The coronavirus pandemic has left plenty of Americans saddled with medical bills they can’t pay, a new survey reveals. More than 50% of those who were infected with COVID-19 or who lost income due to the pandemic are now struggling with medical debt, according to researchers from The Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit organization that advocates… read on > read on >
“Shock” therapy often helps lift severe depression, but fear and stigma can deter patients from getting it. Now a large new study is confirming the treatment’s safety. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), as it’s medically known, has been around for decades. For almost as long, it’s been seen in a bad light — fueled by disturbing media… read on > read on >
A case of monkeypox has been confirmed in an American who had recently traveled to Nigeria, U.S. health officials reported. Officials believe the threat of the virus spreading to others is low. Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that’s in the same family of viruses as smallpox, but causes a milder infection,… read on > read on >
The causes of a type of excruciating headache known as cluster headaches aren’t clear, but heredity is known to play a role. Now, genetic factors associated with cluster headaches are under investigation as scientists search for more effective treatments. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analyzed blood samples from more than 600 people with… read on > read on >
Teens and young adults with cancer who live in rural areas or far from the hospital where they were diagnosed are more likely to have advanced cancer and more likely to die, new research shows. “A number of studies have indicated that place of residence can influence cancer survival; however, few studies have specifically focused… read on > read on >
Giving high doses of buprenorphine in the emergency department is a safe and effective way of treating withdrawal symptoms in patients battling opioid addiction, according to a new study. “Emergency departments are at the front lines of treating people with opioid use disorder and helping them overcome barriers to recovery such as withdrawal,” said Dr.… read on > read on >
What’s better — a long life or quality of life? New research suggests that people balance both when thinking about their desired life span, and fears of suffering dementia or chronic pain in old age tend to limit how long they want to live. “Dementia tops the list of conditions where people would prefer to… read on > read on >
With many summer camps open again this year, parents of kids with asthma and allergies need to make sure the one they choose is safe for their youngsters. While federal health officials have issued guidelines to protect campers and staff from COVID-19, “camps still need to make sure measures are in place in case a… read on > read on >
If you’re not careful, your grilling season could go up in flames, an expert warns. Each year, U.S. fire departments respond to about 5,700 residential barbecue fires, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration. Those fires result in thousands of emergency department visits and $37 million in damages a year. “The best… read on > read on >
Pfizer Inc. announced on Friday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted priority review to its COVID-19 vaccine, positioning the vaccine for full approval by January. The Pfizer vaccine has been administered to more Americans than any other shot so far in the U.S. vaccination campaign. According to data from the U.S. Centers… read on > read on >
