Common pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia may slow infant development in the womb, according to a new study. This leads to newborns being biologically younger than their gestational age, according to researchers from universities across the United States who contributed to the study. Researchers estimated the infants’ biological or “epigenetic” age based on… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
CDC Warns of Rise of Drug-Resistant Shigella Bacteria
Public health officials are warning about an increase in drug-resistant strains of the bacteria shigella. About 5% of shigella infections reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year were caused by the drug-resistant XDR strain. That compares to 0% in 2015. Limited treatment options exist for people infected with XDR strains.… read on > read on >
Unraveling the Link Between Menstrual Cycles and Migraine
Many women experience blinding migraine headaches around their monthly period, and now researchers have a clue about why. Levels of the female hormone estrogen fluctuate during menstruation, which may lead to increases in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). This protein widens blood vessels in the brain, which is part of the cascade of events that cause… read on > read on >
Is it COVID or Flu? FDA Approves 1st Home Test for Both
MONDAY, Feb. 27, 2023 (HealthDay News) – A new at-home test will help people struggling with upper respiratory symptoms figure out whether they have COVID-19 or the flu. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lucira under an emergency use authorization (EUA) on Friday. “Today’s authorization of the first OTC [over-the-counter] test that can detect… read on > read on >
After Criticism, FDA Pledges to Revamp Its Tobacco Division
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s heavily criticized tobacco program promised changes on Friday, including a five-year strategic plan to better outline priorities. “As we enter this era of declining use of combustible tobacco and continued innovation in the e-cigarette industry, the societal concerns are not subtle,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in an… read on > read on >
Aidan’s Tough Journey: Now Breathing Easier With a Rewired Heart
Ambar Marcus didn’t think anything of going to the follow-up ultrasound her doctor recommended around 22 weeks of pregnancy — until she noticed how long it was taking. “The technician was a lovely lady who chatted with me the whole time, but I noticed it felt like a very long appointment,” Marcus, who lives in… read on > read on >
Men Working Heavy-Labor Jobs May Get Fertility Boost
Men who have physically demanding jobs and regularly lift heavy objects at work also have higher sperm counts and testosterone levels. A new study that is part of broader effort to explore how exposure to environmental chemicals and lifestyle choices affect reproductive health found the link. “We already know that exercise is associated with multiple… read on > read on >
Millions of Americans Missed Vital Cancer Screenings in Pandemic’s 2nd Year
FRIDAY, Feb. 24, 2023 (HealthDay News) – Cancer screening rates were down again during 2021, the second year of the pandemic. The number of women having cervical cancer screening dropped 4.4 million in 2021 compared to 2019, according to a study by the American Cancer Society (ACS). About 1.1 million fewer women were screened for… read on > read on >
Emergency Contraception: Types, Side Effects & More
Confused about emergency contraception? The experts have you covered. Here’s a breakdown of what emergency contraception is, the different types that are available, the side effects you may experience, and how emergency contraception works. Plus, you’ll find out where you can get emergency contraception. What is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception is a way to prevent… read on > read on >
Cutting Down on Social Media Brings Quick Boost to Teens’ Self-Image
All those images of beautiful-looking people on social media can deflate a young person’s self-image, but there may be an easy fix: limiting time spent on TikTok, Instagram and the like. A new Canadian study finds that teens and young adults who already had symptoms of anxiety or depression and who cut their social media… read on > read on >