Living in a noisy neighborhood with less green space negatively affects teens’ sleep, which may lead to poorer memory and thinking skills, according to a pair of studies. In a study on residential environment, researchers found that as noise levels steadily increased, so too did the time needed for teens to fall asleep. They also… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Advances in Treatments Against Severe COVID-19 May Have Stalled
The death rate among COVID-19 patients in intensive care has fallen since the start of the pandemic, largely because of better treatments. But a new study review suggests that those advances in care may have plateaued. The new analysis looked at data from 52 studies in North America, Europe, China and elsewhere, conducted up to… read on > read on >
Why Do Black Children Get Fewer Scans When They’re Seen in ERs?
Black and Hispanic children who land in the emergency room are less likely than white kids to receive X-rays, CT scans and other imaging tests, a new study finds. Looking at more than 13 million ER visits to U.S. children’s hospitals, researchers found that white children underwent imaging tests one-third of the time. That was… read on > read on >
Omega-3s From Fish Might Curb Asthma in Kids, But Genes Matter
Consuming greater amounts of certain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may reduce the risk of asthma in kids — but only those with a common gene variant, British researchers say. They focused on the long chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. “Asthma… read on > read on >
Prior Exposure to SARS Virus Provides Little Protection Against New Coronavirus
Previous exposure to other coronaviruses may enhance a person’s immune response to COVID-19 infection, but new research suggests that antibodies triggered by the SARS outbreak of 2003 provide only limited protection against the new coronavirus. Antibodies are blood proteins made by the immune system to protect against infection, the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)… read on > read on >
Race Plays Role in Kids’ Food Allergies: Study
Black American children have higher rates of shellfish and fish allergies than white children, a new study finds. The research confirms the important role that race plays in children’s food allergies, the study authors said. “Food allergy is a common condition in the U.S., and we know from our previous research that there are important… read on > read on >
Pandemic May Be Affecting How Parents Feed Their Kids
There have been good and bad changes to U.S. children’s diets during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers say. “Providing healthy meals and snacks to our kids can be a challenge even when we’re not experiencing a pandemic,” said senior study author Susan Carnell. She’s an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins… read on > read on >
New COVID Variants May Weaken Vaccines, But Shots Will Still Protect You: Experts
The new coronavirus is mutating in an attempt to elude vaccines and treatments, putting a greater onus on Americans to get vaccinated and use social distancing measures to avoid infection, U.S. health officials said Friday. New COVID-19 variants out of South Africa and Brazil — B.1.351 and P1, respectively — contain a mutation called E484K,… read on > read on >
As New COVID Variants Emerge, Do You Need to ‘Double Mask’?
Could wearing two masks be better than one? The emergence of new and more infectious COVID-19 variants has led health experts to consider “double masking” as a potential way to better protect yourself and those around you. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating whether donning a medical mask underneath a typical… read on > read on >
Anti-Vaxxers Mounting Internet Campaigns Against COVID-19 Shots
People who are hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine don’t have to work hard to find internet rumors and theories that will fuel their fears regarding the vaccine’s safety. That’s because anti-vaccine groups and individuals are working overtime to promote frightening, false theories about the two COVID-19 vaccines that have now been administered to more… read on > read on >