COVID-19 hospitalizations among children are surging across the United States just as students return to school and the highly transmissible Omicron variant begins to dominate the country. At least nine states have reported record numbers of COVID-related pediatric hospitalizations: They include Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as Washington,…  read on >  read on >

The pandemic has made Zoom meetings a daily reality for millions. For many, having to watch their own face in a meeting is the worst part. But that’s not true for everyone, new research shows. “Most people believe that seeing yourself during virtual meetings contributes to making the overall experience worse, but that’s not what…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the emergency use of Pfizer’s booster shot against COVID-19 for youths aged 12 to 15. The move comes as the Omicron variant spreads across the country and students return to classrooms following the holiday break. “Throughout the pandemic, as the virus that causes COVID-19 has continuously…  read on >  read on >

(HealthDay News) – New animal research offers a compelling explanation as to how the Omicron variant causes less severe disease than some of its predecessors: It seems to settle in the nose, throat and windpipe, rather than traveling down to the lungs. “It’s fair to say that the idea of a disease that manifests itself…  read on >  read on >

If the pandemic is causing you to lose sleep at night, you’re not alone. About 56% of Americans say they have what experts have dubbed “COVID-somnia,” an increase in sleep disturbances. Of people reporting these disturbances, 57% say they’re having trouble falling or staying asleep. About 46% are sleeping less; 45% are experiencing worse sleep;…  read on >  read on >

SUNDAY, Jan. 2, 2022 (HealthDay News) – When it comes to routine health screenings, resolve to include a memory assessment in 2022. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers routine screenings that are both virtual and free every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The process is quick, taking about 10 to 15 minutes. It includes a series…  read on >  read on >

It’s clear that these last couple of years have been tough for a lot of people. So now that it’s the week when people make New Year’s resolutions, go easy on yourself. If you’d like to make a resolution, start small, the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests. By small, the goal should be one you…  read on >  read on >