The U.S. drug epidemic continues its death march, with new research showing American teens and young adults have lost nearly 1.5 million years of life due to drug overdose deaths in recent years. For the study, the researchers examined years of life lost — the difference between a person’s expected lifespan and when they actually… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Airborne COVID Virus Drifts Outside Isolation Rooms at Home
Telling people to isolate in a bedroom when COVID-19 strikes may not be enough to keep the virus from spreading to others in the household, a new study suggests. Airborne coronavirus particles were found both inside and outside the rooms of people with COVID-19 who were supposed to be self-isolating at home, according to researchers… read on > read on >
Blood Pressure Crises Sending More Americans to the ER
Hospitalizations for dangerously high blood pressure more than doubled in the United States from 2002 to 2014, new research shows. This jump in hospitalizations for what’s called a “hypertensive crisis” occurred even though data show overall progress in Americans controlling their blood pressure and a decrease in blood pressure-related heart problems during that period. “Although… read on > read on >
Meat-Heavy Diets Might Have Link to MS
If you eat a lot of meat, you may be at increased risk for multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study suggests. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the insulation around nerves. It’s not clear what triggers the attack, but mounting evidence suggests bacteria plays a role. Gut bacteria can affect the… read on > read on >
FDA Gives Moderna COVID Vaccine Full Approval
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has received full approval for use in people 18 and older, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Monday. The vaccine, which has been available for that age group under emergency use authorization (EUA), will be marketed as Spikevax. It’s not yet fully approved or authorized for use in people younger than… read on > read on >
Kardashian’s Figure a Tough Ideal for Women at Risk of Eating Disorders
The images are never-ending: Celebrities like Kim Kardashian posting one sultry shot after another on social media. But new research warns this constant barrage of “perfect” bodies can undermine the self-esteem of young women. They’re apt to feel their own figures come up short by comparison — whether those influencers and celebrities are super-thin, super-fit… read on > read on >
AHA News: Healthy Living Could Offset Genetics and Add Years Free of Heart Disease
MONDAY, Jan. 31, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — People who follow seven rules for healthy living – such as staying physically active and eating a healthy diet – could offset a high genetic risk for heart disease, according to new research that suggests it could mean as many as 20 extra years of life… read on > read on >
Driving Both High and Drunk More Dangerous Than Either Alone: Study
The hazards of drunken driving are well known, and a new research review shows that adding pot to the mix only makes matters worse. The analysis of 57 past studies found that the combination of alcohol and marijuana compromised people’s driving skills to a greater degree than either substance alone. And while alcohol was more… read on > read on >
Could Everyday Plastics Help Make You Fat?
Is your plastic water bottle widening your waistline? Could be. In a new study, Norwegian researchers said that chemicals in common plastic products like water bottles or food packaging may put you at risk of piling on the pounds. “Our experiments show that ordinary plastic products contain a mix of substances that can be a… read on > read on >
Screens Near Bedtime Bad for Preschoolers’ Sleep
It’s crucial to keep preschoolers away from screens and other sources of light in the hour before bedtime if you want them to get a good night’s sleep, researchers say. That’s because even a little bit of light exposure can trigger a sharp drop in the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, according to the research team at… read on > read on >