Patti Neighmond

African Americans Remain Hardest Hit By Medical Bills

Patti Neighmond — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 06:56:00 +0000

For many years, high medical bills have been a leading cause of financial distress and bankruptcy in America. That pressure may be easing ever so slightly, according to a survey released earlier this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But 1 in 5 Americans still face hardships due to medical costs — and African-Americans continue to be the hardest hit.

A poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health found that 24 percent of African-American families say they've had problems paying for needed prescription drugs.

Overweight People Are More Apt To Ditch Doctors

Patti Neighmond — Mon, 27 May 2013 07:30:00 +0000

Patients struggling with obesity can have a tough time finding the right doctor, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

"Patients often complain that their primary care doctor is too judgmental or harsh with them about their weight," says Dr. Kimberly Gudzune, an internal medicine physician at Johns Hopkins. She sees lots of overweight and obese patients who want to lose weight, but feel that their doctor isn't supporting them in that effort.

How To Turn Down The Heat On Fiery Family Arguments

Patti Neighmond — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:26:00 +0000

All parents are bound to disagree, argue or even raise their voices with each other.

But psychologists say parents can minimize the negative impact of their arguments on their children.

How Exercise And Other Activities Beat Back Dementia

Patti Neighmond — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:04:00 +0000

The numbers are pretty grim: More than half of all 85-year-olds suffer some form of dementia.

But here's the good news: Brain researchers say there are ways to boost brain power and stave off problems in memory and thinking.

In other words, brain decline is not necessarily an inevitable part of aging. "It's simply not pre-destined for all human beings," Bryan James tells Shots. He's an epidemiologist at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago.

Study Hints Vitamin D Might Help Curb High Blood Pressure

Patti Neighmond — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:20:00 +0000

We've heard many claims in the past decade — and much debate — about the role of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of conditions as varied as brittle bones, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia.

Now researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston have what they think may be another tantalizing lead: Their study suggests moderate doses of vitamin D supplements might help reduce high blood pressure.

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Postpartum Depression Affects 1 in 7 Women

Patti Neighmond — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:13:00 +0000

It's well documented that some women suffer depression after having a baby. But it's less well-known just how many do.

The largest study to date shows that as many as 1 in every 7 women suffers postpartum depression.

Selling Kids On Veggies When Rules Like 'Clean Your Plate' Fail

Patti Neighmond — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:25:00 +0000

If you're a parent, you've probably heard remarks like this during dinner: "I don't like milk! My toast is burnt! I hate vegetables! I took a bite already! What's for dessert?" It can be daunting trying to ensure a healthy diet for our children. So it's no wonder parents often resort to dinner time rules.

In our new poll, with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health, 25 percent of families tell their children to eat everything on their plate, and 45 percent report setting restrictions on the types of foods eaten.

How 'Crunch Time' Between School And Sleep Shapes Kids' Health

Richard Knox and Patti Neighmond — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:26:00 +0000

It's an important question for American families and the nation as a whole: Why do so many kids weigh too much?

There are recent hints the epidemic may be abating slightly.

How Parents Can Learn To Tame A Testy Teenager

Patti Neighmond — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:38:00 +0000

If you're the parent of a teenager, this may sound familiar: "Leave me alone! Get out of my face!" Maybe you've had a door slammed on you. And maybe you feel like all of your interactions are arguments.

Kim Abraham, a therapist in private practice in Michigan, specializes in helping teens and parents cope with anger. She also contributes regularly to the online newsletter Empowering Parents. Abraham says, for starters, don't take it personally.

Teens just can't explode at their teachers or with friends, but parents are safe.

Schedule Of Childhood Vaccines Declared Safe

Patti Neighmond — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Childhood vaccines for diseases like measles, polio and whooping cough have repeatedly been proved safe and effective. Even so, some parents still worry that the schedule of vaccinations — 24 immunizations by the age of 2 — can be dangerous.