COVID-19 death rates are significantly higher among Black American women than among white men, according to a new study, suggesting that race is a factor in survival differences between men and women. Researchers analyzed COVID death rates in Michigan and Georgia, the only states reporting data by age, race and sex. “This analysis complicates the… read on > read on >
Two COVID-19 vaccines appear to work well against a rapidly spreading coronavirus variant that arose in California, but less effective against a variant that first emerged in South Africa, researchers report. “The good news is the California variant does not appear to be a problem for our current vaccines,” said study author David Montefiori, director… read on > read on >
As the coronavirus pandemic continues in the United States, less than half of older Americans have legally stated their wishes should they become seriously ill, a new survey finds. People 50 and older are at increased risk for severe COVID-19, and the pandemic may be an opportunity for them to discuss health care issues with… read on > read on >
Could banning menthol cigarettes be key to lowering smoking rates overall? New research suggests it’s possible, after finding that a ban on menthol cigarettes in Canada was linked to a large increase in the number of smokers who quit. The impact of the menthol ban in Canada suggests that a similar ban in the United… read on > read on >
In a discovery that shows carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t strike just office workers, researchers report that people who work in construction or manufacturing have a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome than those with desk jobs. Why the higher rates of injury among manual laborers? Investigators found such work requires lifting, gripping and forceful wrist… read on > read on >
A combination of hearing and vision loss is tied to an increased risk of mental decline and dementia, but having just one of those impairments isn’t connected with a higher risk, a new South Korean study finds. It’s not clear why a diminishing of both senses, but not just one, would raise dementia risks, but… read on > read on >
Fast-paced walking is painful for the millions of people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). But new research shows that a slower, pain-free pace won’t cut it if improvement in mobility is the goal. The study included more than 300 of the roughly 8.5 million Americans with PAD. It’s a condition in which plaque build-up in… read on > read on >
Are you the type to linger over a meal, or do you tend to eat quickly without giving it much thought? New research confirms that you’re better off going the slow route, because fast eaters tend to consume more and be more vulnerable to gaining weight and becoming obese. And it uncovers a new wrinkle:… read on > read on >
Two people in the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine trial developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, but it’s highly doubtful the vaccine is to blame, according to a just-published case study. Although both people were in the same trial, one was given the vaccine and the other was given a placebo of saline solution. “That strengthens the possibility… read on > read on >
Being jailed puts teens with untreated psychiatric disorders at increased risk for long-term mental health struggles, researchers say. “These are not necessarily bad kids, but they have many strikes against them,” said study lead author Linda Teplin. “Physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect are common. These experiences can precipitate depression. Incarceration should be the last… read on > read on >
