Mountain View
HealthDay
U.S. Infant Deaths Rose After Fall of Roe v. Wade
There's been a 7% rise in infant deaths nationwide after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade Much of the rise has been linked to deaths among babies with congenital abnormalities who were brought to term, perhaps because of abortion restrictions The new data echoes that of a study of infant deaths in Texas, which also rose after a 2021 state law severely restricted abortion there MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- The United States experienced a small but significant rise in infant deaths in the months following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision overturned Roe v. Wade, a new study shows.
More Teens Are Using Protein Supplements to Boost Muscle Growth
A growing number of teens are using protein supplements for everything from muscle growth to weight loss. In a new poll, 40% of parents reported their teen consumed protein bars, shakes or powders in the past year. The results also showed boys are more likely to use protein supplements every day or most days. What’s driving the trend? 56% of parents with boys say muscle growth and athletic training top the list for their kids, while parents of girls say it’s meal replacement on a busy day or to help with a balanced diet. About 10% of parents also cite weight loss as a reason, most often for girls.
Biden Proposes That Insurers Cover Over-the-Counter Birth Control
MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Health insurers would be required to cover the cost of over-the-counter birth control and emergency contraception under new rules proposed by the White House on Monday. "Since Roe v. Wade was overturned more than two years ago, Republican elected officials have made clear they want to ban or restrict birth control, defund federal programs that help women access contraception, and repeal the Affordable Care Act," President Joe Biden said in a statement on the proposed rules. "And Congressional Republicans have repeatedly blocked federal legislation to safeguard the fundamental right to birth control for women in every state. It’s unacceptable." "Today, my Administration is taking a major step to expand contraception coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This new action would help ensure that millions of women with private health insurance can access the no-cost contraception they need," he added. The proposal would include emergency contraception, a newly approved nonprescription birth control pill, spermicides and condoms, and the change would affect 52 million American women of reproductive age who rely on private health insurance.
Walking Pneumonia Cases Spike Among Young Kids
MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Walking pneumonia cases are surging among young children in the United States, federal health officials warn. "Bacterial infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae increased in the United States since late spring and have remained high," a statement issued Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted. "The proportion of patients discharged from emergency departments with a diagnosis of M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia or acute bronchitis has been increasing over the past six months, peaking in late August." The worst rates of the illness have been seen in young children ages 2 to 4, according to the agency. "The increase in children ages 2–4 years is notable because M. pneumoniae historically hasn't been recognized as a leading cause of pneumonia in this age group," the CDC added.
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases Rise in Florida in Wake of Storms
MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (Healthday News) -- Following the devastation of hurricanes Helene and Milton, a new health danger has emerged in Florida: A spike in cases of flesh-eating bacteria. In a statement issued by the Florida Department of Health earlier this month, officials urged residents to avoid floodwaters where the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which causes the dangerous and sometimes deadly skin infection, can flourish. "While floodwaters are present, there is an increased risk of Vibrio infections, such as Vibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening," officials said in the statement. "After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments." Florida had just six confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus before Hurricane Helene arrived in late September, but that number surged to 24 by the end of the month. Since both hurricanes struck, there have been 38 confirmed cases, bringing the state total to 74 this year.
Blood Test Might Spot Women in Labor at Risk for Preeclampsia
A routine blood test can identify a woman’s risk of preeclampsia Women with an elevated fibrinogen-to-albumin ration (FAR) as are much as 41% more likely to develop preeclampsia These proteins can be measured in standard blood tests performed upon a woman’s arrival at the hospital for delivery MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A routine blood test can identify women in labor who are at risk for preeclampsia, a high-blood pressure condition that’s a leading cause of maternal death, a new study finds.
Too Much Fasting in Hospital Could Have Downside for Orthopedic Surgery Patients
People receiving multiple surgeries during an extended hospital stay can become malnourished, due to repeated fasting Malnourishment increases these patients’ risk of death It also causes them to recover more slowly afterward MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- The repeated fasting required for multiple surgeries in a row can slow a patient’s recovery and increase the risk of death, a new study warns.
Most Young Americans Worry About Climate Change, Survey Finds
Most teenagers and young adults are worried about climate change About 85% of people ages 16 to 25 say they’re worried about the impact of climate change on their future That included nearly all who identify as Democrats, as well as most independents and Republicans MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- An overwhelming majority of teens and young adults are worried about how climate change will affect their future, a new survey has found.
Healthy Eating May Keep 'Low Grade' Prostate Cancers in Check
Eating healthy can keep prostate cancer in check The more healthy a man’s diet, the less likely his low-grade prostate cancer will worsen A healthy diet might quell inflammation, which can spur on cancer MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A healthy diet can help keep prostate cancer in check, a new study finds.
Most Pregnant Women Exposed to 'Hormone-Disrupting' Chemical in Food
A fungal toxin called zearalenone is found in foods everywhere and could disrupt hormonal function during pregnancy In a new study, 97% of urine samples from pregnant women showed traces of zearalenone More study is needed to see if the compound might be dangerous to human pregnancies MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Studies in mice have shown that the fungal toxin zearalenone can mimic estrogen, and it might hamper reproduction.
Many Teens Using Protein Bars, Shakes to Boost Muscle
Teens bent on muscle building are turning to protein bars, shakes and powders Two in five parents say their teen ate protein supplements in the past year Teen boys more often eat protein supplements, and are more likely to use them daily or most days MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Teenagers are increasingly turning to protein-packed bars, shakes and powders to help them add muscle to their frames, a new study shows.
