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☆ Mammograms are now recommended starting at age 40. Should you get one?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —An influential group of medical experts, the US Preventive Services Task Force, recommended last week that most women receive a mammogram starting at age 40. People should now starting getting mammograms at age 40, according to new recommendations. According to a study in the journal Lancet Oncology, the mortality from breast cancer could be lowered by starting mammograms earlier, at age 40. A woman who has a sister, mother or other first-degree relative with breast cancer has double the average risk of breast cancer. Wen: Someone who has a family history of breast cancer may be recommended for genetic testing.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen Organizations: CNN, US Preventive Services Task Force, George Washington University, Getty, American Cancer Society, Preventive, Force, White, Oncology, The American College of Obstetricians, American, of Radiology Locations: United States

☆ Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day, and it’s time to recognize the importance of maternal mental health. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner and as chair of Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore, a regional nonprofit advancing mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Dr. Leana Wen: Mental health is an essential part of overall health. Those with preexisting mental health conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder have a much higher rate of experiencing mental health issues in the postpartum period. That said, it’s also very important to recognize that postpartum depression and other mental health diagnoses in pregnancy and postpartum can occur in people who have not had mental health conditions in the past.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, It’s, —, it’s Organizations: CNN, Lifeline, George Washington University, Behavioral Health Systems, US Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, US Food and Drug Administration Locations: United States

☆ Zhang Yongzhen: Chinese virologist shared crucial Covid-19 data. Then his research hit hurdles
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | Yong Xiong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The ordeal is just the latest hindrance to Zhang’s research since 2020, according to a colleague who has been in contact with the Chinese scientist in recent years. The “institute always respects … and supports scientific researchers and students in carrying out normal research work,” the statement said. The earlier post by Zhang’s students said the two days originally allocated by the center for them to move their scientific work was insufficient. Following the release of the data, Zhang’s lab had limitations placed on it, which barred it from isolating the Covid virus, Holmes said. That included imposing restrictions by April 2020 on the publication of academic research on the origins of the novel coronavirus.

Persons: Zhang Yongzhen’s, Zhang, ”, hadn’t, Hector Retamal, Edward Holmes, Holmes, ” Holmes, “, He’s, Zhang Yongzhen, ” Zhang, “ He’s, It’s, virologist Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, Shanghai, Health, Weibo, Zhang’s, Chinese Center for Disease Control, CNN, Fudan University, Health Clinical, Getty, World Health Organization, Nature, University, Sydney, CDC, China’s National Health Commission, Oxford University Press, Shanghai Public Health Center, Natural Science Foundation of China Locations: China, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Wuhan, AFP, Beijing

☆ Sleep supplements: Can they help me sleep?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Some 18% of American adults take a form of medication to help them sleep, including over-the-counter pills and prescription medications, according to a 2023 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Some 6.3% said that they take sleep medications every day and 2.1% took medication most days. While medical treatments can help with sleep, are some forms more effective than others? Melatonin supplements are lab-made versions of this hormone. There is some evidence that melatonin supplements can help with jet lag.

Persons: CNN —, Leana Wen, Wen, There’s Organizations: CNN, for Disease Control, George Washington University, Food and Drug Administration, FDA

☆ Cancer cases in younger people are rising sharply. Here are some preventive measures to take
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Does this mean people should start screening for cancer at younger ages? In the United States, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer are the four top causes of cancer deaths. For instance, in the United States, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that people begin colon cancer screenings at age 45. One in 3 people who are eligible for colon cancer screenings have never received any screening exams, according to the American Cancer Society. As little as one or two minutes of vigorous exercise a day can lower cancer risk, as can reducing ultraprocessed food.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, hasn’t, It’s Organizations: CNN, American Cancer Society, George Washington University, Oncology, US Preventive Services Task Force, Brigade Locations: United States

☆ Avian flu: What to know about the bird flu outbreak in the US, according to a doctor
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Dr. Leana Wen: Bird flu, also called avian flu or avian influenza, refers to infections caused by the avian influenza Type A viruses. Avian influenza A viruses are divided into two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) A viruses and high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A viruses. The H5N1 avian flu virus has been causing outbreaks among poultry in the US, with 48 states and over 85 million poultry now affected. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect people against infection from the avian flu. CNN: Can my pet bird get bird flu?

