A third dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine gives four times greater protection against COVID-19 infection and is five to six times more effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalization in seniors than just two doses are, new data from the Israeli health ministry shows. The study assessed patients 10 days after they received their… read on > read on >
You’ve heard the warnings about kids who are forever glued to their screens, but all that screen time can have devastating health effects for grown-ups. If you’re under 60, too much time using a computer, watching TV or reading could boost your risk for a stroke, Canadian researchers warn. “Be aware that very high sedentary… read on > read on >
Leaky sewer pipes are to blame for large amounts of human medicines getting into rivers, lakes and other bodies of water, a new study reveals. Researchers found that tens of thousands of doses of drugs get into Chesapeake Bay in Maryland every year due to seeping sewer pipes. “Pharmaceuticals enter freshwaters through multiple pathways, including… read on > read on >
Regular skin checks to look for signs of melanoma could save your life. Self-exams for the deadliest type of skin cancer should be done at least once a month in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror and also with a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas, said Dr. Arun Mavanur, a surgical oncologist.… read on > read on >
As coronavirus cases spike in the United States due to the highly contagious Delta variant, a new poll finds Americans’ anxiety about COVID-19 at its highest since January. “I wouldn’t have said this a couple of years ago, but I’m not as confident as I was in America’s ability to take care of itself,” David… read on > read on >
The Moderna coronavirus vaccine may be linked to a higher risk of a heart condition called myocarditis in younger adults than believed, emerging reports show. Federal health officials are investigating the new data, according to two people familiar with the review who emphasized the side effect is still rare, the Washington Post reported. Vaccination is… read on > read on >
More than $5.8 billion in student loan debt will be erased for over 300,000 Americans who have severe disabilities and low incomes, the Biden administration said Thursday. “We’ve heard loud and clear from borrowers with disabilities and advocates about the need for this change and we are excited to follow through on it,” Education Secretary… read on > read on >
Three vaccinated U.S. Senators reported coronavirus infections on Thursday, adding to the growing number of breakthrough cases among American politicians. The positive tests were announced by Sen. Roger Wicker, of Mississippi, Sen. Angus King, of Maine, and Sen. John Hickenlooper, of Colorado. “Senator Wicker is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, is in good health and is… read on > read on >
A decision on booster shots for the approximately 13.8 million Americans who received Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot coronavirus vaccine is likely to take weeks, according to people familiar with the issue. Federal health officials are waiting on results from a government-backed clinical trial and from studies by Johnson & Johnson to determine whether those who… read on > read on >
If you’re pregnant and worried that getting a COVID-19 vaccine might trigger severe side effects, you can relax. New research shows that pregnant women and new mothers don’t suffer more reactions after a shot than other women do. “Pregnant people do well with the vaccine,” said lead study author Dr. Alisa Kachikis, an assistant professor… read on > read on >
