The COVID-19 pandemic has America’s hospitals on the fiscal ropes, with many facing financial ruin without continued aid from the federal government, a new report predicts. Average hospital margins across the nation could sink to −7% in the second half of 2020 without further help, with half of all hospitals potentially operating in the red,… read on >
Hopes for robust, long-term antibody protection after a bout of COVID-19 have been dampened by a new study that finds the protection may only last a few months. Still, experts noted that the body’s immune system has more than one way to defend against viruses it has already encountered, so the findings don’t dash hopes… read on >
WEDNESDAY, July 22, 2020 (American Heart Association News) — You could read this story now. Or you could take a nap first, and perhaps tackle it feeling more alert and refreshed. Health-wise, is that a good idea? Under the right conditions, for the right reasons, probably – if you’re awake to the possible pitfalls. “A… read on >
For the first time in nearly two months the daily U.S. coronavirus death toll topped 1,000 on Tuesday, with President Donald Trump acknowledging that the country’s outbreak will likely “get worse before it gets better.” Trump’s comments came during the first coronavirus task force briefing he’s held since April, as he conceded there were now… read on >
A genetic variant that acts as a natural pain reliever may explain why some women don’t require pain relief during childbirth, researchers say. The level of pain and discomfort experienced during childbirth varies widely, so researchers at the University of Cambridge in England decided to investigate why some women have less pain during labor and… read on >
On the front lines of the war against COVID-19, masks have become a flashpoint. How well do they protect against the new coronavirus — if at all? To separate facts from fiction, two experts from Penn State Health weigh in to clear up common misconceptions. They laid to rest the claim that no studies have… read on >
With U.S. coronavirus cases surging past 3.8 million on Tuesday, Congress is negotiating yet another pandemic relief package for cash-strapped Americans. The package is likely to include a payroll tax cut, along with funding that would be tied to whether schools fully reopen, the Washington Post reported. Although local and state officials have said they… read on >
Ten risk factors may affect your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a new Chinese study suggests. Focusing on these factors could help doctors develop guidelines for preventing Alzheimer’s, researchers say. The risk factors include mental activity, obesity in late life, depression, diabetes and high blood pressure. The need is urgent: Alzheimer’s is the most common… read on >
As yet another record for the seven-day average of new coronavirus cases in the United States was broken on Sunday, federal health officials prepared to start pooled testing for COVID-19. The strategy could speed results, stretch lab supplies further, reduce costs and expand testing, the Associated Press reported. On Sunday, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oregon and South… read on >
When healthy kids have surgery, serious complications are uncommon. But even in that low-risk scenario, Black children fare worse, a new study finds. Looking at more than 172,000 U.S. children who had inpatient surgery, researchers found that Black kids faced higher post-operative risks. That included more than three times the risk of dying within 30… read on >
