Health Research: Dengue Fever cases in Hawaii spiked over the holiday ♦ Food safety myths busted ♦ Childhood asthma may increase risks of shingles

Dengue Fever cases in Hawaii spiked over the holiday. The Hawaii Department of Health reported that as of December 24 the number of Dengue fever cases in the island State reached 180. Authorities believe that the outbreak could last months and urged residents and tourists to use repellant and seek medical attention if they feel ill.

Food safety myths busted This time of year,  most fridges are stocked up with food and drinks to share with family and friends. Let’s not make ourselves and our guests sick by getting things wrong when preparing and serving food. As the weather warms up, so does the environment for microorganisms in foods, potentially allowing them to multiply faster to hazardous levels. So, put the drinks on ice and

Being anxious could be good for you in a crisis New findings could help explain the apparent 'sixth sense' we have for danger in social situations, with the direction of a person's gaze being a crucial cue. People with non-clinical anxiety are particularly well poised for action

Childhood asthma may increase risks of shingles Nearly 1 million incidents of herpes zoster, which is also known as shingles, occur every year in the US, with an estimated one-third of all adults affected by age 80. Despite its prevalence, particularly between ages 50 and 59, it is still unclear why some individuals will develop shingles, and others will not

Senior's Health:Shingles increases short-term risk of stroke in older adults ♦ Genes associated with extreme longevity identified ♦ Aging warps our perception of time

Aging warps our perception of time A recent study found that seniors have a harder time distinguishing the order of events than younger adults. When researchers presented them with both a light and sound at the same or different times, they found that young and older adults could determine whether they occurred simultaneously with similar accuracy. But when asked to determine which appeared first, the light or the sound, older adults performed much worse.

Shingles increases short-term risk of stroke in older adults A new study determined that adults 50 and older are at a 50% increased risk for stroke for 90 days following a shingles episode.

New genes associated with extreme longevity identified Centenarians show successful aging as they remain active and alert at very old ages. Scientists have begun to unravel the basis for longevity by finding genetic loci associated with extreme longevity. A new study uses a new statistical method (termed 'informed GWAS') to identify five longevity loci that provide clues about physiological mechanisms for successful aging

Safety net fails grandmother caregivers living in severe poverty The number of grandmothers raising their grandchildren spiked during the Great Recession, but those living in poverty often struggle with a public assistance system not designed to meet their unique needs