An inner-ear implant may help people with a debilitating balance disorder get steady on their feet again, an early study suggests. The study involved eight patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH). The disorder arises from a problem in the balance system of both inner ears, leading to chronic dizziness and instability when standing or walking.… read on > read on >
All Lifestyle:
Most Americans Unhappy With U.S. Vaccine Rollout: Poll
As the United States enters a critical phase of its national coronavirus vaccination campaign, a new poll shows that two-thirds of Americans are frustrated with how hard it is to get immunized against COVID-19. The Gallup Poll, released Wednesday morning, comes as health officials across the country are desperately juggling precious vaccine doses so they… read on > read on >
ICU Bed Shortages Could Mean More COVID-19 Deaths
A lack of ICU beds and other resources was linked to a higher rate of deaths among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the early stages of the pandemic in the United States, researchers say. The investigators analyzed data collected from more than 4,400 hospitals nationwide from March 1 to July 26, 2020, and found that fewer… read on > read on >
Specialist Care for Alzheimer’s Is Tough to Find for Poorer, Rural Americans
Although Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating diagnosis that is better delivered earlier rather than later, new research suggests poor patients living in rural areas may not have access to the specialists who could spot the first signs of memory declines. The team from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., led by Sayeh Nikpay, now an assistant… read on > read on >
After Long Decline, Breast Cancers in Young U.S. Women Are On the Rise
Breast cancer death rates are inching up in American women under age 40 again, after more than two decades of decline, researchers say. The study authors said they hoped their new report would lead to a deeper look at reasons for the change. “Our hope is that these findings focus more attention and research on… read on > read on >
New Recommendations on Social Distancing After Vaccination Are Coming: Fauci
New guidance on what social distancing measures are best for people who are fully vaccinated is on the way, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Monday. Right now, the advice from health officials is to keep wearing your mask, keep social distancing and keep away from gatherings after you receive both shots of coronavirus vaccine. But during… read on > read on >
Why Your 2nd Dose of COVID Vaccine Is Likely to Feel Worse
His second COVID-19 vaccine shot wiped Dr. Greg Poland out. Poland, 65, said he suffered five hours of shaking chills, fever up to 101 degrees, severe headache, nausea, ringing in his ears and a sore arm after getting his booster dose of the Moderna vaccine. “I’ve never had a reaction to a vaccine like that,”… read on > read on >
More Parents Balking at Giving Kids Cancer-Fighting HPV Vaccine
Although more teens are getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, parents’ hesitancy is growing, a new study finds. From 2012 to 2018, more doctors recommended their patients get vaccinated with the HPV vaccine — from 27% to 49%. But at the same time, the number of parents who were reluctant to have their kids vaccinated… read on > read on >
Are Your Allergies Worse? Blame Climate Change
In a grim development for allergy sufferers in North America, a new investigation warns that pollen seasons are getting longer and worse. Over the last three decades, the annual pollen season has expanded by nearly three weeks, accompanied by a 21% jump in pollen concentrations. A big underlying cause: climate change. “It is clear that… read on > read on >
Bans on Evictions, Utility Shutoffs Are Curbing COVID Infections: Study
Bans on evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic may not only be keeping people safe and warm in their homes: They might also limit the spread of COVID-19, new research suggests. Over the first nine months of the pandemic, the study found, U.S. counties with those policies reduced COVID-19 infection rates by about 4%.… read on > read on >