The next step in beating the COVID-19 pandemic may be stepped up contact tracing and quarantine of people who’ve had contact with Covid-positive individuals. However, many people see that as too expensive and intrusive to be practical. An expert discusses how it might work, and how it might not.
While most people who contract COVID-19 survive, those who suffer often-changing symptoms for months on end can only wonder when they’ll get well. A survey of members of a long-haul survivors support group find that many who don’t have “textbook” symptoms suffer poor medical care and discrimination as a result. Two women who operate the support group discuss the issues.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of July 5, 2020 including: Shelter in place rules have brought the economy to its knees but researchers say it was worth it. Then, people who’ve never smoked make up about 25 percent of those who develop the lung disease COPD. Plus, resetting the body clock may be as simple as exercise. And finally, people have joked about the “COVID 15,” the supposed weight gain of people staying home during the pandemic. But a new study shows it’s a real thing.
Some people insist that wearing a face mask smothers them and makes them feel like they’re not getting enough air. An expert discusses what might be going wrong and lays out the basics on how to wear a mask without needing to come up for air.
While most people who contract COVID-19 survive, those who suffer often-changing symptoms for months on end can only wonder when they’ll get well. A survey of members of a long-haul survivors support group find that many who don’t have “textbook” symptoms suffer poor medical care and discrimination as a result. Two women who operate the support group discuss the issues.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of June 28, 2020 including: Researchers have been looking for an already existing drug to quickly take on COVID-19, and apparently, now they’ve found one. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has closed the door on using the malaria treatment Hydroxychloroquine (hy-drox-ee-klor-oh-quin) to treat COVID-19. Then, social isolation has been a lifesaver the last few months, but if it goes on too long, isolation can lead to shorter lifespans. And finally, when employees start going back to the workplace in large numbers you can expect disastrous traffic on the roads.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of June 21, 2020 including: A study finds a much lower death rate among coronavirus patients placed on a ventilator. Then, everyone’s wiping down surfaces with disinfectant these days…but they may become contaminated again within seconds. Then, a new study shows that one reason older men have a higher risk for COVID-19 is because they’re not worried about it. And finally, if you’re counting on your child to grow out of being a picky eater…it may never happen.
Summer is when people want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Skin protection and sunscreen are something most of us consider, but overexposure to UV rays is extremely dangerous to the eyes as well. An expert discusses.
With thousands of people demonstrating in the streets after the death of George Floyd, health experts are concerned that the crowds, shouting, and lack of masks may contribute to a spike in COVID-19 cases. However, with many locations also “opening up,” they say a spike is inevitable, to be made worse by protests, but teasing out what’s responsible becomes more difficult. Experts discuss.
Scientists have learned that the habits and environments of our parents and grandparents can have a strong effect on our health and longevity as a result of imprinting on egg and sperm cells. An expert explains.
Stuttering is an extremely misunderstood disability. Many stutterers go to great lengths to avoid the words or phrases that trip them up, and are often successful in keeping their disability hidden. Yet then it may be mistaken for other problems. Experts explain, using former Vice President Joe Biden as an example.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of June 14, 2020 including: People who recover from a coronavirus infection often still have a long way to go to recover their mental health. Then, a study that shows sick leave is a good way to slow the spread of diseases like COVID-19. Then, doing good for other people is contagious. And finally, if you’re feeling stressed and anxious about the pandemic… You can bet your dog or cat is feeling it just as much.
Seven hundred children under age 15 drown in the US each year, most within sight of a parent or other adult. Experts discuss one major reason: drowning doesn't look like most people picture it, and so are unaware the child is in trouble.
It’s illegal for health insurers to use genetic testing to discriminate against policyholders. However, life insurers can and do discriminate on that basis if the test is in your medical file. Private testing lets patients know their risk for many diseases without landing in health files. Advocates want to make it illegal for life insurers to also discriminate on this basis, but it may end up with higher costs for everyone. Experts explain.
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of June 7, 2020 including: Researchers are working on an app with a sensor to test for COVID-19 using only a drop of saliva. Then, life was more stressful than it was 25 years ago… and for middle aged people, it’s much more stressful. Plus, A study shows that emergency room visits for children for mental health disorders has increased 60 percent of the last 10 years. And finally, a study shows that homeschooled adolescents have significantly lower abdominal strength and endurance than public school kids even though their BMI’s were the same.
