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Key TakeawaysNew research shows silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is as effective as dental sealants at stopping tooth decay.SDF works just as well but is cheaper and easier to apply than dental sealants.Dental sealants last a couple of years, while SDF needs to be administered twice a year. Key Takeaways New research shows silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is as effective as dental sealants at stopping tooth decay.SDF works just as well but is cheaper and easier to apply than dental sealants....

When you come down with a cold, you have to deal with a runny nose, sore throat, and cough for about a week. A simple saltwater solution could help reduce the duration of these uncomfortable symptoms. Importantly, researchers say that saline nasal drops may help reduce transmission rates of the cold virus. “Fewer household contacts developed colds in those children who were provided with 2.6% saline nose drops compared with families who had usual care,”Steve Cunningham, PhD, a professor of pediatric respiratory medicine at the University of Edinburgh and co-author of the 2024 study, told Verywell in an email....

Key Takeaways A cholesterol-lowering drug could help scrub toxic forever chemicals from the blood of people who have been highly exposed, according to a small study. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, orPFAS, is a class of millions of chemicals used to create grease- and water-resistant products like food packaging andclothes.These chemicals can stay in the body and environment for years before breaking down. Over time, PFAS can damage the liver and kidneys, weaken the immune system, increase the risk for certain cancers, and lead to reproductive problems....

Key TakeawaysAnn Arbor, Michigan passed an ordinance that will make period products free in public restrooms.The new rule comes after Michigan’s Governor signed a bill banning the state’s former “tampon tax" this month.This could break down some financial barriers for people who struggle with period poverty. Key Takeaways Ann Arbor, Michigan passed an ordinance that will make period products free in public restrooms.The new rule comes after Michigan’s Governor signed a bill banning the state’s former “tampon tax" this month....

Key Takeaways According to a new study,a medication frequently prescribed to treat type 2 diabetesmay reduce the risk oflong COVIDwhen taken during the acute phase of infection. The medication, called metformin, was one of several medications researchers tested against long COVID in a phase 3 clinical trial called COVID-OUT. The timing of treatment mattered, though; starting the two-week course of metformin less than four days after theonset of COVID symptomswas more effective than starting treatment four or more days after COVID symptoms started....

Key Takeaways A small new study shows thatmethotrexate, a medication that’s currently used to treatrheumatoid arthritis (RA) andpsoriasis, could also help reduce symptoms of hand OA, such aspain and stiffness. “At the moment, if a person goes to the doctor with hand OA, treatments are very limited and do not work well,” study authorFlavia Cicuttini, PhD, a professor and the head of the musculoskeletal unit at Monash University and the rheumatology department at Alfred Hospital, both in Melbourne, Australia, told Verywell....

Key Takeaways Barcinitib, a medication commonly prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may also be effective in fighting another immune disorder, including type 1 diabetes. In a phase 2 clinical trial published in theNew England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that baricitinib helped patients who were newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes maintain their natural ability to produce insulin, slowing the progression of the disease. “We showed that a tablet that we use to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease can dampen the immune attack that causes type 1 diabetes and preserve the ability to make insulin soon after diagnosis,”John Wentworth, MD, PhD, clinical trial lead of the Australasian Type 1 Diabetes Immunotherapy Collaborative, told Verywell in an email....

Key TakeawaysAfrican cuisines offer a diverse range of grains and leafy grains, but these are often left out of healthy eating suggestions and nutrition studies in the West.As a result, people of African descent are not always given culturally inclusive nutrition advice when seeking tools for disease prevention or recovery.Cordialis Msora-Kasago, a California-based registered dietitian who grew up in Zimbabwe, is working to educate more people about the nutritional benefits of African heritage foods....

Key TakeawaysResearchers are developing a minimally-invasive temporary pacemaker that eliminates some risks associated with traditional pacemakers.The new pacemaker can dissolve into a nontoxic material at the end of the treatment.Clinical trials are still needed, and it might take another few years for the new pacemaker to reach the market.Scientists at the University of Chicago developed a new kind of minimally-invasive pacemaker that dissolves over time.This technology also eliminates certain risks that come with traditional pacemakers....

Key TakeawaysAn FDA-approved drug may have a new use to lower the risk of HIV.Lenacapavir is currently approved to treat existing HIV infections.Doctors say the findings can make a big difference in HIV prevention. Key Takeaways An FDA-approved drug may have a new use to lower the risk of HIV.Lenacapavir is currently approved to treat existing HIV infections.Doctors say the findings can make a big difference in HIV prevention. More than 35,000 people are newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the U....

Key TakeawaysThe American Heart Association recommends including whole grains in your diet to help support heart health.Whole grain sorghum is an ancient grain that supports overall health, including heart health.Sorghum is a versatile grain that is gluten-free and full of fiber. Key Takeaways The American Heart Association recommends including whole grains in your diet to help support heart health.Whole grain sorghum is an ancient grain that supports overall health, including heart health....

Bridget O’Carroll is the founder of Studio Qila, the first Native-owned digital Pilates fitness studio. O’Carroll, who is from the Alaskan Native tribe Alutiiq, has created a space to promote fitness and wellness for BIPOC communities. When gyms forcibly closed due to the pandemic, people had to get creative about how they worked out. Some people used water and wine bottles as dumbbells while others squatted with their friends on their shoulders....

Key TakeawaysWhile this side effect is uncommon and reversible, eyelash growth serums containing prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) can cause fat cells around the eyes to shrink.Related side effects include increased hyperpigmentation, hollow or sunken skin, and an increased appearance of dark circles.Experts say deciding whether to discontinue the use of PGA-containing eyelash serums will depend on individual risk factors, however, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare provider. Key Takeaways While this side effect is uncommon and reversible, eyelash growth serums containing prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) can cause fat cells around the eyes to shrink....