Determining whether a young person with autism is ready to drive can be tricky for their health care providers. That’s the upshot of a new survey that included 78 pediatric physicians, psychologists and other providers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Half of the respondents said they routinely talk to teen patients about their transportation needs… read on > read on >
All Travel:
City Living Is Hotter With Urban ‘Heat Penalty’
Summer can sizzle in the city, but a new report finds urban living is getting hotter than ever before. The research shows that city dwellers may be suffering from what scientists call an urban “heat penalty” — an extra two to six hours a day of uncomfortably hot summer temperatures. And most of those sweltering… read on > read on >
48 COVID Cases Reported on World’s Largest Cruise Ship
At least 48 passengers and crew members on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas — the world’s largest cruise ship — have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been quarantined, the company said Monday. Of the 48 people who tested positive during the sailing, 98% were fully vaccinated. That’s not surprising, since the overall vaccination… read on > read on >
Why Are More Women Using Pot, Other Cannabis Products During Pregnancy?
A growing number of pregnant women are using marijuana or other cannabis products, and a new study suggests that relief of symptoms such as morning sickness may be a primary reason. In recent years, studies have documented a rise in cannabis use during pregnancy. One U.S. government study found that between 2002 and 2017, the… read on > read on >
Heat Waves Far More Frequent Now Than in 1980s
Large, simultaneous heat waves have become much more common in northern regions worldwide due to climate change and could have disastrous consequences, researchers warn. The investigators also found that these concurrent heat waves are becoming larger and hotter. “More than one heat wave occurring at the same time often has worse societal impacts than a… read on > read on >
Silent Killers: Space Heaters, Generators Bring Carbon Monoxide Danger
If you’re among the many people who use space heaters and generators during the winter, you need to guard against fire and carbon monoxide (CO) hazards, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says. In the United States, that’s especially true for Black Americans, who have the highest rate of fire deaths — nearly twice… read on > read on >
Carbon Monoxide From Generators Can Be Silent Killer After Disasters
The deadly tornadoes that devastated communities in multiple states this past weekend have destroyed many homes and left others without power. But if people turn to generators to manage in the aftermath, they should use caution, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) warns. Portable generators can expose users to increased risk of carbon monoxide… read on > read on >
Report Finds World Ill-Prepared for Next Pandemic
The world isn’t ready to prevent or deal with another pandemic because many nations aren’t taking the necessary steps to prepare for what is likely an inevitable future scenario, a new report shows. The Global Health Security (GHS) index — an assessment of preparedness for various health emergencies and problems — is produced by the… read on > read on >
Half of Drinkers Who Think They’re Fit to Drive Are Wrong: Study
If you think you’re fine to drive after drinking, there’s a good chance you’re wrong, new research shows. The study found that despite being over the legal driving limit, half of the participants believed they were safe to drive. The study included 90 volunteers, average age 24, in Germany who drank either wine or beer… read on > read on >
Omicron May Overcome Prior COVID Infection
People who’ve already had COVID-19 have a higher risk of reinfection with the Omicron coronavirus variant than with earlier variants, new research shows. The South African scientists who reported the findings believe that vaccination will have the power to stop severe illness, however. Speaking at a World Health Organization briefing, study team member Anne von… read on > read on >