UPDATEOn September 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reversed its highly-criticized stance, once again calling for the testing of asymptomatic individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19.“Due to the significance of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, this guidance further reinforces the need to test asymptomatic persons, including close contacts of a person with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection,” the updated testing guidelines say. UPDATE On September 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reversed its highly-criticized stance, once again calling for the testing of asymptomatic individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19....

Key TakeawaysVibrators may help stimulate and lubricate the vagina for people who struggle with vaginal dryness.Researchers are examining whether vibrator use can affect pelvic floor, urinary tract, and bowel function.Although conversations about masturbation have increased in recent years, self-pleasure remains a taboo topic for many women.Penetrative sex can hurt with age. Especially for people with vaginas, decreased estrogen levels around age 50 can createvaginal drynessand discomfort during intercourse. Could sex toys like vibrators be the magic wand to alleviate pain?...

Key TakeawaysResearchers created a guide to help people with type 1 diabetes exercise safely.People with type 1 diabetes may experience a large drop in blood sugar during exercise, and can even pass out.The guidance aims to give type 1 diabetes patients the tools to stay healthy while exercising.A group of international experts created the world’s first standardized guidance to help people with type 1 diabetes exercise safely.The guide details the importance of exercise in people with type 1 diabetes, but acknowledges the risk of hypoglycemia—low blood sugar....

Key TakeawaysNew dietary guidelines for Americans recommended reducing added sugar intake from 10% of total daily calories to 6%.For a 2,000 calorie diet, 6% of total calories is the same as 120 calories, 7.5 teaspoons of granulated sugar, or 30 grams of added sugars per day.On average, American adults consume about 77 grams of sugar per day. Key Takeaways New dietary guidelines for Americans recommended reducing added sugar intake from 10% of total daily calories to 6%....

Key TakeawaysIn India, COVID-19 cases and deaths have increased drastically. Reasons include insufficient vaccination of the population, a contagious variant, and not enough hospital beds and supplies.The U.S. will be sending vaccine raw materials, vaccines, and other supplies to India and is expected to aid other countries soon as well.Refugees and displaced populations, who may not be part of the infrastructure for vaccination in the countries where they are living, are also at risk for COVID-19....

Key TakeawaysThe U.S. Senate recently voted in favor of ending the emergency declaration due to COVID-19, and the White House has pledged to veto it.Ending the emergency declaration now would be premature, experts said.Lifting the emergency declaration will have a major impact on the healthcare system and the temporary policies set in place, which would affect many Americans. Key Takeaways The U.S. Senate recently voted in favor of ending the emergency declaration due to COVID-19, and the White House has pledged to veto it....

Key TakeawaysReports of heart inflammation in people who received Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine have caused some concern, but experts say a connection between the two is unlikely.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, European Medicines Agency, and Pfizer all say that no direct link between inflammation in the heart (myocarditis) and the vaccine has been established.There are some potential complications of COVID vaccines that people should be aware of, but most of them are rare and should not deter people from getting vaccinated....

Key TakeawaysThe U.S. government has shown its support in waiving intellectual property rights for the COVID-19 vaccines.Waiving patents alone is unlikely to increase global vaccine production because low- and middle-income countries still lack manufacturing capacity, technology, skills, and raw materials.Experts say that the U.S. government should help facilitate technology transfer and expand access to raw materials and critical supplies for vaccine production. Key Takeaways The U.S. government has shown its support in waiving intellectual property rights for the COVID-19 vaccines....

Key TakeawaysA small number of cases of heart inflammation (myocarditis and pericarditis) have been seen in teenaged boys and young men who received Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.Cases of these conditions have also been seen in people who received Pfizer’s COVID vaccine but less often than in people who got Moderna’s shot.Getting COVID can also lead to myocarditis and pericarditis. Experts want to remind the public that the risks associated with the virus are greater than those that come with getting vaccinated....

Key TakeawaysSome users on TikTok claim that eating apricot kernels (the seeds inside the apricot stone) can prevent acne and acne scars.According to experts, there is no evidence that eating apricot seeds can help with acne—and it might even be dangerous.Apricot seeds contain amygdalin which converts to cyanide, so eating them could lead to cyanide poisoning. Key Takeaways Some users on TikTok claim that eating apricot kernels (the seeds inside the apricot stone) can prevent acne and acne scars....

Key TakeawaysEuropean researchers reported a few dozen cases of a COVID-19 variant which combines components of Omicron and Delta.The hybrid variant is extremely rare and it doesn’t appear more transmissible or severe than other variants so far.COVID-19 commonly mixes its genome, allowing it to create many new variants, many of which are not dangerous. Key Takeaways European researchers reported a few dozen cases of a COVID-19 variant which combines components of Omicron and Delta....

Key TakeawaysWhile vaccines have changed the course of the pandemic, we are still not in a place where all health measures should be abandoned, experts say.Until everyone is vaccinated or has immunity, the virus will continue to mutate and poses risks—especially to people who are immunocompromised.It’s smart to still wear masks in large public settings, get vaccinated, and make decisions based on your individual risks. Key Takeaways While vaccines have changed the course of the pandemic, we are still not in a place where all health measures should be abandoned, experts say....

Key TakeawaysAcute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a very uncommon condition that affects the spinal cord and can cause rapid-onset paralysis and limb weakness. It is a medical emergency.AFM is believed to be linked to a viral infection. Universal precautions, including hand washing and social distancing, can help slow the spread.AFM is not linked to COVID-19.2020 is a spike year for AFM. Health experts are warning that COVID-19 and the upcoming cold and flu season could have an impact on the number of cases....