The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the first fecal microbiota treatment, aimed at helping adults battling tough-to-treat Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections. “Today’s approval of Rebyota is an advance in caring for patients who have recurrent C. difficile infection [CDI],” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
‘Virtual’ Driver Program Could Make Driving Safer for Teens With ADHD
A simulator may make driving safer for teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by training them to take shorter glances away from the roadway. Focused Concentration and Attention Learning (FOCAL) is a computer-based program that teaches teens to keep their eyes on the road. For this study, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health,… read on > read on >
CDC Will Test New Areas for Polio in Wastewater
THURSDAY, Dec. 1, 2022 (HealthDay News) – U.S. health officials will begin testing wastewater for poliovirus in select locations around the country, including possibly at sites in Michigan and Pennsylvania. The testing will happen in communities that have low polio vaccination rates or those with possible connections to New York communities that are linked to… read on > read on >
Shortages of Antibiotics, Antivirals Are Making a Tough Illness Season Worse
An early surge in cold and flu cases has created shortages in key antiviral and antibiotic drugs needed for the annual “sick season,” pharmacists report. The antiviral flu drug Tamiflu is in short supply for both adults and children, in both its brand name formulation as well as the generic version, said Michael Ganio, senior… read on > read on >
Exposure to Zika Virus in Womb Might Alter Kids’ Development
Children exposed to the Zika virus may need more support as they start school, even if they were not diagnosed with Zika-related birth defects and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), a new study suggests. Children may still have differences in brain development, including those in thinking skills, mood and mobility, though researchers said some identified in… read on > read on >
Many U.S. Seniors Get Needless, Pricey Cervical Cancer Screenings
Researchers warn that high rates of cervical cancer screening in women over 65 suggest that some older Americans are being unnecessarily screened. More health data on these screenings in older women is needed to prevent potential harm and unnecessary costs, said the team from University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)… read on > read on >
Valium, Xanax Prescriptions Could Raise Overdose Risk in Youth
Teenagers and young adults who use benzodiazepines to treat insomnia may be at heightened risk of overdose, a new study finds. Benzodiazepines include anxiety medications like Ativan, Klonopin, Valium and Xanax, as well as prescription sleep aids such as estazolam (ProSom), triazolam (Halcion) and temazepam (Restoril). In the new study, researchers found that young people… read on > read on >
As Kids’ Obesity Rises, Brain Health Declines: Study
Kids who are overweight or obese often struggle with school work, and now new research provides clues on how excess weight may harm the developing brain. “The main takeaway is to raise awareness about brain health consequences of obesity besides physical health consequences, especially since obesity rates are very high and continue to rise,” said… read on > read on >
Long COVID Often Brings Another Issue: Stigma
People with long COVID deal with months or years of punishing fatigue, mind-numbing brain fog or a frightening fight to take each and every breath. But they can also face the skepticism of others, a new study finds — employers and doctors questioning whether they’re really sick, friends avoiding them, family losing patience. About 95%… read on > read on >
High Deductibles Keep Some Women From Follow-Up After Troubling Mammogram
Out-of-pocket costs may make as many as 1 in 5 women forgo additional screening when an initial mammogram finds an abnormality, a new U.S. study finds. The Affordable Care Act improved access to mammograms, but high-deductible insurance plans appear to keep women from important follow-ups, according to the findings. “The ACA removed out-of-pocket costs for… read on > read on >