Study Casts Doubt on Plasma as COVID Treatment

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, anecdotal reports suggested that infusing very sick patients with the blood plasma of people who'd survived the disease might help boost outcomes. But new study findings, along with disappointing results from prior trials, suggest that those initial hopes may have been unfounded. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201125/another-study-casts-doubt-on-convalescent-plasma-as-covid-19-treatment?src...

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Leaders Urge Caution as COVID Surges in Nursing Homes

Coronavirus cases in the nation’s 15,600 nursing homes have reached a record high, leaving operators struggling to protect staff and residents. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201125/leaders-urge-caution-as-covid-surges-in-nursing-homes?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Experts: COVID Vaccine May Cause Side Effects

Americans who get a shot shouldn't be surprised if they feel under the weather for a few days afterwards, expert say. Vaccines work to fight disease by producing an immune response within the body. And sometimes that means flu-like symptoms, such as aches, headache and fever. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201124/people-should-know-that-covid-vaccine-might-spur-transient-sickness-cdc-experts?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Tips on Living With Migraine

Three people share their experiences with the chronic condition and what they've learned about finding treatments that really help. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/tips-living-migraine?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Anxiety Might Speed Alzheimer's: Study

Older adults with memory problems may progress to Alzheimer's more quickly if they are also suffering from anxiety symptoms, a preliminary study suggests. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20201124/anxiety-might-speed-alzheimers-study?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Could the Pill Reduce Asthma Attacks?

Women with asthma may suffer fewer severe symptom attacks if they are on birth control pills, a large new study suggests. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/news/20201124/could-the-pill-reduce-asthma-attacks?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Mediterranean Diet Cuts Women's Odds for Diabetes

Overweight women who eat a Mediterranean-like diet may reduce their odds of developing type 2 diabetes by 30%, compared with women who don't, a new study suggests. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20201124/mediterranean-diet-cuts-womens-odds-for-diabetes?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Junk Food, Alcohol Often Star in Hit Movies

If there was an Oscar for "most unhealthy food in a leading role," many of America's most popular movies would be serious contenders. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20201123/junk-food-booze-often-star-in-americas-hit-movies?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Vegan Diets Tied to Higher Bone Fracture Risk

Vegans face a 43% higher risk for bone fractures than meat eaters, a large British study warns. The researchers also identified a notably higher risk for hip fractures among those who eat fish but no meat (pescatarians), and among vegetarians who swear off both meat and fish, but do consume dairy and/or eggs. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20201123/vegan-diets-tied-to-higher-bone-fracture-risk?src=RSS_PUBL...

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1 in 3 Parents Say Holiday Gathering Worth COVID Risk

In a new nationwide poll of 1,443 parents, about one in three said the benefits of gathering with families for the holidays outweighed the risk of spreading the virus. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201123/poll-1-in-3-parents-pick-holiday-gathering-over-covid-safety?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Young Americans Lonely, Depressed During Pandemic

Loneliness, anxiety, depression and substance use have increased sharply among young American adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey shows. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201123/many-young-americans-lonely-depressed-during-pandemic-survey?src=RSS_PUBL...

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'Hidden' Prostate Cancer Usually Means Good Outcome

Negative biopsies among early-stage prostate cancer patients who've chosen active surveillance are associated with a low risk of disease progression, but they aren't a sign that their cancer has completely vanished, a new study indicates. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20201123/hidden-prostate-cancer-on-biopsy-usually-means-good-outcome-study?src=RSS_PUBL...

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FDA Authorizes Arthritis Drug Combo for COVID-19

The combination is meant for patients who need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201120/fda-authorizes-arthritis-drug-combo-for-covid-19?src=RSS_PUBL...

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WHO Says No to Remdesivir as COVID-19 Treatment

In the new assessment, the WHO panel of experts analyzed data from four international randomized trials that assessed several treatments for COVID-19 and included more than 7,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201120/who-says-no-to-remdesivir-as-covid-19-treatment?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Losing Your Hair Because of Pandemic Stress?

If you do have hair loss, it's a good idea to have a doctor check for a thyroid issue or anemia. If stress is the cause, hair loss supplements and time can help. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201120/losing-your-hair-because-of-pandemic-stress?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Pfizer Seeks COVID Vaccine OK As Roll Out Planned

If the committee approves Pfizer’s vaccine, distribution could begin within 24 hours. The Pfizer vaccine has already been manufactured under a $1.95 billion contract with the government. And some states have already made plans for how to distribute the vaccine. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201120/pfizer-seeks-covid-vaccine-ok-as-roll-out-planned?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Thanksgiving Guide: Finding Antibiotic-Free Turkeys

Of the 15 brands evaluated, eight got the green light, four a caution light, and three brands a red light, based on information about antibiotic use in the turkeys found on the companies' websites. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20201120/thanksgiving-guide-finding-antibiotic-free-turkeys?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Why Are COVID Cases Increasing So Fast Right Now?

