Countering earlier concerns, a real-world study finds that a widely used at-home coronavirus test called BinaxNOW is as effective at detecting Omicron as other COVID-19 variants. The study of Abbot’s rapid antigen test included more than 700 people who visited a walk-up testing site in San Francisco. The test detected 65% of infections caught by… read on > read on >
In an effort to keep kids in classrooms, the White House announced Wednesday that 10 million free coronavirus tests will be provided to schools around the country every month while the wildly contagious Omicron variant continues to surge. President Joe Biden has been pushing for months to have schools stay open because the academic, social… read on > read on >
The chance of someone who is covered by Medicaid surviving cancer may depend in part on where they live, a new analysis finds. In states that had lower Medicaid income eligibility limits, cancer survival rates were worse for cancers both in early and late stages compared to states with higher Medicaid income eligibility limits, American… read on > read on >
People on bone-protecting drugs often take breaks from them for a few years. Now a new study finds that a “holiday” from the medication risedronate (Actonel) may come with a slightly increased risk of hip fracture. Researchers found that compared with a drug holiday from alendronate (Fosamax), taking a few years off from risedronate came… read on > read on >
Chloe Jo Davis is a vocal advocate for breastfeeding. The Wilton, Conn.-based writer breastfed her three sons for years to make sure they reaped all of the benefits associated with the practice. “Breastfeeding helps build up kids’ immune system and keeps colds, virus, ear infection and stomach bugs at bay, and this is more important… read on > read on >
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 12, 2022 (HealthDay News) – Babies conceived through infertility treatment are more likely to be born early and small. But there are reasons other than medically assisted reproduction to explain this difference, a new study concludes. “Rather than the infertility treatment itself, our new findings highlight the importance of parents’ underlying fertility problems… read on > read on >
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 12, 2022 (HealthDay News) – In ancient times, intestinal parasites weren’t just an affliction of the poor. Even the well-to-do had them. Researchers studied the contents of a cesspit beneath a toilet in Jerusalem. They found the remains of several types of intestinal parasite eggs that would have resulted from poor sanitary conditions.… read on > read on >
It’s a move that could severely limit the number of people taking the controversial new Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm: Medicare on Tuesday proposed to only cover the cost of the pricey medication for people enrolled in approved clinical trials. A final decision on coverage is expected later this year. The drug costs $28,200 per year, but… read on > read on >
Pfizer Inc. said Tuesday that a COVID-19 vaccine that specifically targets the Omicron variant will be ready by March. The company has already started making the new version of the vaccine, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC‘s “Squawk Box,” CBS News reported. Omicron now accounts for more than 98% of all new COVID-19 cases in… read on > read on >
For several years, a leading U.S. pediatricians’ group has called for middle and high schools to start later in the morning, to help these young people get the right amount of sleep. Now, new research suggests that students aren’t the only ones who benefit from later start times: Their parents also catch a break. “Kids… read on > read on >
