The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday finalized a rule that will require the removal of all lead pipes from the country’s water systems. “We’ve known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts for children’s health. And yet, millions of lead service lines are still delivering drinking water to homes,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan… read on > read on >
The brain has a waste-disposal system that clears away junk proteins that contribute to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, a new study finds. Advanced imaging scans have revealed a network of fluid-filled structures along arteries and veins within the brain, researchers reported Oct. 7 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.… read on > read on >
“Black Box” warnings added to antidepressants might have contributed to an increase in suicide attempts and deaths among young people, a new evidence review claims. The warnings say that antidepressants might be associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and teens, and were intended to prompt doctors to more closely monitor young people prescribed… read on > read on >
Damage to the brainstem could be behind the physical and psychological effects of Long COVID, a new study suggests. Brain scans of 30 Long COVID patients found they had damage to the region of the brainstem associated with breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety, researchers reported Oct. 7 in the journal Brain. “The brainstem is the critical… read on > read on >
In a small, preliminary study, piano lessons provided to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy appeared to help them maintain brain health. “There were a lot of outside stressors contributing to my mood, but piano practice and going to lessons were always something good and positive that I would look forward to, no matter what else was… read on > read on >
AI isn’t ready to run a hospital’s emergency room just yet, a new study concludes. ChatGPT likely would ask for unnecessary x-rays and antibiotics for some patients, and admit others who don’t really need hospital treatment, researchers reported Oct. 8 in the journal Nature Communications. “This is a valuable message to clinicians not to blindly… read on > read on >
The recent approval of a new epinephrine nasal spray gives patients a powerful new way to keep life-threatening allergic reactions at bay. But that doesn’t mean folks no longer have to worry about anaphylaxis. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, anaphylaxis can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Common… read on > read on >
Checking your blood pressure at home? Pay attention to arm position. A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers confirms that it makes a “huge difference” when it comes to getting an accurate measurement. And, the authors add, health care providers need to be more careful about it, too. “[Patients] must advocate for themselves in the… read on > read on >
Even as folks in North Carolina continue to clean up following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, a new health danger has emerged: The massive flooding that swept away roads and towns also uprooted the underground nests of yellow jackets, bees and other stinging insects. That has triggered a surge in swarms that attack and sting… read on > read on >
Two new studies show insurers continue to deny claims for preventive care that is supposed to be free under Obamacare. And insurers are more apt to reject claims from patients who are Asian, Black or Hispanic as well as those with low incomes, researchers recently reported in the journal JAMA Network Open. “What we document… read on > read on >
