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What has come to be known as the “name test” is an assessment researchers at the University of California, Davis devised to screen for early indicators ofautismin babies. It is a simple test that involves saying a child’s name and seeing if they respond. While the researchers concluded that the name test is quite reliable in indicating developmental issues indicative of autism, some media coverage of the 2007 study wrongly insinuated that the test coulddiagnoseautism....

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is testing a new model that would let people on Medicare get many generic drugs for copayments of $2 per month for each drug.CMS has picked around 150 generic drugs for the program, including medications that treat common chronic conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.Two other drug pricing models are also being tested: one to help state Medicaid programs pay for expensive gene and cell therapies and another to urge drug makers to complete clinical trials faster for drugs that received accelerated approvals....

Key TakeawaysResearchers in both medicine and information technology are developing “digital twins,” or software replicas of patients.Your digital twin would be able to help your doctor predict how an infectious disease would affect you and help guide decisions about the best treatment—or prevention—for it.Some limited forms of digital twins are already in service, such as insulin pumps that monitor blood glucose levels in real-time. Key Takeaways Researchers in both medicine and information technology are developing “digital twins,” or software replicas of patients....

Key TakeawaysFood is medicine is an emerging concept that combines nutrition and medical care to treat diet-related diseases.Produce prescription programs have allowed providers to prescribe fruits and vegetables for patients.Evidence shows that these programs can effectively increase fruit and vegetable intake and help manage diabetes. Key Takeaways Food is medicine is an emerging concept that combines nutrition and medical care to treat diet-related diseases.Produce prescription programs have allowed providers to prescribe fruits and vegetables for patients....

Key TakeawaysFor some people, drinking has been a way to cope with stress and emotions during the pandemic. But it’s not always the healthiest coping mechanism.Especially for women, stress in home, work, and social settings can lead to emotional drinking.Even if a person does not have alcohol use disorder, emotional drinking can be a habitual and unhealthy activity, sometimes referred to as “gray area drinking.” Key Takeaways For some people, drinking has been a way to cope with stress and emotions during the pandemic....

Holiday gatherings with family and friends often feature alcohol as a staple of the festivities. In fact, alcohol consumption typically peaks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with Americans drinking double their usual amount of alcohol. These occasions can sometimes lead to a concerning trend known as high-intensity drinking (HID), which experts warn may pose even greater risks than traditionalbinge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men within a short time frame, usually around two hours,Laura Bierut, MD, professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St....

Throughout the past year, surges in COVID-19 cases have frequently overwhelmed hospital systems across the country. Now, those healthcare workers at the frontlines are among the first eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines. Physicians display some of the highest rates of vaccine acceptance, with 70% willing to get vaccinated.Vincent Ganapini, a physician and gastroenterology fellow working at a hospital in New Jersey, received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine on December 29 and his second on January 22....

In many parts of the country, teachers are among the essential workers now allowed to make COVID-19 vaccine appointments. As of February 8 2021, at least 26 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have made some or all teachers eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Among them: Illinois. COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Tracker Jeanne Paulino, an English language arts diverse learning specialist teacher in Chicago, is one of those teachers who’s managed to secure an appointment to get vaccinated....

Key TakeawaysThere’s still a lingering lack of public confidence in the vaccine.To promote vaccination and increase vaccine confidence, the Ad Council and the COVID Collaborative launched the “It’s Up to You” campaign.The campaign features television, radio, banner, and online video advertisements, as well as GetVaccineAnswers.org, a website for frequently asked questions about the vaccine. Key Takeaways There’s still a lingering lack of public confidence in the vaccine.To promote vaccination and increase vaccine confidence, the Ad Council and the COVID Collaborative launched the “It’s Up to You” campaign....

“If you don’t make time for your body, your body will make time for you—chronic stressand overworking your body is gonna catch up in one way or another,” said Ahrabi-Nejad. What Is Stress and How Can I Recognize It? What Causes Leisure Sickness? Although the initial study on leisure sickness involved around 2,000 Dutch participants, further research is needed in diverse populations. “It’s not considered a medical condition per se—but a phenomenon that can be seen,” saidDavid Mischoulon, MD, PhD, Director of the Depression Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital....

Key TakeawaysBreast cancer screenings and diagnoses declined sharply earlier this year, when the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) hit the U.S.It is now safe to go have mammograms and other screening or diagnostic tests and procedures for breast cancer.Getting screened is as important for your health as taking precautions against COVID-19.Everyone, whether diagnosed with breast cancer or not, should follow precautions to prevent exposure to the virus when in a doctor’s office or testing center....

Key TakeawaysAs more Americans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, families are now safely reuniting.People are increasingly sharing the stories of their first hugs and indoor visits.When reconnecting with loved ones, it’s important to acknowledge how you both have changed and grown through the course of the pandemic. Key Takeaways As more Americans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, families are now safely reuniting.People are increasingly sharing the stories of their first hugs and indoor visits....

Key TakeawaysResearch has found that women have a lower threshold for developing complications due to high blood pressure.The data suggest a systolic reading of 110 mm Hg or higher put women at risk of heart disease.Doctors say this supports growing evidence that a woman’s “normal” blood pressure range should be lowered. Key Takeaways Research has found that women have a lower threshold for developing complications due to high blood pressure.The data suggest a systolic reading of 110 mm Hg or higher put women at risk of heart disease....