The Delta variant is not only much more infectious than earlier versions of the new coronavirus, but it’s also twice as likely to land you in the hospital with life-threatening complications, new British research shows. “Our analysis highlights that in the absence of vaccination, any Delta outbreaks will impose a greater burden on health care… read on > read on >
Heart attack survivors could gain more than seven healthy years of life if they take the right medications and improve their lifestyle, new research estimates. Unfortunately, studies have found, heart attack survivors rarely get optimal control over their risk factors. The new research echoes that evidence: Of more than 3,200 patients, only 2% had their… read on > read on >
A first-of-a-kind nerve stimulation treatment for people who have problems moving their arms after a stroke has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “People who have lost mobility in their hands and arms due to ischemic stroke are often limited in their treatment options for regaining motor function,” explained Dr. Christopher Loftus.… read on > read on >
COVID-19 vaccination and mask mandates in the workplace have the support of roughly half of American workers, a new poll shows. About 59% of those working remotely and 47% of those working in person are in favor of vaccine requirements, while about one-quarter of workers in both groups are opposed. Workplace mask mandates have the… read on > read on >
New research delivers an answer to a burning question: When are COVID-19 patients most infectious? The answer? Two days before and three days after they develop symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of rapid testing and quarantine if someone is feeling sick, the study authors said. The researchers also found that infected people are more… read on > read on >
New research offers further evidence of a link between gum disease and heart disease. The ongoing Swedish study previously found that gum disease (“periodontitis”) was much more common in first-time heart attack patients than in a group of healthy people. In this follow-up study, the researchers examined whether gum disease was associated with an increased… read on > read on >
Students face a number of challenges as they head back to school this fall — from potential exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses to injuries on the playing field. “This return to school season is like no other,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Schools must be… read on > read on >
If you’re at the beach or pool, applying sunscreen before and after you’ve been in the water is a must, a cancer specialist says. The intensity of exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays “is higher under water than it is above water,” said Dr. Arun Mavanur. He is a surgical oncologist at the Alvin &… read on > read on >
Despite all of the criticism of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, new research suggests there was a silver lining: more shut-eye for middle and high school students. “Without the required transportation time or time required to get ready for school in the morning, online students were able to wake later, and thus get more… read on > read on >
Overdose deaths linked to illicit “designer” benzodiazepines have surged in the United States, as underground labs crank out new synthetic variations on prescription tranquilizers like Valium, Xanax and Ativan. Overdose deaths involving illicit benzos increased more than sixfold (520%) between 2019 and 2020, rising from 51 to 316, according to data from 32 states and… read on > read on >
