Study: Raw Honey May Improve Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels

Key TakeawaysRaw, unprocessed honey from a single floral source may improve blood sugar control and cholesterol levels, according to a new meta-analysis.However, the FDA doesn’t require honey manufacturers to include floral sources on labels and doesn’t regulate the phrase “raw honey.” Key Takeaways Raw, unprocessed honey from a single floral source may improve blood sugar control and cholesterol levels, according to a new meta-analysis.However, the FDA doesn’t require honey manufacturers to include floral sources on labels and doesn’t regulate the phrase “raw honey....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 932 words · Jonathan Thomas

Study: Searching Your Symptoms on Google May Lead to a Better Diagnosis

Key TakeawaysNew evidence suggests that using online sites to help research and diagnose a physical condition may help, rather than harm, the individual.Although additional research is required, consulting “Dr. Google” did not increase anxiety levels or affect the individual’s ability to judge the severity of the condition.Study authors say that encouraging patients to research the condition on their own may help lay the groundwork for better medical understanding. Key Takeaways New evidence suggests that using online sites to help research and diagnose a physical condition may help, rather than harm, the individual....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1399 words · Kristen Macias

Study: Self-Managed Abortions Rise Alongside Abortion Restrictions

Key TakeawaysA new study finds 7% of women living in the United States will attempt a self-managed abortion at least once in their life.Women of color or low-income are more likely to report having a self-managed abortion.The Supreme Court reimposed a rule that mandates abortion pills to be picked up in-person. Key Takeaways A new study finds 7% of women living in the United States will attempt a self-managed abortion at least once in their life....

January 17, 2025 · 10 min · 1974 words · Lisa Bowers

Study: Social Media Didn’t Cause Teens’ Pandemic Stress

Key Takeaways Throughout theCOVID-19 pandemic, many people have relied on social media for entertainment, getting information, and communicating with loved ones. Using social media more often than normal may have been worrisome for some people, given our already tech-centered lives. The trend has been especially noticeable among young people. A recent study published inTechnology, Mind, and Behaviorfound that while problematic social technology behaviors have increased in teens during the pandemic, higher use was not related to decreased well-being....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1489 words · Janet Wyatt

Study: Some Ways of Coping With COVID Stress Are Healthier Than Others

Key TakeawaysA new study found that mentally reframing your situation, or cognitive reappraisal, may not be helpful in dealing with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic.Using this coping strategy led some to be less compliant with safety precautions such as wearing a mask and social distancing.Researchers did find that when cognitive reappraisal generated positive, socially-oriented thoughts and feelings, it did not hinder COVID-19 public health goals. Key Takeaways A new study found that mentally reframing your situation, or cognitive reappraisal, may not be helpful in dealing with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1890 words · Allen Hart

Study: States With Mask Mandates Saw Fewer Summertime COVID Cases

Key TakeawaysA new study finds that states with high rates of mask-wearing experienced fewer COVID-19 cases.States with mask mandates saw higher mask adherence.Fully vaccinated people should continue following CDC guidelines, including wearing their masks in crowded areas and when around unvaccinated people. Key Takeaways A new study finds that states with high rates of mask-wearing experienced fewer COVID-19 cases.States with mask mandates saw higher mask adherence.Fully vaccinated people should continue following CDC guidelines, including wearing their masks in crowded areas and when around unvaccinated people....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1199 words · Wesley Pineda

Study: Stay-at-Home COVID Orders Were a Luxury Many Couldn't Afford

Key TakeawaysA study shows that following stay-at-home orders was a luxury many low-income people couldn’t afford.Many unvaccinated adults have not gotten the COVID-19 vaccine yet because they can’t afford to miss a day of work due to potential side effects.Providing people from vulnerable communities with paid leaves—not only for the vaccination but also for subsequent side-effect days—may help minimize their risk of getting COVID-19. Key Takeaways A study shows that following stay-at-home orders was a luxury many low-income people couldn’t afford....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1339 words · Sara Beck

Study: Staying Hydrated Might Be the Secret to Living Longer

Key Takeaways Drinking water has its perks—it prevents dehydration, maintains a normal body temperature, and can often ease constipation.According to a new study, how much water you drink might also be linked to how quickly you age and your risk for developing chronic diseases. The adults in the study who were sufficiently hydrated appeared to be healthier, were less likely to show signs of aging, developed fewer chronic health conditions, and lived longer than adults who were not well-hydrated....

January 17, 2025 · 10 min · 1953 words · Robert Miller

Study: Tapering Opioid Prescriptions May Increase Risk of Overdose

Key TakeawaysA new study found that opioid tapering was associated with higher incidences of overdoses and mental health crises.There was a 68% increase in overdose events for people who tapered off opioids compared to non-tapered patients.Dose tapering should be conducted slowly with close and psychological support to prevent the patient from experiencing negative effects.With opioid-related deaths continuing to rise,especially due to COVID-19 pandemic,physicians are looking for alternatives to the drugs, while reducing doses for patients already on prescriptions....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2331 words · Travis Rowland

Study: The Time of Day You Get Tested for COVID Matters, Too

Key TakeawaysResearchers found people are more likely to get positive COVID-19 test results during the afternoonPeople were most likely to test positive for COVID-19 around 2 p.m.Doctors say this doesn’t mean you should shift the time you get tested—you should still go whenever is convenient for you. Key Takeaways Researchers found people are more likely to get positive COVID-19 test results during the afternoonPeople were most likely to test positive for COVID-19 around 2 p....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 913 words · Amy Wise

Study: There’s No Perfect Way to Wean Yourself off of Antidepressants

Key TakeawaysA systematic review published in April highlights the absence of a clear safest way to discontinue antidepressants for people who live with depression, anxiety, or both.After discontinuing antidepressants, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of their mental health condition.Experts say slowly tapering off the medication is the best method and helps prevent a relapse of depression symptoms. Key Takeaways A systematic review published in April highlights the absence of a clear safest way to discontinue antidepressants for people who live with depression, anxiety, or both....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1449 words · Jasmine Davis

Study: Treatment From Female Doctors in the ER Led to Fewer Deaths

Key Takeaways Research is increasingly zeroing in on gender dynamics within health care, from patient outcomes to differences between healthcare workers. Now, a new study finds that hospitalized patients of female doctors may fare slightly better than the patients of male doctors. The researchers analyzed data from 171, 625 hospitalized patients in general medical wards at seven different hospitals in Ontario, Canada from 2010 to 2017. “However, I was surprised to find that, even though we did find differences in the ways that women practice compared to men (i....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 974 words · Manuel Davis

Study: U.S. Heart Disease Prevention Is Working

Key TakeawaysThe longest-running heart health study shows improvements in heart disease risk over time.People are having their first negative heart events about 10 years later than they did in the past.Experts say there is still more work to be done. Key Takeaways The longest-running heart health study shows improvements in heart disease risk over time.People are having their first negative heart events about 10 years later than they did in the past....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1153 words · Natalie Peck