New research offers fresh proof that the COVID-19 pandemic delayed cancer diagnoses in the United States, increasing patients’ risk for poor outcomes. For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 9 million patients at over 1,200 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Procedures to diagnose cancer were used less often and there were fewer new… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Young People Recover Quickly From Rare Heart Side Effect of COVID Vaccine
It happens very rarely, but most teens and young adults who do experience heart inflammation (myocarditis) after a COVID-19 shot have mild symptoms and recover quickly, new research shows. “Overwhelmingly, data continue to indicate that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination — 91% effective at preventing complications of severe COVID-19 infection including hospitalization and death —… read on > read on >
Were Cancer Patients Neglected in U.S. COVID Vaccine Rollout?
In nearly two-thirds of U.S. states, cancer patients weren’t put at the front of the line for COVID-19 vaccines in the initial phase of vaccination, a new study finds. Many cancer patients are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 as the disease or related treatments leaves them with weakened immune systems. Perhaps many cancer patients were skipped… read on > read on >
Clearing Out Clutter Might Not Help People With Dementia
You might think de-cluttering would make it easier for people with dementia to do daily tasks. Not so, says a new study from the United Kingdom. “It is generally assumed that a person with dementia will be better able to carry out daily tasks when their home space is tidy and clutter-free,” said Eneida Mioshi,… read on > read on >
With Holidays Ahead, COVID Boosters a Must for People With Weak Immune Systems
If you’re a patient with a weakened immune system, roll up your sleeves to stay safe over the holidays and winter months. “Immunocompromised patients absolutely should get a flu shot as well as an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose,” said Dr. Marwa Kaisey, a neuroimmunologist and assistant professor of neurology at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. “Otherwise,… read on > read on >
Omicron May Overcome Prior COVID Infection
People who’ve already had COVID-19 have a higher risk of reinfection with the Omicron coronavirus variant than with earlier variants, new research shows. The South African scientists who reported the findings believe that vaccination will have the power to stop severe illness, however. Speaking at a World Health Organization briefing, study team member Anne von… read on > read on >
Could Pollution Help Decide Your Baby’s Sex?
A boy or a girl? New research suggests that the air pregnant women breathe or the water they drink could play a role in their baby’s sex. The finding stems from tracking hundreds of factors — including pollution exposure — surrounding the birth of more than 6 million Americans and Swedes. “To my knowledge, this… read on > read on >
New York Reports 5 Omicron Cases, U.S. Total Rises to 9
Five cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant have been detected in New York state, one in Minnesota and one in Hawaii, officials in those states announced Thursday. That brings the known total in the United States to nine, with California and Colorado previously announcing one case each. One of the New York cases is a… read on > read on >
Study Finds Delta Somewhat Resistant to Vaccines — What About Omicron?
Lab studies show that the mutations found in COVID-19’s Delta variant make the virus more resistant to existing vaccines, a potentially ominous development as the new Omicron variant starts to wend its way around the world. Full vaccination with the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines still produces enough antibodies to neutralize Delta, British researchers found. But… read on > read on >
Most Vaccinated Adults Plan to Get Boosters: Poll
Most vaccinated American adults have every intention of getting booster shots, a new poll finds. Only about one in five say they won’t get it, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) survey conducted with 1,820 U.S. adults between Nov. 8 and Nov. 22. About 23% of vaccinated adults have already received a booster shot… read on > read on >