The COVID virus strain circulating in the United States during the pandemic’s first wave spread so fast because it most often started with a cough, according to a new study. It’s likely that people with that strain — D614G — coughed and spread the virus before they were laid low by fever, the most common… read on > read on >
Add heat waves to the many health threats facing homeless people. Last year, the United States had 580,000 homeless people — 28% of them in California, where seven in 10 live outdoors. That’s nearly nine times more than in any other state. “The same weather that makes living unsheltered possible in California also exposes people… read on > read on >
Genes in human embryos become active far sooner than once thought, according to a study that provides fresh insight into development. Contrary to the old view that gene activity begins two to three days after conception when the embryo is made up of four to eight cells, researchers found that it actually begins at the… read on > read on >
Lockdowns keep people home for a few weeks, but they lose their luster after a few months, claims a new study that comes as many countries consider a return to lockdowns to slow the renewed spread of COVID-19. The findings could be used by policymakers when deciding whether to impose lockdowns, the researchers said. For… read on > read on >
Don’t let a picture-perfect snowfall turn deadly. Shoveling snow can cause heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest in folks with heart conditions and even in those who are unaware that they have heart disease, the American Heart Association (AHA) warns. “Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity, made even more so by the impact that… read on >
Give yourself and your loved ones the gifts of health and safety this holiday season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests. The agency outlines 12 ways to do that, beginning with a reminder that washing your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread… read on > read on >
Healthy looking facial hair starts with healthy skin – even if you’re Santa. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests some tips to prevent dandruff, ingrown hair, acne and itch under beards, goatees and mustaches, whether you’ve been growing facial hair for a long time or just stopped shaving during the pandemic. “Whether your beard is… read on > read on >
Tempting as it is to mingle with friends and relatives, anyone with cancer should take extra precautions this holiday season to avoid COVID-19. Their families also need to be cautious to help protect them, experts say. Yale Cancer Center reminds people who are living with cancer that the disease and treatments can put a patient… read on > read on >
It’s clear that COVID-19 has killed many hundreds of thousands of people in the United States. Less clear is its impact on other health issues, which will be felt in the years to come. Liver disease is projected to be one of those, with 8,000 additional deaths from alcohol-related liver disease, 18,700 cases of liver… read on > read on >
Meat eaters are far more apt to choose plant-based foods at restaurants if menus are at least 75% vegetarian, according to a new study. Along with the health benefits, British researchers said getting more people to eat plant-based foods could help fight climate change. “The findings provide practical instruction on what percentage of their food… read on > read on >
