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Key TakeawaysThe FDA has approved FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine, for self-administration.Healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 can use FluMist, but people with specific medical conditions or health concerns should consult a healthcare provider before use.The effectiveness of FluMist is similar to the traditional flu shot and protects against severe flu complications. Key Takeaways The FDA has approved FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine, for self-administration.Healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 can use FluMist, but people with specific medical conditions or health concerns should consult a healthcare provider before use....

Key TakeawaysThe FDA approved the first dissolvable oral birth control medication.The approval provides a new option for people who want to use an oral contraceptive but have difficulty swallowing pills.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first oral birth control that dissolves in the mouth. The approval provides more contraceptive options, especially for people who can’t or don’t like to swallow pills.“There are many variables that might cause someone to have difficulty swallowing....

Brit Haines is an associate editor at Verywell Health, focusing on bridging the gap between search engine optimization (SEO)and editorial. She loves taking long walks with her dog, which has also helped her manage her symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). “You need to change your diet.” A phrase I knew all too well. My newgastroenterologist(GI specialist) made it seem so simple. “Everyone hasirritable bowel syndrome. It’s just a sensitive stomach....

Key TakeawaysIt’s common practice to take vitamin C with iron supplements to help with absorption.New research says there’s not enough evidence to definitively support a need to take vitamin C with iron in people with iron deficiency anemia.You should still avoid taking iron with any food, antacids, or calcium to achieve the best absorption. Key Takeaways It’s common practice to take vitamin C with iron supplements to help with absorption.New research says there’s not enough evidence to definitively support a need to take vitamin C with iron in people with iron deficiency anemia....

Key TakeawaysThe Chapare virus, which is similar to the Ebola virus, recently caused a small outbreak in Bolivia. Scientists have discovered that it can spread from person-to-person.There is no known treatment for the Chapare virus.Experts say that people living in the United States do not have to worry about the new Ebola-like virus unless they will be traveling to places like Bolivia where the virus has been found.Scientists have discovered that a deadly virus found in South America that causes similar symptoms to Ebola can spread from person to person....

Key Takeaways As more and more Americansreceive a COVID-19 vaccine, many people are wondering when they can go back to living their normal pre-pandemic life. Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. There are still many unknowns about SARS-CoV-2—which is why experts are not suggesting a one-size-fits-all guideline for people who have been vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently advises that people who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine should continue to wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and avoid crowds orpoorly ventilated spaces....

Key TakeawaysEating more vegetables is a cornerstone piece of advice for creating a heart-healthy diet.However, a recent study suggested that compared to socioeconomic and lifestyle factors for cardiovascular disease, your vegetable intake may not play as big a role.The study did have some limitations. Experts also point out that the many health benefits of including vegetables in your diet go beyond heart health. Key Takeaways Eating more vegetables is a cornerstone piece of advice for creating a heart-healthy diet....

Key TakeawaysEarlier this month, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they are developing a COVID-19 booster shot.Experts say there is no evidence just yet that booster shots are needed at this time.But booster shots might be needed in the future, especially for vulnerable populations like older adults. Key Takeaways Earlier this month, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they are developing a COVID-19 booster shot.Experts say there is no evidence just yet that booster shots are needed at this time....

Key TakeawaysCOVID-19 symptoms can include less obvious signs such as unusual fatigue, headaches, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea.Vaccinations remain effective in preventing severe illness, but additional precautions are necessary to protect high-risk individuals. Key Takeaways COVID-19 symptoms can include less obvious signs such as unusual fatigue, headaches, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea.Vaccinations remain effective in preventing severe illness, but additional precautions are necessary to protect high-risk individuals....

Key TakeawaysA new survey found that most Americans can’t identify the more subtle signs of a seizure, including numbness or tingling, blinking rapidly, screaming, and laughing.Focal seizures—which occur as a result of abnormal electrical firing in a particular brain region—are the most common in adults with epilepsy. However, they’re hard to identify.If you suspect someone may be having a focal seizure, there’s not much you can do in that moment, though it’s helpful for you to keep an eye on them....

Key TakeawaysThe FDA granted a new qualified health claim allowing food manufacturers to state on their products that eating at least 2 cups of yogurt every week could be linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.While there is some research evidence to support the qualified health claim, it only applies to dairy-based yogurt and not dairy-free alternatives.Eating yogurt does not guarantee that a person won’t develop diabetes, however, as many factors other than diet come into play....

Key TakeawaysAdding salt to your pasta water is a common cooking practice that’s recommended in the instructions on many boxed noodles.According to a new study, when chlorinated tap water is boiled with iodized salt and used to cook pasta, compounds are formed that could be harmful to consume. However, more studies are needed to find out if there are any actual health risks.Choosing salt that isn’t iodized, adding salt to your pasta after it is cooked instead of before it is boiled, or boiling your salted water without a lid may reduce the amount of these compounds that are formed during the pasta-cooking process....

Key TakeawaysBacillus cereusis a bacteria associated with food poisoning from rice, stews, and gravy.This bacteria creates heat-resistant toxins at room temperature, so storing cooked rice in the refrigerator can reduce the risk of food poisoning.Bacillus cereusfood poisoning typically comes with 24–48 hours of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Key Takeaways Bacillus cereusis a bacteria associated with food poisoning from rice, stews, and gravy.This bacteria creates heat-resistant toxins at room temperature, so storing cooked rice in the refrigerator can reduce the risk of food poisoning....