In the middle of a pandemic that sent many Americans into bouts of emotional distress, one-quarter of them couldn’t get counseling when they needed it the most, new research shows. “Social isolation, COVID-related anxiety, disruptions in normal routines, job loss and food insecurity have led to a surge in mental illness during the pandemic,” explained… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
COVID Vaccine Doesn’t Infiltrate Breast Milk
Women who are breastfeeding and wonder if COVID-19 vaccination is safe for their baby may be reassured by the results of a new study. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, report that “vaccine-associated mRNA” — the active components of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines — “was not detected in 13 milk samples collected… read on > read on >
Just 20 States Reach Biden’s July 4 Vaccination Goal
Only 20 states reached President Joe Biden’s goal to get at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine into the arms of 70% of American adults by the Fourth of July. White House officials first acknowledged last month that they would fall short of the goal, which was set early in May, when the United… read on > read on >
Rare ‘Breakthrough’ COVID Infections in Vaccinated Are Milder: Study
Folks who suffer a rare “breakthrough” coronavirus infection after getting the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will not get as sick and, importantly, are much less likely to pass the coronavirus on to others, a new study shows. It’s very unlikely that a person will become infected with COVID-19 after getting one of the messenger RNA… read on > read on >
Moderna, Pfizer COVID Vaccines Activate Key Immune System Players, Despite Variants
Key immune system cells in folks who’ve had COVID-19 or the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are able to recognize and mount a defense against highly contagious coronavirus variants, new research shows. In both groups, CD4+ “helper” T-cells and CD8+ “killer” T-cells can recognize the Delta mutation and three other widespread variants of concern. That’s key… read on > read on >
Almost All Cancer Patients Respond Well to COVID-19 Vaccines
Most cancer patients have a good immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, new research shows. Two of the three approved vaccines in the United States — Pfizer and Moderna — are mRNA vaccines. Researchers assessed 131 cancer patients and found that 94% developed antibodies to the new coronavirus three to four weeks after their second… read on > read on >
Too Little Sunlight, Vitamin D May Raise Colon Cancer Risk
New research finds that countries with more cloudy days tend to have higher colon cancer rates. Lower levels of vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin,” may be to blame. So, boosting your vitamin D levels through exposure to sunlight could help reduce your risk of colon cancer, according to researchers at the University of California, San… read on > read on >
Telehealth: Tips for Helping Kids With Autism Take Part
Telehealth is increasing in popularity in the United States, partly due to the pandemic. But some children with autism have difficulty sitting through these virtual appointments. Yet those visits can be a helpful part of a child’s ongoing medical care, and their convenience may help limit time away from work and school, according to the… read on > read on >
Shining a Light on Sunscreens
Sunscreen isn’t just for pool gatherings and beach outings: Using sunscreen every day could reduce your risk of skin cancer, experts say. Daily use of at least an SPF 15 sunscreen can lower your risk of melanoma — the deadliest type of skin cancer — by 50%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you… read on > read on >
Masks at the Gym: Uncomfortable But Not Unsafe, Study Finds
Wearing a mask while you exercise may be uncomfortable, but a new study should reassure gym-goers that it poses no actual health risks. “What we found was, that it is safe to run at peak exercise in both an N95 mask and a cloth face mask,” said researcher Dr. Matthew Kampert, of the Cleveland Clinic.… read on > read on >