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☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Certain work shifts may harm your health later in life, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

More dire long-term consequences may also be at play, according to new research on the associations between work patterns in young adulthood and health outcomes later in life. Multiple studies have shown how irregular work hours can harm overall health and social life, but the new paper views the relationship through a “life-course” approach, observing how work patterns affect health throughout adulthood instead of one point in time. Despite the challenges of today’s work schedules, health experts say there are strategies people can use to mitigate the negative impacts. Additionally, still having some kind of routine or schedule around that shift can make it easier to fit in those health-promoting activities — especially sleep, Yao added. And past research has found that refraining from eating late at night counteracts the negative effects of shift work on health, he added.

Persons: ”, Wen, Han, ” Han, White, Xiaoxi Yao, wasn’t, Yao, ” Yao, “, Leana Wen, Wen wasn’t, Azizi Seixas, Christian Benedict, Han’s, ” Benedict, Benedict, ” Seixas Organizations: CNN, Silver School of Social, New York University, Longitudinal Survey, Mayo Clinic, “, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Uppsala University Locations: midlife, Minnesota, Sweden

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ How sleep can affect diabetes risk, according to new study
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Sleep is an important lifestyle factor in reducing risk for type 2 diabetes, a new study has found. In terms of risk for type 2 diabetes, there wasn’t a significant difference between those with normal sleep and those who slept six hours. And even for those who ate the healthiest, their diet didn’t offset the effects of insufficient sleep on diabetes risk. The findings are also based on participants’ recollections of their food and sleep habits, according to the study. Confirming a causal relationship “would require randomized trials intervening on sleeping habits to increase sleep time and see if this reduces risk of diabetes in those at risk, e.g.

Persons: CNN —, Dr, Diana Nôga, ” Nôga, ”, Leana Wen, Wen wasn’t, ” Wen, Naveed Sattar, ” Sattar, Wen Organizations: CNN, JAMA, biosciences, Uppsala University, Lighthouse Films, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, University of Glasgow Locations: Sweden, United Kingdom, Scotland, “

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: —

☆ 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

☆ How concerning is the spike in respiratory illnesses in China? A doctor explains
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Deblina Chakraborty | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Hospitals in northern China and Beijing have reported a surge in the number of children with respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia. Why might there be a surge in respiratory illnesses? CNN: How concerning is the spike in respiratory illnesses being reported in China? Dr. Leana Wen: Thus far, based on what we know from WHO, I don’t think the spike in respiratory illnesses should cause global concern. It’s very possible that other areas, especially those with previously strict virus mitigation measures, will see a rise in respiratory illnesses this winter.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, It’s, ”, it’s Organizations: CNN, World Health Organization, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, WHO, People's, Wen, US Centers for Disease Control Locations: China, Beijing, Fuyang, Covid, United States

☆ How to share a meal without sharing germs? A doctor explains
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Deblina Chakraborty | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The first is respiratory illnesses, like the flu, RSV and the common cold. Or they touch their nose, then touch a surface, and then you touch that surface and then your nose or mouth. A subcategory under foodborne infections are infections that result from ingesting the food itself — for example, if it’s undercooked or spoiled. CNN: Finally, what symptoms should people watch out for — how do they know when they need to seek medical care? Wen: Symptoms of respiratory illnesses include fever, cough, sneezing and body aches.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, it’s, buffets Organizations: CNN, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, US Centers for Disease Control

☆ Zepbound: The newest obesity medication explained by an expert
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The US Food and Drug Administration approved the medication Zepbound last week to treat chronic obesity. Tirzepatide joins a similar medication called semaglutide that was also initially developed for diabetes treatment under the name Ozempic and has since been approved to treat obesity under the name Wegovy. Studies on both have shown high effectiveness in treating diabetes and obesity. The injectable medication Zepbound, manufactured by Eli Lilly, was approved by the FDA on November 8 to treat chronic obesity. Note that technically, the versions of the medicines someone needs for obesity treatment are Zepbound and Wegovy.

Persons: Eli Lilly, Tirzepatide, —, Leana Wen, Wen, Zepbound, Ozempic Organizations: CNN, Food and Drug Administration, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, FDA, The New England, of Medicine, JAMA, Novo Nordisk, semaglutide, BMI Locations: The, tirzepatide, Wegovy

☆ Lung cancer: Causes, symptoms and treatments
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The American Cancer Society has just updated their lung cancer screening guidelines in an effort to increase earlier detection. In women, breast cancer is more common than lung cancer, and in men, prostate cancer is more common than lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2023, there will be about 238,000 cases of lung cancer, and about 127,000 people will die from lung cancer. Wen: There are two main types of lung cancers, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Those with first-degree relatives with lung cancer may also have a slightly higher risk of lung cancer themselves, though often this is hard to separate from the effect of second-hand smoke.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen Organizations: CNN, American Cancer Society, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, US Centers for Disease Control, Getty, American Lung Association Locations: United States

☆ Why you shouldn’t postpone your flu vaccine
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

It’s fine to receive the flu vaccine from any of these place — just don’t delay getting it. Wen: The flu can be dangerous, and the flu vaccine has two important positive effects. Wen: If you had flu in years past, then yes, you do still need to receive the flu vaccine this year. I hear from my patients that they don’t need the flu vaccine this year because they’ve already had “the flu” but they never actually tested positive for influenza. First, waning immunity means that the protection from last year’s flu shot won’t carry you through this year’s flu season.

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, they’ve Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, CNN Wellness, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, wanes

☆ Here’s how long you’re contagious for these common viruses
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

If so, what’s the average length of time they could transmit viruses such as the coronavirus, influenza, RSV or the common cold to others? CNN: Is there an easy way to tell if someone is still contagious after having a viral infection? For many viruses, an infected individual is contagious even before they start exhibiting symptoms. CNN: What’s the average length of time someone could transmit the virus to others if they are infected with common viruses like the coronavirus, influenza, RSV or the common cold? These vaccines, crucially, reduce the risk of severe illness, and they decrease your chance of getting infected with those specific viruses.

Persons: CNN —, Leana Wen, Wen, immunocompromise Organizations: CNN, Northern, CNN Wellness, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, :

☆ RSV vaccine: There’s one for older adults, pregnant people and infants
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —For the first time, adults 60 and older are eligible to receive a vaccine against the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Since this is the first time an RSV vaccine has been made widely available, some older people may be wondering why it might be needed. Is RSV a major problem in adults, especially older adults? Tragically, around 10,000 to 13,000 older adults annually die from this infection. I also do not recommend that people who have decided to get the RSV vaccine to wait.

Persons: Abrysvo, Leana Wen, —, Wen Organizations: CNN, Food and Drug Administration, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, US Centers for Disease Control, CNN Wellness, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, CDC, FDA Locations: United States, It’s

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