(David Railton/ Medical News Today) — New data suggest that high salt consumption may prove fatal to certain gut bacteria, and that this could contribute to high blood pressure and diseases affecting the immune system.

Scientists are already aware of a link between high blood pressure and a diet high in salt.

High-salt diets may  …

(Pamela Kaufman/ Everyday Health) — Recognizing the early signs of melanoma — and getting yourself to a doctor as soon as possible if you see anything suspicious — is vital.

That’s because the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. For melanoma treated early, before it has time to spread, the five-year survival rate   …

(CBC News) — In Canada, more women than men are dying as a result of a stroke and they’re living with more challenges as they recover, according to a report from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The 2018 Stroke Report was released Tuesday and shows women suffer from the effects of stroke “disproportionately”  …

(Gina Kolata/ New York Times) — In a small study, doctors used so-called fecal transplants to treat a serious gut infection in patients. The transplants, from healthy donors, were as effective as antibiotics.

The bacteria can take over a person’s intestines and be difficult to eradicate. The infection causes fever, vomiting,  …

(Canadian Press) — Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 should be tested for the potentially liver-destroying virus hepatitis C, a new set of guidelines recommends.

More than 250,000 Canadians are believed to be infected with hepatitis C, but an estimated 40 to 70 per cent are unaware they harbour the blood-borne virus because  …

(Lindsey Theis/ Fox News) — Missy Elliot. Hanson. Wilson Phillips. This isn’t a Flashback Friday playlist — they’re CPR aides, and a catchy ’90s tune is now being added to the list — “Macarena.”

“Just having music out there to help as a memory aid is really important,” said   …

(David Railton/ Medical News Today) — According to new data, a diet rich in plant-based foods and low in meat — without strictly following a vegetarian or vegan diet — may offer protection against obesity in middle-aged and older adults.

Experts already know that diets that emphasize plant-based over animal-based foods — such as vegetarian  …

(Jacqueline Howard, CNN)  — If you’re in your mid-40s and haven’t had your colon checked, it might be time.

The American Cancer Society’s newly updated guidelines for colon and rectal cancer screening recommend that adults at average risk get screened starting at age 45 instead of 50, as previously   …

(Mark Lieber/ CNN) — The Mediterranean diet is well-known for its positive effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health. But according to new data from the World Health Organization, childhood obesity rates in the Mediterranean region are among the highest in the world.

The new WHO report, presented Wednesday at the European  …

(Ana Sandoiu/ Medical News Today) — New research suggests that moving one’s legs is crucial for brain health. In fact, exercising leg muscles helps the brain to produce new neurons, the study suggests. The findings help researchers to better understand the progression of neurological and motor neuron diseases.  …