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Key TakeawaysNonalcoholic fatty liver disease affects up to 10% of children in the United States.Consuming excessive amounts of added sugar appears to contribute to the development of fatty liver disease, especially in children.While added sugars should be limited, fruit does not need to be avoided because of the additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber that they provide. Key Takeaways Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease affects up to 10% of children in the United States....

Key TakeawaysA new study found that higher lead exposure in childhood could potentially negatively affect adulthood personality.Participants who grew up in areas with higher lead exposure were less agreeable and conscientious, and more neurotic.Lead weakens connections between brain cells, inhibiting certain cognitive functions included in learning and memory. Key Takeaways A new study found that higher lead exposure in childhood could potentially negatively affect adulthood personality.Participants who grew up in areas with higher lead exposure were less agreeable and conscientious, and more neurotic....

Key TakeawaysThe U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) no longer recommends daily aspirin as a preventive measure for adults 60 and older who have never had a heart attack or stroke.Recent research backs up the updated recommendations, as it showed that aspirin may cause more harm than good for low-risk people.You should talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of daily aspirin use to decide if it’s safe and beneficial for you....

Key TakeawaysMen with increased levels of a newly-identified biomarker in their semen have a lower probability of getting their partners pregnant.Research findings could help improve pregnancy planning and treatment interventions for couples struggling with infertility.A new research study out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) has discovered a sperm biomarker that can help couples predict their chances of getting pregnant.The single-measure biomarker measures the level of mtDNAcn, an inheritedmitochondrialDNA genetic code, in semen....

Key TakeawaysResearchers found that oral contraceptive pills may protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer.Although previous studies have supported similar findings, this new study shows the protective effect remains for up to 35 years after stopping use of the birth control pill. Key Takeaways Researchers found that oral contraceptive pills may protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer.Although previous studies have supported similar findings, this new study shows the protective effect remains for up to 35 years after stopping use of the birth control pill....

Key TakeawaysA new study finds that BMI measurement cutoffs to assess certain health risks weren’t accurate for people who aren’t White.BMI cutoffs should be lower for many non-White people.The measurement is an imperfect indicator of health. Key Takeaways A new study finds that BMI measurement cutoffs to assess certain health risks weren’t accurate for people who aren’t White.BMI cutoffs should be lower for many non-White people.The measurement is an imperfect indicator of health....

Key Takeaways Even if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, getting a booster shot is still recommended because it will help protect you against severe illness and poor outcomes if you do get sick. A large study published in theBMJthat involved over 893,000 adults recently found that the monovalent, or original, mRNAboostersprotect against moderate and severe COVID for about four to five months before it starts to wane. “This study resoundingly reinforces what we have seen in every other study in terms of the short- and longer-term health benefits and overall safety of staying up to date with COVID vaccination,”Mark Loafman, MD, MPH, a family physician and chair of the Family and Community Medicine Department at Cook County Health, told Verywell....

Key TakeawaysPersonalized brain stimulation, or targeted stimulation, is being researched as a treatment for patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression.Researchers followed one severely depressed woman who reported rapid positive effects from treatment and relief of depression symptoms.Electrically stimulating the brain is not a new form of treatment, but has evolved over the years. Key Takeaways Personalized brain stimulation, or targeted stimulation, is being researched as a treatment for patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression....

Key TakeawaysNew research has concluded that there is no link between caffeine consumption and breast cancer in postmenopausal women.However, research has shown that caffeine may worsen breast pain in some premenopausal women who have fibrocystic breasts.Screenings should be followed for any person who is at risk for breast cancer.A recent study from the University of Buffalo concluded that postmenopausal women who drink caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea do not have a higherrisk of developing breast cancerbecause of their caffeine consumption....

Key TakeawaysA study found that a nine-month program focused on improving happiness helped lessen anxiety and increased levels of life satisfaction.Experts stress that happiness is something you should work at and cultivate throughout your life with certain techniques.Mindfulness is one of the key tools introduced through the program, which you can incorporate into your daily life. Key Takeaways A study found that a nine-month program focused on improving happiness helped lessen anxiety and increased levels of life satisfaction....

Key TakeawaysA recent study suggests that there may be a link between painful periods, dysmenorrhea, and air pollution.Factors like stress and comorbidities can also play a role in who develops dysmenorrhea.Painful periods can be managed through NSAIDs, birth control, and the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD). Key Takeaways A recent study suggests that there may be a link between painful periods, dysmenorrhea, and air pollution.Factors like stress and comorbidities can also play a role in who develops dysmenorrhea....

Key TakeawaysA new study suggests that childhood trauma could impact both the development and response to treatment of multiple sclerosis later in life.Previous studies have found a link between childhood trauma and chronic conditions.Managing stress and other mental health issues is essential to taking care of a chronic illness. Key Takeaways A new study suggests that childhood trauma could impact both the development and response to treatment of multiple sclerosis later in life....

Key TakeawaysChildren with mild COVID-19 are less likely to produce antibodies than adults, despite having a similar viral load and symptoms, a new study finds.There was no significant difference in antibody levels in children with symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19.Children may have a robust initial immune response that clears the infection more quickly and nixes the need for specialized antibodies, but a lack of antibodies may leave them more vulnerable to reinfection....