While multiple sclerosis can cause a wide swath of symptoms and challenges for anyone diagnosed with the autoimmune disease, a new study finds that race may play a role in disease severity. Researchers discovered that Black individuals with MS may be more severely affected by the disease, but also that this added impact persisted even… read on > read on >
Key immune system cells in folks who’ve had COVID-19 or the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are able to recognize and mount a defense against highly contagious coronavirus variants, new research shows. In both groups, CD4+ “helper” T-cells and CD8+ “killer” T-cells can recognize the Delta mutation and three other widespread variants of concern. That’s key… read on > read on >
People with sickle cell disease who have a history of severe pain episodes and coexisting organ conditions have an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness, a new study suggests. “This study tells us that all individuals with sickle cell disease are not at equal levels of risk,” said study author Dr. Lana Mucalo, of the… read on > read on >
Antibiotics may increase the risk of colon cancer, especially in younger people, U.K. researchers report. “To our knowledge, this is the first study to link antibiotic use with the growing risk of early-onset colon cancer — a disease which has been increasing at a rate of at least 3% per year over the last two… read on > read on >
While COVID-19 surged in India, so did the overuse or widespread misuse of antibiotics — risking a future threat of drug-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic sales soared during India’s first wave of COVID, suggesting the drugs were used to treat mild and moderate cases. That runs counter to guidelines for the medications. “Antibiotic resistance is one of… read on > read on >
Telehealth is increasing in popularity in the United States, partly due to the pandemic. But some children with autism have difficulty sitting through these virtual appointments. Yet those visits can be a helpful part of a child’s ongoing medical care, and their convenience may help limit time away from work and school, according to the… read on > read on >
If you’re planning on shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urges you to find other ways to celebrate the holiday. “We know that sales of fireworks increased in 2020 as did injuries, so parents and caregivers need to be vigilant this 4th of July, and leave any… read on > read on >
Sunscreen isn’t just for pool gatherings and beach outings: Using sunscreen every day could reduce your risk of skin cancer, experts say. Daily use of at least an SPF 15 sunscreen can lower your risk of melanoma — the deadliest type of skin cancer — by 50%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you… read on > read on >
Wearing a mask while you exercise may be uncomfortable, but a new study should reassure gym-goers that it poses no actual health risks. “What we found was, that it is safe to run at peak exercise in both an N95 mask and a cloth face mask,” said researcher Dr. Matthew Kampert, of the Cleveland Clinic.… read on > read on >
Racial disparities in breast cancer survival have narrowed in recent years, but Black women with the disease still have double the death rate of white women. That’s according to a study that tracked breast cancer trends in Florida between 1990 and 2015. Overall, deaths from the disease declined among Black, Hispanic and white women alike… read on > read on >
