Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, is surging across the United States this winter, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data shows 91 outbreaks of norovirus during the week of Dec. 5, a sharp rise from the 69 outbreaks recorded the previous week. For context,… read on > read on >
Federal health officials have confirmed unsettling new details about the first United States case of severe bird flu, reported recently in a hospitalized patient in Louisiana. Genetic samples from the patient contained mutations that could, in theory, help the virus better infect human cells. Importantly, these mutations were observed in the later stages of infection… read on > read on >
Single folks might seem like they’re free to have more fun, but a new study says they may pay the piper in their later years. Lifelong single folks have lower scores on life satisfaction measures than those in long-term relationships, according to a study published recently in the journal Psychological Science. Singles also score differently… read on > read on >
The United States is lagging behind dozens of nations in its preparation for dealing with its aging population. The U.S. ranks 24 among 143 countries when it comes to ensuring seniors’ well-being, productivity and security, according to results published Dec. 27 in the journal Nature Aging. By comparison, Switzerland tops the rankings, Singapore is at 10,… read on > read on >
Blue Christmas, anyone? Holiday time can be wonderful, worrisome, energizing and depressing — all at the same time. There is no doubt about it: The holidays can be darn hard, especially when the season dredges up painful feelings or memories. Rather than stirring merry and joyful feelings, the end of the year can feel sad,… read on > read on >
Schoolkids will be better able to save the life of a cardiac arrest victim, thanks to a new law signed this week by President Joe Biden. The Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act creates a new grant program to provide United States schools with additional resources to respond to a… read on > read on >
Should you cut back on doom scrolling in 2025? Worries about money, gun violence and hate crimes ranked high among many people’s lists of worries at the end of 2024, according to a poll that is part of American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly opinion poll series. The survey included 2200 U.S. adults. Reducing… read on > read on >
A devastating bird flu outbreak has killed 20 big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Shelton, Wash. The deaths, which include four cougars and a half-Bengal tiger, have led the sanctuary to declare a quarantine to prevent further spread of the virus. “Our sanctuary is under quarantine… read on > read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule to require standardized testing of talc-containing cosmetics for asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to serious illnesses such as lung and ovarian cancers. According to an FDA report, the proposed rule would mandate that manufacturers test each batch of talc-containing cosmetic products using advanced… read on > read on >
FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2024 (HealthDay News) A specific class of anti-inflammatory drugs can help children avoid a debilitating complication of Crohn’s disease. A new study published recently in the journal Gut shows children with Crohn’s who were prescribed anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) drugs following their diagnosis had an 82% lower risk of anal fistulas, or… read on > read on >
