Vaping Can Damage DNA, But Will It Cause Cancer?

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- E-cigarettes produce chemicals that can damage a person's DNA, the first step on a path that might lead to cancer, a new study reports.

The saliva of a small group of e-cigarette users contained increased levels of three DNA-damaging compounds, the researchers said. These chemicals are formaldehyde, acrolein and methylglyoxal.

2 in 5 Teens Text While Driving, Survey Shows

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- Nearly 40 percent of teen drivers in the United States say they text while driving, a new survey finds.

Researchers analyzed survey data from teen drivers aged 14 and older in 35 states and found that more than a third said they'd texted while driving at least once in the month before the survey. In 34 of the 35 states, text messaging by drivers under the age of 21 is illegal.

Getting Kids Ready for the New School Year

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- There are a number of things you can do to ensure your kids have a smooth start to the new school year.

Don't wait until the first day of class to seek help. Schools are open over the summer to address any concerns you or your child might have, and the best time to get help might be one to two weeks before school opens, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests.

Most Parents Say Tsk, Tsk to Tattoos for Their Teens

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- Most American parents would forbid their teen from getting a tattoo due to concerns about possible infection and future job prospects, a nationwide survey finds.

The poll of more than 1,000 parents found 78 percent said they would not let their 13- to 18-year-old get inked.

What Comes First: Warm-Up or Stretching?

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- Sports-medicine research has called into question the value of warm-ups and cool-downs, and cast doubt on whether they really prevent muscle soreness.

However, there are still other benefits to these pre- and post-workout steps, and to stretching after both. But it's important to get the sequence right.

Are More U.S. Women Using Pot to Ease Morning Sickness?

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- A substantial number of pregnant women may be turning to marijuana to ease morning sickness, a new study suggests.

The study of more than 220,000 pregnant women found that more than 5 percent had recently used marijuana. And it was more common among women who'd been suffering from morning sickness.

Good News, Bad News in U.S. Breastfeeding Report

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- Most new mothers in the United States start out breastfeeding, but many stop sooner than recommended, a new federal government report says.

Of the nearly 4 million babies born in 2015, about 83 percent started out breastfeeding, but fewer than 36 percent were still breastfeeding at 12 months, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

U.S. Political Climate Frightening for Teens: Study

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- Donald Trump's America might be harming the mental health of teens, especially minority teens, a new study suggests.

Fear of discrimination became more common among Los Angeles-area teenagers between the 2016 election and the months following Trump's presidential inauguration in 2017, researchers found.

Can a Maple Leaf Help You Look Younger?

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 -- A maple leaf extract may help prevent wrinkles, scientists say.

In a new study, researchers found that certain compounds in maple leaves block the release of an enzyme called elastase, which breaks down a protein called elastin as people age. Elastin helps maintain skin elasticity.

AHA: 'Bad' Cholesterol Can Be Deadly in Otherwise Healthy People

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (American Heart Association) -- Healthy people with a low risk of cardiovascular disease may still need to keep a close eye on their cholesterol, according to new research.

A study, published recently in the journal Circulation, found that otherwise healthy people with high LDL cholesterol levels are at higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those with lower LDL.