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, George Washington University, CDC Locations: Texas, United States, Colorado

☆ Lawsuit says Atlantic City casino workers are exposed to harmful secondhand smoke
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | Jeff Winter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Smoky, hazy gambling floors have long been part of the Atlantic City casino experience for some people. Phil Murphy and the state’s health commissioner claiming that a loophole in state law exposes casino workers to health problems from secondhand smoke. Casino workers have long been advocating for protections under the 2006 smoke-free law, but progress has been snagged for years in the New Jersey legislature. But somehow, our casino workers have been asked to roll the dice,” UAW President Shawn Fain said at a press conference Friday. The casino workers have faced “death, severe physical illness, severe mental, physical and emotional distress, pain and suffering, anxiety, and stress,” the lawsuit said.

Persons: Phil Murphy, Murphy, Kaitlan Baston, New Jersey —, Shawn Fain, Matt Rourke, ”, smokin, Bill Organizations: New, New York CNN, Atlantic City, United Auto Workers, New Jersey Gov, Act, Workers, United Auto Workers union, Caesars, Tropicana, statehouse, New Jersey Health Department, New Jersey News, ’ Rights, Bally’s, CNN, Caesars Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment Locations: New York, New Jersey, Bally’s, Trenton , NJ, City, Middletown , New Jersey, Atlantic, Pall

☆ How stress can harm your health — and what to do about it
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

There’s no doubt that stress is a part of everyday life, but too much can have detrimental impacts on people’s physical and mental health. I wanted to delve more into depth about the health impacts of stress during National Stress Awareness Month. Individuals could experience anxiety and depression, and other mental health ailments. CNN: Why should we be aware of excessive stress and try to reduce it as a health priority? And do not wait to seek help from your mental health or primary care provider if the stress you are experiencing is leading to continuing mental health or physical distress.

Persons: can’t, Leana Wen, Wen, Grace Cary, I’m Organizations: CNN, George Washington University, Getty

The weeklong Koyukon Athabascan burial ceremony in September was traditional in all ways but one: McCormick died in 1931. The 2,500-mile (4,000 km) journey ended at Morningside Hospital. For more than 15 years, volunteers in Fairbanks and in Portland have been working to identify the people who were committed to the hospital. Most records at the private hospital were lost in a 1968 fire, and territorial officials didn’t document those who were committed. McCormick died within weeks from a post-surgery infection.

Persons: — Lucy Pitka, McCormick, “, ”, Lucy, Wally Carlo, Karen Perdue, Niesje Steinkruger, Meg Green, Ellen Ganley, Robin Renfroe, Eric Cordingley, Ganley, Perdue, Gilford Kriska, Kriska, Henry Waldo Coe, Steinkruger, Cordingley, “ I’m, Baby Louise Haven, Lucy McCormick’s, —, Fairbanks, Helen Callahan, Carlo, Grandma Lucy, they’re Organizations: Morningside Hospital, Interior, National Archives, Alaska Natives, Morningside Locations: ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Fairbanks, Portland , Oregon, Valdez, Portland, Morningside, Oregon, College Park , Maryland, Nulato, Juneau, www.findagrave.com, Rampart

☆ Do you have seasonal allergies? Here’s how to find out and what to do
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

More than 1 in 4 adults and nearly 1 in 5 children have seasonal allergies, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Are there other substances that can cause seasonal allergies? CNN: Are there other substances that can cause seasonal allergies? These are not seasonal allergies, as they aren’t related to environmental exposures and can happen year-round. There are many online resources for reducing allergens in your home that can help to decrease the impact of seasonal allergies.

