Yet another organ seems to be affected by a bout of COVID-19: the thyroid. Italian researchers have examined the thyroids of dozens of patients who’ve recovered from moderate-to-severe cases of COVID-19. The study found evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger an inflammation of the gland in some patients. Whether that inflammation can cause long-term dysfunction… read on > read on >
Poorly controlled type 1 diabetes significantly increases a child’s risk of COVID-19 complications and death, researchers warn. The risk of complications is 10 times higher in youngsters with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes than in those with well-controlled diabetes, according to a study presented Saturday at a virtual meeting of The Endocrine Society. “This study… read on > read on >
Widely used diabetes and obesity drugs don’t increase the risk of breast cancer, a new study indicates. The drugs — called glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1 RAs for short — are effective in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity and in reducing heart disease. But some previous studies have suggested a possible link… read on > read on >
If you’re feeling tired at work, a “microbreak” could help restore your pep, a new study claims. Microbreaks are short, unplanned timeouts that include activities such as having a snack, chatting with a workmate, stretching or doing a crossword puzzle, the researchers explained. “A microbreak is, by definition, short,” said study co-author Sophia Cho, an… read on > read on >
Lab-created heart valves that grow with the recipient could spare kids born with heart defects from the repeated valve-replacement surgeries they now endure. University of Minnesota researchers found that lab-created valves implanted in young lambs for a year were capable of growing within the recipient. “This is a huge step forward in pediatric heart research,”… read on > read on >
Kids and teens are already struggling to learn outside the classroom during the pandemic, but lockdowns and quarantines are also making it hard for them to control their weight, child health experts say. Lost routines, economic insecurity and grief are making things more challenging for children who struggle with their weight, whether it’s with obesity… read on > read on >
If seasonal allergies get you down, try tackling them with a good spring cleaning. This can not only ease some of those spring symptoms, but also get rid of allergens you’ve been living with for a while, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “If you aren’t someone who regularly undertakes… read on > read on >
Diagnosing babies and toddlers with asthma is challenging, because it’s difficult to measure lung function in this young group. What makes diagnosis easier is knowing your child’s symptoms. A leading pediatrics group offers some tips for parents who suspect their infants or toddlers may have asthma or are having symptoms that could suggest another health… read on > read on >
Preschoolers who spend a lot of time watching movies and shows on TVs and other screens are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems by age 5, a Finnish study warns. But despite their reputation, video games did not appear to promote any emotional problems in youngsters, researchers concluded. “We found that high levels… read on > read on >
A new study adds to mounting evidence that COVID patients have an added risk of stroke. Researchers analyzed data on more than 20,000 U.S. adults hospitalized with COVID-19 between January and November 2020. The analysis found that their risk of stroke was higher than for patients with other types of infections, including flu. “These findings… read on > read on >
