Contaminated water is the leading cause of large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people, researchers say. These health threats are called zoonotic infectious diseases, and recent outbreaks include COVID-19 and Ebola. “In the age of COVID-19, it is understandable that many people may not realize how many outbreaks of… read on > read on >
Suicidal thoughts are more common among Americans who bought guns when firearm sales spiked during the pandemic, compared to those among other gun owners or folks who don’t own guns, a new study shows. About 6% of U.S. residents bought a gun between March and mid-July of last year. Of these, 34% were first-timers —… read on > read on >
Two placenta-related markers could reveal older women’s risk of serious pregnancy problems such as stillbirth and premature or very small babies, British researchers say. They analyzed blood samples and medical data from 527 pregnant U.K. women, including 158 in their 20s; 212 in their 30s; and 157 in their 40s. The study found that levels… read on > read on >
So-called “forever chemicals” might increase pregnant women’s risk of a dangerous condition known as preeclampsia, researchers say. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used and long-lasting chemicals found in the drinking water of many U.S. communities. A new study found a link between PFAS exposure and late-onset preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and… read on > read on >
The U.S. government’s COVID-19 vaccination program for children ages 5-11 will be ready to roll on Nov. 8, the White House said Monday. On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved vaccines for the 28 million American children who fall into this age group, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still… read on > read on >
The joys of motherhood may be overshadowed in the United States since as many as 50% of new or expectant moms can’t pay their bills, including health care bills, new research suggests. “Financial hardship is highly prevalent among pregnant and postpartum women,” said study co-author Dr. Michelle Moniz. She is an assistant professor of obstetrics… read on > read on >
MONDAY, Nov. 1, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — Fresh breath, a pretty smile and healthy teeth and gums – they’re the reasons you brush your teeth each day and see a dentist twice a year. But what if brushing and flossing also helped to keep your brain – and the rest of your body… read on > read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has delayed a decision on whether to approve emergency use of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine in 12- to 17-year-olds until at least January, the company announced Sunday. That’s because the agency told the company on Friday that it needs more time to assess emerging international data on whether the vaccine… read on > read on >
Emergency room nurse Grace Politis was catching up on paperwork during her shift when she suddenly realized her head hurt badly. Then she blacked out. “Later on, I found out I was hit in the head twice with a fire extinguisher by a patient,” said Politis, who works at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell, Mass.… read on > read on >
