Taking progestogen-only birth control pills comes with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer — about the same degree of risk associated with taking pills that contain both progestogen and estrogen, new research finds. After five years’ use, investigators found a 20% to 30% heightened breast cancer risk with both types of contraceptives, according to…  read on >  read on >

“Baby on Board” warning stickers apply even when there’s a mom-to-be in the vehicle, a new study argues. Pregnant women involved in traffic collisions are at heightened risk of potentially serious birth complications, even if the wreck only involves minor injuries, researchers report. These complications can include dislodgement of the placenta, very heavy bleeding, and…  read on >  read on >

Perrigo Co., which makes Gerber Good Start SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula, has recalled the product over concerns about contamination with a potentially dangerous bacteria. Cronobacter sakazakii was possibly present between Jan. 2 and Jan. 18 at the company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisc., manufacturing facility. No distributed products have tested positive for the bacteria. No one…  read on >  read on >

People covered by Medicaid insurance may not have easy access to some of the most effective, longer-acting birth control methods, new research claims. Investigators found that while about 48% of physicians who treat Medicaid patients provided prescription contraception like the birth control pill, only 10% offered longer-acting methods like IUDs and implants. Birth control is…  read on >  read on >

During pregnancy, women may need to consider different options for treating certain health issues. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers some suggestions for pregnant women living with the common skin conditions eczema and psoriasis. “Women may consider their health care decisions differently during different stages of their lives,” said Chicago dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Kiracofe,…  read on >  read on >

A new theory about the start of the COVID-19 virus points to illegally traded raccoon dogs at a market in Wuhan, China. Genetic data from swabs connected to these fox-like animals with a raccoon face offers tangible evidence of the virus’ possible origin, according to an international team of virus experts. These animals are known…  read on >  read on >

Cases of a parasitic disease spread by ticks have been on the rise, particularly in states in the Northeast that had previously seen few cases, U.S. health officials reported Friday. Between 2011 and 2019, more than 16,000 cases of babesiosis were reported in the United States, with the lion’s share of those cases reported in…  read on >  read on >