Could endless hours spent scrolling through social media and watching TV trigger binge eating in preteens? Apparently so, new research suggests. “Children may be more prone to overeating while distracted in front of screens. They may also be exposed to more food advertisements on television,” said study author Dr. Jason Nagata. He is an assistant…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the emergency use of Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot coronavirus vaccine, adding a third weapon to the arsenal the United States is building to battle the pandemic. The overall effectiveness of the J&J vaccine in protecting recipients against any case of COVID-19 (66%) is not as high as…  read on >  read on >

As if attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn’t already tough on a child, new research suggests the condition might also raise the odds for a psychotic disorder later in life. But parents should not panic. “I would say that this finding should not be an alarm for parents and people who have ADHD, because the absolute risk…  read on >  read on >

Young drivers who cruise down the highway with a cellphone in hand probably exhibit other risky behind-the-wheel behaviors, a new study suggests. Talking or texting on a smartphone while driving correlates with a whole range of dangerous driving practices for many young, novice drivers — from intoxicated driving to speeding, unsafely passing other vehicles or…  read on >  read on >

Strep throat doesn’t appear to aggravate Tourette syndrome and other chronic tic disorders in youngsters, according to a new study. But it did find an association between strep infection and increased hyperactivity and impulsiveness among kids with ADHD. People with chronic tic disorders have unintentional repetitive movements and vocalizations. Previous research has suggested a link…  read on >  read on >

Breathe easy, folks. A new study affirms that wearing a cloth or surgical face mask won’t hamper your breathing. Researchers in Ohio based that conclusion on tests of 50 adults (median age: 33), both with and without masks. Nearly one-third said they had a chronic health condition, such as asthma. Volunteers’ heart rate, oxygen levels…  read on >  read on >

If you’ve gone to the doctor for a urinary tract infection (UTI), chances are that you’ve been given the wrong antibiotic or a longer-than-necessary treatment plan. That’s even more likely if you live in a rural area, researchers say. A new study of private insurance claims data found that 47% of women were prescribed antibiotics…  read on >  read on >