Medical Notes: January 1, 2023
What’s causing the surge in RSV cases? Then, green tea is great for energy, just not for your liver. And finally…can we trust large companies with the health of our planet?
Medical Notes: October 24, 2021
A new study calls into question the six foot social distancing guidelines. Then, eating green vegetables and fiber can cut your risk of colon cancer in half, and spinach is especially effective. And finally…where you live may protect you from dementia.
Medical Notes: Week of April 25, 2021
New research shows that reopening schools can be safe. Then, The brain cancer glioblastoma has no cure… but that may be changing. And finally, as air pollution from cars declines, scientists in Los Angeles say another polluter is becoming more important—palm trees.
The Increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Despite social distancing, experts say people are increasingly “hooking up.” Sexually transmitted diseases are growing as a result. An expert discusses STDs in a pandemic.
Medical Notes: Week of February 7, 2021
New statistics from the American Cancer Society show that cancer deaths are continuing to drop. Then, a study finds that reopening schools doesn’t increase hospitalizations for Covid-19… at least not in areas where hospitalizations are low. Then, a new study showing that saliva tests are just as accurate and much more convenient than nose swabs. And finally… …
Medical Notes: Week of January 17, 2021
Glaucoma is the world’s number one cause of blindness and those daily eye drops are not always successful. Then, the number of times a woman has given birth affects how quickly she ages. Plus, you can expect another decline in Covid-19 transmission as we head into spring. And finally, if you want to make shots hurt less… make the right kind of face.
Medical Notes: Week of December 27, 2020
Nearly 40 percent of Americans are attending family gatherings with more than 10 people this weekend, despite authorities’ continuing pleas to stay home. Then, if you have type two diabetes… drinking green tea and coffee are good for you. And finally… it’s seemingly a given that “mindful” people cope with stress better, but a new study finds that’s not true.
From Now Until the Vaccine
New Covid-19 vaccines won’t be available for most people until spring, and the months until then may have a staggering cost in lives and illness. A noted infectious disease expert discusses probable time lines and events between now and the vaccine’s availability, and how adherence to social distancing and masking could change outcomes.
Medical Notes: Week of October 11, 2020
A group of Black physicians has created a task force to vet government decisions about Covid-19 including treatments and a possible vaccine. Then, a study showing that many youths don’t understand just how strict social distancing has to be in or that restrictions are more than a short-term requirement. And finally, migraine headaches are the third most …
Medical Notes: Week of September 20, 2020
Scientists have learned why symptoms of a coronavirus infection includes the loss of the sense of smell. Then, a new nasal vaccine has proven effective in prompting an immune response in mice without causing illness. Six foot rule might be overstated without proper ventilation. Also, some good news if you’ve always thought that selfish jerks get ahead …
Medical Notes: Week of July 26, 2020
Evidence is piling up that face masks cut the risk of getting Covid-19 by up to 65 percent. Then, a study finds that, at least in the laboratory, a common asthma drug can prevent the formation of tangles. Then, A study finds that cord blood helps some children with autism improve their social communication skills. And finally, if you feel especially insecure …
The Loss of Rituals
Spring is the season of rituals—prom, graduation, commencement and weddings. Social distancing has taken most of these rituals away. An expert discusses the importance of rituals in our mental health and why it’s OK to grieve their loss.
