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) — Many people turn to marijuana or cannabidiol to ease their achy joints and help them sleep, but a new study suggests that could wreak havoc with any other medications they’re taking. Why? Because the body uses the same set of enzymes to processContinue 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
Omicron could trigger big surge in infections by January. A sevenfold spike in Omicron prevalence in just one week could portend a worst-case scenario where a huge wave of infections swamps U.S. hospitals as soon as next month, the CDC warns. Read more Many Medicare recipients are falling into medicalContinue Reading
Pfizer’s antiviral pill could greatly reduce severe COVID. Paxlovid cut hospitalizations and deaths by nearly 90 percent when taken within three to five days after the start of symptoms, the company said, and preliminary lab studies also suggest the drug will hold up against the Omicron variant. Read more PandemicContinue Reading
First real-world studies into vaccine effectiveness against Omicron. The ability of two-dose COVID-19 vaccines to protect against symptomatic infection by the Omicron variant falls significantly short, British research shows, but a booster shot provides considerable protection. Read more Despite rule, many hospitals aren’t disclosing prices online. More than half ofContinue Reading