The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday backed the emergency approval of Pfizer’s booster shots for Americans aged 16 and 17. The decision came shortly after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a third dose for that age group; boosters for those aged 18 and up were approved in November. “Although…  read on >  read on >

Children at risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) might find some protection from the disease by spending more time in the sun, a small study suggests. Although MS is rare in children and young adults, those with relatives who have the condition have increased odds of developing the disease early. Exposure to sunlight may cut their…  read on >  read on >

When a woman’s periods begin to slow down and finally stop, digestive problems often pick up — and new research suggests race and ethnicity play a role. With menopause, levels of estrogen decrease, while cortisol levels increase, triggering an adrenaline boost that changes digestive function. It can set off symptoms such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea,…  read on >  read on >

President Joe Biden promised cheaper prescription drugs for all Americans on Monday as his social agenda legislation winds its way through Congress. Biden tried to shift Americans’ focus to pocketbook provisions overlooked in his $2 trillion legislation, which deals with everything from climate to family life and taxes. The legislation has passed the House and…  read on >  read on >

Nearly 235,000 pounds of fully cooked ham and pepperoni products were recalled by Michigan-based Alexander & Hornung on Sunday due to possible listeria contamination. There are no confirmed reports of illness associated with the products that were sold across the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).…  read on >  read on >

Viagra, a drug long used to treat erectile dysfunction, may double as a potential weapon against Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests. Looking at data on more than 7 million Americans, researchers found that those taking the drug were 69% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, when compared to non-users. Then, in lab experiments, the investigators…  read on >  read on >

Planning ahead will reduce the risk of allergies and asthma interfering with your holiday plans, an expert says. “In addition to concerns about COVID-19, those with allergies and asthma sometimes have an added layer of anxiety because they need to always be thinking about allergy and asthma triggers that can cause serious symptoms,” said Dr.…  read on >  read on >

A rare gene variant discovered among Amish people may help lower “bad” cholesterol and protect against heart disease, a new study suggests. Researchers found that among nearly 7,000 Amish people, the gene variant was tied to reductions in both LDL cholesterol and fibrinogen — a protein that is a marker of inflammation and linked to…  read on >  read on >