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☆ Experimental gene therapy restores some vision in patients with inherited blindness
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Jacqueline Howard | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

“Now, post-surgery and post recovery, I am able to see in dimmer lighting with my left eye,” Cook said. A treatment that used CRISPR was found to be safe and efficacious in improving vision among a small sample of patients with inherited blindness in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial that Cook participated in. Months following the treatment, Cook was sitting with friends on a balcony that had Christmas lights wrapped around the railing. Courtesy Olivia CookBefore the treatment, Cook said that she sometimes could conceal the vision challenges she has had. Mass Eye and EarKalberer described the CRISPR treatment as “groundbreaking,” but warned it’s not a cure.

Persons: Olivia Cook, Cook, ”, ” Cook, “, I’ve, “ I’d, you’d, CRISPR, Eric Pierce, Brigham, “ We’re, ” Pierce, Jason Comander, ‘, Michael Kalberer, Kalberer, it’s, “ It’s, It’s, Pierce, Editas, We’re, Art Caplan, ” Caplan, —, Vlad Diaconita, ” Diaconita, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, Aliaa Abdelhakim Organizations: CNN, Missouri State University, New England, of Medicine, Mass, Harvard Medical School, Editas Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, University of Miami, Oregon Health & Science University, US Food and Drug Administration, CEP290, pharma, NYU Grossman School, Medicine’s Department of Population Health, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, CNN Health Locations: Springfield, United States, CEP290

☆ Common flame retardants linked to deaths from cancer in people, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Flame retardants added for decades to thousands of consumer products in the United States may raise the risk of dying from cancer, according to new research. “The new study links PBDEs to deaths from cancer, building a case for the association between flame retardants and cancer mortality being real,” said Trasande, who researches the impact of plastics, flame retardants and other chemicals on children. Flame retardant chemicals also can pass to developing fetuses via the placenta and to newborns through breast milk, past research has found. In some cases, the industry has replaced these chemicals with newer phosphorus-based flame retardants, Trasande said, adding that researchers are now concerned these chemicals may be linked to cancer as well. When reupholstering older couches or chairs, be sure to replace the old foam with flame retardant-free foam.

Persons: Leonardo Trasande, ”, Trasande, ” Trasande, Tasha Stoiber, EWG Organizations: CNN, National Health, JAMA, NYU Langone Health, US Centers for Disease Control, Manufacturers, US Environmental Protection Agency, CDC, Environmental Locations: United States, PBDEs, New York City

☆ Certain types of ‘forever chemicals’ will no longer be used in US food packaging, FDA says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Brenda Goodman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Certain kinds of greaseproofing “forever” chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, will no longer be used in food packaging in the US, the US Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday. The FDA’s food studies have shown that food packaging materials like fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags and take-out pizza boxes were a major source of dietary exposure to certain types of PFAS, hormone-disrupting chemicals that may persist in the body and the environment. While health and environmental advocates cheered the new announcement, they noted that companies were already facing pressure from state bans to get PFAS out of consumer products, including food packaging. Chemicals called long-chain PFAS stopped being sold in the US due to safety concerns in 2011. Short-chain PFAS weren’t thought to build up in living organisms the way long-chain PFAS do, but research has shown that they may be metabolized into forms that linger in tissue.

Persons: ”, Leonardo Trasande, Melanie Benesh, ” Benesh, chemistries, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, Jim Jones, PFAS, Sandee LaMotte Organizations: CNN, US Food and Drug Administration, NYU Langone Health, American Chemistry Council, “ ACC, FDA, Get CNN, CNN Health, Chemicals, Manufacturers Locations: New York City

☆ Any use of marijuana linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke, study says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Smoking, vaping or eating marijuana is linked to a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke, even if a person had no existing heart conditions and did not smoke or vape tobacco, a new study found. While both daily and non-daily users had an increased risk of heart attack and stroke compared to nonusers, stroke risk rose 42% and the risk of heart attack rose 25% if cannabis was used daily, the study found. Younger adults — defined as men under 55 and women under 65 years old — who used marijuana had a 36% higher risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke regardless of whether they also used traditional tobacco products. Heart disease and marijuana use a known linkPrevious research has already found a link between heart disease and marijuana use. Also called atherosclerosis, CAD is the most common type of heart disease, according to the CDC.

Persons: ”, Abra Jeffers, ” Jeffers, Robert Page II, ” Page, Page, — Organizations: CNN, Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, American Lung Association, Getty, American Heart Association, US Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, CDC Locations: Boston, Aurora , Colorado

☆ Wealthy Silicon Valley county becomes first to declare loneliness a public health emergency
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A Silicon Valley county declared loneliness to be a public health emergency. San Mateo County found that 45% of its residents said they were suffering from loneliness. AdvertisementA wealthy Silicon Valley county in California has become the first in the US to declare loneliness a public health emergency. Stephen Lam/Getty ImagesIn San Mateo County, Canepa has proposed several ideas to combat the problem, including making neighborhoods more walkable. San Mateo County, with over 700,000 residents, in the San Francisco Bay Area, includes part of Silicon Valley.

