Training Clinical Specialist offers some tips to help us choose the right athletic shoe.

High sodium diets, sedentary lifestyles and not drinking enough water are to blame. Modern diet and lifestyle, along with global warming, are contributing to an alarming phenomenon - kidney stones in children.

Gender differences in symptoms may contribute to delay in treatment for women, signal need to change stroke public health campaigns
Each year, 800-thousand Americans experience a stroke. It is the leading cause of serious disability and the third leading cause of death. But in women, doctors and bystanders should be paying attention to something else.

Interactions between prescription medications and over-the-counter medications are somewhat common. A University of Michigan pharmacist discusses what can be done to avoid unwanted side effects.

U-M pediatrician suggests what’s worth trying, what to avoid
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Today, more children than ever are being treated with complementary and alternative therapies. Recent studies indicate that about 30 percent of healthy children and up to 50 percent of children with chronic disease are using some kind of alternative therapy.

Most of us save things - memorabilia, collectibles, items from our childhood or from our children. But for more than an estimated million Americans, the saving may get out of hand and cross over to a psychiatric condition known as compulsive hoarding.

Most of us prefer not to talk about colon health and take those functions for granted. But many conditions can affect colon health, particularly as we age. A University of Michigan Gastroenterologist discusses diverticulosis and its symptoms and complications, and reminds us that regular colon cancer screening should start at age 50.

Pancreatic cancer is the 11th most common cause of cancer in the United States, but it is the 4th leading cause of cancer death.  Each year, about 40-thousand Americans are diagnosed with the disease; within 5 years, almost all will die from it. University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have uncovered an important piece of the puzzle.

It may only be one hour of lost time, but the ‘spring forward’ of our clocks for daylight saving time can really pack a punch for some people. A U-M Sleep Specialist discusses the impact of the time change and offers tips to help adults and children adjust to the lost hour on March 8.

Each year, about 200-thousand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Currently, it is very difficult to know when prostate cancer will require aggressive treatment to prevent it from spreading or when a wait-and-see approach is advisable for the patient. 

Valentine’s Day can be a time of indulgence... chocolate, wine, romance. It turns out, many of those indulgences, if taken in moderation, can be good for your heart! A University of Michigan cardiac surgeon shares some advice on setting the mood for a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day!

For people with celiac disease eating bread or pasta can lead to terrible GI pain and illness, and if left untreated can lead to cancer. Celiac disease use to be considered a rare disease, but is now thought to affect 1 percent of the population.

Heavy snoring can be far more than a nuisance. It can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea and possibly heart disease. Here is Andi McDonnell to help you ‘wake up’ to the possible health risks that heavy snoring may signal.  

It’s cold and flu season again, causing misery for the little people in your household. New guidelines warn parents that over-the-counter cough and cold medications should not be used in children under 6 years of age. But what should parents do to help their children through the runny nose, cough and aches?

Current research shows the worsening economy is causing many people to cut down on their prescription medications, postpone visits with their health-care providers and put off important routine health screenings and vaccinations. These actions may save money in the short run, but is it the best thing to do?

Depression is a “very potent” risk factor for suicide among people receiving treatment for depression at the VA, with a suicide rate that is three times higher than that of the overall VA patient population.