Millions of Americans swear they’re suffering the symptoms of long-haul COVID, but are greeted with eye rolls because they never were formally diagnosed with COVID-19. Their claims need to be taken more seriously by physicians, a new study argues, because evidence of prior COVID infection can be found in many so-called “COVID-negative” patients with long-haul… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Climate Change Is Stressing Out the Young, But Inspiring Some to Action
Young people have high levels of distress about climate change, and a new study argues that their anguish could be key to fighting it. “People of all ages are being affected by the climate crisis. Young people in particular, though, will live through more of the unfolding hazards of the climate crisis than older generations,”… read on > read on >
‘Couch Potato’ Childhoods Could Mean Heavier, Less Healthy Hearts Later
Children need to get up off the sofa and move more, according to a new study that linked childhood sitting time with heart damage in young adulthood. That was true even when the adult’s blood pressure and weight were healthy, according to researchers. “All those hours of screen time in young people add up to… read on > read on >
Too Few Kids Are Getting Regular Eye Tests, and Insurance Is Key
Eye tests are an important way to catch potential eye-related issues in children, but more than two-thirds of kids in the United States are not receiving them at their checkups. Those with Medicaid and other public health insurance were far less likely to receive these vision checks in the past year at their primary care… read on > read on >
Another Source of Lead Exposure for Kids: Secondhand Smoke
One source of lead exposure in children may surprise you. It’s secondhand smoke, according to a Texas A&M University study. “Further research will likely paint a clearer picture of this exposure route, especially in younger children, but the findings here can inform current efforts to eliminate low-level lead exposure in children,” said co-author Dr. Genny… read on > read on >
1 in 5 U.S. Mothers Say They’ve Been Mistreated During Maternity Care
From receiving no response to cries for help to being verbally abused, 1 in 5 U.S. mothers say they were mistreated by a health care professional during pregnancy and delivery. Rates of mistreatment during maternity care were higher among Black, Hispanic and multiracial women, according to a survey of more than 2,400 new moms published… read on > read on >
Estrogen Cream Not Always Warranted After Prolapse Surgeries, Study Finds
Women having surgery for pelvic organ prolapse are often prescribed vaginal estrogen to boost the odds of a successful procedure. Now a clinical trial shows it doesn’t actually work. Pelvic organ prolapse is a disorder where weakened muscles and other tissues in the pelvis allow one or more organs — including the uterus, bladder or… read on > read on >
FDA Approves RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women to Help Shield Newborns
Women may soon have a vaccine they can take during a pregnancy to help protect their newborn from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), following U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the shot, called Abrysvo, on Monday The vaccine is designed to be given to pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy as a… read on > read on >
Poll Shows Who Americans Trust (and Don’t Trust) for Health News
Misinformation about health and medicine is rampant in the United States, with far too many Americans being presented false claims and left wondering what to believe, a new survey reports. At least 4 in 10 people say they’ve heard 10 specific false claims about COVID-19, reproductive health and gun violence, the KFF survey says. KFF… read on > read on >
More Screen Time for Babies Could Slow Development
Too much screen time can lead to developmental delays in babies, researchers say. When 1-year-olds viewed screens for more than four hours a day, they had delays in communication and problem-solving skills when assessed at ages 2 and 4, according to a new study published Aug. 21 in JAMA Pediatrics. They also had delays in… read on > read on >