What’s Up With Hiccups? (2020)
Hiccups are annoying and uncomfortable, and doctors don’t know why we (and most other species) get them. An expert explains what we know about what hiccups are and why most home remedies actually work.
Medical Notes: Week of December 13, 2020
Anti-Covid mandates have generally been seen as hurting business… but a new study shows that some of them, short of shutdowns, actually help the economy. And finally… playing brain games before surgery may help recovery.
Where Can We Gather? The Zoom Thanksgiving
Getting together with family and friends over the holidays will be different this year due to Covid-19 precautions for families and governmental restrictions on restaurants and bars. Experts discuss how to keep gatherings safe and the consequences if we don’t.
“Flat Head Syndrome”
Since the beginning of the “baby on back” movement to reduce sudden infant death syndrome, many more infants are developing misshapen heads with a flat spot in one place. An expert discusses whether this is serious.
How Deep Are the Differences of Left Handers? (2020)
Left-handers are often seen as somehow different than the rest of us, and over history they’ve been stereotyped as more quirky, intelligent, and sinister than righties. Science shows that some labels are likely to be true.
Will We Be Ready For A Covid Vaccine?
A Covid-19 vaccine is on the horizon, but while billions have been spent on its development, little has been spent on distribution and there are still many unanswered questions. Experts discuss how vaccine distribution might be carried out, how long it’s likely to take, and the steps needed to make it work.
More Pets in the Pandemic
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.
Overworked Pharmacists: Mistakes Waiting To Happen?
Pharmacists are often asked to do more work in less time than they need, and some experts worry it’s causing medication mistakes. A pharmacist specializing in medication safety discusses pressures on pharmacists and what consumers can do to protect themselves.
Dealing With the Increase 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.
Orthorexia: Overdoing A Good Thing
Therapists report an increase in orthorexia, a not-yet recognized eating disorder where people become fixated on eating only healthy things and/or exercising hours per day. It can take over an afflicted person’s life and result in physical symptoms much like anorexia.
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.
Long-Suffering Covid Survivors
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.
