Food Insecurity In 2020
An estimated 35 million people were food insecure last year, and the dislocations due to Covid-19 have made it much worse now.
Medical Notes: Week of October 4, 2020
Wearing a face mask may give people a sort of immunity to serious cases of Covid-19. Then, one more reason to save honeybees—their venom is a powerful chemotherapy agent against so-called “triple negative” breast cancer. And finally, a study finds thick thighs save lives when it comes to high blood pressure.
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.
Kids’ Questions About Covid-19
A noted public health expert explains what he’s found about children’s concerns of the pandemic and how parents can answer their questions.
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 September 13, 2020
Having Covid-19 may not provide protection against getting it again. Then, an experimental drug combination is showing some promise against ALS. Then, about 10 percent of Americans have diabetes and many of them are undiagnosed. If you’re working at home because of the pandemic, experts say there are really only two ways to handle it. And finally… the …
Medical Notes: Week of September 6, 2020
A study that vaping among teenagers is a huge risk for Covid-19. Then, a study that evaluates injuries from ATV crashes. Plus, a study that shows that knowing the facts about the pandemic reduces the stress that people feel about it. And finally, you may have seen headlines recently that wearing a neck gaiter for a face mask is worse than no mask at all - a …
Medical Notes: Week of August 30, 2020
A study that shows patients who recover from Covid-19 without ever being seriously ill may still end up with heart damage. Then, research shows evidence that a common shrub often used in Native American medicine may be the key to treating antibiotic-resistant infections. And finally… if you like pale ale or IPA beers you’re likely to be a risk-taker.
Reading Our Masked Faces
With faces hidden behind masks for Covid-19, we are losing some of the visual information we depend on for smooth communication. Experts discuss the awkward encounters and specific looks we’re likely to misinterpret when we can’t see other people’s mouths.
Medical Notes: Week of August 23, 2020
Doctors are still learning about Coronavirus and some of what they’re finding is confusing. Then, many first responders to the 9-11 attacks in New York have brains that have aged 10 years more than normal. And finally, a study shows that people over six feet tall are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with Covid-19.
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?
Medical Notes: Week of August 16, 2020
Chemicals called endocrine disruptors cause 32 different health problems ranging from infertility to diabetes and impaired brain development. Then, The Covid-19 pandemic is making working moms cut their hours on the job… but not dads. And finally, a study shows that becoming a dad gives men a greater sense of purpose…which often leads to healthier and less …
