Tracey Romero, PhillyVoice

Tracey Romero

PhillyVoice

Philadelphia, PA, United States

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Recent:
  • Unknown
Past:
  • PhillyVoice
  • Philly.com

Past articles by Tracey:

Too much stress can impair memory and cognitive function; here's how to better manage it

Too much stress can affect memory and other cognitive functions, and increase the risk of dementia, research has shown. A new study, published in JAMA Network Open, adds to that evidence. But there are ways to manage stress so that it does not become overwhelming. → Read More

Pharmedica, Apotex eyedrops recalled due to risk for vision loss, eye injury

Two more eyedrop brands are being recalled. Pharmedica is voluntarily recalling its Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops due to the risk of eye infections that may cause blindness. And Apotex is voluntarily recalling its prescription eyedrops, Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%, due to cracks in the bottle caps, which may lead to contamination and adverse events. → Read More

How to tell whether congestion is caused by a cold, sinus infection or allergies

Correctly identifying the source of the symptoms is important to ensure proper treatment → Read More

Face blindness can be an isolating and embarrassing condition – and it's more prevalent than once believed

Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, affects more than 10 million Americans. That's more than previously believed, according to a study by Harvard Medical School and VA Boston Healthcare System. The neurological condition prevents people from recognizing the identities of people they know. Treatment includes cognitive training. → Read More

Ovarian cancer prevention: More women should consider having their fallopian tubes removed, doctors say

Because there is no effective screening method for ovarian cancer, one of the most deadly forms of cancer, several major cancer centers and medical groups are recommending more women consider having their fallopian tubes removed. The cancer often begins in the fallopian tubes. → Read More

Erythritol, an artificial sweetener used in low-calorie foods, may increase risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds

Erythritol, an artificial sweetener found in low-calorie and low-carb products, may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes, according to new research by the Cleveland Clinic. The sugar substitute is not always clearly labeled on food labels because food manufacturers are not required to list individual compounds. → Read More

What is Shigella? The stomach bug, which can resist antibiotics, is drawing new concern from the CDC

Shigella infections caused by the XDR variant, which can resist antibiotics, have risen exponentially since 2015, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of the highly-contagious stomach bug include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The best ways to prevent a Shigella infection is by washing hands thoroughly after changing diapers and before preparing food. → Read More

When is the best time exercise? The latest study suggests afternoon workouts are optimal

People who are physically active between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. are the least likely to die an early death, researchers found → Read More

Racial disparities in health care: Black women wait longer for uterine cancer tests, diagnoses

This racial disparity reduces their likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer at an early stage – a critical factor for survival → Read More

Pennsylvania woman regained use of her impaired hand years after a stroke by using experimental treatment

Spinal cord stimulation appears to improve arm and hand mobility, allowing people who have had moderate to severe strokes to conduct their normal daily activities more easily. The research, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Melon University, offers promise for people like Heather Rendulic, who used an innovative treatment to restore movement in her left arm and hand. → Read More

A highly contagious stomach bug is spreading; here's how to prevent a norovirus infection

Practicing proper hand-washing and taking extra precautions when preparing food or doing laundry can go a long way – especially in households where someone is sick → Read More

How long do you need to wait to exercise after COVID-19? Here's what experts say

The best time to begin exercising after a COVID-19 infection depends on several factors – the type of symptoms, their severity and their duration, doctors say. Experts recommend that people ease back into their workout routines after testing positive for the coronavirus. They should begin with low-intensity activities, like walking or yoga, and progress to moderate aerobic exercises. → Read More

Is chocolate healthy for the heart? The science is inconclusive, FDA says

Any health benefit associated with chocolate depends on how much cocoa flavanols are in each serving. For chocolate makers to be able to make health claims, their cocoa products must contain at least 4% of naturally conserved cocoa flavanols, the FDA says. This is a lot more bitter than most chocolate candy, which often is loaded with sugar. → Read More

Years of exposure to air pollution can increase your risk of depression or anxiety, experts say

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry reinforces the idea that air pollution affects the brain just as much as it does the heart and lungs. The research found that long-term exposure to even low levels of pollution increased the risk of depression and anxiety. → Read More

Genetics appear to play a big role in rare eating disorder ARFID, new data shows

New Swedish research suggests genetics play a large role in a rare eating disorder known as ARFID, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. Those who suffer from it avoid food due to an aversion, not body image issues or a compulsion to lose weight. → Read More

Eating ultra-processed foods like hot dogs and soda may increase risk of cancer, research shows

Nearly 60% of the calories consumed by American adults come from foods that are heavily manufactured and loaded with additives → Read More

Breast cancer risk factors: Breast density increases likelihood of cancer, but many women don't realize it

Pennsylvania and New Jersey are among 38 states that require health care providers to detail breast density after mammograms → Read More

Do boosters work against XBB.1.5? Latest COVID-19 shots offer some protection, CDC study finds

Only 15% of eligible Americans have received the shots. To spur interest, the FDA has proposed limiting boosters to once per year → Read More

Baby food & lead: As the FDA seeks to limit lead levels in infant food, here's what parents should know

Several reports in recent years have raised concerns over the amount of dangerous metals in purees and other processed foods for young children → Read More

Sexual health misinformation is all over social media, and it can have serious consequences

Following the sexual health advice of social media influencers can be a dangerous path, researchers say. The misinformation they often share can lead to serious health consequences. A new study from the University of Delaware found that contraceptive advice from social media influencers may be putting young people at risk of unplanned pregnancies. → Read More