States are rapidly expanding eligibility for coronavirus vaccines as they race to meet President Joe Biden’s deadline to have shots for all American adults by May 1. At the beginning of the vaccine rollout, COVID-19 vaccines were available only to the most vulnerable Americans and some essential workers. Now, three states — Maine, Virginia and… read on > read on >
Most women can have a natural childbirth even if labor doesn’t begin soon after their water breaks, according to a new study. This situation occurs in about 11% of pregnant women who carry to term. Labor is typically induced in such cases. But University of Michigan researchers found there is no significant increased risk to… read on > read on >
Winter weather can bring hidden dangers, the most deadly of which can include carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. As blizzards, tornadoes and severe storms batter the nation and many lose power and heat, the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires from portable generators and other devices increase exponentially, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission… read on > read on >
Talking with their doctors may help convince reluctant Americans to get COVID-19 vaccines, evidence from a previous pandemic suggests. Researchers analyzed responses from more than 19,000 people in the United States who were surveyed during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009. The poll assessed respondents’ attitudes toward doctors, their openness to discussing vaccines with… read on > read on >
Vaping high-strength nicotine can help adults with schizophrenia stop smoking traditional cigarettes, according to a new study. Between 60% and 90% of people with schizophrenia smoke, compared to 15% to 24% of the general population, the researchers noted in the report published March 16 in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research. Smoking is the main… read on > read on >
To the lingering damage of COVID-19 infection, add this side effect: New research shows that more than half of those sickened by COVID-19 report depression. Among more than 3,900 people who had COVID-19 surveyed between May 2020 and January 2021, 52% suffered symptoms of major depression, researchers found. “People who have been ill with COVID-19… read on > read on >
The Biden Administration is deliberating on a nationwide face mask standard for workplaces, although it has already missed its own deadline for a decision. On Jan. 21, Biden told the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to determine by March 15, if such a standard is needed, CBS News reported. An emergency temporary… read on > read on >
Katie Rodgers was just 15 years old when she started smoking, and in her early 20s when it became a more significant habit. Rodgers found quitting tough, but she managed to kick the habit at age 33 during a global pandemic because she knew that smoking would increase her anxiety and put her at higher… read on > read on >
This year, COVID-19 has made decisions around surgery tougher than ever for folks who may need one. But one major medical group can help provide some answers. Top on their list: Is it safe to have surgery right now? “It is very safe to have surgery, especially with all of the precautions in place,” said… read on > read on >
Health care workers are more likely to catch COVID-19 at home or in their community than on the job, a new study finds. “The news is reassuring in that it shows the measures taken are working to prevent infections from spreading in health care facilities,” said study co-author Dr. Anthony Harris. He’s professor of epidemiology… read on > read on >
