domingo, febrero 9

Health

Understanding Addiction as a Persistent Neurological Condition
Health

Understanding Addiction as a Persistent Neurological Condition

Related media - Recent news A recently launched awareness campaign in Burlington, Vermont, challenges traditional views of addiction with a powerful message displayed on an airport walkway: “Addiction is not a choice. It is a disease that can affect anyone.” The initiative seeks to change public perceptions and promote a more compassionate approach to those struggling with addiction. For many years, the medical community has recognized addiction as a chronic brain disease, but this perspective has struggled to gain widespread acceptance. The general public often views addiction through the lens of personal responsibility, influencing how drug use policies and sanctions are structured. Recent trends show a resurgence in blaming individuals for their drug use, which has ...
Study Shows Anti-Obesity Drugs May Reduce Mortality in Covid-19
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Study Shows Anti-Obesity Drugs May Reduce Mortality in Covid-19

Related media - Recent news Recent research has highlighted a potentially game-changing secondary benefit of Wegovy, an established obesity management drug. In a large clinical trial, individuals taking Wegovy were observed to have a significantly reduced death rate from Covid-19 compared to those not taking the drug. Clinical Trial Insights The study participants, who were already using Wegovy for obesity, contracted Covid-19 at the usual rate expected in the general population. However, their risk of succumbing to the virus was reduced by a third. This remarkable reduction in mortality was surprising and suggests an indirect benefit of the drug that had not previously been recognized. Wider health implications In addition to COVID-19 mortality, the study also documen...
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Concern Rises in Northeast U.S.
Health

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Concern Rises in Northeast U.S.

More news - Latest news Health officials in the Northeast United States are stepping up warnings about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus. Recent outbreaks have prompted increased vigilance and preventative measures in several states. Increased risk and community responses The resurgence of EEE has led to increased precautions, particularly in Massachusetts, where residents in several communities are advised to limit outdoor activities from dusk until dawn to avoid exposure to mosquitoes. This advice is underscored by the recent overnight closures of several parks and the tragic death of a person in New Hampshire from the virus. Understanding Eastern Equine Encephalitis Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious viral dis...
From Deadly Toxin to Beauty Blessing: The Doctor Pioneering Cosmetic Botox
Health

From Deadly Toxin to Beauty Blessing: The Doctor Pioneering Cosmetic Botox

More news - Latest news In the mid-1990s, a deadly neurotoxin known to cause botulism was making headlines for its unexpected potential: erasing wrinkles. Newspapers dubbed it "Pretty Poison." Botulinum toxin was far more toxic than cyanide and had been explored as a potential chemical weapon. However, in the decades after World War II, Dr. Alan Scott, an eye doctor, saw promise in treating involuntary muscle spasms and crossed eyes. One surprising side effect: Patients’ eyebrows became as smooth as a baby’s. While Dr. Scott is known as the "father of Botox," the true pioneers of cosmetic Botox were Dr. Alastair Carruthers, a Canadian dermatologist, and his wife, Dr. Jean Carruthers, an ophthalmologist. Together, they conducted hundreds of studies investigating its cosmetic ...
Efforts to distribute polio vaccines in Gaza during the conflict
Health

Efforts to distribute polio vaccines in Gaza during the conflict

More news - Breaking news In a major public health boost, Gaza has received a shipment of polio vaccines aimed at protecting more than 640,000 children from the virus, marking the first such effort in 25 years due to a recently reported case. The United Nations, along with Israeli and Gaza health officials, are coordinating this critical initiative. The campaign, led by UNICEF and supported by the World Health Organization and UNRWA, includes the distribution of 1.2 million doses of polio vaccine. The Gaza Ministry of Health has confirmed the arrival of the vaccines and is preparing for a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting children under 10 years old. The distribution process faces significant challenges due to the ongoing hostilities in the region, which have ...
Failures in Psychedelic Medicine: A Reality Check for Research Integrity
Health

Failures in Psychedelic Medicine: A Reality Check for Research Integrity

Related media - Recent news It’s been a year of anticipation for Lykos Therapeutics, as they await a landmark decision from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drugmaker had filed an application to approve MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, expecting a positive outcome that would catapult them to new heights. However, on August 9, the FDA responded with a rebuttal, culminating growing concerns about the quality of Lykos’ clinical trials. Following the decision, the journal Psychopharmacology retracted three studies related to MDMA research, citing unethical practices and making serious allegations, including sexual misconduct by an unlicensed therapist at one of the study sites. Many of the authors implicated in these retractions had ties to Lykos. This development ...
New COVID reinforcements approved: priority to protect vulnerable populations
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New COVID reinforcements approved: priority to protect vulnerable populations

More news - Recent news The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday greenlit a new round of annual COVID-19 vaccines, clearing the way for Americans of all ages to receive updated protection against the current summer surge. Vaccine giants Pfizer and Moderna will begin distributing doses to health care workers within days. These vaccines target the dominant variant that emerged this spring, although newer, more closely related strains are now circulating. All of these variants appear to be more transmissible than previous ones. The new boosters offer a critical lifeline for vulnerable populations, especially older adults, who have borne the brunt of COVID-related deaths this summer. Those with expired vaccinations are at significantly higher risk. The importance...
Introducing Neffy: A Revolutionary Nasal Spray, an Alternative to Needle Allergy Treatments
Health

Introducing Neffy: A Revolutionary Nasal Spray, an Alternative to Needle Allergy Treatments

Related media - Breaking news In the realm of medical advances, a significant breakthrough has emerged with the introduction of Neffy, a nasal spray that has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration. This innovative device stands out as the pioneering needle-free option for managing severe allergic reactions, offering significant relief to those with a deep fear of the injections typically associated with emergency treatments like the EpiPen. Dr. Michael Blaiss, a respected allergist at the Medical College of Georgia, highlights a common scenario in his practice: Patients are often reluctant to use traditional autoinjectors during allergy emergencies. Their apprehension is so great that some would rather risk waiting outside an emergency room than use a ...
Financial woes hit data analytics firm over controversial practices
Health

Financial woes hit data analytics firm over controversial practices

Related media - Latest news MultiPlan, a key player in the health insurance industry credited with helping major insurers save billions through minimized medical reimbursements, is currently going through a tumultuous period of increased regulatory and financial scrutiny. The New York-based company, which influences more than 100,000 health plans covering more than 60 million people, has come under fire for practices that could leave patients with large medical bills. Recent investigations have shed a harsh light on MultiPlan’s marketing tactics, which often result in insurers paying health care providers significantly less than they are charged. This strategy, while financially advantageous for insurers and MultiPlan, often leaves patients having to make up the differ...
WHO issues global health alert for Mpox virus as cases rise in Africa
Health

WHO issues global health alert for Mpox virus as cases rise in Africa

Related media - Recent news The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up its response to the mpox outbreak by declaring it a global health emergency. The declaration came on Wednesday, marking the second such declaration in the past three years as the virus rapidly spreads to multiple African nations. Currently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing the most severe impact of the outbreak, with a reported count of 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. The current outbreak has surpassed the severity of the 2022 episode, during which a similar emergency was declared. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was renamed in 2022 following concerns about the connotations of the original name. Health officials have since adopted the new name to avoid stigma and improve ...