Diphtheria could once again become a major global health problem due to vaccine and antibiotic resistance, researchers warn. Diphtheria is a highly contagious — and potentially deadly — infection that can affect the nose and throat, as well as the skin. It is caused primarily by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which make a… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Pollen Peril: Sneezin’ Season May Up COVID Risk
It’s that time of year when flowers and trees bloom freely and pollen makes the lives of many miserable. But new research reveals a hidden risk: It could also make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 infection rates waxed and waned with pollen counts in 2020, according to tracking data gathered across 31 countries… read on > read on >
Eviction During a Pregnancy Is Dangerous for Women and Newborns
Being pregnant triggers a lot of feelings. For many, there is joy, expectation and sometimes a little nervousness about what’s to come. Yet not all pregnant women start this journey on the same footing, and for some, such as those who are facing eviction while pregnant, there’s a tremendous amount of stress. That prenatal stress… read on > read on >
School Dental Care Program Could Cut Cavities in Half: Study
School-based dental care cut cavities in half among thousands of elementary students, a new study says. “The widespread implementation of oral health programs in schools could increase the reach of traditional dental practices and improve children’s oral health — all while reducing health disparities and the cost of care,” said senior author Dr. Richard Niederman.… read on > read on >
Which Americans Live Longest? Education Matters More Now Than Race
A four-year college degree is becoming the key to living a longer life in the United States, a new study argues. In fact, education appears to be a more potent factor in determining lifespan now than race, researchers say. In the study, white and Black people who earned a bachelor’s degree experienced an overall increase… read on > read on >
Device Used for Thousands of Years Eases Major Cause of Female Urinary Problems
Many women with pelvic organ prolapse may get lasting relief from a treatment that’s been around for a few thousand years, a new study suggests. With pelvic organ prolapse (POP), weakened muscles and supporting tissue in the pelvis allow one or more organs — including the uterus, bladder or rectum — to protrude into the… read on > read on >
Lots of Belly Fat at Menopause Could Boost Heart Risks
If you are approaching menopause and you have some extra belly fat, new research suggests you might want to shed some inches now. Women who carry weight around their midsection during menopause may be more likely to develop heart disease even if their overall weight remains the same, researchers report. For every 20% increase in… read on > read on >
New First Look at the Tiniest Babies’ Lungs
Researchers who recorded the most detailed images ever made of newborns’ lungs as they took their first breaths say the breakthrough could improve treatment of breathing problems in babies. “Respiratory problems are the most common reason we need to treat babies in intensive care,” said researcher David Tingay of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne,… read on > read on >
How Moving the Homeless to Hotels During the Pandemic Helps Everyone
Giving homeless COVID-19 patients a free hotel room for their quarantine and recovery pays huge health dividends for the entire community, according to a new study out of San Francisco. Only 4% of homeless folks transferred from Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital to a participating hotel wound up back in the hospital with worsened COVID-19… read on > read on >
With 3 COVID Vaccines Approved, Is There a ‘Best’ Shot?
Americans love to have choices, and now there are three COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the United States. But infectious disease experts say that all three protect strongly against severe COVID-19, so there is only one criteria to use in deciding which vaccine is the best. “There is a single best vaccine. It’s the… read on > read on >