People undergoing immune-boosting therapy for advanced melanoma may respond better if they eat a high-fiber diet, a new study hints. Researchers said much more study is needed, but their initial findings — in both melanoma patients and lab mice — suggest that fiber-rich foods may help via their effects on gut bacteria. In contrast, there…  read on >  read on >

Give yourself and your loved ones the gifts of health and safety this holiday season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests. The agency outlines 12 ways to do that, beginning with a reminder that washing your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread…  read on >  read on >

Many Americans now have two oral antiviral pills that can be taken at home to treat a fresh case of COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the emergency use of Merck’s molnupiravir pill for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID in people who’ve just tested positive. The approval comes on…  read on >  read on >

Gum disease isn’t just a threat to your teeth. It also increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, mental woes and more, British researchers report. “The study reinforces the importance of prevention, early identification and treatment of periodontal disease, and the need for members of the public to attend regular oral health checks with a…  read on >  read on >

People who struggle with severe asthma now have a new treatment to get some relief. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an injectable drug called Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko), which would be administered every four weeks by a health care professional. The medication is considered an add-on treatment meant to improve severe asthma in a…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the emergency use of Pfizer’s new antiviral pill Paxlovid in people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19. It’s the first approved treatment for COVID-19 meant to be taken at home. “Today’s authorization introduces the first treatment for COVID-19 that is in the form of…  read on >  read on >

Fresh Express packaged salads have been linked to a listeria infection outbreak in eight U.S. states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The outbreak has caused 10 illnesses, one hospitalization and one death. It is under investigation by the FDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health agencies. The illnesses…  read on >  read on >

They may have other proven health benefits, but new research shows that fish oil supplements don’t prevent depression or improve mood. Some experts recommend omega-3 fish oil supplements to help prevent depression in high-risk patients, but studies have yielded mixed results and there are no guidelines on using fish oil for that purpose in the…  read on >  read on >