Cancer patients already have a lot to deal with emotionally and physically. But research shows that insured patients under 65 are also paying more for their treatments out-of-pocket than ever before. The study highlights the “growing financial burden for non-elderly patients with cancer with private health insurance coverage,” said senior study author Robin Yabroff, scientific… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Pot Use in Early Pregnancy Linked to Long-Term Mental Health Issues in Kids
Using marijuana after the first weeks of pregnancy is linked to mental health issues in children that linger well into early adolescence, a new study shows. Exposure to cannabis after about five to six weeks of fetal development was associated with attention, social and behavioral problems, according to the findings. These problems continued as the… read on > read on >
One App Is Especially Bad for Teens’ Sleep
Many teens look at screens at bedtime, but some apps are more likely to keep them awake than others, leading to sleep problems. That’s the upshot of a new study in which researchers found YouTube fans experienced consistent and negative effects on sleep. Surprisingly, traditional TV was associated with earlier bedtimes. “We’ve been seeing teenagers… read on > read on >
First U.S. Monkeypox Death Confirmed in California
Monkeypox was the cause of death in a Los Angeles County adult last week, public health officials confirmed Tuesday. This is the first known death from monkeypox to be reported in the United States. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said the patient had been hospitalized and had a severely weakened immune system.… read on > read on >
Who Needs to Worry About the Polio ‘Emergency’?
Even though New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently declared polio a state emergency after samples of the virus were found in wastewater in New York City and four surrounding counties, public health experts say it’s not time to push the panic button. “The risk to the majority of the general public is very low,” said… read on > read on >
TikTok ‘Slugging’ Trend Has People Coating Their Faces With Grease
To slug or not to slug? That’s the question for millions of TikTok users, who turn to the social media giant for tips and information on what amounts to a DIY skin care phenomenon. Slugging involves slathering some sort of sealing agent — like Vaseline or another petroleum-based ointment — onto the skin. What’s the… read on > read on >
Poll: Most Americans Over 50 Suffer Some Type of Joint Pain
Aching joints are common for people over 50, but it’s still important to talk to a doctor about it rather than endlessly self-medicating, experts say. Now, a new poll from the University of Michigan breaks down joint pain, its impact on those who responded to the survey and how they’ve chosen to react to this… read on > read on >
Fewer Pet Neuterings in Pandemic Means Shelters Are Filling Up
The COVID-19 pandemic has undone decades of progress controlling dog and cat populations through spay and neuter surgeries, a new University of Florida study finds. Spay-neuter procedures performed at 212 clinics across the United States declined in 2020 and 2021, with nearly 191,000 fewer surgeries performed than would be expected had 2019 levels been maintained,… read on > read on >
COVID Shots’ Effect Fades, But Boosters Bring Protection Back: Study
Updated COVID-19 booster shots that target Omicron variants are rolling out across the United States, and a new study argues they’re coming at just the right time. Protective antibody levels tend to decline by at least 15% each month after a person receives a single COVID booster shot, researchers report. That said, getting a new… read on > read on >
Blood Test Shows Promise at Catching Cancers Early
A single blood test that can screen for more than 50 cancers seems to work fairly well in the real world, a preliminary study reveals. Researchers found that of over 6,600 apparently healthy people aged 50 and older, the blood test detected a possible cancer “signal” in roughly 1%. When those individuals had more extensive… read on > read on >