Mental health has become a hot topic during the pandemic, but some groups have been burdened by having too few services available even before the challenges of these past two years. A new study found that while the Hispanic population in the United States grew by almost 5% between 2014 and 2019, Spanish-language mental health…  read on >  read on >

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and often easily managed, yet some women are plagued by one infection after another. Now, a new study hints at a culprit: the antibiotics used to treat them. UTIs can affect anyone, but are particularly prevalent among women. Studies suggest that up to 80% of women develop a UTI…  read on >  read on >

Scientists have unearthed new details about how astronauts’ brains are affected by extended trips in space. “These findings have important implications as we continue space exploration,” said study co-author Dr. Juan Piantino. He is an assistant professor of pediatrics (neurology) at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, in Portland. “It also forces you…  read on >  read on >

Some smokers use e-cigarettes to try to kick the habit, but new research shows mixing smoking and vaping is no better for your heart health than just smoking. Among 24,000 men and women, smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes didn’t reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke or any cardiovascular disease. “Our results suggest that…  read on >  read on >

Obesity can complicate the course of COVID-19. Now, a new study says it can also reduce the effectiveness of COVID vaccines. The researchers also found that the two vaccines used in their study triggered different levels of immune responses in severely obese people. They found, too, that prior infection had an impact. “These results provide…  read on >  read on >

Older adults are no more likely to believe fake news than younger adults, with the exception of the very oldest, a new study finds. Falling for fake news can have significant physical, emotional and financial consequences, especially for older adults who may have their life savings or serious medical issues at stake, the researchers said.…  read on >  read on >

Your chances of dying or having severe complications from COVID-19 are much higher if you’re unvaccinated and have heart problems or heart disease risk factors, researchers warn. In a new study, British investigators analyzed 110 previous COVID-19 studies that included a total of nearly 49,000 unvaccinated patients. The researchers found that unvaccinated people with evidence…  read on >  read on >