Persons: CNN —, Leana Wen, It’s, I’ve Organizations: CNN, Northern, US Centers for Disease Control, Nature Communications, George Washington University, CDC

☆ Biden Should Campaign on Making Americans Live Longer Again - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Ashwin Vasan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

The U.S. government’s strategic response to attack this cruel disease abroad was PEPFAR, an American initiative that has saved more than 25 million lives and shaped my understanding of what muscular public health policy could accomplish. Today, as New York City’s health commissioner and a practicing doctor, I see a desperate need for similar focus and ambition here in the United States. Because of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease — along with drug overdoses, suicide, violence — the United States has not. When developing countries needed H.I.V. When the world needed a Covid-19 vaccine, we combined government-funded research with private initiative and an enormous distribution campaign.

Persons: Biden, Covid Locations: U.S, American, New York, United States, America

☆ Measles cases on the rise: Transmission, symptoms and vaccine info
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Do people need additional vaccine doses? Wen: The measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine, is highly effective at preventing measles. CNN: What about older kids or adults who may not have received the MMR vaccine before? Unvaccinated people exposed to someone with measles can receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure. According to a January 2023 report, only about 92% of US children have gotten the MMR vaccine by age 2.

Persons: Leana Wen, —, Wen Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, George Washington University, CDC Locations: United States, Baltimore

A Florida funeral home shipped the men’s remains to Ireland, according to a letter from a Florida medical examiner’s office. A CNN request under open-records law revealed documents confirming the mix-up, including letters from the Irish consulate in Atlanta to the medical examiner’s office and investigators involved in the case. That’s when the victims’ loved ones discovered the mix-up, according to the August letter from the medical examiner’s office. The Pinellas County Forensic Science Center in Largo, Florida -- home to the medical examiner's office. The District Six Medical Examiner Office did not respond to CNN’s request for additional details.

Persons: Kane Mitchell, Luke Comiskey, he’d, Comiskey, Mitchell, they’re, William Pellan, it’s, “, ” Pellan, Luke Comiskey’s, Luke, James Richard Peoples III, Peoples, ”, ’, Chris O'Mera, Pellan, Leana Wen, Police Adam Geissenberger, Barnabas Church Organizations: CNN, Florida, Pinellas Park Police Department, District Six, Office, Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, Pinellas Park police, Peoples, Six, Medical, Forensic Science, Medical Examiner Office, CNN Florida’s Department of Law, Pinellas, Pinellas Park Chief, Police, Gaelic football Locations: Dublin, Pinellas Park, St . Petersburg, Florida, Ireland, Irish, Atlanta, St . Petersburg , Florida, Pinellas, Largo , Florida, Baltimore, New York, St, Bronx, New York City, Australia, Spain

☆ Which diseases can pets transmit to their owners?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN: What types of diseases can household pets like cats and dogs transmit to humans? Dr. Leana Wen: Just as humans can transmit diseases to other humans, animals can transmit diseases to others in their own species. Sometimes, animals can transmit diseases to other species, and that includes humans with whom pets have had close contact. These diseases spread when a person is bitten by an infected tick that has fed off an infected animal. It’s not known how the man who died from Alaskapox contracted it, but a possible route is an infected animal biting the individual or exposure of an infected animal to an existing break in the man’s skin.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, Lyme, Alaskapox, It’s Organizations: CNN — Health, CNN, George Washington University Locations: Alaska, Oregon, United States

☆ What, when and how you eat food affects your health, according to a doctor
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —What you eat and don’t eat can reduce your risk of medical conditions such as heart disease and cancer and increase life expectancy, according to decades of research. Studies have linked highly processed meat with negative health outcomes, so once again look for minimally processed whole foods. I’d also urge them to cut out ultraprocessed foods, which includes junk food like chips and candies. This is not easy to do because of the sheer amount of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed food around us. If so, you may end up consuming primarily ultra-processed food, including fast food.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, I’d, We’ve Organizations: CNN, George Washington University

☆ When Covid-19 finally got me, here’s what I did next
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Story highlights Getting a Covid-19 vaccination reduces risk of hospitalization or death All should have a plan in the event of infection, our medical expert advises There are treatments available for patients not eligible for PaxlovidCNN —Covid-19 finally got me. There are more key points I want to emphasize: The Covid-19 vaccine is not going to protect you 100% from contracting the virus. That’s because the viral load may not be high enough initially to trigger a positive test. You should also consider getting tested for the flu, as antiviral treatments are available for influenza, too. Wen: Individuals who test positive should stay home for at least five days and isolate from others, according to CDC guidance.

