Babies and toddlers who’ve been given antibiotics might have a less vigorous immune response to routine childhood vaccinations, new research warns. The study is the first to suggest that antibiotics might dampen youngsters’ ability to generate infection-fighting antibodies in response to vaccination. Experts cautioned that more research is necessary, and it’s not clear whether antibiotic… read on > read on >
People with sickle cell disease who take corticosteroids to treat asthma or inflammation may suffer severe pain and even need to be hospitalized, researchers report. This reaction to corticosteroids can be particularly severe among older people, women and patients not taking the drug hydroxyurea to treat their sickle cell symptoms. These were the most likely… read on > read on >
Folks who struggle with depression and substance use disorders often tend to be smokers, but a new study finds that smoking rates among these vulnerable Americans have fallen significantly. “This study shows us that at a population-level, reductions in tobacco use are achievable for people with psychiatric conditions, and smoking cessation should be prioritized along… read on > read on >
As the pandemic unfolded, nations adopted diverse methods to contain COVID-19. Some sought to eliminate the virus, targeting zero community transmission. Others tried to slow transmission through a mix of intermittent lockdowns, workplace, business and school closings, social distancing, the wearing of face masks, and the cancellation of public gatherings and public transport. Efforts to… read on > read on >
Witnessing violence between your parents is traumatic when it happens, but a new study finds that trauma can raise your risk of depression and other mental health problems. The study included more than 17,700 Canadian adults who took part in a national survey on mental health. Of those respondents, 326 said they witnessed parental domestic… read on > read on >
Thanks to the Omicron surge this past winter, 3 in every 5 Americans have now been infected with COVID-19, a new government report shows. Once Omicron surfaced as the predominant variant in this country, the highest infection rates were seen among children and teens, and the upward shift was steep: Only 1 in 3 Americans… read on > read on >
It seemed a simple prospect — take a low-dose baby aspirin tablet once a day and reduce your risk of ever suffering a heart attack or stroke. But new science has shown it’s not that simple. Noting the drug’s risk of dangerous bleeding, the nation’s leading panel of preventive health experts has reversed course and… read on > read on >
TUESDAY, April 26, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — Olivia Lopez came home from school one day, walked into her mom’s office and announced: “I can’t smell.” It was November 2020, so then-13-year-old Olivia and her mom knew what this likely meant. A test confirmed she had COVID-19. In addition to a loss of smell… read on > read on >
Imagine a birth control pill a woman can take before having sex that prevents pregnancy for the next three to five days. This may become a reality, according to a small, new study. The traditional birth control pill is taken daily, while emergency contraceptive pills are taken after sex to prevent pregnancy from occurring, but… read on > read on >
Seniors are often advised to take calcium supplements, but new research says the pills might significantly increase an aging person’s risk of heart valve problems that contribute to heart failure. People taking either calcium supplements alone or calcium with vitamin D had a higher risk of heart-related death or death from any cause compared with… read on > read on >