Persons: —, David Canepa, Vivek Murthy, Murthy, Stephen Lam, Canepa, Jennifer Steele Organizations: Facebook, YouTube, Electronic Arts, Service, Supervisors, NBC News, San Mateo, NBC, San Locations: San Mateo County, Silicon, California, California's San Mateo County, Japan, New York, San Mateo's, San Francisco Bay, Francisco, Silicon Valley

☆ More people need transplants than there are organ donors. Pigs might offer a solution
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

The need for more transplant organs is immense and growing. Researchers have transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys and hearts into people who were brain-dead to test whether they work in humans. Although Larry Faucette was too sick for a human heart transplant, University of Maryland doctors said he seemed physically strong enough for a genetically modified pig heart. It was more than a decade after the first heart transplant but long before such procedures became relatively routine. “We learned that the pig heart is an adequate substitute for a human heart.

Persons: Lawrence Faucette, Ann, he’d, ” Ann, Larry Faucette, Ann Faucette Ann, Larry, didn’t, ”, Robert Montgomery, “, Shelby Lum, ” Montgomery, Xenotransplantation, Art Caplan, Caplan, Babe ”, ” Caplan, They’re, eGenesis, people’s, Dr, Mike Curtis, Sanjay Gupta, ” Curtis, hasn’t, Julie O’Hara, Jim Parsons, Jayme Locke, couldn’t, Locke, Parsons, NYU —, Montgomery —, O’Hara, ” Locke, David Bennett Sr, Mary, David Jr, Bartley Griffith, Bennett, they’ve, Muhammad M, Mohiuddin, Larry Faucette’s, David Bennett’s, ” Griffith, xenotransplantation Ann Faucette, Wilbur, White’s, Ann Faucette, NYU ethicist Caplan, they’re, NYU’s Montgomery, UAB’s Locke, Steve Wood, ’ Curtis, “ I’m, it’s, ” O’Hara, Bennett’s, Larry Faucette —, ” Bennett’s, Faucette, who’d, Griffith, would’ve, Kate, Lucy, Nadia Kounang Organizations: CNN, Food and Drug Administration, University of Maryland, FDA, National Institute of Allergy, NYU Langone Transplant Institute, NYU Langone's Transplant, NYU Grossman School, Medicine’s Department of Population Health, “ Disney, University of Alabama, Transplant Institute, Parsons Family, Birmingham, NYU, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Doctors, University of Maryland Medical Center, Uno, UAB, CNN Health, NFL Locations: Frederick , Maryland, United States, Montgomery, “, Midwest, Yucatan, Maryland

☆ Covid vaccine rates in the U.S. are slumping — and it will be a challenge to boost them
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

In this article PFEMRNANVAX Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTA sign advertises Covid vaccine shots at a Walgreens Pharmacy in Somerville, Massachusetts, on Aug. 14, 2023. Brian Snyder | ReutersThree years into the Covid-19 pandemic, few Americans are rolling up their sleeves to get a Covid vaccine. Experts and vaccine makers can agree that low Covid vaccination rates are concerning, even as cases of the virus dwindle from their pandemic highs. However, Iovine of the University of Florida doesn't believe combination shots will have a significant effect on Covid vaccination rates. If combination shots don't do the trick, it's unclear what else could boost Covid vaccination rates down the line.

Persons: Brian Snyder, Ali Mokdad, Mokdad, Irfan Khan, Jennifer Kates, Brad Pollock, Nicole Iovine, epidemiologist, Iovine, Michael Yee, Albert Bourla, Arpa Garay, Garay, John Trizzino, Trizzino, Jamey Mock, Andrew Pekosz, Jefferies, Yee, doesn't Organizations: Walgreens, Reuters, Pfizer, Moderna, Centers for Disease Control, CDC, University of Washington, CVS Pharmacy, Los Angeles Times, KFF, UC Davis Health's, University of Florida, Jefferies, Arpa, CNBC, Istock, Getty, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Locations: Somerville , Massachusetts, U.S, Novavax, Covid, Eagle Rock , California