Persons: Paxlovid CNN —, I’ve, “ Hamilton, Leana Wen, Wen, it’s, It’s, Joe Raedle, Covid Organizations: Paxlovid CNN, CNN Health, World Health, WHO, George Washington University, CNN, Covid, US Centers for Disease Control, Paxlovid Locations: naps, Covid

☆ Heart disease in women: What you can do to reduce your risk
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Story highlights Women are more likely to have non-classic symptoms of heart attack Heart disease affects women differently than it affects men in some ways Be mindful of the risk factor that affects 44% of US womenCNN —Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women — for about 1 in 5 women — in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 60 million American women are living with some form of heart disease, yet just over half (56%) are aware that heart disease is the No. Coronary artery disease and vascular disease, or disease in blood vessels, are the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Another type of heart disease is heart rhythm abnormalities. Studies have shown that women have a higher likelihood of developing heart disease in the smaller arteries of their heart.

Persons: —, Leana Wen, Wen, didn’t Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, George Washington University, CDC Locations: United States

☆ How to improve heart health at any age
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

In total, heart disease claims the lives of 1 in 5 people. Cardiovascular disease is extremely rare at this age. Wen: There are definitely ways to improve heart health at these ages, too. It applies to people of all ages, but older people may face some challenges in an often-overlooked determinant of heart health: social connection. Loneliness is an epidemic in the United States and globally, and is associated with many negative health effects that include worse cardiovascular health and early mortality.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, it’s Organizations: CNN, George Washington University, Health, US Centers for Disease Control Locations: United States

☆ People who mostly sit at work have a 16% higher risk of mortality, study says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

People who predominantly sit at work have a 16% higher risk of mortality from all causes, and a 34% higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease. As I sit here typing, I’m wondering what I should make of these study results. CNN: Are you surprised by the findings in this study — a 16% higher mortality from all causes and a 34% higher mortality from cardiovascular disease for people who predominantly sit at work? Studies have also shown that even light activity to break up the periods of prolonged sitting can reduce that risk. People would do a lot to change that habit, as they should when they sit for prolonged periods at work.

Persons: Leana Wen, I’m, Dana Santas, can’t, crunched, Wen Organizations: CNN’s, CNN, JAMA, George Washington University, Columbia University, BMI, US Centers for Disease Control, Dana Santas CNN Locations: —

☆ Death Toll in China Landslide Rises to 11, Rescuers Still Search for Missing
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

BEIJING (Reuters) - The death toll from a landslide in China's Yunnan province rose to 11 on Tuesday as rescue workers battled freezing temperatures and snow to locate dozens of missing people. Rescuers worked through the night sifting deep mounds of earth at the site of the landslide in Zhenxiong County, state-owned China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday. After the landslide hit on Monday, at least 47 people from 18 households were reported missing, CCTV said. Eight of the missing were found dead on Monday afternoon, according to Zhaotong Daily, a local state-owned media outlet. "The mountain just collapsed, dozens were buried," a man surnamed Gu, who witnessed the landslide, told the state-owned TV station for the neighbouring province of Guizhou.

Persons: Rescuers, Gu, Bernard Orr, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: China Central Television, Sichuan Daily Newspaper Press Locations: BEIJING, China's Yunnan, Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong, Guizhou, Shanghai

☆ Questions and answers for weight loss medications semaglutide and tirzepatide
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —As prescriptions for popular weight loss drugs have soared, the class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists is changing the way people think about how to lose weight. Initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have also been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss. Also, some people would do well without medications and could have sufficient weight loss with changes in diet and exercise. Wen: The FDA-approved versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss are called Wegovy and Zepbound. CNN: Are there certain medications that preclude you from taking the weight loss drugs at the same time?

