Federal health officials have confirmed unsettling new details about the first United States case of severe bird flu, reported recently in a hospitalized patient in Louisiana. Genetic samples from the patient contained mutations that could, in theory, help the virus better infect human cells. Importantly, these mutations were observed in the later stages of infection… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Singapore Is Ready for a Rapidly Aging Society, Study Says. What About the U.S.?
The United States is lagging behind dozens of nations in its preparation for dealing with its aging population. The U.S. ranks 24 among 143 countries when it comes to ensuring seniors’ well-being, productivity and security, according to results published Dec. 27 in the journal Nature Aging. By comparison, Switzerland tops the rankings, Singapore is at 10,… read on > read on >
How to Manage the Blues this Holiday Season
Blue Christmas, anyone? Holiday time can be wonderful, worrisome, energizing and depressing — all at the same time. There is no doubt about it: The holidays can be darn hard, especially when the season dredges up painful feelings or memories. Rather than stirring merry and joyful feelings, the end of the year can feel sad,… read on > read on >
Money, Gun Violence, Hate Crimes: Poll Reveals Top Worries at the End of 2024
Should you cut back on doom scrolling in 2025? Worries about money, gun violence and hate crimes ranked high among many people’s lists of worries at the end of 2024, according to a poll that is part of American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly opinion poll series. The survey included 2200 U.S. adults. Reducing… read on > read on >
Bird Flu Kills 20 Big Cats at Washington Sanctuary, Causing Quarantine
A devastating bird flu outbreak has killed 20 big cats at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Shelton, Wash. The deaths, which include four cougars and a half-Bengal tiger, have led the sanctuary to declare a quarantine to prevent further spread of the virus. “Our sanctuary is under quarantine… read on > read on >
In Kids with Crohn’s Disease, TNF Inhibitors Help Prevent Serious Complications, Data Suggests
FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2024 (HealthDay News) A specific class of anti-inflammatory drugs can help children avoid a debilitating complication of Crohn’s disease. A new study published recently in the journal Gut shows children with Crohn’s who were prescribed anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) drugs following their diagnosis had an 82% lower risk of anal fistulas, or… read on > read on >
Has RSV Vaccine Hesitancy Subsided?
More Americans believe in the effectiveness of vaccines developed to protect newborns and seniors against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). More than half of U.S. adults (52%) think the RSV vaccine given to pregnant women will protect newborns from the infection, up from 42% a year ago, say survey results from the Annenberg Public Policy Center… read on > read on >
Study: Blood Transfusion Post-Heart Attack May Be Critical for Those with Anemia
A blood transfusion following a heart attack could be a life-saving measure for patients with anemia. A new evidence review published in the journal NEJM Evidence shows anemic patients had a slightly lower risk of death within six months of a heart attack if they were given more transfusions. “The results of this analysis show… read on > read on >
Women Are Less Likely Than Men to Take Medication After a Stroke, Study Suggests
Female stroke victims are less likely than men to take drugs that could lower their odds of a second stroke. Women are 80% more likely to report that they don’t take cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed, a new study shows. They’re also 53% more likely to not take blood thinners that could prevent a follow-up stroke,… read on > read on >
Could AI Plus Lasers Help Catch Very Early Breast Cancers?
Very early-stage breast cancers are notoriously tough to spot via mammograms, but new technology might make detection easier. According to a new study published recently in the Journal of Biophotonics, Scottish researchers are combining AI with high-tech “laser analysis” to spot changes in circulating blood that could signal the earliest stages of breast tumors. Innovations… read on > read on >