Health
How to stay safe during heat waves – and heat stroke warning signs to watch for
How to stay safe during heat waves – and heat stroke warning signs to watch for During heat waves, it’s essential to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat rash, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and feeling weak. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek shade, rest, and cool down […]
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When you lose your health insurance, you may also lose your primary doctor – and that hurts your health
When you lose your health insurance, you may also lose your primary doctor – and that hurts your health When you lose health insurance, you may also lose your primary doctor, leading to missed warning signs, delayed care, and worsening health outcomes. Staying connected to a trusted doctor can keep you healthier and save the […]
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When developing countries band together, lifesaving drugs become cheaper and easier to buy − with trade-offs
When developing countries band together, lifesaving drugs become cheaper and easier to buy − with trade-offs Pooled procurement of lifesaving drugs can increase availability and reduce costs for developing countries, but it also comes with trade-offs that require flexibility and early planning. The study found that pooled procurement through international institutions reduced prices by 13% […]
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Ticks carry decades of history in each troublesome bite
Ticks carry decades of history in each troublesome bite Ticks carry decades of history in each troublesome bite, making them fascinating for environmental historians. Human actions long ago have contributed to the widespread spread of tick-borne diseases. The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and other tick species can transmit Lyme disease, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted […]
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Thirdhand smoke is a ‘silent threat’ to kids
Thirdhand smoke is a ‘silent threat’ to kids Thirdhand smoke, a phenomenon where chemical residue from smoking lingers in surfaces, may be underestimated by parents as a source of environmental tobacco smoke exposure to their children. A new study found that despite caregivers reporting no exposure to ETS, all children tested positive for low levels […]
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How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage
How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage Health insurance companies use artificial intelligence algorithms to decide whether to pay for health care treatments and services recommended by a patient’s physicians, often leading to delays or denials of necessary care. The use of AI in health insurance can have serious consequences, including withholding care from […]
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Cannabis use disorder may raise your psychiatric illness risk
Cannabis use disorder may raise your psychiatric illness risk Cannabis use disorder has been linked to an increased risk of developing several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a new study published in Nature Mental Health. The study analyzed genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) […]
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Blood tests can detect cancer 3 years before diagnosis
Blood tests can detect cancer 3 years before diagnosis Blood tests can detect cancer 3 years before diagnosis by identifying genetic material shed by tumors in the bloodstream. A study published in Cancer Discovery found that tumor-derived mutations could be detected in blood samples from participants who were later diagnosed with cancer, providing a window […]
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Sleep loss rewires the brain for cravings and weight gain – a neurologist explains the science behind the cycle
Sleep loss rewires the brain for cravings and weight gain – a neurologist explains the science behind the cycle Getting enough sleep is crucial for restoring metabolic balance in the brain and body, as it helps regulate hunger signals, weakens self-control, and impairs glucose metabolism. Sleep loss can lead to increased cravings for high-calorie foods, […]
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How to stay safe during heat waves – and the heat stroke warning signs to watch for
How to stay safe during heat waves – and the heat stroke warning signs to watch for Be aware of the heat wave risks: Extreme heat can become lethal quickly, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and those who work or play outside. Watch for warning signs of heat-related illnesses: Mild forms include heat […]
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How to keep your pets free of fleas
How to keep your pets free of fleas Fleas are a common problem for pets during the summer heat, causing itchiness, skin irritation, and potential health risks. Pets can pick up fleas from direct contact with other animals, the environment, or people’s clothing and gear, making prevention crucial. The signs of flea infestation include itchiness, […]
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Family and friends shoulder the real cost of dementia − $224B in unpaid care
Family and friends shoulder the real cost of dementia − $224B in unpaid care The true cost of dementia care in the US is estimated to be $277 billion per year, five times higher than the initial medical spending estimate of $53 billion. The majority of this cost ($224 billion) is attributed to unpaid care […]
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Circadian ‘clocks’ show humans are seasonal creatures
Circadian ‘clocks’ show humans are seasonal creatures New research shows that humans’ circadian clocks are influenced by seasonal changes in daylight hours, suggesting that we are indeed “seasonal creatures” despite modern conveniences. The study, which analyzed data from thousands of medical residents, found that people’s sleep schedules and circadian rhythms adjust to the changing amount […]
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Can treating inflammation boost pregnancy chances?
Can treating inflammation boost pregnancy chances? Researchers found that inflammation in the female reproductive tract can make it difficult to conceive, but replenishing a key hormone called progesterone may help keep inflammation in check. Inflammation increases when the body lacks sufficient proteins needed to respond to progesterone, which plays a crucial role in embryo development […]
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‘Smart’ dental implants could feel more like the real thing
‘Smart’ dental implants could feel more like the real thing Researchers are developing “smart” dental implants that can mimic the natural feel and function of real teeth. The new approach uses a biodegradable coating wrapped around an implant, which contains stem cells and a protein to help nerves grow and multiply around it. The coating […]
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Why don’t bats get cancer?