If it seems to you like the number of new cases of COVID-19 is speeding up, you’re right. In only 6 days last week, we leapt from 10 million to 11 million cases, and the daily count of new cases has increased 77% from the average 2 weeks ago. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201120/why-are-covid-cases-increasing-so-fast-right-now?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Restaurants Scramble Amid Cold, COVID Surge

But infectious disease experts are skeptical that dining out can be made safe during a winter COVID-19 surge without either ruining the experience for patrons or undermining the economics for the business owner. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201119/with-cold-weather-forcing-patrons-inside-how-safe-are-restaurants?src=RSS_PUBL...

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IVF Won't Raise Ovarian Cancer Risk: Study

Previous studies suggested that women who used this assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF to get pregnant may be at risk for ovarian cancer and non-malignant borderline tumors from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/news/20201119/ivf-wont-raise-ovarian-cancer-risk-study?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Data Shows Oxford COVID Vaccine Safe, Effective

A COVID-19 vaccine under development at Oxford University in England appears safe and triggers an immune response in older adults, researchers report. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201119/oxford-covid-vaccine-safe-effective-especially-in-older-adults?src=RSS_PUBL...

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COVID in Pregnancy Won't Affect Outcomes: Study

In fact, 95% of these women have good outcomes, and just 3% of their babies test positive for COVID-19, researchers say. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201119/covid-in-pregnancy-wont-affect-obstetric-outcomes-study?src=RSS_PUBL...

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How Much Does Wearing a Mask Protect You?

Yes, you should still wear a mask, despite the findings of a new study out of Denmark that tested whether paper surgical face masks protect the people who wear them. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201119/how-much-does-wearing-a-mask-protect-you?src=RSS_PUBL...

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CDC Urges Americans to Forgo Thanksgiving Travel

With cases already climbing at alarming rates, CDC officials said they were concerned that the holidays may further drive up cases and deaths, particularly for older family members. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201119/cdc-urges-americans-to-forgo-thanksgiving-travel?src=RSS_PUBL...

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'Unrelenting' COVID Pushes U.S. Deaths Past 250,000

During the last 4 weeks, the number of deaths has jumped by 42%, according to an NBC News analysis. In early October, the weekly average was about 821 deaths per day, which increased to 1,167 deaths per day last week. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201119/unrelenting-covid-pushes-us-deaths-past-250000?src=RSS_PUBL...

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U.S. Leads Wealthy Nations in Pregnancy-Related Deaths

In 2018, the U.S. maternal mortality rate stood at 17 for every 100,000 births -- more than double the rate of most other countries. Those figures capture deaths during pregnancy and within 42 days of the end of pregnancy. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20201118/us-leads-wealthy-nations-in-pregnancy-related-deaths?src=RSS_PUBL...

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What the Pandemic Did to Workouts

By June, just over 60% of those surveyed said they were meeting World Health Organization's guidelines for weekly exercise, representing a nearly 8% jump from pre-pandemic routines. Investigators also found a more than 11% jump in the number of people who were actually exceeding that threshold. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201117/what-the-pandemic-did-to-workouts?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Is Ablation Rx the Best First Choice for A-Fib?

A-fib patients who underwent ablation were half as likely to have an arrhythmia episode in the following year compared to patients on medication. And they were 61% less likely to have an episode that caused symptoms. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/news/20201117/is-ablation-rx-the-best-first-choice-for-a-fib?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Can Supplements Boost Your Immunity This Winter?

With COVID-19 cases on the rise and cold and flu season well underway, people are seeking ways to boost their disease defenses. Can a supplement give you an extra edge against illness? from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201117/can-supplements-boost-your-immunity-this-winter?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Poll: Many Will Attend Large Indoor Holiday Events

And while many plan to take precautions -- such as social distancing and asking those with COVID-19 symptoms not to attend holiday gatherings -- one-third of respondents said they won't ask guests to wear masks. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201116/many-americans-plan-to-party-indoors-regardless-of-risk-survey?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Restful Sleep Could Help Ward Off Heart Failure

Researchers found that of over 400,000 adults, those with the healthiest sleep patterns were 42% less likely to develop heart failure over 10 years, versus people with the least healthy habits. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/news/20201116/restful-sleep-could-help-ward-off-heart-failure?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Confidence Drops in Prescription-Strength Fish Oil

"Given the current uncertain state of knowledge, neither patients nor physicians can be confident that omega-3 fatty acids have any health benefits ," from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20201116/prescription-strength-fish-oil-wont-help-your-heart----or-will-it?src=RSS_PUBL...

