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Quality and restful sleep are essential for recovery, memory and learning, and participation in daily activities.Moreover, healthy sleep patterns are crucial for health because poor sleep contributes to chronic conditions. Diet plays an integral role in sleep. Foods rich in essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium help the body and mind relax. Adding these nutrients to your evening routine improves sleep quality. 1. Calcium-Rich Foods Calciumhas multiple roles in sleep....

Key Takeaways Since social distancing and isolation became the recommended safety precautions against COVID-19, many have struggled to handle the stress of living and working through a global pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says during June, that U.S. adults reported considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19.About 40% of adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use. Despite a surge in mental health conditions among working Americans, many companies have continued business as usual....

Key Takeaways While the internet is full of suggestions to avoid dairy due to its inflammatory properties, medical research does not appear to support that claim. A new systematic review shows consuming dairy appears to have neutral to beneficial effects on inflammatory markers. For the September review in theJournal of the American College of Nutrition,researchers analyzed 27 trials that focused on dairy products’ effect on inflammatory markers. Dairy products included dairy food options likemilk, yogurt, cheese, and proteins from milk including casein and whey....

Key TakeawaysNew studies identify 128 molecular targets that could be targeted to stop coronaviruses from spreading to other cells.The transmembrane protein 41 B is also linked with aiding the viral replication of the Zika virus.Deactivating this protein may be potentially useful for antiviral therapies. Key Takeaways New studies identify 128 molecular targets that could be targeted to stop coronaviruses from spreading to other cells.The transmembrane protein 41 B is also linked with aiding the viral replication of the Zika virus....

Key TakeawaysCDC data shows that a third dose of any mRNA vaccine is effective against hospitalization and deaths from the Omicron variant.A lab study shows that booster protection persists for at least four months.Although a fourth shot may not be necessary yet, getting a third dose can restore antibody levels against COVID-19.Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster appears to protect against the Omicron variant for at least four months, according to a new preprint study....

Key TakeawaysRecent reports showed that Pfizer’s vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 infection is lower in children ages 5-11.Some data suggested that Pfizer’s lower dosage for this age group might be contributing to the lower efficacy.Experts say to continue to vaccinate children with the current vaccines because they still prevent hospitalizations and deaths. Key Takeaways Recent reports showed that Pfizer’s vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 infection is lower in children ages 5-11.Some data suggested that Pfizer’s lower dosage for this age group might be contributing to the lower efficacy....

Key TakeawaysData is conflicting when it comes to whether people should avoid eggs to reduce their risk of death.A recent study linked eggs to increased all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cancer mortality.Still, experts say eliminating eggs from your diet entirely may not be necessary. Taking care of your overall wellbeing and cultivating a balanced diet is more impactful. Key Takeaways Data is conflicting when it comes to whether people should avoid eggs to reduce their risk of death....

Key TakeawaysUsing a fiber supplement daily can help treat chronic constipation, according to a review and meta-analysis of 16 clinical trials.The optimal dose of fiber supplement is more than 10 grams per day, with psyllium and pectin supplements being more effective than other types of fiber.If you’re going to add fiber to your diet, do it gradually. This will help you avoid side effects like excessive flatulence or bloating.Occasionalconstipationcan leave you feeling blocked up, bloated, and dreading the eventual painful bowel movement....

Key TakeawaysResearchers determined several factors that put children at a higher risk for severe COVID-19.Children with underlying health conditions are more likely to develop a severe form of infection.Doctors say parents should do their best to protect children from the virus.While most children experience mild cases of COVID-19, some develop serious complications from the virus. Now, a new study is helping determine which kids are most at risk.For the study, researchers analyzed data from 45 U....

Key TakeawaysAbout one in three healthcare workers expect to take the coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available.Physicians and medical residents have high confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.Vaccine hesitancy is higher among healthcare workers who do not work with patients directly.A majority of healthcare workers would consider taking the vaccine after reviewing the safety data from clinical trials. Key Takeaways About one in three healthcare workers expect to take the coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available....

Key TakeawaysA rare but severe medical condition associated with COVID-19 called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been observed in individuals up to 21 years of age, and significantly more frequently in racial minorities.A study shows that most MIS-C cases resulted from asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection.If you suspect that your child has MIS-C, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to get treated and avoid lasting damage.The best way to keep children from developing MIS-C is to prevent COVID-19 exposure and infection, experts say....

Key TakeawaysNew research shows that girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appear to have more genetic mutations than boys with ASD. Girls also show differences in brain structure and function.Girls with autism may have changes in a different area of the brain (the striatum) than boys with autism (who typically have changes in the brain’s temporal lobe).The study’s findings could help improve diagnoses of ASD in girls, who are less likely than boys to be diagnosed....

Key TakeawaysFemale surgeons seem to experience systemic bias that puts a limit to their professional opportunities.Researchers hope this finding will help hospitals create more equitable opportunities for female doctors. Key Takeaways Female surgeons seem to experience systemic bias that puts a limit to their professional opportunities.Researchers hope this finding will help hospitals create more equitable opportunities for female doctors. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have found that female surgeons are more likely to perform easier procedures than their male peers....