Millions of Americans take antidepressants to combat low moods. But a large, new study suggests that these medications over time may do little to improve overall quality of life. “We found the change in health-related quality of life to be comparable or similar between patients that used antidepressant medications and those who did not use… read on > read on >
All Food:
FDA Warns 12 Companies About Skin Lightening Products
Twelve companies have been issued warning letters about selling over-the-counter skin lightening products containing hydroquinone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday. The products are unapproved drugs that are not recognized as safe and effective, according to the FDA, which has received reports of serious side effects including rashes, facial swelling and skin discoloration… read on > read on >
Over Half of American Parents Give Their Picky Eaters Supplements
When Pot Is Legal, Prescriptions for Pain, Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Drop: Study
When people have legal access to marijuana, they’re less likely to take certain prescription drugs, new research suggests. U.S. states where recreational marijuana is legal have seen large drops in the use of prescription drugs for pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, psychosis and seizures, the researchers found. “These results have important implications,” said study co-author Shyam… read on > read on >
Coronavirus Found in Human Feces Up to 7 Months After Infection
COVID-19 is mainly known as a respiratory ailment, but a new study suggests the coronavirus can infect your intestinal tract for weeks and months after you’ve cleared the bug from your lungs. In the study about 1 out of 7 COVID patients continued to shed the virus’ genetic remnants in their feces at least four… read on > read on >
Threatening Eye Condition Rare After COVID Infection
As doctors learn more about COVID-19 infection, they are finding that in rare cases, it appears tied to a disturbing eye condition. Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina, which causes blurred vision. It usually occurs in people suffering from diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure,… read on > read on >
Who Are the New ‘Patient Influencers’ on Social Media?
Disability activist Gem Hubbard regularly shares her insights about life in a wheelchair with more than 75,000 Instagram followers, under the handle @wheelsnoheels_, and her YouTube videos boast more than 3.7 million hits. Hubbard, who hails from the U.K., is “increasingly known internationally for her work in furthering the horizons of people with and without… read on > read on >
FDA Approves First Breath Test for COVID
People who suspect they may have COVID-19 could soon find out with a simple breath test that delivers results in three minutes. On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted an emergency use authorization for a device called the InspectIR Covid-19 Breathalyzer. The test, which must be administered by a trained operator, demonstrates a… read on > read on >
New Law Allows FDA to Police E-Cigs Made With Synthetic Nicotine
A new law will ensure that vaping companies making electronic cigarettes using synthetic nicotine, in fruit flavors that appeal to teenagers, can be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. When the law took effect Thursday, it closed a loophole that allowed the products to avoid oversight. Now, they must follow the same federal… read on > read on >
Avoiding Diabetes May Include Avoiding Meat
Eating a healthy plant-based diet may help you head off type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests. Healthy plant-based foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee/tea, vegetable oils and legumes. Unhealthy plant-based foods include refined grains, fruit juices, potatoes, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sweets/desserts. “Our findings support the beneficial role of healthy plant-based diets in diabetes prevention… read on > read on >