More people die from heart problems during heatwaves where high temperatures stretch through both the day and night, a new study says. Heatwaves that offer no relief at night — known as compound heatwaves — are much more deadly than soaring daytime temperatures alone, researchers reported April 1 in the Journal of the American College… read on > read on >
Smoke from wildfires driving you mad? You’re not alone, a new study says. Short-term exposure to air choked with wildfire smoke increases people’s risk of mental health problems, according to findings published April 4 in JAMA Network Open. Hospital emergency rooms experience surges in patients with mental health conditions on days when smoke pollution is… read on > read on >
Ozone air pollution increases the risk of asthma among preschoolers and kindergarteners, a new study says. Relatively small increases in ozone smog in a child’s first two years of life is associated with an increased risk of asthma and wheeze at 4 to 6 years of age, researchers reported April 2 in JAMA Network Open.… read on > read on >
Wondering what recovery is really like after knee replacement surgery? Dr. Ayesha Abdeen, chief of hip and knee replacement surgery at Boston Medical Center, breaks down exactly what to expect — from managing pain in the first few days to getting back on your feet and returning to the activities you love. Total knee replacement… read on > read on >
A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration from cutting $11 billion in public health funding — at least for now. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2019, said Thursday that she would grant a temporary restraining order. The request came from 23 states and the District of… read on > read on >
Common chemicals used in plastic and personal care products may interfere with brain development in babies, a new study says. Phthalates are found in many everyday items, like food packaging, shampoo, toys and vinyl flooring. They help make plastics soft and carry scents in products. But they may also harm unborn babies’ brains when mothers… read on > read on >
Antidepressants appear to increase people’s risk of sudden cardiac death, a new study says. People taking the mood meds are more likely to die suddenly from heart problems, and their risk rises the longer they’re on the drugs, according to findings presented Monday in Vienna at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology. “Exposure… read on > read on >
Disrespected by a neighbor or colleague? Eyerolls from servers at a restaurant or store? Denied a job or a mortgage due to skin color? More than half of Americans have experienced some such form of discrimination, and this mistreatment dramatically increases their risk of depression or anxiety, a new study says. Nearly 56% of Americans… read on > read on >
Health experts are warning that whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is making a dangerous comeback. Cases are rising across the country, and Louisiana recently reported that two infants have died — the state’s first deaths from the illness since 2018. “For infants, it’s really rather terrifying,” Dr. John Schieffelin, an associate professor of pediatrics… read on > read on >
Thinking of splurging on a whole-body MRI or CT scan, based on the latest health fad? Just keep in mind that you’ll be contributing to climate change, a new study says. Unnecessary imaging scans for Medicare recipients alone create up to 129 metric kilotons of carbon dioxide emissions a year – equivalent to powering a… read on > read on >
