A new rule that would require tobacco companies to slash nicotine levels in cigarettes could be issued Tuesday by the Biden administration. The rule, which would have an unprecedented effect in lowering smoking-related deaths, would be unveiled as part of a compilation of planned federal regulatory actions released twice a year, an individual with knowledge… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Medicare Could Save Millions By Taking Cue from Mark Cuban’s Online Pharmacy
(HealthDay News) – Medicare might want to take note of the pricing strategy of a new online pharmacy run by tech entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” judge Mark Cuban if it wants to save billions on prescription drugs, a new study suggests. Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug offers certain generic drugs at cheaper prices by selling them… read on > read on >
Pets Help Their Humans De-Stress, Stay Fit: Survey
While chronic stress is a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke, most cat and dog owners say pets help them chill out and stay active. A new American Heart Association (AHA) survey of 1,000 pet owners found 95% relying on their animal companions for stress relief. About 7 in 10 said they’d rather… read on > read on >
Women More Susceptible Than Men to Long COVID
Women are far more likely than men to suffer from long COVID, according to a broad new research review. The review, published June 21 in the journal Current Medical Research and Opinion, included 1.3 million patients, and revealed women were 22% more likely to develop persistent symptoms after a COVID infection. For women, lingering symptoms… read on > read on >
Ageism Is Everywhere and Can Harm Health
In a cancel culture where there’s zero tolerance for prejudice, at least one form of discrimination appears to be alive and well. Ageism involves prejudice based on people’s advancing age. It can be as overt as not hiring someone because they are older, or as subtle as giving a loved one a meant-to-be funny “you’re… read on > read on >
Squeaky or Furry: New Insights Into Dogs’ Love of Toys
What goes through your dog’s mind when you tell him to find his favorite toy? Hungarian researchers say Fido relies on a mental image based on sensory features. Dogs call to mind the way that toy looks, feels and smells. The finding — from the Family Dog Project at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest —… read on > read on >
With CDC Approval, COVID Shots For Kids Under 5 Ready for Delivery
After a final sign-off on Saturday from the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 5 have finally become a reality. “This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children and means that all Americans ages 6 months and older are now eligible for… read on > read on >
Sleep Throughout the Lifespan: When You Get Best, Worst Slumber
Americans are night owls at age 20, get the least sleep at 40, and then finally get more shut-eye after retirement. Those are among the key takeaways from a study that looked at the sleep patterns of Americans of all ages. In short, teenagers and young adults often fall asleep after midnight, while folks in… read on > read on >
FDA Approves Pfizer, Moderna Shots for Those 5 and Under
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the emergency use of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for the country’s youngest children. The approvals come not a moment too soon: More than two years into the pandemic, children younger than 5 still have no vaccine available to them. “Many parents, caregivers and… read on > read on >
How Grief Harms the Body After a Spouse’s Death
Heartache and heartbreak are apt terms for the intense grief caused by losing a spouse. A new study says such a loss can lead to major health problems and even death, and the paper may help explain why that happens. When faced with stressful situations, grieving spouses have significant increases in body inflammation. Inflammation is… read on > read on >