Urban dwellers around the globe are sweating through three times as many “extreme heat” days as their counterparts did in the 1980s, a new study suggests. The study is the latest to chart humans’ growing exposure to dangerously high temperatures. Experts said it looked at what’s happening in finer detail than previous research has —… read on > read on >
All Travel:
Helmets Can Saves Lives in ATV, Dirt Bike Crashes
New research provides further proof that helmets are essential for young users of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces their risk of moderate or severe head injuries in crashes, and also lowers their risk of death, the study found. “For neurosurgeons treating pediatric trauma patients, these findings are not at… read on > read on >
Anti-Nausea Drug May Boost Survival for Some Cancer Patients
Patients who undergo surgery for certain types of cancer may have better short-term survival if they receive a particular anti-nausea drug, a preliminary study suggests. Among more than 74,000 patients who had cancer surgery, researchers found that those who received the drug — called dexamethasone — were less likely to die in the next 90… read on > read on >
Tree Rings Show Hurricanes Becoming Wetter, Longer, More Dangerous
The rings of stately pines on the coasts of North and South Carolina offer telling long-term evidence of climate change and a chilling forecast for the future. The upshot: The last 300 years have gotten wetter and wetter, making hurricanes ever more dangerous. “Our findings suggest that the maximum amount of rainfall from these storms… read on > read on >
Big Rise in Injuries From E-Scooters, Hoverboards
Hoverboards, electric scooters and electric bikes are the transportation of choice for a growing number of Americans, but they’re taking many straight to the emergency room. Injuries associated with these so-called “micromobility products” skyrocketed 70% between 2017 and 2020, according to a soon-to-be-released report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). That increase dovetails… read on > read on >
Smoke From Nuclear War Would Trigger Massive Climate Change, Endangering Health
Nuclear war would trigger worldwide climate change and take a dire toll on food production and human health, according to scientists who studied different scenarios using a modern climate model. “Although we suspected that ozone would be destroyed after nuclear war and that would result in enhanced ultraviolet light at the Earth’s surface, if there… read on > read on >
U.S. Will Lift Restrictions on Fully Vaccinated International Travelers in November
Starting in November, the United States plans to lift travel restrictions on people coming from overseas who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This move by the Biden administration will open the United States to relatives separated from families as well as business travelers. The restrictions, involving many European countries, China, Iran and Brazil, have been… read on > read on >
When Cardiac Arrest Strikes, Survival Odds Are Better at Airports
If you have a cardiac arrest, your odds of survival are best in an airport or airplane, a new study finds. That’s because automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are readily available and so are people ready to help, researchers explained. “Our findings emphasize that cardiac arrest in travelers is survivable and that early resuscitation interventions matter,”… read on > read on >
Kids in Marching Bands Under Threat From Heat Illness
It’s not just athletes on the field who suffer when outdoor temperatures get too high. Members of college and high school marching bands are at increased risk of heat-related illness, too, researchers warn. “They go out there, and they often wear these really heavy wool uniforms,” said lead author Andrew Grundstein of the University of… read on > read on >
Heading to the Mountains? Heart Patients Should Check With Their Doctor First
If the Alps or the Rockies are on your bucket list, check with your doctor first if you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease. New advice from the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests certain people take precautions before going to high altitude places. These recommendations apply to folks with high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart… read on > read on >