Vaccination can protect young people — particularly teenagers– against long COVID, a new study finds. Records of more than 1 million U.S. kids showed that the COVID jab can effectively shield kids from long-term health problems related to the infection, according to findings published Jan. 16 in the journal Pediatrics. Using electronic health data from…  read on >  read on >

Taking nitrates for heart problems alongside erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra or Cialis could be a prescription for trouble, a new study warns. Men who combine the two types of medications have a higher risk of death or suffering a heart-related health emergency, researchers reported Jan. 15 in the Journal of the American College of…  read on >  read on >

Stress appears to increase a person’s chances of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of unhealthy factors that add up to an increased risk for serious problems, a new study finds. Inflammation driven by a person’s stress levels can make them more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, just as their lifestyle and genetics also contribute to…  read on >  read on >

Imagine easing a fear of heights by getting over a phobia of spiders. That might sound odd, but it works, researchers report. Folks who use exposure therapy to overcome one phobia can find themselves less afraid of other things, according to the results of a study published recently in the journal Translational Psychiatry. It’s very…  read on >  read on >

More than a few folks are considering a cosmetic skin procedure to enhance their looks heading into 2024. Botox, fillers and lasers are common means to sculpt a person’s appearance, but dermatologists recommend a comprehensive approach under the care of a qualified specialist. “There is no one-size-fits-all or ‘cookie cutter’ approach to combat the signs…  read on >  read on >

Sickle cell disease is one of many chronic health conditions that dramatically increases the risk of hospitalization and death in people infected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, folks with sickle cell disease are much less likely to have received the best protection available to them — a COVID vaccine. Completion of the initial two-dose COVID vaccination series…  read on >  read on >

A record-breaking 20 million Americans have already signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, the Biden administration announced Wednesday. “Today, we hit a major milestone in lowering costs and ensuring all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care: a record-breaking 20 million Americans have enrolled in health care coverage through the…  read on >  read on >