Severe COVID can inflict heavy physical damage on patients, but many recovering from their infection also take a financial hit, a new study finds. Up to 10% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are billed $2,000 or more six months after leaving the hospital, even when insurance providers waive their charges, researchers report. “Bills for post-discharge… read on > read on >
Science is moving closer to a male contraceptive pill, and human clinical trials of a non-hormonal version could begin later this year, researchers say. The experimental contraceptive works in mice, according to a preliminary study scheduled for presentation Wednesday at an American Chemical Society (ACS) meeting in San Diego. “Scientists have been trying for decades… read on > read on >
In a finding that could influence future COVID vaccine recommendations for the youngest Americans, new research finds that infants and toddlers have a stronger immune response to the new coronavirus than adults do. To arrive at that conclusion, scientists analyzed blood samples collected from 682 unvaccinated children and adults up to age 62, in 175… read on > read on >
An increase in heat waves driven by climate change is causing hundreds more heart disease deaths in the United States each year, with men and Black people at particular risk, researchers say. Each year, the United States now has about three times as many heat waves as in the 1960s. Heat can put increased strain… read on > read on >
The more blazes firefighters battle, the higher their risk for a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation (a-fib), a new study shows. “Clinicians who care for firefighters need to be aware of the increased cardiovascular risk, especially the increased risk of a-fib, among this unique group of individuals,” said senior study author Dr. Paari Dominic.… read on > read on >
Unable to move a single muscle, even to open your eyes. Completely locked into your own body, yet fully conscious and aware. Lou Gehrig’s disease — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — is a nightmare in its advanced form, leaving patients without any means of communicating their needs and wishes. But a new brain implant has… read on > read on >
TUESDAY, March 22, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — What do blueberries, spinach and dark chocolate have in common? They’re all rich in flavonoids, the chemical compounds found in plants that give them color – and medicinal powers. Research shows flavonoids provide a wide range of health benefits, from fighting cancer and lowering the risk… read on > read on >
Women can safely use abortion pills without first getting ultrasound scans, or having an in-person medical appointment at all, a new study confirms. For more than 20 years, U.S. women have had access to medication abortions for ending early pregnancies, using the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol. But for most of that time, the U.S. Food… read on > read on >
TUESDAY, March 22, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — As a nurse practitioner who is passionate about helping patients make better lifestyle choices, Ashley Breaux admits she may be a bit more anxious about her own health than most people. “I’m hypervigilant,” she said, noting she has always eaten a healthy diet, exercised up to… read on > read on >
Medical marijuana could be a viable alternative to opioid painkillers for people dealing with arthritis or chronic back pain, two new studies show. Many patients prescribed opioids for their chronic pain wound up taking fewer painkillers — or stopping them altogether — after doctors certified them for medical cannabis, said lead researcher Dr. Asif Ilyas,… read on > read on >
