As syphilis cases surge throughout the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first diagnostic at-home test to spot the bacterial disease. “This is the first at-home, over-the-counter test to detect Treponema pallidum [syphilis] antibodies in human blood,” the FDA said in a news release. “Results from this type of… read on > read on >
A child at the dinner table talks about trouble at school or an argument with a friend, but parents aren’t listening: They’re checking their smartphones instead. It’s a scenario that plays out millions of times per day across America, and it could be harming the mental health of children, a new study suggests. Kids ages… read on > read on >
As an outbreak of a new strain of mpox continues in Africa, Sweden announced Thursday that it has confirmed the first case in that country. Known as the clade I strain, this latest iteration of mpox appears to be spread more easily and cause more severe disease, experts say. “A person who sought care at… read on > read on >
Where you live in the United States could play a role in whether you get a timely diagnosis of dementia, a new study says. The same person can have twice as much chance of getting a dementia diagnosis in some areas of the country than others, researchers found. And a timely diagnosis is becoming more… read on > read on >
A good night’s sleep is crucial for helping people make new memories, a new study says. Neurons that capture new memories during the day reset while you sleep, researchers reported Aug. 15 in the journal Science. “This mechanism could allow the brain to reuse the same resources, the same neurons, for new learning the next… read on > read on >
Kids considering suicide after receiving mental health care at a hospital can be helped by automated text messages that help them feel hopeful and supported, a new study finds. Children receiving the texts as part of a program called Caring Contacts said they felt more positive after receiving the messages. “Prior research has shown that… read on > read on >
Painting, woodworking, writing: Whatever you turn to creatively, it could equal or exceed work in terms of maintaining mental health, new research shows. “Crafting and other artistic activities showed a meaningful effect in predicting people’s sense that their life is worthwhile,” said study lead author Dr. Helen Keyes, of Anglia Ruskin University in the U.K.… read on > read on >
Back-to-school can feel like a rushed jumble, as kids leave behind summer fun for the next step in their education. But there are specific ways parents can help students show up sharper, get young athletes ready to compete, and have anxious kids settled down and ready to learn, experts say. Prioritize sleep Kids will have… read on > read on >
Emboldened by success in its initial efforts to cut dietary salt intake by Americans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday announced Phase II of the endeavor. U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that a person consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day, the equivalent of about one teaspoon of salt. Excess… read on > read on >
Chugging coffee, swilling colas or pounding down energy drinks could cause heart damage over time, a new study warns. All of these drinks contain caffeine, and a new study finds that folks who drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day appear more likely to develop heart disease. The research was reported Thursday at… read on > read on >
