While the COVID-19 pandemic is “over”, the virus still exists and public health officials have kept vigilant on the virus’s mutations. Public health experts worldwide are closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has sparked alarm due to its rapid global spread. The World Health Organization designated this strain as a...
You may not really know what it is or be able to point to where in the body it is, but the thyroid gland is a very important, albeit small, part of the body. It plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions, including metabolism, energy levels, and mood. Ensuring its proper functioning is...
A new study has revealed that effectively treating high blood pressure significantly lowers the risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. The Chinese study involved participants who had untreated hypertension at the start of the study. The researchers found that by making the necessary lifestyle changes and using medications to manage high blood pressure, cognitive...
Bunions are a common foot disorder that affects approximately one-third of adults in the United States. They occur when the big toe joint is misaligned. It leans too much toward the second toe, so the joint protrudes on the side of the foot and stretches it uncomfortably. They worsen over time and can cause pain,...
When you think of a typical stroke patient, who do you think of? Chances are, you are picturing an older person, maybe even your own grandparents. Recently, however, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown a disturbing increase in stroke cases among younger individuals. Between 2020 and 2022, there was a...
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or Momordica charantia, belongs to the squash family. This tropical vine produces oblong, green fruits with bumpy exteriors that resemble cucumbers. The plant grows naturally in India and other Asian countries. People cultivate it globally for its fruit, which is a staple in many types of Asian culinary...
Some people glide down the sidewalk while others shuffle along at a crawl. Turns out this difference could determine how long you live. Health experts now call walking speed the “sixth vital sign” because this simple measurement predicts your future health better than many expensive medical procedures. What makes this even better is that you don’t need any needles or...
Scientists have identified a concerning new coronavirus in Chinese bats that could pose a pandemic threat. Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology discovered HKU5-CoV-2 during a comprehensive study of bat populations across China’s southern and eastern regions. The virus belongs to the lesser known relative of COVID, the merbecovirus family. This family includes the...
A major beverage mix-up is making headlines. The manufacturer pulled over 19,000 cases of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar after labeling them incorrectly. These cans, marked “Zero Sugar,” actually contain the full-sugar version. The Dr. Pepper recall affects anyone watching their sugar intake, especially diabetics. On June 5, 2025, the FDA reclassified the situation as a...
Scientists have long believed that leprosy was an import from European settlers in the Americas. However, a recent study published in Science reveals that the disease existed on the continent centuries before Europeans set foot on American soil. This discovery shifts the premise of medical textbooks that credited European colonizers with bringing leprosy to the...
It is estimated that more than 7 million adults in America live with Alzheimer’s disease. However, a new study has found that people in some regions get diagnosed with dementia more than in other regions. While there are new medications and treatments available to patients, many people live in areas where they are not able...
Minnesota health officials issued an urgent warning after an unvaccinated child with measles visited Mall of America while infectious. The child from Dakota County spent time at the mall’s theme park on May 24 between 5 pm and 9 pm. Thousands of visitors may have been exposed to this highly contagious viral disease during this...