WEDNESDAY, Oct. 27 2021Midlife vision problems could increase women’s risk of depression, new research suggests. Rates of eye problems and depression rise during midlife, but knowledge about how vision affects depression at that time has been limited. The new study identified a significant link between impaired vision and development of depression. “Given that the combination…  read on >  read on >

One-third of Americans are struggling to make basic decisions due to ongoing stress about the pandemic, and younger adults and parents are having the most difficulty of all, a new survey reveals. “The pandemic has imposed a regimen of constant risk assessment upon many. Each day brings an onslaught of choices with an ever-changing context,…  read on >  read on >

Can offering small cash cards, say for $25, be the difference between someone choosing to get their COVID-19 vaccine or waiting? Yes, according to a study in North Carolina that offered $25 cash cards to people who got vaccines last spring at sites in four participating counties. About 9% of those surveyed after getting their…  read on >  read on >

American cancer patients spent more than $21 billion on their care in 2019, a new report shows. That $21.09 billion included out-of-pocket costs of $16.22 billion and patient time costs of $4.87 billion. Patient time costs are the value of the time patients spend traveling for, waiting for and receiving care. “As the costs of…  read on >  read on >

Smokers who kick the habit before age 45 can nearly eliminate their excess risk of dying from lung or other cancers, a new study estimates. It’s well-established that after smokers quit, their risk of tobacco-related cancers drops substantially over time. Researchers said the new findings underscore the power of quitting as early as possible. Among…  read on >  read on >