Doctors More Likely to Order 'Opioids Only' for Black Patients After Surgery
'Multimodal' pain management -- an opioid plus another form of analgesia -- is recommended after surgery Black patients are nearly a third less likely to get multimodal analgesia, however, and more likely to receive potentially addictive opioids only The reasons for this disparity aren't clear MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- After Black patients undergo a surgery, they are much more likely than their white peers to receive only an opioid for post-op pain relief, rather than a more nuanced combo of analgesics, a new study finds.
Someday, Bedside Blood Test May Deliver Results in 1 Hour
Researchers have developed a handheld pinprick blood test that could deliver results in as little as an hour The device uses sound waves to separate different biomarkers from a small blood sample The device could be as good as gold-standard lab blood tests MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A handheld pinprick blood test could someday deliver results in as little as an hour, a new study shows.
Preventing, Treating Sports Injuries in Kids: A Guide
SUNDAY, Oct. 20, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Youth sports deliver all kinds of health benefits, both mental and physical, but young athletes can still get hurt. Every year, more than 3.5 million U.S. kids are treated for sports-related injuries. The most common injuries include sprained ankles, broken bones, concussions, torn or stretched ligaments and broken or loose teeth, said Dr. Tiana Woolridge, a sports medicine fellow physician within the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Family Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric's (AAP) Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. So, how do sports injuries happen in children & teens? Even though kids are young and strong, their bodies can suffer wear and tear just like adults do. In fact, young people are even more prone to sports injuries because their bodies are still growing, Woolridge noted in an AAP news release.
Want to Slowly Cut Down on Dietary Salt? Here's How
SATURDAY, Oct. 19, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Did you know that sodium is the bad guy in salt, raising your risks for high blood pressure and other heart ills? Luckily for Americans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working to make it easier for you and your family to eat food with less sodium. Because more than 70% of the sodium you eat comes from processed foods and restaurant fare, the FDA is working closely with the food industry to slowly lower sodium levels across a wide range of foods. In the meantime, you and your family can also find ways to lower the amount of sodium you eat. The recommended limit for sodium is 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day for people aged 14 and older. Unfortunately, Americans consume about 3,400 mg of sodium each day, on average. That's more than 50% above than the recommended limit, the FDA noted in a news release.
PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Bottled and Tap Water Samples from Around the World
Potentially harmful chemicals known as PFAS may be common in both tap and bottled water, a new study finds. PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are widely used in industry, firefighting foams and consumer products, and have been linked to numerous health issues, including cancer. Researchers tested 112 bottles of water sourced from 15 countries as well as 41 tap water samples from homes in the UK and China. Overall, they detected 10 PFAS chemicals in tap and bottled water available online and in supermarkets. Concentrations were generally below health advisory levels set by regulatory agencies, according to the researchers. The two most common types of PFAS were found in over 99% of the bottled water.
A Cancer Diagnosis Takes Devastating Toll on Family Finances
New research shows that a cancer diagnosis can ruin a person's credit score for at least a decade Bankruptcy rates were also five times higher among folks diagnosed with cancer This can happen even when folks believe they have adequate health insurance FRIDAY, Oct. 18, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Ruined credit scores and big risks for bankruptcy: All part of the long-term financial fallout from the words "You have cancer," according to two new studies.
Music Might Speed Your Recovery From Surgery
Listening to music can help a person recover from surgery People listening to music had less pain and anxiety, and a lower heart rate They also needed half the morphine of patients not listening to music FRIDAY, Oct. 18, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Pop tunes, smooth jams and banging beats can help people more easily recover from surgery with fewer painkillers, a new review finds.
Some IUDs May Raise The Odds for Breast Cancer, But Overall Risk Remains Low
FRIDAY, Oct. 18, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) may raise the chances of a breast cancer diagnosis for women who use the hormonal birth control method, but that risk remains low, new research finds. In the study of 150,000 Danish women, published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers discovered there was a 40% higher risk of breast cancer among women who used IUDs, although the absolute risk remained low. The increase meant there were 14 additional breast cancer diagnoses for every 10,000 women, although that risk did not increase with duration of IUD use, the researchers noted. Experts said that women using an IUD shouldn't be alarmed by the new findings. “It’s normal for people to see studies like this and feel panicked or worried, because an increase in risk of developing any kind of cancer is worrisome,” Kelsey Hampton, director of mission communications and education for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, told CNN.
Texas AG Sues Dallas Doctor Over Transgender Care for Minors
FRIDAY, Oct. 18, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A Dallas doctor has been sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for allegedly providing transgender care to nearly two dozen minors in violation of state law. In the lawsuit filed Thursday, Paxton claimed that Dr. May Chi Lau, who specializes in adolescent medicine, provided hormone replacement therapy to 21 minors who were transitioning from October 2023 to August 2024. Last year, Texas enacted a law banning hormone replacement therapy and other forms of gender-affirming care for minors. “Texas passed a law to protect children from these dangerous unscientific medical interventions that have irreversible and damaging effects,” Paxton said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. “Doctors who continue to provide these harmful ‘gender-transition’ drugs and treatments will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” The statement also claimed that Lau used "false diagnoses and billing codes" to mask "unlawful prescriptions."
HealthDay
12K+
Posts
246M+
Views
HealthDay News in English, written with the non-physician reader in mind. We are the world's largest health news service. All articles are reported and sourced by HealthDay, which does not republish verbatim press releases.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.