About 20% of people who survive what’s called an ischemic stroke have irregular heart rhythms, which can lead to another stroke, researchers say. But in cases where the stroke was caused by hardening of the arteries, patients aren’t adequately monitored for atrial fibrillation (a-fib, the most common heart rhythm abnormality) after discharge, said lead study…  read on >  read on >

Add high blood pressure to the list of problems associated with concussions among former pro football players. Researchers at Harvard University’s Football Players Health Study linked a history of concussions to elevated risk for high blood pressure among ex-NFL players. The results suggest that treating former athletes who have both high blood pressure and a…  read on >  read on >

Without dental coverage, many American seniors on Medicare stop getting the fillings and crowns they may need, a new study finds. The result isn’t pretty. “Without dental coverage for adults who are eligible [for] Medicare, we are seeing a rise in loss of teeth after age 65 among nearly 1 in 20 adults, which represents…  read on >  read on >

Parents in the United States may assume baby food is free of impurities, but a recent research review highlights the much different reality: Most foods made for babies and toddlers have some amount of toxic heavy metals. The contaminants include metals, such as lead and arsenic, that can harm brain development, and contribute to learning…  read on >  read on >

There’s been plenty of scientific debate about whether vaping is safer than tobacco, and whether it may help some people stop smoking. According to a recent Cochrane Review analysis of 78 studies, electronic cigarettes show more success in helping people quit smoking than traditional nicotine-replacement therapies, such as nicotine patches and gums. “The most important…  read on >  read on >

Amidst the recent COVID-19 outbreak in China, scientists are saying it appears no new variants developed. “Given the impact that variants have had on the course of the pandemic, it was important to investigate whether any new ones emerged following the recent changes to China’s COVID-19 prevention and control policies,” said lead author George Gao,…  read on >  read on >

Americans received unprecedented access to health care during the pandemic, including hassle-free public insurance and free tests, treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. Now, they need to prepare for most of that to unwind, experts say. “Essentially, Congress and the administration moved to a model of universal health coverage for COVID vaccines, treatments and tests” during…  read on >  read on >