A lonely middle and old age could bring higher odds for a stroke, new data suggests. A 12-year study of people over 50 found that those who experienced chronic loneliness were 56% more likely to have a stroke, versus those who said they weren’t lonely. “Loneliness is increasingly considered a major public health issue. Our… read on > read on >
Losing weight can protect you against cancers related to obesity, a new study finds. Obesity has been linked to higher risk of at least 13 types of cancer, researchers said. This is largely due to excess levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin. But study results show that dropping pounds can improve a person’s odds… read on > read on >
A simple and inexpensive paper strip test could help diagnose a case of the flu, and even identify the influenza strain that caused it, a new study finds. The test can distinguish between influenza A and B — the two main types of seasonal flu — as well as identifying more virulent strains like H1N1… read on > read on >
A well-established cholesterol-lowering drug appears to significantly slow the progression of a diabetes-related eye disease, a new trial shows. Fenofibrate (Tricor) has been approved since 2004 as a means of lowering cholesterol. Now, this new study shows that fenofibrate also can reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy by 27% compared to placebo. The findings were… read on > read on >
For the first time since the pandemic, it got a little safer to cross America’s streets in 2023, new statistics show. According to data released Monday from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 7,318 American pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles last year — a dip of 5.4% from 2022 and the first such decline… read on > read on >
An experimental stem cell therapy can essentially cure type 1 diabetes by restoring insulin production in some patients, early clinical trial results show. Seven out of 12 patients no longer needed daily insulin shots after receiving a full dose of the gene therapy, dubbed VX-800, researchers reported Friday at the American Diabetes Association’s annual meeting… read on > read on >
The rate of self-reported mental distress and depression among American adults who identify as transgender or gender-diverse (TGD) has more than doubled between 2014 and 2022, an analysis of federal health data reveals. During that time, “a record number of enacted laws has threatened the rights and protections of TGD people, including restricting access to… read on > read on >
Following state legislation passed in 2021 that essentially banned abortion in Texas, the rate of infant deaths rose by almost 13%, compared to a much smaller 1.8% rise nationwide, a new study finds. The number of Texan babies whose deaths were specifically linked to birth defects also jumped by 22.9% in 2022, the year after… read on > read on >
Women don’t need an ultrasound to have a safe medication abortion, a new study says. Women who received abortion pills by mail without getting an ultrasound first did just as well as those who were examined and given the drugs in person, researchers found. “This study adds to a growing and robust body of evidence… read on > read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to authorize the first menthol-flavored e-cigarettes has drawn the the ire of health advocates who say the decision undermines efforts to end the youth vaping epidemic in America. In its approval of four flavored vaping products made by Njoy, the agency defended its decision. “Based upon our rigorous… read on > read on >
