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Remember the “mood ring” craze of the 1970s? A high-tech wristband is being developed along the same lines, potentially helping patients who struggle with mood disorders. The smart wristband would use a person’s skin to track their emotional intensity. During a mood swing, either high or low, the wristband would change color, heat up, squeeze or vibrate to inform the wearer he might be in the throes of depression or anxiety, the researchers said. “As the feedback is provided in real time, our devices encourage people to become more aware of their emotions, name them, potentially reflect on what causes them, and even learn how to control their emotional responses in order to change the visual or tactile feedback provided by the device,” said researcher Corina Sas. She is a professor of human-computer interaction and digital health at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. About 10% of U.S. adults struggle with a mood disorder, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or seasonal affective disorder, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. Part of the treatment for a mood disorder involves becoming more aware of emotions, and then learning to regulate emotional response, the study authors said in background notes in their report. Co-author Muhammad Umair, a Lancaster research associate, explained, “We wanted to create low-cost, simple prototypes to support understanding and engagement with… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your eyes, says Mayo Clinic. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV-related problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Mayo Clinic recommends looking for sunglasses that: Block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Screen out 75 percent to 90 percent of visible light. Have lenses that are perfectly matched in color. Do not have distortions or imperfections in the lenses.

As communities across America enjoy fireworks this July Fourth, folks should keep eye safety in mind. The number of eye injuries caused by fireworks nearly doubled from 2016 to 2017, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is urging Americans to take proper safety precautions this holiday. Fireworks-related eye injuries rose from 700 in 2016 to 1,200 in 2017, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those injuries included ruptured eyeballs and damaged corneas and retinas. “An average of 280 people a day will go to the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries during the two weeks before and after July Fourth,” said Dr. Dianna Seldomridge, clinical spokesperson for the AAO. “Don’t be a part of these alarming statistics. Learn how to protect yourself and your children,” she urged in an AAO news release. Most injuries are caused by legal fireworks that parents buy for their children, including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles, according to the AAO. The academy offered the following fireworks safety tips. Keep a safe distance from fireworks: A recent study found that bystanders account for 65% of people injured by fireworks. Stacy Young was one of those. She was 100 yards away when shrapnel from an illegal firework penetrated her skull. Her eye couldn’t be saved and had to be removed. Don’t pick up duds and misfires: Ohio firefighter… read on >

A new study is sure to strike a chord with anyone who plays in a high school or college marching band. The researchers report that long, afternoon practices and playing on artificial turf put marching musicians at high risk of heat stroke. “People usually think of football players when they think of students struggling with heat issues, but high school and college marching bands also often practice in the heat of August and early September, and play on the same surfaces while wearing uniforms and carrying heavy equipment,” said study author Dawn Emerson. She is an assistant professor of health, sport and exercise sciences at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. For the study, Emerson’s team measured the core body temperatures of musicians in two unidentified college marching bands during rehearsals and football games over one season. Participants swallowed a capsule with sensors to get the measurements. A core body temperature of more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit signifies heat stroke — the most severe form of exertional heat illness (EHI). It’s a leading cause of death among U.S. high school athletes. Average overall core temperature was significantly higher in one group: 101.1 degrees before activity for Band 2 versus 99.7 degrees for Band 1; and 101.8 degrees after activity for Band 2 versus 100.2 for Band 1. Maximum core temperature was 102.7 degrees in Band… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Crowded roadways and aggressive drivers help make rush hour a dangerous time to drive, says the National Safety Council. To make it safely during rush hour, the NSC recommends: Slow down. Do not be an impatient driver. Stay in your lane. Beware of drivers that dart from lane to lane. Stay alert. Consult a map or GPS before going to an unfamiliar area. Do not use your phone, or eat or drink while driving.

Looking to boost your fiber and vitamin C in one bite? Forget dietary supplements — emerald green broccoli is the answer. Cup for cup, broccoli has more vitamin C than oranges, and only half the calories. It’s also rich in folate and vitamin K, the minerals potassium and calcium, and many phytochemicals that may play a role in cancer prevention. To pick the freshest broccoli, look at the stem — it shouldn’t be dried out. Then look at the color of the florets. They should be dark green. Avoid heads that have yellowed in spots. While steaming broccoli is a snap, pan roasting adds great flavor without having to turn on your oven. The cheese sauce in the following recipe is bound to convert skeptics. Cheesy Pan-Roasted Broccoli For the broccoli: 1 head broccoli, cut into florets 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt For the sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup skim milk 1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and broccoli. Sprinkle with salt. Toss and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook four to five minutes until cooked through. While the broccoli cooks, make the cheese sauce. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil and flour. Cook… read on >

