Biden Administration will buy, distribute 500 million rapid COVID tests. The tests will begin to be available in January and be distributed free to Americans, the President will announce in a speech slated for Tuesday. Other steps to fight the fast-spreading Omicron variant include sending out hundreds of federal vaccinatorsContinue Reading

MONDAY, Dec. 20, 2021 (HealthDay News) – Proctor & Gamble has voluntarily recalled several dry shampoo sprays and hair conditioner spray products with brand names Pantene, Herbal Essences, Aussie and Waterless because of benzene contamination. This follows an earlier recall of some aerosol spray Old Spice and Secret products, alsoContinue Reading

Moderna says booster shot can combat infection with Omicron variant. As the variant surges worldwide, the company released data showing that its half-dose booster shot increased antibody levels by roughly 37-fold, and a full dose of 100 micrograms was even more powerful. Read more Biden to address nation on COVID-19Continue Reading

MONDAY, Dec. 20, 2021 (HealthDay News) — 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 waveContinue Reading

SUNDAY, Dec. 19, 2021 (HealthDay News) — 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 BlackContinue Reading

Masking up again? Here’s what works best. New research finds that when it comes to keeping the COVID-19 virus to yourself, a tight fit matters. So, too, do the materials used, experts say. Read more U.S. makes rule allowing abortion pills by mail permanent: With a Supreme Court decision loomingContinue Reading

THURSDAY, Dec. 16, 2021 (HealthDay News) — There may be a silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic, with U.S. health officials reporting an “unprecedented” decline in teens’ use of alcohol, marijuana, other illegal drugs and vaping. “We have never seen such dramatic decreases in drug use among teens in justContinue Reading

Canine companions helped folks cope with the pandemic. A new study of 1,500 people shows living with a dog gave individuals a stronger sense of social support and eased some of the negative psychological effects of the pandemic. Read more CDC panel to vote on continued use of J&J COVIDContinue Reading

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 15, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Kids with severe epilepsy may take multiple medications and follow special diets, yet still suffer seizures. Now a small study suggests medical marijuana may sometimes help when other therapies fail. British researchers found that medical pot slashed seizures by almost 90% and reducedContinue Reading