Wearing two snug, well-fitted face masks can significantly reduce your risk of coronavirus infection, researchers say. But a good fit is key: The new study found that two ill-fitting cloth masks don’t provide as much protection as one snug-fitting surgical mask. “We’ve found that wearing two loosely fitted masks will not give you the filtration…  read on >  read on >

In news that should reassure many pregnant women, having an epidural during childbirth won’t increase the child’s risk of autism, researchers report. The new findings refute a widely criticized 2020 study that said epidurals were associated with a 37% higher risk of autism. Experts said that study didn’t account for numerous socioeconomic, genetic and medical…  read on >  read on >

Monitoring blood pressure is important for transgender people, according to new research, which found changes in systolic blood pressure after the start of gender-affirming hormone therapy. Transgender men and transgender women have a higher burden of heart attack, stroke and related conditions, the study noted. Gender-affirming hormone therapy isn’t new. Doctors have prescribed the hormones…  read on >  read on >

Young baseball players are at risk for overuse injuries, but there are ways to play it safe and prevent such problems, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says. “Overhead athletes, such as baseball players, place significant repetitive stress on the shoulder and elbow joints,” orthopedic sports surgeon Dr. Nima Mehran said in an academy…  read on >  read on >

Energy drinks provide millions with a quick, caffeinated boost, but one young man’s story could be a warning about overconsumption, experts say. In the case of the 21-year-old, daily heavy intake of these drinks may have led to life-threatening heart and kidney failure, British doctors reported April 15 in BMJ Case Reports. The young man…  read on >  read on >