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 >
The best time during pregnancy to get a COVID-19 vaccine appears to be right now. A new study found that antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in nearly 1,400 women and their babies at the time of delivery didn’t vary dramatically based on when a woman got her vaccine during pregnancy. “Women often ask what is… 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 >
FRIDAY, Dec.31, 2021When a sick child spends time in the intensive care unit, the impact lasts even after the hospital stay is over. Added to it are days, weeks, sometimes months out of school for the young patient and extended work absences for their primary caregivers. “Pediatric critical illness impacts a family’s health and well-being… read on > read on >
A certain gene mutation known as APOE4 has long been known to raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Now, researchers report it may also predispose people to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and severe symptoms, including small brain bleeds. Researchers in Finland, where about one-third of people carry the APOE4 mutation, studied the link between… read on > read on >
By now, most folks know obesity is a leading risk factor for severe COVID-19, but a new study suggests that losing a significant amount of weight can reduce that risk. “The research findings show that patients with obesity who achieved substantial and sustained weight loss with bariatric [weight-loss] surgery prior to a COVID-19 infection reduced… read on > read on >
Nearly all countries agree: Smoking is bad, and getting people to kick the habit is a worthy public health goal. But no country has ever attempted what New Zealand is about to try: an outright ban on all cigarette sales. The plan is to let those who already smoke retain the right to keep buying… read on > read on >
