Fear, grief, uncertainty and isolation during the pandemic have triggered a national state of emergency in the mental health of America’s youth, leading child health care groups warned Tuesday. Youngsters already faced significant mental health challenges, and the pandemic has made them worse, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of… read on > read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to announce Wednesday that people can mix and match their COVID vaccines and booster shots, a move that would give health officials more flexibility as they try to immunize as many Americans as possible. The FDA wouldn’t recommend one vaccine over another but might say it’s preferable to… read on > read on >
Laser-based vaginal “rejuvenation” is all the rage among women concerned about vaginal dryness and other “down there” symptoms of menopause, but it’s buyer beware when it comes to these procedures, new research warns. It turns out that laser-based vaginal rejuvenation may not be any better than placebo (dummy) treatment when it comes to relieving vaginal… read on > read on >
People who live in disadvantaged parts of the United States are nearly twice as likely to die young from heart disease as folks in the wealthiest locales, a new study reports. In other words, your zip code can tell you as much or more about your heart health risk as your genetic code, said senior… read on > read on >
Many female family doctors face sexual harassment, but most remain satisfied with their careers, a new study finds. Researchers surveyed 315 women physicians in family practices from 49 countries and found that 75% said they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their work conditions and their career. “Despite all obstacles in the work environment, especially… read on > read on >
A new plan to limit pollution from so-called “forever chemicals” will include restricting their release into the environment and speeding cleanup of contaminated sites, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday. The chemicals, called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are used in products ranging from cookware to carpets to firefighting foam. They’re increasingly showing up… read on > read on >
The number of Americans diagnosed with “broken heart” syndrome has steadily risen in the past 15 years — with the vast majority being women, a new study finds. The condition, which doctors call stress cardiomyopathy, appears similar to a heart attack — with symptoms such as chest pain and breathlessness. But its cause is entirely… read on > read on >
Americans hospitalized with COVID-19 could now face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket medical costs, according to a new report. In 2020, most health insurance companies waived co-pays, deductibles and other cost-sharing for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but many stopped doing that early this year, the University of Michigan researchers noted. “Many insurers claim that it is… read on > read on >
Colin Powell, the first Black person to become Secretary of State, and a statesman who helped shape U.S. foreign policy for decades, died Monday of complications from COVID-19. He was 84. “General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications… read on > read on >
Pop singer Britney Spears was at the height of her fame in 2008 when, through a series of arcane legal maneuverings, her father gained conservatorship over her and took control of her personal and financial affairs. Spears’ plight and the #FreeBritney movement has shone a bright spotlight on America’s guardianship system, which experts say is… read on > read on >
