U.S. health officials say an outbreak of E. coli illness from an unknown source has risen to 96 cases across five Eastern states, up from the 72 cases reported last Friday. The origin of the food-borne illnesses remains unknown, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Friday. “The investigation is still ongoing… read on >
All Lifestyle:
Living Near Major Roads Can Slow Kids’ Development: Study
Living near a major road may significantly increase a young child’s risk of developmental delays, a new study claims. It also found that children whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy to high levels of specific types of traffic-related air pollution had slightly higher odds of developmental delays. “Our results suggest that it may be prudent… read on >
Climate Change Could Worsen Sneezin’ Season
Have you started feeling like your allergies are acting up earlier every year, or maybe they’re lasting longer? New research suggests it’s not just your imagination — climate change appears to be disrupting nature’s usual calendar. Areas with an earlier spring had a 14% higher rate of seasonal allergies (hay fever), the researchers found. “Climate… read on >
More Evidence HPV Vaccine Cuts Cervical Cancer Rate
Scotland is already seeing a payoff for vaccinating adolescent girls for human papillomavirus (HPV). Since the vaccine became routine about a decade ago, cervical cancer cases in young Scottish women have plummeted, a new study reports. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Vaccination protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which… read on >
Microbes on International Space Station Are Familiar From Earth
Scientists have been cataloging bacteria and fungi inside the International Space Station (ISS), and they say their efforts will should keep astronauts safe and could also have benefits on Earth. The team analyzed samples collected from eight locations on the space station during three flights across 14 months. The samples came from the viewing window,… read on >
Black Women in the U.S. Still Missing Out on Heart Care
Older black American women are much less likely to be treated for heart attack and heart disease than white and Hispanic women, researchers say. “Our study shows that black women still receive less recommended therapy for heart attacks and coronary heart disease than white women, and that improving these racial disparities is still needed,” said… read on >
CDC Investigates Mystery E. Coli Outbreak Affecting 5 States
U.S. health officials say they are investigating an outbreak of E. coli gastrointestinal illness that’s already affected 72 people across five Eastern states. The origin of the foodborne illnesses remains unknown, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Friday. “The investigation is still ongoing and a specific food item, grocery store, or… read on >
Let Your Lawn Grow: It’s Good for Bees, Won’t Attract Ticks, Study Finds
You now have an excuse to skip cutting the grass every weekend — it’s beneficial for the bees. And mowing your lawn less often to provide native bees a better habitat won’t lead to an increase in disease-carrying ticks, experts say. When research ecologist Susannah Lerman began urging friends and colleagues to leave lawns a… read on >
Heart Deaths Declined After Obamacare Began
Medicaid expansion under “Obamacare” may have quickly translated into fewer heart disease deaths among middle-aged Americans, a new study suggests. In 2014, many U.S. states began expanding their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — making more lower-income residents eligible for coverage. It’s known that those expanded programs reduced the ranks of the… read on >
Does Cancer Battle Bring Personal Growth? Yes and No, Survivors Say
Breast cancer survivor Jessica Sidener is adamant that her illness brought real benefits to her life. “I am incredibly grateful for all of the hardships I’ve gone through in my young life, including my cancer journey,” said Sidener, 39, of Parker, Colo. “It makes you appreciate that life is short.” But Nancy Stordahl is just… read on >