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Here's Why Cold Weather Is Making Heart Disease Worse

Key TakeawaysCold weather can increase someone’s chance of heart complications, like heart disease.Before threatening the heart, cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to muscle spasms or cutting off circulation. Key Takeaways Cold weather can increase someone’s chance of heart complications, like heart disease.Before threatening the heart, cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to muscle spasms or cutting off circulation. Increasingly extreme winters may be particularly hard on the heart....

Here's Why It's So Hard to Know If Your Period Underwear Is PFAS-Free

Key TakeawaysA class action lawsuit against Thinx is highlighting how period underwear brands can’t always prove their products are free of harmful toxins, despite marketing claims.The chemicals of concern, called PFAS, are human-made compounds that persist in the environment and human body. Many brands don’t know their products contain PFAS.Very few products are labeled “PFAS-free,” but experts believe it will become easier to identify such products as brands learn about its presence....

Here's Why So Many Walmart Food Products Say They May Have Traces of Fish

Key Takeaways TikTok is worried about some fishy ingredients in Walmart’s Great Value food products. TikTok is full ofvideos of shoppers reactingafter they noticed that some of the products, such as maple syrup, marshmallows, and dehydrated mashed potatoes, have warning labels on the packaging stating that they may contain traces of anchovies, tilapia, almonds, and other unexpected ingredients. Understandably, you wouldn’t want to make summer s’mores with anchovy-laced marshmallows. But it’s probably not an issue....

Here's Why the CDC Decided Fully-Vaccinated People Can Go Maskless Indoors

Key TakeawaysNew CDC guidance says fully-vaccinated people do not need to wear masks or physically distance indoors.Despite the new guidance, states and businesses may set their own rules.Not ready to ditch your mask? Do what feels comfortable for you. Key Takeaways New CDC guidance says fully-vaccinated people do not need to wear masks or physically distance indoors.Despite the new guidance, states and businesses may set their own rules.Not ready to ditch your mask?...

Here's Why This Year's Flu Season Is the Worst in Over a Decade

Key TakeawaysSeasonal flu activity is higher than usual for this time of year in America and still increasing in nearly every state.Experts say that this year’s flu season could be the worst in nearly a decade due to rising flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.Getting a flu shot is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Key Takeaways Seasonal flu activity is higher than usual for this time of year in America and still increasing in nearly every state....

Here's Why You Can't Trust Food Expiration Dates

Key Takeaways “The dates are there to let consumers and retailers know when a product will be at its best flavor and texture, not when it will suddenly spoil,”Dani Matthies, RD, CD, LD, a corporate registered dietitian with Hy-Vee, told Verywell in an email. Understanding what the expiration date labels mean might help cut down on unnecessary food waste in your household. Did You Know? Best By, Sell By, Use By None of these dates refers to food safety....

Here's Why You Don't Need IV Vitamin Therapy

Key Takeaways Luxury vacations now often feature not just five-star amenities and breathtaking views but also intravenous vitamin treatments. Celebrities have popularized IV vitamin drips in the past few years, touting their benefits for everything from hangover cures to anti-aging. However, many health experts are skeptical of these claims. “There’s really very, very limited evidence supporting their use for any medical condition,”Kelly Krisna Johnson-Arbor, MD, a medical toxicologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, told Verywell....

Here's Why You Might Feel Weaker During Your Period

Key TakeawaysExperts say that it’s common for people to experience symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and even exhaustion in the days leading up to their period and throughout their menstrual cycles.People who have heavy bleeding during their period can have low red blood cell counts, which can cause symptoms like tiredness or weakness.Exercising consistently when you’re on your period can help relieve pain and cramping, improve your mood, and regulate blood flow....

Here's Why You Need a COVID-19 Booster Shot

Key TakeawaysThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.The Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines do provide protection against the virus strains circulating in the U.S. and are highly effective at reducing hospitalizations and deaths. Key Takeaways The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines....

Here's Why You Should Stop Using the Phrase "Summer Body"

Key TakeawaysExperts say the term “summer body” implies that bodies need to look a certain way in order to enjoy summer.Weight stigma is associated with greater disordered eating, sleep disturbances, and alcohol use.Support groups and seeking professional help can help you heal your relationship with your body and food. Key Takeaways Experts say the term “summer body” implies that bodies need to look a certain way in order to enjoy summer....

Here's Why Your Company Is Requiring COVID Vaccines Ahead of a Government Mandate

Key Takeaways In early November, the White Houseannounceddetails of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate affecting companies with over 100 employees. The deadline for companies to comply was originally January 4, 2022. But now that may be changing. By January 4, companies were required to make sure employees completed their COVID-19 vaccination series or would submit to regular COVID-19 testing. Employers found not in compliance with enforcing the mandate could face heavy fines....

Here's Why Your Symptoms May Be Worse After Your Second COVID-19 Shot

Key Takeaways The second of the two shots you need in order to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 reportedly causes more symptoms than the first. Within 24 hours of receiving it, you may experience some combination of chills, headache, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and pain and swelling at the injection site. While these side effects are temporary, they’re far from pleasant. But, paradoxical as it may sound, side effects are a sign that your immune system is responding correctly to the vaccine....

Hereditary and Acquired Gene Mutations: Differences in Cancer

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGene Mutations and CancerAcquired Gene MutationsHereditary Gene MutationsOverlap and Confusion Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Gene Mutations and Cancer Acquired Gene Mutations Hereditary Gene Mutations Overlap and Confusion The difference between hereditary (germline) and acquired (somatic) gene mutations in cancer can lead to much confusion. This is especially true if you’re hearing about genetic testing for agenetic predisposition to cancerat the same time you hear about genetic testing for mutations that may be treatable in a cancer already present....