The coronavirus pandemic could cause short-term decreases in life expectancy in many parts of the world, according to a new study. Using a computer model, the researchers concluded that infection rates of only 2% could cause a drop in life expectancy in countries where average life expectancy is high (about 80 years). At higher infection… read on >
The widely prescribed antibiotic azithromycin is being investigated as a COVID-19 treatment, but a new study warns it could increase the risk of heart problems. Researchers analyzed data from millions of patients (average age: 36) in the United States and found that azithromycin by itself isn’t associated with an increase in heart problems. But the… read on >
Parents of kids with food allergies probably won’t be surprised to hear that Halloween is an especially risky time for their youngsters. A new study found that serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) triggered by peanuts jumped 85% when kids were trick or treating. Serious reactions triggered by an unknown tree nut or peanut exposure rose by… read on >
At Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s trauma center, Dr. Stephanie Bonne and her team noticed a string of patient injuries caused by broken glass tables. “They were quite serious, significant injuries that required pretty big operations and long hospital stays,” said Bonne, who is an assistant professor of surgery and trauma medical director. “We wanted… read on >
Aches and fatigue quickly progressed to fever with severe chills, but the terrible and unrelenting headache was the real signal that actress Rita Wilson was in for a rough ride following her infection with COVID-19. “It was a massive headache that really lasted for about two weeks,” Wilson recalls. “It was relentless. It wasn’t like… read on >
MONDAY, Sept. 21, 2020 (Healthday News) — As the U.S. coronavirus case count neared 200,000 on Monday, public health experts debated whether the spread of the virus will continue to slow or a new surge will come, as cold weather returns to much of the country. “What will happen, nobody knows,” Catherine Troisi, an infectious… read on >
Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. parents say their children don’t get enough sleep on school nights, an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) survey finds. It included more than 1,000 parents across the country with children between ages 5 and 18. Parents reported that early school start times (40%), homework (39%), sports (34%) and social… read on >
Dealing with acne can be especially difficult for people of color, a skin expert says. Acne affects up to 50 million people in the United States each year. For people of color, acne is often accompanied by dark spots or patches called hyperpigmentation. “Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., and it… read on >
People with addiction disorders are at greater risk for COVID-19 and more likely to become seriously ill if infected, a new study finds. The researchers analyzed non-identifiable electronic health records of more than 73 million patients in the United States. People with addiction disorders accounted for just over 10% of those in the study, and… read on >
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a spotlight on disparities in the U.S. health care system. But the issues are longstanding, and — as one large study illustrates — extend into a common elective surgery. Researchers found that when hip replacement surgery is done at a “safety net” hospital designed to serve the poor and uninsured,… read on >
