Marriage and children may be the norm for most Americans, but a new study shows that many people are choosing to remain child-free — and they’re happy that way. The study of 1,000 Michigan adults found that one-quarter had opted not to have kids. And, on average, their life-satisfaction ratings were no different from those… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Screen All Kids for Heart Problems, Pediatricians’ Group Says
All children should be screened for conditions that may put them at risk for cardiac arrest or death, a new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement recommends. The screening should be done whether or not kids play sports, and it is particularly important as they begin middle school or junior high, the statement says.… read on > read on >
Drinking Rose During Pandemic, Especially for Women & Black Americans
It might have seemed harmless to while away hours stuck at home during the pandemic with extra wine and cocktails. But new research instead points to a troubling trend: Alcohol use and risky drinking rose among Americans over the last year. For the study, the researchers surveyed the same group of U.S. adults twice in… read on > read on >
5 Tests You Should Not Order for a Child With Autism
A leading medical group is offering testing guidelines for children with autistic behaviors. The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health emphasized that certain measurements to test for exposure to chemicals are not helpful to guide treatment. The council pointed out that just because a chemical is found in the body doesn’t mean it… read on > read on >
Women, Take These Key Steps to Good Urological Health
Women who try to hold their pee during the day might want to rethink that strategy. It’s time to “get up and go,” according to the Urology Care Foundation, which is encouraging women to be proactive about their urological health. That, of course, means get up and go to the bathroom if you need to.… read on > read on >
On Father’s Day, Give Dad Tips to Keep Healthy
Men tend to put their health care last, but Penn State Health offers some tips this Father’s Day for ensuring guys stay healthy in the future. “Men tend to take care of their cars more frequently than they do themselves. But when men wait to see the doctor once their ‘check engine’ light comes on,… read on > read on >
Hospitals: One Reason COVID Is More Lethal for Black Americans
Black COVID-19 patients in the United States are more likely to die than white patients, but there would be 10% fewer deaths among Black patients if they could get the same level of hospital care as white people, according to new research. “Our study reveals that Black patients have worse outcomes largely because they tend… read on > read on >
Survivors’ Plasma Helps Blood Cancer Patients Battle COVID-19
Giving COVID-19 survivors’ blood plasma to blood cancer patients hospitalized with COVID-19 significantly improves their chances of survival, a new study finds. “These results suggest that convalescent plasma may not only help COVID-19 patients with blood cancers whose immune systems are compromised, it may also help patients with other illnesses who have weakened antibody responses… read on > read on >
Many ‘High-Risk’ Americans Unconcerned About Skin Cancer: Poll
It’s long been known the sun’s rays can cause skin cancer. But a new poll shows that only about 30% of American adults say they’re concerned about developing skin cancer — even though nearly 70% have at least one risk factor for the disease. The American Academy of Dermatology’s survey found that 49% of respondents… read on > read on >
Pfizer, Moderna Vaccines Do No Harm to Male Fertility: Study
The Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines pose no threat to male fertility, a finding experts hope will prompt more men to get vaccinated. Researchers noted that the original clinical trials of the two mRNA vaccines didn’t assess how they might affect fertility. “Vaccine hesitancy is a barrier to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, and we believe… read on > read on >