Uninsured Americans will no longer be covered for free COVID-19 tests and treatments because of the budget impasse in Congress, a Biden administration official said Tuesday. The program was to stop accepting claims at midnight Tuesday, according to Martin Kramer, a spokesman for the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Associated Press reported. “The lack… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
A New Male Birth Control Pill Works — in Mice
Science is moving closer to a male contraceptive pill, and human clinical trials of a non-hormonal version could begin later this year, researchers say. The experimental contraceptive works in mice, according to a preliminary study scheduled for presentation Wednesday at an American Chemical Society (ACS) meeting in San Diego. “Scientists have been trying for decades… read on > read on >
Babies, Toddlers Produce Stronger Immune Response to COVID Than Adults
In a finding that could influence future COVID vaccine recommendations for the youngest Americans, new research finds that infants and toddlers have a stronger immune response to the new coronavirus than adults do. To arrive at that conclusion, scientists analyzed blood samples collected from 682 unvaccinated children and adults up to age 62, in 175… read on > read on >
Ultrasounds, Exams Unnecessary Before Receiving Abortion Pill: Study
Women can safely use abortion pills without first getting ultrasound scans, or having an in-person medical appointment at all, a new study confirms. For more than 20 years, U.S. women have had access to medication abortions for ending early pregnancies, using the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol. But for most of that time, the U.S. Food… read on > read on >
Home COVID Tests Can Cause Harm If Not Stored Safely: FDA
At-home COVID-19 tests are a key tool in containing the spread of the coronavirus. But a few safety precautions are in order to prevent serious injury, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. The tests can cause harm if they’re not used according to manufacturers’ instructions, and they also need to be kept out of… read on > read on >
Antibodies From COVID Infection Shield Kids for Up to 7 Months
Antibodies from a COVID-19 infection linger in most children for up to seven months, even if they had no symptoms, a new study finds. To come to that reassuring conclusion, researchers analyzed data from 218 children in Texas, ages 5 to 19, who were enrolled in an ongoing survey launched in October 2020 to track… read on > read on >
Jergens Moisturizer Recalled Due to Bacteria Risk
Before slathering on your Jergens moisturizer, check the label. Certain lots have been recalled because they may be contaminated with bacteria that pose a risk to people with weakened immune systems. Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria typically pose little medical risk to healthy people, according to Kao USA Inc., which recalled 3-ounce and 10-ounce Jergens Ultra Healing… read on > read on >
Raising a Special Needs Child: An Expert Offers Guidance
Parents of children with special needs face a number of challenges, so here’s some advice from an expert. “Raising children is an adventure for any parent, but the journey for parents of children with special needs often has a few more twists and turns,” said Dr. Thomas Challman, medical director of the Geisinger Autism &… read on > read on >
Missed Cancer Screenings During Pandemic Could Raise Death Rate for Years
The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic kept millions of Americans away from routine cancer screenings. Now a new study finds that many U.S. screening programs were still not back to normal by 2021. The study, of more than 700 cancer facilities nationwide, found that in January 2021 — a year after COVID’s emergence in… read on > read on >
Would Your Teen Admit a Mental Health Issue? Poll Finds Roadblocks to Getting Help
Would you know if your teen was struggling with mental health issues? Most parents say yes, but many also doubt their teen would tell them something was wrong, a new poll shows. Specifically, nearly 95% of the parents surveyed said they were somewhat or very confident that they would notice the signs of trouble. Yet,… read on > read on >