# Health

Stroking Pets Can Cut Painkiller Use After Surgery

Stroking a pet can help patients cut their amount of painkillers in half, according to a new study.

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Singing Therapy Helps Stroke Patients Speak Again

Debra Meyerson was hiking 15 months ago when a stroke destroyed part of the left side of her brain, leaving her literally speechless. It happens to more than 150,000 Americans a year. But now she is learning to talk again through an approach that trains the undamaged right side of the brain where even those […]

# Health

Pre-Pregnancy Doses of Folic Acid May Reduce Pre-term Births by Half

Women who take folic acid supplements for at least one year before they become pregnant may cut their risk of having a premature baby by half, according to research published this week in the online journal, PLOS Medicine.

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Pharmacy Prescribes Music for Pain

A London pharmacy is advising customers seeking pain relief to listen to music after a study found it can ease their symptoms. 41 percent of people living with persistent pain told researchers their favorite songs helped them relax and feel better.

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Online Therapy: A New Way to Get Help

On-line therapy is one of the newest trends in mental healthcare. Although many clients still choose the face-to-face approach, on-line counseling has become an important option for some clients in certain situations. It is not intended for serious mental health issues or illnesses requiring medication, but it can be successful in helping people through difficult life issues like divorce or interpersonal conflict.

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New Grants to Improve Patient Safety and Curb Malpractice Suits

The prevalence of medical malpractice suits has long been the bane of physicians and providers of health care. Now, the Obama administration has awarded $23.2 million in grants for projects intended to improve patient safety and curb medical malpractice suits, officials announced Friday.

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Millions in Insurance Rebates on the Way to US Consumers, Businesses

Due to a rule in the 2010 Affordable Care Act, US health insurers generally have to spend at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care and quality, not administrative overhead or marketing. Insurers that don't meet or exceed this standard, are sending millions in rebates back to consumers and businesses.

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Kids Get Free Vision Care and New Chance at School Success

This month, Sears Optical has delivered new eyeglasses to students whose parents have lost their jobs. In partnership with OneSight, the Sears team provided vision screenings to 1,579 students in Delaware and provided dozens with prescription eye glasses.