Updated COVID-19 booster shots that target Omicron variants are rolling out across the United States, and a new study argues they’re coming at just the right time. Protective antibody levels tend to decline by at least 15% each month after a person receives a single COVID booster shot, researchers report. That said, getting a new… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Unhealthy Gums Could Up Your Odds for Dementia
Gum disease has far-reaching effects and may increase your odds of developing dementia, a new study suggests. In a review of 47 previously published studies, researchers in Finland found that tooth loss, deep pockets around teeth in the gums, or bone loss in the tooth sockets was tied to a 21% higher risk of dementia… read on > read on >
In Rare Cases, Monkeypox Can Trigger Dangerous Brain Inflammation
Though the risk appears small, a new review suggests that, in rare instances, monkeypox may trigger serious neurological complications, including seizures and brain inflammation. The finding is based on a look at 19 studies conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom and across Africa. All of the investigations worked with data collected before the… read on > read on >
Blood Test Shows Promise at Catching Cancers Early
A single blood test that can screen for more than 50 cancers seems to work fairly well in the real world, a preliminary study reveals. Researchers found that of over 6,600 apparently healthy people aged 50 and older, the blood test detected a possible cancer “signal” in roughly 1%. When those individuals had more extensive… read on > read on >
New 988 Suicide Hotline Sees Increase in Calls for Help
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched a new suicide hotline using just the numbers 988 in July, and now new data shows calls climbed 45% compared to the same time last year. “Our nation’s transition to 988 moves us closer to better serving the crisis care needs of people across America,” HHS… read on > read on >
New York Declares Emergency After Finding More Spread of Poliovirus
MONDAY, Sept. 12, 2022 (HealthDay News) – New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state emergency after finding evidence of continued community spread of poliovirus. Public health officials have detected the virus in a fourth county, Nassau in Long Island, which follows cases detected in Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties. That sample was linked… read on > read on >
Research Reveals Cause of ‘Freezing’ Gait in Parkinson’s
Researchers think they’ve figured out why Parkinson’s disease causes a person’s limbs to become so stiff that at times they can feel frozen in place. Using a robotic chair equipped with sensors, a research team has linked the activation of leg muscles in Parkinson’s patients with a region of the brain called the subthalamic nucleus.… read on > read on >
Repeat Blood Donation Won’t Harm Your Health
Frequent blood donors don’t need to worry about iron deficiency harming their health, new research shows. Even though about 35% of donors can become iron deficient after repeated blood donations, researchers have found that this produces no harmful effects on either the quality of donated blood or the well-being of frequent donors. “This finding is… read on > read on >
Screening Test Leads to Fewer Women Included in Autism Studies
A frequently used screening test for autism creates a gender gap that could hinder diagnosis and treatment for women and girls, a new study suggests. Researchers who study autism have been working to include more women and girls in their studies in recent years. Still, the majority of these studies consistently include few or no… read on > read on >
Could You Spot the Signs of Suicide Risk?
Recognizing the signs that someone is considering suicide could help save a life. “Emergency physicians see many people who are struggling silently with their mental health,” said Dr. Gillian Schmitz, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “One of the most impactful things anyone can do to prevent a tragedy is to spot signs… read on > read on >