Health news - latest news and events

Yelling Parents: Lasting Harm on Children

New research findings indicate that parents or caregivers who resort to yelling at their children may be causing lasting psychological harm to them. A study conducted by researchers from Wingate University in North Carolina and University College London suggests that "childhood verbal abuse" (CVA), primarily characterized by yelling and screaming, can have adverse effects on th...

Bid farewell to your COVID-19 vaccine card

The familiar white COVID-19 vaccination cards, which were once essential, are now on their way out as we bid farewell to a significant pandemic era. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ceased the production of new cards since the federal government is no longer distributing COVID-19 vaccines. According to the most recent CDC data available, over 9...

Challenges in Accessing COVID-19 Vaccine for Young Children

Parents with young children are facing challenges in locating the newly updated Covid-19 vaccine, recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older since mid-September. Some parents, when they do find the vaccine, encounter additional obstacles preventing their children from getting the shot. Issues like appointment scheduling mix-ups, age restrictions at pharmacies, insura...

CDC suggests fresh post-sex advice to limit STI transmission

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a preliminary set of guidelines suggesting that doctors should consider prescribing a common antibiotic called doxycycline to combat the spread of specific sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In this proposed approach, healthcare providers would recommend a single 200 mg dose of the readily available and...

Do hand tremors indicate a problem?

Q: Lately, I've noticed that my hands are shaking more. Should I be concerned? A: If your hand tremors aren't causing problems in your daily life, there's likely no need to worry. We all experience a slight, fast trembling in our hands, which is considered normal. To see this for yourself, try placing a piece of paper on your outstretched palm...

Gene Editing and Mini-Brain Insights

Gene editing combined with the cultivation of miniature brain cell clusters in a lab setting is a powerful technique researchers are using to delve into the role of specific genes in brain development and disorders. This innovative approach has significant implications for our understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions, potentially paving the way for more targeted therapeutic interve...

World Heart Day 2023: Embracing Heart Awareness

World Heart Day, celebrated annually on September 29, aims to raise public awareness about preventing heart diseases. This global event reminds us of the importance of caring for our hearts because cardiovascular disease ranks among the top causes of death worldwide. Statistics from the World Heart Federation indicate that more than 20.5 million individuals...

A shift in flu vaccine strategies for 2024

When the World Health Organization (WHO) recently made its recommendations for next year's flu vaccines, they made an interesting move. They decided to exclude a group of viruses that hasn't been seen since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Back in 2020, as Covid-19 was spreading rapidly, people took various precautions like wearing masks, washing hands, a...

Atlanta's emerging Threat. Rat lungworm's invasion

Atlanta has recently become a hotspot for a concerning discovery – a brain-invading parasite that can enter the human body through contaminated fruits and vegetables. Independent researchers, in a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have identified the presence of this parasite, known as "rat lungworm" or Angiostrongylus cantonensis. ...

Restoring spinal cord mobility in mice and humans

Researchers from .NeuroRestore in Switzerland have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of spinal cord injuries. They've developed a gene therapy, successfully tested on mice, that promotes nerve regrowth across damaged spinal cords and guides these nerves to reconnect with their natural targets, ultimately restoring mobility. When both mice and humans experie...

Unveiling shared brain circuit in addiction. Treatment revolution

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a discovery has been made regarding a common brain network shared among individuals suffering from substance use disorders. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize addiction treatment. The research involved an extensive analysis of data from over 144 studies, encompassing mor...

Unveiling long COVID. Blood biomarkers breakthrough

In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Yale School of Medicine, researchers have unveiled unique blood biomarkers that set apart individuals with long COVID from those without the condition. These findings are a significant step towards more precise testing and tailored treatments for this persistent ailment, with implications for individua...

FDA leader's strategic vaccination plan for fall

A high-ranking official from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who is responsible for supervising the approval of new vaccines being released to combat three respiratory viruses this fall and winter, recently mentioned his personal vaccination plan. Dr. Peter Marks, who leads the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, stated that he intends to space out his vaccin...

A vital step in infant respiratory health

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a crucial recommendation to safeguard infants against a severe respiratory virus known as RSV. According to CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, this new measure is an additional tool available for use during the upcoming fall and winter seasons to save lives. Dr. Cohen encourages parents to consult with their healthcare providers...