The debate over masks in schools intensified on Monday, as the U.S. Education Department launched a civil rights investigation into mask mandate bans in five states while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made good on his promise to slash funds to school districts that have defied his ban. Why a federal investigation? Such bans may restrict…  read on >  read on >

The pause in youth sports caused by the COVID-19 pandemic wound up shaking some budding athletes to their core, a new U.S. survey shows. More than 1 in 10 youth athletes ended up reconsidering their sports goals or aspirations as the pandemic closed stadiums and gyms. That included one-quarter of athletes in their later teens,…  read on >  read on >

New research confirms the pandemic has not been good for the waistlines of children. During lockdowns, American kids gained more weight than before the pandemic, and the number who became obese also increased, researchers report. “This increased weight gain occurred in all youth between 5 and 17 years, but was particularly evident in children ages…  read on >  read on >

A high amount of coronavirus in the lungs is a major contributor to death in COVID-19 patients, new research shows. The findings challenge previous theories that simultaneous infections such as pneumonia or an overreaction of the body’s immune system are significant factors in COVID-19 deaths, the researchers noted. To come to that conclusion, the investigators…  read on >  read on >

The latest buzz on coffee? It may be good for your heart, a new, large study suggests. Drinking light to moderate amounts — up to three cups a day — may lower the risk of stroke, fatal heart disease and all-cause death, researchers found. “Regular coffee consumption of up to three cups per day is…  read on >  read on >

Fully half of all young adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also battle alcohol or drug abuse. And folks with ADHD who have a history of depression or anxiety are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse problems, a new study showed. “People with ADHD may be self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to keep their…  read on >  read on >

Demand for Abbott Laboratories’ at-home COVID-19 tests has reached “unprecedented” levels and supply may be limited in the coming weeks, the company says. Sales have skyrocketed due to the surge in cases driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant, CNN reported. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand as case rates rise — and we’ve been scaling up…  read on >  read on >