Memory and concentration problems haunt 7 in 10 patients with long COVID, a pair of new studies indicate. The findings suggest that COVID-19 has a notable impact on brain health, even if the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear, British researchers said. “We set out to explore whether some of the long-lasting issues in COVID —… read on > read on >
The potentially deadly tick-borne Heartland virus is spreading across the United States and has now been found in Georgia, Emory University researchers report. First identified in Missouri in 2009, the virus is found in the Southeast and Midwest and is spread by the lone star tick. The genetic fingerprint of the virus found in Georgia… read on > read on >
Older adults may not only be living longer, but better as well, according to a new U.K. study. Researchers found that since the 1990s, British adults age 65 and up have been enjoying more years living independently, free of disability. That’s despite the fact that many chronic health conditions have become more common. In fact,… read on > read on >
THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — The moment when Susan Timmins learned her infant daughter had a critical heart defect is seared in her memory. “It was life-altering,” she said. “Cataclysmic.” It also was just the beginning. Her daughter would need three heart surgeries before she was 3 years old. It was… read on > read on >
The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on America’s teachers, and nearly half of those recently surveyed said they’re thinking about quitting their jobs or switching schools. Enforcing mask-wearing and pivoting to remote learning hasn’t been easy. But many teachers and other school staff have also endured harassment and threats of violence from students and parents… read on > read on >
Stroke survivors may be watching their “bad” cholesterol, but a new study suggests another type of blood fat could put them at risk of a repeat stroke within the next year. Researchers found that stroke survivors with high triglycerides suffered repeat strokes at about twice the rate of survivors with normal triglyceride levels. Their risk… read on > read on >
In a finding that reinforces the safety of COVID vaccines, a new study shows that while the shots don’t raise the risk of rare neurological problems, COVID-19 infection might. The researchers focused on four immune-related neurological disorders: Bell’s palsy (facial weakness), encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord), Guillain-Barré syndrome (a nerve condition), and… read on > read on >
Could cigarette taxes help lower newborn and infant death rates? Yes, claims a new study. The researchers suggest that pregnant women are less likely to smoke when tobacco taxes are raised, leading to fewer infants being exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoking during pregnancy and secondhand smoke exposure are known to increase the risk of infant… read on > read on >
Rates of postpartum depression among American mothers rose nearly three-fold during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with large increases in major depression and thoughts of self-harm, according to a new study. It included 670 new moms who completed online screening between February and July 2020. One-third screened positive for postpartum depression and 20% had symptoms of… read on > read on >
If your blood pressure spikes when you stand, you may be at increased risk for heart attack and stroke, Italian researchers warn. “The results of the study confirmed our initial hypothesis — a pronounced increase in blood pressure from lying to standing could be prognostically important in young people with high blood pressure,” said lead… read on > read on >
