Studies show that medical professionals are as biased as the rest of us against people who are overweight, resulting in lectures, misdiagnoses, and patients who start avoiding the doctor. Experts explain the problem, results, and what might be done about it.
More Pets In The Pandemic
Pets are a comfort in difficult times, and the pandemic is no exception. Animal shelters report a surge in pet adoptions, especially puppies, in the last six months, and veterinarians are having to adopt procedures such as telemedicine to deal with the increase while still staying safe. Experts explain how adopting and training a new pet has changed in the pandemic.
The Looming “Hothouse Earth”
Rising global temperatures have produced extreme weather and a rising sea level. Climate scientists fear we may soon reach the point of no return, resulting in a hothouse with large portions of the planet uninhabitable. Authors of a major report on this phenomenon explain.
Planning for the Next Pandemic
The next pandemic is only a matter of “When and what,” according to health security experts, who here discuss what’s needed to be ready for a variety of possible pandemics and infectious threats, both natural and terror.
Third World Medicine
Medicine in the Third World is vastly different than in the US, and American doctors sometimes run into unexpected hurdles when they try to bring modern medicine to impoverished nations. One such doctor describes his efforts.
Stress And Type 2 Diabetes
A new study shows that people who have type 2 diabetes and are under chronic stress are more likely to have high blood sugar. The study’s lead author and a patient discuss how stress can make diabetes worse and what people can do to counteract it.
Who Gets A Vaccine?
Development of a Coronavirus vaccine is proceeding at a breakneck pace. What needs to happen to make sure it’s safe and effective? And if a vaccine is successfully made, who should get it first? Will enough people opt in to get back to normal life, or will COVID-19 be with us for years? Experts discuss.
Back To School 2020: Can Kids Attend, Or Will Remote Learning Rule?
Many school districts are delaying decisions on whether students will attend in person or will be taught remotely once again to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to children and staff. Experts discuss the methods under consideration to lower risks and whether that will be enough to open for classes.
Lung Transplants: The Least-Transplanted Major Organ
Lung transplants are the least done of all major organ transplants because the lungs are so easily damaged in the death process. A lung transplant surgeon explains, using one particularly difficult case as an example.
“Electroshock Therapy:” Not What You See In The Movies
Electroconvulsive therapy still has a stigma, with the reputation of being a painful, disturbing procedure that wipes out memories and, if movies are to be believed, even creates zombies. Experts explain the reality—that ECT is a quiet procedure that provokes a short brain seizure, releasing huge amounts of neurotransmitters to reset the brain in what is the quickest and most dependable treatment for severe and often suicidal depression.
Public Health Officials Resigning Under Pressure
State and local public health officials have been under pressure like never before in the COVID-19 pandemic, as citizens and elected officials push back against tough restrictions designed to curb the virus. Some officials have even been threatened. Feeling their bosses don’t have their backs, a higher proportion of officials are quitting than normal, and these essential jobs will be hard to fill with qualified health experts.
Doctor Burnout: It Starts Early
Doctors already say they’re burned out, but the COVID-19 pandemic is making it worse. A noted physician educator discusses how burnout starts with the way future doctors are taught.
Dealing With The Rise In Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is increasing as America ages. However, fewer people are being tested for bone density and are agreeing to treatment because of side effects of osteoporosis medications. Experts discuss the devastating effects of increased broken bones and what can now be done to prevent them.
Tick Paralysis: When A Tick Bite Can Be Fatal
Summer is tick season, and tick bites are common. However, bites from a couple of types of ticks can produce paralysis and even death if the tick is not removed quickly. An expert discusses.
Contact Tracing And Quarantine: How Far Can We Go?
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.
