With the first COVID-19 vaccine approval under our belts—Pfizer-BioNTech received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 11—the first doses of the authorized vaccine are now being disseminated and administered throughout the country. Healthcare workers are first in line. On December 14, U.S. healthcare workers began to receive their first doses of the Pfizer vaccine. But the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been in testing for months, and many people have been partaking in clinical trials since as early as March, doing their part to make these EUAs possible today....

Key TakeawaysCOVID fatigue is leading many to push for a “return to normal” despite the ongoing pandemic.These attitudes are influencing government decisions and resulting in the abrupt ending of public health measures.Immunocompromised people still face a very real threat of severe illness or death when it comes to COVID-19, and it’s our communal responsibility to continue to take the necessary steps to protect them, experts said. Key Takeaways COVID fatigue is leading many to push for a “return to normal” despite the ongoing pandemic....

Healthcare workers, a group particularly vulnerable to the pandemic, were among the first eligible group to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. While headlines have pointed at unexpected vaccine hesitancy in this group, among physicians who work directly with patients, vaccine acceptance rates are over 70%—significantly higher than the percentage of the general public who plans to get vaccinated. Michael Crowley, a physical therapist working at a hospital in Massachusetts, is among those who have received the vaccine....

Key TakeawaysRaw butternut squash can cause some people to develop an allergic skin reaction called “squash hands.”Wearing gloves while handling the fruit or purchasing prepared butternut squash can help you prevent this skin reaction.A 1% hydrocortisone cream can help alleviate squash hands symptoms. Key Takeaways Raw butternut squash can cause some people to develop an allergic skin reaction called “squash hands.”Wearing gloves while handling the fruit or purchasing prepared butternut squash can help you prevent this skin reaction....

Key TakeawaysSome school districts are allowing students with exposure to infected individuals to stay in class, as long as they wear mask and test negative for a week.The approach is meant to keep students in classrooms while keeping transmission low.New research suggests this approach is as safe as requiring close contacts to quarantine or self-isolate. Key Takeaways Some school districts are allowing students with exposure to infected individuals to stay in class, as long as they wear mask and test negative for a week....

Key TakeawaysAdvancements in islet cell transplantation now allow patients with type 1 diabetes to live insulin-free lives.Organ donations extend and improve the quality of life for recipients. Key Takeaways Advancements in islet cell transplantation now allow patients with type 1 diabetes to live insulin-free lives.Organ donations extend and improve the quality of life for recipients. Jodi Cruz was 16 years old when she first received her type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Because of her condition, she’s had to monitor her blood sugar and take insulin several times a day for years....

For months, Chastity Wentworth experienced sharp, periodic pains near her right ribs. The 43-year-old suspected a stress ulcer or hemorrhoids like the ones she had when she was pregnant. But when the nausea set in and her appetite waned, she decided to give her doctor a call. Several blood tests and scans later, she received an unexpected diagnosis:stage 4 colon cancer. The disease had taken root in her colon and spread to her liver, coating it in tumors....

Key TakeawaysA new study shows women report feeling more fatigued than men after Zoom meetings—a finding that researchers say can help inform workplace policies.People of color, young employees, and introverts also reported higher levels of Zoom fatigue.Several factors contributing to Zoom exhaustion, including looking at yourself more regularly than you would in face-to-face meetings and feelings of being “trapped” on the screen. Key Takeaways A new study shows women report feeling more fatigued than men after Zoom meetings—a finding that researchers say can help inform workplace policies....

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Staging Recurrence Treatment Resources Frequently Asked Questions A diagnosis ofbreast cancerwill come with many questions and concerns about what treatment will be needed and how treatable the cancer is. It’s important to know how cancer is staged and what the general treatment plan will be. This article will review the different types of treatment that may be needed based on the stage of breast cancer, which can include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy and radiation....

Key TakeawaysNearly 1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss, according to a new study.Loud noises from personal listening devices and entertainment venues could place young people at risk of developing hearing loss early in life.Experts recommend keeping the volume low, using disposable earplugs at concerts, and other safe listening practices. Key Takeaways Nearly 1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss, according to a new study....

Key TakeawaysAccording to a new study, more than half of at-risk kids and teens are not receiving the mental health services they could benefit from long-term.Those most at risk have experiencedadverse childhood experiencesand/or show high distress symptoms.Improving access to these services through schools and identifying children most at risk could help. Key Takeaways According to a new study, more than half of at-risk kids and teens are not receiving the mental health services they could benefit from long-term....

Key TakeawaysA study from Ohio State University found that nearly 30% of Americans say they either won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine or they’re unsure if they will.The study found political leanings contribute to vaccine interest.Experts say concerns about vaccine safety, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine myths may play a role in who opts out. Key Takeaways A study from Ohio State University found that nearly 30% of Americans say they either won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine or they’re unsure if they will....

Key TakeawaysHeavy menstrual bleeding is more excessive or longer-lasting than a regular period.Individuals with heavy menstrual bleeding experience disruption in their daily lives because of their condition.There are several treatment options for heavy menstrual bleeding, depending on individual patient factors and the cause. Key Takeaways Heavy menstrual bleeding is more excessive or longer-lasting than a regular period.Individuals with heavy menstrual bleeding experience disruption in their daily lives because of their condition....