If you’re wondering whether to intentionally expose yourself to the Omicron variant with the goal of developing immunity, the answer is absolutely not, experts say. “It sounds like playing with fire to me,” said Dr. Nicole Van Groningen, a hospitalist who has treated hundreds of COVID-19 patients at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. First of all,… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
COVID Is Proving More Lethal for Children in Africa
Children in sub-Saharan Africa have a far higher risk of death from COVID-19 than those in the United States and Europe, a new study shows. “Although our study looked at data from earlier in the pandemic, the situation hasn’t changed much for the children of Africa. If anything, it is expected to be worsening with… read on > read on >
England to Lift Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated Visitors
Coronavirus testing requirements for vaccinated people arriving in England will be scrapped, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Monday. Details about the changes are to be provided later in the day by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, the Associated Press reported. To “show that this country is open for business, open for travelers, you will see… read on > read on >
COVID Vaccine Hesitancy Falling Faster Among Black Americans Than Whites
While it appears that Black Americans were more hesitant than white Americans to roll up their sleeves when the COVID-19 vaccines launched last year, that unwillingness has lessened. Following 1,200 U.S. adults through much of the pandemic, researchers found Black people were more likely to change their negative thinking about COVID-19 vaccination compared to white… read on > read on >
COVID Can Affect Brains of Hospitalized Kids
The coronavirus can leave more than 40% of children hospitalized for COVID-19 with headaches and other lingering neurological symptoms, a new study claims. And the kids who developed these headaches or experienced an altered mental status known as acute encephalopathy were more likely to need intensive care, said researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Medical… read on > read on >
Brain Implant for Adults With Epilepsy Can Help Kids, Too
A brain implant that helps control severe epilepsy in adults may do the same for children who suffer from unrelenting seizures, new research suggests. The study is one of the first to examine the responsive neurostimulation (RNS) system in children. RNS has already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adult patients… read on > read on >
Worries May Raise Men’s Heart Risks, Even When Young
Worrying can take a toll on your psyche, but new research suggests that when middle-aged men fret too much, they face a higher risk for developing diabetes, heart disease or stroke down the road. And this increase in risk is on par with the health risks linked to heavy drinking, the findings showed. “Our findings… read on > read on >
Depression Might Predispose You to Believe COVID Vaccine Lies
Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines abounds, and people with depression are more likely than others to fall for it, a new study finds. “One of the notable things about depression is that it can cause people to see the world differently — sort of the opposite of rose-colored glasses. That is, for some depressed people, the… read on > read on >
U.S. Teens Were Already in Mental Health Crisis Before Pandemic Hit
MONDAY, Jan. 24, 2022 (HealthDay Now) — Alaina Stanisci has grappled with an eating disorder since she was 10, and the disruptions of the pandemic only made things worse for the high school senior. “I actually experienced a relapse at the beginning of the pandemic because of this lack of structure,” Stanisci, 18, of Mountain… read on > read on >
Weight Loss May Not Affect Fertility Treatment Success
Losing weight before beginning fertility treatment doesn’t boost the odds that a woman who is obese will have a successful pregnancy, a new study shows. Obesity has been linked with difficulty conceiving, as well as pregnancy complications and loss. Many women who are obese and want to get pregnant are advised to lose weight to… read on > read on >