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, Michael Siluk, tirzepatide, It’s, Eli Lilly Organizations: CNN, US Food and Drug Administration, George Washington University, FDA, BMI, Getty Images CNN, The New England, of Medicine, Novo Nordisk, semaglutide Locations: The

☆ What makes lead poisoning so dangerous? A doctor explains
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Deblina Chakraborty | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN: Why are high lead levels so dangerous, and why is it that children are most at risk for lead poisoning? This screening is essential, given the adverse outcomes of lead poisoning and because high lead levels are often asymptomatic. There are some therapies that exist for acute lead poisoning if a child has ingested a large quantity of lead-containing substances. A major source of lead exposure is through lead paint. Lead poisoning is a preventable tragedy, and we can all take steps to reduce its harm.

Persons: Biden, Leana Wen, Wen, laxatives Organizations: CNN, US Environmental Protection Agency, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, US Food and Drug Administration Locations: United States

Both children received help through telehealth therapy, a service that schools around the country are offering in response to soaring mental health struggles among American youth. The growth reflects a booming new business born from America’s youth mental health crisis, which has proven so lucrative that venture capitalists are funding a new crop of school teletherapy companies. For rural schools and lower-income students in particular, it has made therapy easier to access. Schools let students connect with online counselors during the school day or after hours from home. It now employs more than 300 clinicians providing teletherapy in over 150 school districts in 15 states.

Persons: Maria Ishoo’s, Valerie Aguirre’s, ”, Ishoo, “, ” Ishoo, Trish Wilson, that’s, Wilson, Doreen Hogans, Kevin Dahill, Hazel, Josh Golomb, Prince George’s, Golomb, ” Golomb, Ashwin Vasan, ” Vasan, Fern Yoshida, Valerie Aguirre's, Aguirre, teletherapy, ” Aguirre, ’, Sharon Lurye Organizations: Associated Press, Schools, Hazel Health, Hazel, Los, Clark County, Dade, Press, Carnegie Corporation of New, AP Locations: California, Hawaii, Lancaster , California, Lancaster, Prince George’s County , Maryland, San Francisco, Los Angeles County, Clark, Las Vegas, Miami, Houston, New York City, New York, Maui, Carnegie Corporation of New York

☆ China's respiratory illness rise due to known pathogens - official
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A child gets an intravenous drip at a hospital in Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang province. China's surge in respiratory illness is caused by known pathogens and there is no sign of new infectious diseases, a health official said on Saturday as the country faces its first full winter since lifting strict COVID-19 restrictions. The spike in illness in the country where COVID emerged in late 2019 attracted the spotlight when the World Health Organization sought information last week, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. Chinese authorities will open more paediatric outpatient clinics, seek to ensure more elderly people and children receive flu vaccines and encourage people to wear masks and wash their hands, Mi Feng, an official with China's National Health Commission, told a press conference. Doctors in China and experts abroad have not expressed alarm about China's outbreaks, given that many other countries saw similar increases in respiratory diseases after easing pandemic measures, which China did at the end of last year.

Persons: Mi Feng Organizations: World Health Organization, China's National Health Commission Locations: Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China

☆ China's respiratory illness rise due to known pathogens, official says
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SHENZHEN, China, Dec 2 (Reuters) - China's surge in respiratory illness is caused by known pathogens and there is no sign of new infectious diseases, a health official said on Saturday as the country faces its first full winter since lifting strict COVID-19 restrictions. The spike in illness in the country where COVID emerged in late 2019 attracted the spotlight when the World Health Organization sought information last week, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. Chinese authorities will open more paediatric outpatient clinics, seek to ensure more elderly people and children receive flu vaccines and encourage people to wear masks and wash their hands, Mi Feng, an official with China's National Health Commission, told a press conference. Doctors in China and experts abroad have not expressed alarm about China's outbreaks, given that many other countries saw similar increases in respiratory diseases after easing pandemic measures, which China did at the end of last year. Reporting by David Kirton; Editing by Lincoln Feast and William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mi Feng, David Kirton, Lincoln, William Mallard Organizations: World Health Organization, China's National Health Commission, Thomson Locations: SHENZHEN, China

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