Here’s an unexpected silver lining to the pandemic: New research shows there was a decline in overall drinking and binge drinking among U.S. college freshmen during the early months of the new coronavirus’ spread across America. “We found that social factors, like social distancing and reductions in social support from friends, were associated with decreases… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Child Injuries, Deaths Spur Recall of 10 Million Magnet Balls, Cubes
Ten million high-powered magnetic balls and cubes have been recalled in the United States because they pose a risk of serious injury or death if swallowed, a new report shows. “Zen Magnets LLC is aware of two children who ingested Zen Magnets and required surgery to remove the magnets and parts of their intestines and… read on > read on >
Dexamethasone Can Help the Sickest COVID Patients Survive. So Why Are Too Few Getting It?
There’s strong evidence that the steroid drug dexamethasone can significantly lower hospitalized patients’ risk of dying from COVID-19, but many who might benefit from it the most aren’t getting it. “Dexamethasone is a steroid that is used for the treatment of arthritis, inflammation and allergic reactions,” explained Hemalkumar Mehta, who studied its use in treating… read on > read on >
Physics Shows Why 20 Seconds Is Right for Hand-Washing
Twenty seconds. That’s how long you need to wash your hands to remove germs, a new physics study confirms. Typical hand-washing guidelines — including those from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — advise scrubbing your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds. To assess that recommendation, researchers used a mathematical model to… read on > read on >
U.S. National Park Service Issues Mask Mandate
Masks are now required for all visitors, employees and contractors inside U.S. National Park Service (NPS) facilities and in crowded outdoor spaces, the service said Monday. The mandate applies regardless of people’s vaccination status or community transmission levels, and will be in effect until further notice, Forbes reported. “At a time when visits to America’s… read on > read on >
RSV Respiratory Illnesses Rising for Babies, Experts Warn
While the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the United States has been dominating the news, an old viral enemy has been making a quieter comeback. In late spring, U.S. pediatric hospitals began reporting an unexpected rise in serious infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Unlike COVID-19, RSV is a long-established foe that normally emerges… read on > read on >
Babies, Toddlers Spread COVID Faster in the Home Than Teens Do: Study
Infected babies and toddlers are more likely to spread COVID-19 to others in their homes than teens are, a new study indicates. It also found that very young children are less likely than teens to actually bring the virus into their homes, The New York Times reported. Researchers from Public Health Ontario in Canada analyzed… read on > read on >
Four Teachers in Same Florida County Die of COVID-19 Within 24 Hours
In just 24 hours, four teachers in Broward County, Fla., died from COVID-19. At least three of the teachers were unvaccinated, CBS News reported. “Within a 24-hour span, we had an assistant teacher pass away, a teacher at her school pass away, an elementary teacher pass away and another teacher at a high school,” Broward… read on > read on >
Biden Administration to Greatly Expand Food Stamp Program
The largest permanent increase in the history of the United States’ food stamp program and changes to its nutrition standards will be announced Monday. Supporters say the changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program that benefits 42 million Americans will better reflect how people eat and will help improve nutrition, reduce hunger and… read on > read on >
More ‘Green Time,’ Less Screen Time Boosts Kids’ Mental Health
Want to see a temperamental tween or teen act happier? The formula is simple, a large international study suggests. “Screen time should be replaced by ‘green time’ for optimizing the well-being of our kids,” said study author Asad Khan, an associate professor in biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. That… read on > read on >