Rural homeowners face a greater threat from odorless, radioactive radon gas than people living in urban areas, and it’s likely due to the wells they rely on for their water supply, a new study shows. On average, people living in rural communities are exposed to 30% higher residential radon levels than people in cities and… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Cyberattack Stalls Prescription Dispensing at UnitedHealth
For nearly a week, prescription drug orders have been disrupted at thousands of pharmacies as the largest health insurer in the United States tries to fully restore services following a cyberattack. The security breach was first detected last Wednesday at Change Healthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group, and two senior federal law enforcement officials told… read on > read on >
1 in 5 People Who Attempt Suicide Have No Prior Mental Illness
One out of every five adults who attempt suicide never met the criteria for a mental illness by the time the attempt happened, new research shows. “This finding challenges clinical notions of who is at risk for suicidal behavior and raises questions about the safety of limiting suicide risk screening to psychiatric populations,” concluded a… read on > read on >
Firsthand Experience of Climate Change Disasters Is Stressing Teens
Weather disasters driven by climate change are stressing out U.S. teenagers, a new study warns. Teens with the most firsthand experience of events like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, droughts and wildfires were more likely to show signs of mental distress than peers who hadn’t been confronted with the effects of climate change, researchers report. “We know… read on > read on >
Which Families Are Less Likely to Get Teens the HPV Vaccine?
Well-to-do American families are more likely than poorer families to increase their children’s risk of cervical cancer by skipping the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a new study has found. Nearly two-thirds of well-off parents (65%) do not intend to seek out the HPV vaccine for their teens, compared with 40% of disadvantaged parents, researchers report.… read on > read on >
Mental Health Issues a Prime Driver of Deaths for New Moms: Study
Data from dozens of studies supports the notion that mental health crises are a big factor behind rising rates of maternal deaths during and around pregnancy in the United States. “We need to bring this to the attention of the public and policymakers to demand action to address the mental health crisis that is contributing… read on > read on >
Grief Affects the Body, Not Just the Mind
Of course grief can ravage your mind, but science shows it can also weaken your body, leaving you open to illness. “As humans, we are strongly motivated to seek out social bonds that are warm, dependable, friendly and supportive,” explained George Slavich. He directs the Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research at the Semel Institute… read on > read on >
Amy Schumer Reveals Cushing’s Syndrome Diagnosis
Comedian Amy Schumer has disclosed that she has been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that arises when there is too much cortisol in the body. In an interview published Friday in the News Not Noise newsletter, Schumer revealed she has exogenous Cushing syndrome, brought on by getting steroid injections. The condition can trigger weight gain, fatigue,… read on > read on >
Women Working in Health Care Face Burnout at Higher Rates Than Men
Women working in health care endure significantly more stress and burnout compared to their male co-workers, a new review concludes. Gender inequality, a poor balance between work and life and a lack of workplace autonomy all create pressure on female health care professionals, researchers report. On the other hand, there are factors that can protect… read on > read on >
Florida Surgeon General Defies CDC Guidance Amid School Measles Outbreak
Amid an outbreak of measles at a Florida elementary school, the state’s surgeon general has defied federal health guidance and told parents it’s up to them whether they want to keep their unvaccinated child home to avoid infection. In a letter to parents of children attending Manatee Bay Elementary school in Weston, where six cases… read on > read on >