You may think that cats crave the plants catnip and silver vine because it makes them feel euphoric, and that’s true. Yet new research indicates felines also use the plants for another key reason: to keep mosquitoes at bay. Silver vine, a catnip alternative, grows in China and Japan. Researchers began by identifying that one… read on > read on >
Just over 200,000 Americans have the autoimmune disorder lupus, and minority women are at highest risk, according to a new study. It’s the first estimate of how widespread the disease is in the United States. The number comes close to reclassifying lupus as a rare disease, defined as an illness affecting 200,000 Americans or fewer,… read on > read on >
Menopause is known to bring a variety of unpleasant symptoms ranging from hot flashes to insomnia. Yet, for those who have a condition known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), it is much worse, researchers report. The new study examined the impact of POI, in which ovarian function stops and leads to menopause before the age… read on >
When intensive care units are swamped with COVID-19 patients, death rates may climb, a new study finds. Looking at data from 88 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, researchers found a pattern: COVID-19 patients were nearly twice as likely to die during periods when ICUs were dealing with a surge of patients with the… read on > read on >
The coronavirus pandemic hit dental practices hard early in 2020, as COVID-19 fears kept millions of Americans from seeking routine oral health care. But as dental offices have ratcheted up their safety measures, more patients have steadily been returning for checkups and more, according to recent polls conducted by the American Dental Association Health Policy… read on > read on >
The tragic milestone was reached before a COVID-19 memorial service began in the nation’s capital Tuesday evening: More than 400,000 Americans have now died from the new coronavirus. “To heal, we must remember,” President-elect Joe Biden said during the lighted vigil for coronavirus victims at the Lincoln Memorial. “And it’s hard sometimes to remember. But… read on > read on >
Air ambulance service is pricey, but promises lifesaving speed by providing rapid straight-line helicopter transport for critically ill patients. But a new study out of Denmark questions whether that expensive haste winds up saving more lives. Researchers found no statistically significant difference in the death rate between people transported by ground ambulance or helicopter, according… read on > read on >
Be kind to your heart and health and turn off the news, doctors say. Northwestern University experts suggest checking in on current events a couple of times a day and no more. Constant updates can fuel anxiety and depression, they warn. “As a practicing preventive cardiologist, one of the most common risk factors for heart… read on > read on >
Want to get the most out of your COVID-19 vaccine? Make sure you get some good rest before you get your shot, sleep experts say. That’s because adequate sleep is an important factor in a strong immune system. “As COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed, it is of utmost importance that patients continue to prioritize their… read on > read on >
Cats have a long history of boosting people’s moods and brightening their days. And that’s probably true for kids on the autism spectrum as well, new research shows. The small study suggests that adopting a shelter cat may help reduce separation anxiety and improve empathy in kids with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). “Cats, and… read on > read on >
