The novel coronavirus appears to be seasonal in nature, with major outbreaks occurring mainly in regions that match a specific set of climate conditions, a new study argues. All areas experiencing significant outbreaks of COVID-19 fall within a northern corridor that has an average temperature of 41 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit and an average humidity…  read on >

Even if you’re stuck at home waiting for the coronavirus all clear, you can still keep a healthy lifestyle. “Prevention is key in limiting the spread of coronavirus, and with more people working remotely or limiting their exposure to crowds, it’s important to maintain healthy habits at home,” said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, chief medical officer…  read on >

A plant-based diet can benefit your heart, but only if you eat certain healthy types of food, researchers say. They tracked the eating behavior and the development of heart disease among more than 2,000 adults in Greece over 10 years, starting in 2002. Compared to those who ate more animal-based foods, men who ate more…  read on >

Staying calm during the coronavirus pandemic isn’t easy, but a few simple steps will help you stay informed yet relaxed. Keep up-to-date with reliable sources. “Given the onslaught of media coverage and information, it’s important to make sure you are getting updates from reputable sources,” said Nathaniel Van Kirk, coordinator of inpatient group therapy at…  read on >

If you ask Dr. Molly Benedum whether there is a shortage of doctors in America, this is the story she will tell you: After joining the Appalachian Regional Health System’s family practice in North Carolina, she saw an immediate influx of patients — women in particular — that reflected both pent-up demand for primary care…  read on >

(HealthDay News) — Are you scared and confused over the threat of coronavirus? You’re not alone: Every day, every hour, new media reports can have you worrying about worst-case scenarios. Experts say panic is a natural — if unhelpful — response to major crises like COVID-19. But there are ways to stay both informed and…  read on >

With screening, colon cancers can effectively be detected and prevented. Though colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, one-third of Americans over age 50 are not getting screened. “Screening saves lives and can prevent colon cancer,” said Dr. Susanne Shokoohi, a gastroenterologist at Loyola Medicine in Maywood, Ill. More…  read on >

As coronavirus continues to spread, pregnant women may be especially anxious. But a University of California, Los Angeles expert says there’s no reason to panic. While expectant mothers are at higher risk for developing complications from some respiratory viruses because they have a weakened immune system, they need not be overly concerned about coronavirus, according…  read on >

A test that can detect the genetic “fingerprint” of prostate cancer in blood could improve diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the disease, researchers say. The test checks for prostate cancer DNA in blood in order to provide the earliest evidence that prostate cancer is active. This could help doctors monitor tumor behavior, determine if cancer…  read on >

Suicidal thoughts have haunted nearly one of every 10 pre-teens in the United States, a new study reveals. About 8.4% of children aged 9 or 10 said they’d temporarily or regularly harbored thoughts of suicide, researchers report. Importantly, only around 1% of children that age reported a suicide attempt or planning their suicide. But suicidal…  read on >