It’s great to challenge yourself to keep workouts interesting, but you need to take steps to avoid injury whether you’re new to exercise or a seasoned veteran. This often means adapting exercise to your current fitness level and abilities. For instance, if you’re experiencing a problem with balance, swimming will be safer than running. If you develop joint pain from a condition like arthritis, avoid high-impact activities to avoid stressing those joints. If you take fitness class and are having trouble with certain movements, don’t hesitate to ask the teacher to help you modify exercises. If you have a medical condition and are new to exercise, talk to your doctor about the safest options for you. Get instruction before you go it alone. Always warm up first. Walking in place gets your circulation going and delivers blood to your muscles, prepping them for more intense exercise of almost every type. Afterward, cool down the same way. To avoid overuse injuries, vary your exercise choices from one day to another. For instance, alternate between brisk walking and cycling. When you’re ready to challenge yourself, gradually increase intensity and length of workouts. A 5% increase is safe as you progress. Don’t forget to make sure your equipment and any safety gear are in good working order. Ease up or skip a workout when you’re not feeling well… read on >

If you struggle with infertility, chances are you will be twice as likely to get treatment for the heartbreaking condition if you are white, college-educated or affluent. So claims a new study that analyzed data from more than 2,500 women aged 20 to 44 who took part in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013 and 2016. Nearly 12.5% of the women — about 1 in 8 — reported infertility. Older age was associated with higher infertility rates, but race/ethnicity, education and income did not appear to be associated with infertility. However, the study found that certain women were much more likely to get infertility treatment. More than 80% of infertile women with a college degree or higher sought treatment, while only 33% of those with a high school degree or less did. More than two-thirds of infertile women with household incomes above $100,000 sought treatment, compared with one-third of women with household incomes of $25,000 or less. Only 39% of uninsured women with infertility sought treatment, compared with 65% of those with insurance, according to the researchers. “Our study highlights important unmet infertility needs at a national level,” said senior study author Dr. James Dupree, from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. “While infertility prevalence is equal among women of varying socioeconomic, education and racial and ethnic… read on >

He sings, he plays games — and Huggable the ‘social robot’ teddy bear could be good medicine for kids in the hospital. In a study of 50 children, aged 3 to 10 years, the plush bear boosted spirits, eased anxiety and even lowered perceived pain levels, say Boston Children’s Hospital researchers. “It’s exciting knowing what types of support we can provide kids who may feel isolated or scared about what they’re going through,” said study first author Deirdre Logan, a pediatric psychologist at the hospital. Logan noted that hospital staffers provide a lot of support to help kids feel comfortable, but they can’t be with every kid all the time. “Social robots create a more consistent presence throughout the day,” Logan said. “There may also be kids who don’t always want to talk to people, and respond better to having a robotic stuffed animal with them.” The robot is not designed to replace health care specialists, only to assist them, the study authors noted. Study co-author Cynthia Breazeal, founding director of the Personal Robots Group at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said, “Our group designs technologies with the mindset that they’re teammates … We want technology to support everyone who’s invested in the quality care of a child.” For the study, the researchers split the young patients into three groups: One used the robotic teddy; another… read on >

Children of mothers who are often exposed to solvent chemicals in the workplace appear to have an increased risk of autism, a new study finds. The study of almost 1,000 families can’t prove cause and effect, but researchers report that mothers of autistic children had more frequent exposure to solvents than mothers of children without autism. Overall, moms exposed to solvents were 1.5 times more likely to have a child with autism. Exposure to other workplace chemicals seemed to have no effect on autism risk in offspring, the study found. The study “results are consistent with earlier reports that have identified solvents as a potential risk factor for [autism spectrum disorders],” said a team led by Erin McCanlies. She’s with the Health Effects Laboratory at the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. One autism expert who wasn’t involved in the study said it does give pause for thought. “The fact that there was a weak association between solvents and autism spectrum disorders is concerning and should not be dismissed,” said Dr. Andrew Adesman, who directs child and adolescent psychiatry at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. He stressed, though, that the association failed to reach statistical significance “when needed adjustments were made for this analysis.” On the other hand the study sample was relatively small, so a larger population might… read on >

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All Sauce from Weekly Gravy:

How Are You Feeling? Check Your Wristband

Health Tip: Wear Sunglasses With UV Protection

Eye Injuries From Fireworks in U.S. Have Nearly Doubled

Sour Note: Marching Band Members at Risk When Temperatures Soar

Health Tip: Drive Safely During Rush Hour

Broccoli You Are Sure to Love

How to Prevent Exercise Accidents

When It Comes to Treating Infertility, Race, Education and Income Matter

Meet ‘Huggable,’ the Robot Bear Who’s Helping Hospitalized Kids

Women’s Exposure to Solvents at Work Tied to Autism in Children