Why don’t bats get cancer? Bats have been found to live up to 35 years without getting cancer, equivalent to about 180 human years, due to their unique biological defenses. The study discovered that bats have a gene called p53, a tumor-suppressor that can shut down cancer, and they have two copies of this gene, […]
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Tiny changes in the heart may cut irregular heartbeat risk
Tiny changes in the heart may cut irregular heartbeat risk Researchers have discovered that microscopic structural changes in heart cells, specifically the narrowing of the perinexus gap between cells, may help reduce arrhythmia risk with age. The study found that as we get older, cardiac cells become bigger and the body compensates by making electrical […]
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The complex reality of college student mental health: Data reveals both challenges and positive trends
The complex reality of college student mental health: Data reveals both challenges and positive trends Despite frequent use of the term “crisis,” college student mental health data reveals both challenges and positive trends. The percentage of students contemplating suicide has decreased slightly over the past two years, according to the Healthy Minds Study. The demand […]
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Older adults with dementia misjudge their financial skills – which may make them more vulnerable to fraud, new research finds
Older adults with dementia misjudge their financial skills – which may make them more vulnerable to fraud, new research finds Older adults with dementia often misjudge their financial skills, making them more vulnerable to fraud. A recent study found that people without dementia are generally aware of their financial abilities and this awareness improves over […]
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Is the plastic in your kitchen dangerous for your health?
Is the plastic in your kitchen dangerous for your health? Plastic containers and utensils in your kitchen may be releasing harmful chemicals that can affect human health. The plastics used in kitchen utensils, such as black plastic spatulas and cutting boards, may contain brominated flame retardants and heavy metals, which have been linked to cancer, […]
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Data on sexual orientation and gender is critical to public health – without it, health crises continue unnoticed
Data on sexual orientation and gender is critical to public health – without it, health crises continue unnoticed The Trump administration’s efforts to restrict data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity are harming public health by erasing critical information needed to address health disparities. The CDC has deleted gender identity variables from its webpages, […]
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Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected
Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill has been criticized by those most affected, who argue that it won’t solve the opioid epidemic and instead perpetuates stigma against people who use drugs. The bill’s increased penalties for small amounts of fentanyl have been linked […]
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Can a sleeping pill protect against Alzheimer’s damage?
Can a sleeping pill protect against Alzheimer’s damage? A new study suggests that a common sleep aid called lemborexant may help protect against Alzheimer’s damage by reducing the buildup of abnormal tau protein in the brain. The drug, which blocks orexin receptors, has been shown to improve sleep patterns and reduce inflammation caused by tau […]
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Adolescents who smoke or vape may believe tobacco’s perceived coping benefits outweigh accepted health risks
Adolescents who smoke or vape may believe tobacco’s perceived coping benefits outweigh accepted health risks Tobacco use among adolescents has decreased significantly over the past few decades, but e-cigarette use remains a complex problem for public health and policy. Many adolescents who smoke or vape are aware of the health risks associated with tobacco use, […]
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Your teens’ sleep habits may affect how their brains work
Your teens’ sleep habits may affect how their brains work A new study found that teenagers’ sleep habits can affect how their brains work, particularly when it comes to decision-making, self-reflection, and processing information. Adolescents who get less sleep are more likely to exhibit behavioral issues such as acting out, poor impulse control, and aggressiveness, […]
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Will you be able to get a COVID shot this fall?
Will you be able to get a COVID shot this fall? Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, effective immediately. The FDA has also changed its policy framework, stating that boosters will only be available to adults over […]
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Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows
Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows A study published in JAMA Network Open found that more than half of U.S. teens living in households with firearms believe they can access and load a firearm at home, even when parents report storing all firearms locked […]
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LGBTQ+ patients stay up-to-date on preventive care when their doctors are supportive, saving money and lives throughout society
LGBTQ+ patients stay up-to-date on preventive care when their doctors are supportive, saving money and lives throughout society LGBTQ+ patients who receive affirming care from their doctors are more likely to stay up-to-date on preventive services, such as flu shots and cancer screenings, which can save lives and money. The study found that 34% of […]
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Binge drinking brake found in mouse brains, offering future path to treating alcohol abuse – new research
Binge drinking brake found in mouse brains, offering future path to treating alcohol abuse – new research Researchers have identified a small cluster of neurons in the medial orbitofrontal cortex that play a key role in suppressing binge drinking behavior. The discovery was made using a genetically modified mouse model that allowed researchers to map […]
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US health care is rife with high costs and deep inequities, and that’s no accident – a public health historian explains how the system was shaped to serve profit and politicians
US health care is rife with high costs and deep inequities, and that’s no accident – a public health historian explains how the system was shaped to serve profit and politicians The US healthcare system was deliberately designed to prioritize profit and politicians over people, leading to high costs and deep inequities. The system’s architecture, […]
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