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'Polypill' May Cut Heart Attack, Stroke Risk By 40%

The "polypill" containing three generic blood pressure medications and a statin dramatically reduced the risk of heart-related illness in people with no prior history of heart problems, according to clinical trial results. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20201116/combo-polypill-may-cut-heart-attack-stroke-risk-up-to-40?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Warming Planet Ups Risk of Deadly Tick-Borne Fever

When temperatures rise, the brown dog tick, which carries the bacteria causing the disease, is more than twice as likely to shift its feeding preference from dogs to humans, say researchers from the University of California, Davis from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20201116/warming-planet-ups-risk-of-deadly-tick-borne-fever?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Homeless Shelters Grapple With COVID Safety as Cold Creeps In

During the pandemic, shelters are having to change the way they do things to prevent the virus from spreading among the vulnerable homeless population. Now, as winter weather moves in, there’s less room at the shelters for those in need — threatening to leave many, literally, out in the cold. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201116/homeless-shelters-grapple-with-covid-safety-as-cold-creeps-in?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Annual Report Highlights Dangerous Toys

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group has released its 35th annual “Trouble in Toyland” report that highlights hazardous children’s toys. Among this year’s most dangerous items are a toolset with small parts, a toy with high noise levels, and high-powered magnets. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20201113/annual-report-highlights-dangerous-toys?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Is the Pandemic Harming Kids' Mental Health?

Since last April, hospital emergency rooms across the United States have seen a sustained surge in visits related to the mental health of school-aged kids, a new report reveals. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20201113/is-the-pandemic-harming-kids-mental-health?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Study Finds Blacks, Asians More Vulnerable to COVID

Black and Asian people in the United States and the United Kingdom have significantly higher odds of COVID-19 infection compared to white people, a large research review finds. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201113/large-study-finds-blacks-asians-more-vulnerable-to-covid?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Fish Oil, Vitamin D Supplements Won't Prevent A-Fib

Millions of people take a fish oil or vitamin D supplement in hopes of warding off a host of ills. But a new study finds the nutrients won't shield against the common and potential heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/news/20201113/fish-oil-vitamin-d-supplements-wont-prevent-a-fib-study?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Restrictions Return As COVID Surges Across the U.S.

With the coronavirus setting new records on a daily basis, more restrictions such as statewide face mask mandates are being imposed in states across the country. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201113/restrictions-return-as-covid-surges-across-us?src=RSS_PUBL...

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New Finding Reveals Why Certain COVID Patients Die

Scientists have found that some people have antibodies against parts of their own immune system, allowing viruses to multiply rapidly. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201113/breakthrough-finding-reveals-why-certain-covid-patients-die?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Study: New Mutation Sped Up Spread of Coronavirus

The virus that causes COVID-19 is not the same strain as first emerged from China. A new study shows it has changed slightly in a way that makes it more contagious to humans. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201113/study-new-coronavirus-mutation-accelerates-spread?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Could Propecia Up Young Men's Suicide Risk?

Information from the World Health Organization indicates that over the past 10 years, reports of suicidal ideation among young men using the drug have increased, rising significantly after 2012, the researchers said. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/men/news/20201112/could-propecia-up-young-mens-suicide-risk?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Measles Deaths Grow by Half

The World Health Organization on Thursday released new statistics that show 869,770 cases of measles, one of the most contagious diseases known to science, around the world in 2019, the highest number since 1996. Increases were reported in all regions. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20201112/measles-deaths-grow-by-half?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Flu Shots: Doctors, Pharmacies Report Higher Demand

Major U.S. drug store chains report more requests for flu shots and they say they've pre-ordered millions more shots this year to be prepared. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/news/20201112/flu-shots-doctors-pharmacies-report-higher-demand?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Exercise and Migraines: What Helps and Hurts

Headaches shouldn’t hold you back from a workout. Find out how migraines and exercise relate to each other and what you can do to stay active. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/avoid-exercise-related-migraines?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Up Next for Obamacare: 1 of 4 Court Rulings Likely

Now that a Supreme Court’s hearing on a new lawsuit seeking to kill the Affordable Care Act is over, what’s next for the law? Court watchers say that pointed questions and comments about the suit from Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggest the court seems likely to issue a narrow ruling in the case. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/news/20201111/up-next-for-obamacare-1-of-4-court-rulings-likely?...

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Record Hospitalizations Limit U.S. COVID Response

Beds filled as new COVID-19 cases rose 20% across the United States last week. The number of hospitalized COVID patients shot up 14% , straining hospital resources and overworked staff. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201111/record-hospitalizations-limit-us-covid-response?src=RSS_PUBL...

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5 Important Questions About Pfizer’s COVID Vaccine

The drugmaker says its mRNA vaccine worked in 90% of patients in its trial, but some observers question how long immunity will last and who will benefit. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201111/five-important-questions-about-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine?src=RSS_PUBL...

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Face Masks Won't Hamper Your Workout, Study Says

The study did not find evidence to support the idea that vigorous exercise with a mask could compromise oxygen uptake or increase rebreathing of carbon dioxide, which could lead to a condition in which carbon dioxide displaces oxygen in the blood. from WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201110/face-masks-wont-hamper-your-workout-study-says?src=RSS_PUBL...

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