Depression Can Speed Onset of Chronic Illnesses, Study Finds

Depression hits the whole body, speeding the onset of long-term physical ills as people age, new research contends.

“People who’ve experienced depression are more likely to develop long-term physical health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes," noted a team led by Kelly Fleetwood, a statistician at the University of E...

RFK Jr. Confirmed as Health Secretary in Near Party-Line Vote

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine skeptic and activist lawyer, was confirmed Thursday as the nation's new health secretary.

The Senate voted largely along party lines to put Kennedy at the helm of the $1.7 trillion U.S. Health and Human Services Agency.

In his new role, Kennedy will oversee 11 agencies including the U.S. Cente...

Belly Fat, Diabetes and Drinking Doubles Liver Disease Risk

If you've got a big belly, diabetes or high blood pressure, you may want to limit your alcohol, experts warn, as drinking could significantly raise your odds for serious liver disease.

The research, published recently in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that people with belly fat or diabetes who drink mo...

Experts Warn Marijuana Ads Are Reaching Kids Through Social Media

A legal loophole is allowing marijuana ads to slip past regulations and land right in front of kids on social media, a new report shows.

Although the federal Controlled Substances Act prohibits advertising the sale or use of marijuana through federal airwaves or across state lines, these rules haven’t stopped social media ads on cann...

Certain Birth Control Pills, Devices Linked to Higher Heart Risks

The most common formulation of birth control pills has been linked to a doubling of relative risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study finds.

Contraceptive vaginal rings and skin patches formulated in the same way were also linked to higher heart risks. 

Danish researchers stressed that the absolute risk to any one woman usin...

Ready for a Romantic Relationship? Your Friends' Opinions Matter

This Valentine's Day, are you ready for something real or still playing the field?

New research suggests your friends probably share similar notions about your readiness for lasting love.

Researchers at Michigan State University in East Lansing tracked data on nearly 800 young adults embedded in friend groups.  

Participan...