Brain damage that veterans suffered from flying shrapnel has provided a major clue that could lead to better treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a new study says. Veterans who suffered shrapnel damage connected to their amygdala, the fear center of the brain, were less likely to develop PTSD, researchers reported Sept. 24 in the… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Most Americans Won’t Get Vaccinated as Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey
Most Americans don’t plan to get vaccinated against the flu or COVID-19 this season, a new survey has found. Fewer than two in five U.S. adults (38%) say they will definitely get a flu jab, and only one in four (26%) say they’ll get the updated COVID vaccine, according to a survey released Wednesday by… read on > read on >
988 Mental Health Crisis Calls Now Link to Caller Location, Not Area Code
In a move that could mean more Americans in crisis get help and get it quickly, federal officials announced Tuesday that major cellphone carriers now have the technology to direct 988 callers to local mental health services based on their location instead of their area code. “The goal of 988 is to help people in… read on > read on >
14.3 Million Americans Are Caring for Ill or Disabled Veteran
Millions of Americans are caring for veterans, putting their finances and their mental health on the line to help those who have served the country. More than 14 million Americans now provide daily care to wounded, sick or injured military service members or veterans, a new study finds. And data show that care is taking… read on > read on >
Most People With Schizophrenia Aren’t Getting Treated
Only 1 in every 4 U.S. adults struggling with schizophrenia receive “minimally adequate treatment,” new data shows. Many of these patients also struggle with other mental health issues, such as substance abuse or depression, and they are further challenged by social and economic hardship, according to the new report. The data comes from the U.S.… read on > read on >
Initial Symptoms of MS Could Guide Prognosis, Treatment
Two key symptoms that can arise soon after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) could predict how swiftly the illness will progress and suggest best treatment options, new research shows. The two symptoms — blurred vision and sphincter dysfunction of the bladder and/or bowel — can arise in some, but not all, patients early in… read on > read on >
Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses
A non-drug nasal spray could theoretically help stop the spread of respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19 better than wearing a mask, a new study suggests. The spray uses ingredients that are medically inactive to trap germs in the nose before they can infect a person, researchers said. “We developed a drug-free formulation using… read on > read on >
NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre Has Parkinson’s Disease
Green Bay Packers legend and NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Favre, 54, made the announcement while testifying to Congress on his potential misuse of taxpayer funds. The former quarterback has been presenting testimony in Washington to the House Ways and Means Committee, following accusations… read on > read on >
Prediabetes in Teens Could Raise Odds for Complicated Pregnancies Later
If a woman is already in a “prediabetic” state in her teen or college years, her odds for a serious complication of pregnancy later in life rises, new research shows. Ignoring prediabetes in teenagers “may represent a missed opportunity to avert pregnancy-related complications” later, said study lead author Katharine McCarthy. She’s an assistant professor of… read on > read on >
Four in Every 10 U.S. Adults Is Now Obese; Severe Obesity Rising
Over 40 percent of U.S. adults are now obese, with rates roughly the same for men and women, new government data shows. Obesity rates fluctuated with age and fell as levels of education increased, said the report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The only good news: The rate of adult obesity… read on > read on >