Wearing masks in schools appears to sharply curtail the spread of COVID-19, despite the dominance of the highly contagious Delta variant, two new U.S. studies show. Published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the reports found there were fewer outbreaks in schools that required masks. In the first study, researchers focused on…  read on >  read on >

Trying to fit soccer or Little League into your son’s busy schedule? Canadian researchers offer some compelling reasons to do so. Little boys who play sports are less apt to be anxious or depressed later in childhood and more likely to be active in their early teens, according to the University of Montreal study. “We…  read on >  read on >

People with high blood pressure that doesn’t respond to treatment may have more success by following the DASH diet and joining a supervised diet and exercise program, a new study suggests. DASH is short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — a regimen rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and limited salt. Duke University…  read on >  read on >

After a heart attack, a smartwatch app may help keep patients from being hospitalized again, researchers say. The app helps patients keep track of medications and make lifestyle changes. It may also reduce rehospitalization in the month after discharge by half, according to a new report. The American Heart Association says one in six heart…  read on >  read on >

COVID-19 shouldn’t keep budding athletes on the sidelines. But it’s critical to keep them safe from the coronavirus while playing sports. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association has some timely tips. COVID vaccines for those 12 and older have been a game changer for many families. Being fully vaccinated can make returning to sports safer, the…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday recommended booster shots of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for millions of older and high-risk Americans, kicking off a new chapter in the national effort to protect the vulnerable from severe disease. First, an expert CDC advisory panel called for COVID-19 booster shots for those over 65,…  read on >  read on >