People on bone-protecting drugs often take breaks from them for a few years. Now a new study finds that a “holiday” from the medication risedronate (Actonel) may come with a slightly increased risk of hip fracture. Researchers found that compared with a drug holiday from alendronate (Fosamax), taking a few years off from risedronate came…  read on >  read on >

The chance of someone who is covered by Medicaid surviving cancer may depend in part on where they live, a new analysis finds. In states that had lower Medicaid income eligibility limits, cancer survival rates were worse for cancers both in early and late stages compared to states with higher Medicaid income eligibility limits, American…  read on >  read on >

Chloe Jo Davis is a vocal advocate for breastfeeding. The Wilton, Conn.-based writer breastfed her three sons for years to make sure they reaped all of the benefits associated with the practice. “Breastfeeding helps build up kids’ immune system and keeps colds, virus, ear infection and stomach bugs at bay, and this is more important…  read on >  read on >

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 12, 2022 (HealthDay News) – In ancient times, intestinal parasites weren’t just an affliction of the poor. Even the well-to-do had them. Researchers studied the contents of a cesspit beneath a toilet in Jerusalem. They found the remains of several types of intestinal parasite eggs that would have resulted from poor sanitary conditions.…  read on >  read on >

Pfizer Inc. said Tuesday that a COVID-19 vaccine that specifically targets the Omicron variant will be ready by March. The company has already started making the new version of the vaccine, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC‘s “Squawk Box,” CBS News reported. Omicron now accounts for more than 98% of all new COVID-19 cases in…  read on >  read on >

For several years, a leading U.S. pediatricians’ group has called for middle and high schools to start later in the morning, to help these young people get the right amount of sleep. Now, new research suggests that students aren’t the only ones who benefit from later start times: Their parents also catch a break. “Kids…  read on >  read on >

There’s an urgent need for blood donations as the United States’ blood supply drops to one of its lowest levels in over a decade, the America Red Cross said Tuesday. In the past few weeks, blood centers nationwide have reported “a dangerously low level” of less than a one-day supply of certain critical blood types,…  read on >  read on >

Parents, brace yourselves. As the Omicron variant surges and U.S. schools deal with a substitute teacher shortage and related pandemic fallout, don’t be surprised if a return to remote or hybrid learning leads your kids to act out, a new study warns. Previous shifts from in-person to remote or hybrid learning (a combination of the…  read on >  read on >