☆ Using marijuana during pregnancy may heighten risk for baby
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The vast majority of marijuana use was during the first three months of pregnancy, the study found, and it was predominantly recreational rather than medical. A 2020 study found that women who used weed during pregnancy were 1.5 times more likely to have a child with autism. However, mothers using marijuana during pregnancy were 2.6 times more likely to give birth to a baby with a low birth weight, which can contribute to difficulties in eating, gaining weight and fighting infection. Indeed, the study also found that infants born to moms using marijuana were 2.5 times more likely to need to be admitted for intensive care. A warning for pregnant peopleAny woman using marijuana who discovers she is pregnant should immediately discuss the issue with her doctors, experts say.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Maryam Sorkhou, “, ” Beth Bailey Organizations: CNN, CNN — Infants, University of Toronto, National Institute on Drug, US Centers for Disease Control, Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine, American College of Obstetricians Locations: United States, Canada, Mount Pleasant

☆ Best ways to counter the harmful effects of sitting, according to research
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Sitting too much may send you to an early death, likely from chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and more, according to research. “The question is, if you have a restorative or recharging sleep, is that better than sitting on the couch eating and watching TV? While the study found swapping sitting for sleep improved health, benefits were not equal, the authors said. More vigorous exercise is best, but standing, walking and even sleeping is better than just sitting, experts say. “Since most songs average at least 3 minutes, you can dance off the negative impact of too much sitting.

Persons: ”, Andrew Freeman, ” Freeman, Mark Hamer, ” Hamer, Emmanuel Stamatakis, Kobus, “, Jo Blodgett, James Leiper, ” Leiper, that’s, Dana Santas, ” Santas, Santas Organizations: CNN’s, CNN, BMI, Jewish Health, Institute of Sport, Health, University College London, University of Sydney, British Heart Foundation Locations: waistlines, Denver, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States

☆ Hong Kong is paying new parents $2,500 for having a baby but that won’t even pay a month’s rent
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Hong Kong CNN —Hong Kong is to pay new parents more than $2,500 for having a baby in a bid to boost its flagging birth rate, but many residents in the notoriously expensive city say it’s barely enough to cover a month’s rent. In Japan (birth rate 1.3), parents get a monthly allowance of $107 dollars for each newborn until two years of age. For each child between three years old and senior high, parents get $66.7 per month. Hong Kong subsidizes education from kindergarten to senior high, but nursery, the year or two before kindergarten, is not usually covered. “The government should be thinking about how to convince [us] that Hong Kong is conducive to child-raising,” Lau said.

Persons: John Lee Ka, chiu, ” Lee, ”, Ken Lau, Kristy Chan, ” Lau, Kim Yeung, ” Yeung, Paul Yip Siu, Hong, ” Yip, Sze Lai, Sze, Lau, “ Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong, HK, CNN, Midland Realty, fai, University of Hong, Society for Community Organization Locations: Hong Kong, East Asia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, University of Hong Kong

☆ Common contaminants linked to accelerated weight gain in children
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The research network aims to examine the lifetime impact of exposure in the womb to chemical contaminants in air, water and food. Both DDT and HCB contamination in people occurs “mainly through bioaccumulation in the food chain via fish, fish products, meat (and) dairy products,” Montazeri said. The July 2022 report also found PFAS exposure was sufficiently associated with decreased infant and fetal growth as well as decreased antibody response to vaccines in both adults and children. Pregnant people can take steps to reduce their exposure to various chemicals in commercial products, food and water. “Phthalates and phenols come from plastics and personal care products,” Montazeri said.

Persons: ”, Parisa Montazeri, “, Montazeri, Leonardo Trasande, HCB, ” Montazeri, Trasande Organizations: CNN, Barcelona Institute, Global Health, BMI, NYU Langone Health, Environmental, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Getty, NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine, National Sanitation Foundation Locations: Spain, United States, PFAS

☆ Microsoft announces new AI tools to help doctors deliver better care
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Ashley Capoot | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Microsoft said the new tools will help eliminate the "time-consuming" process of searching through these sources one by one. He said consolidating disparate data will ultimately help health systems improve care and see more patients. "The current state of technology and Microsoft Fabric and Azure and generative AI, all of that, it's going to change the way we live. And it's probably one of the best shots that we have to solve some of the biggest problems we have within health care," he said. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Microsoft's new patient timeline modelNew Azure AI health tools

Persons: Satya Nadella, Stephen Brashear, Arthur Health, Doug King, King Organizations: Getty, Microsoft, Deloitte, Northwestern Medicine, Arthur, CNBC Locations: Bellevue , Washington, Las Vegas, Northwestern

☆ These 5 strategies can help you avoid surprise medical bills
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Unitedhealthcare S Surest With Insider Studios | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Other recent regulations require hospitals to post prices online, and while these efforts offer important protections for people, there are various other ways to help avoid an unexpected medical bill. To help avoid that, confirm with your health plan that any services or tests are covered under your benefits. Negotiate surprise billsIn the event of a surprise bill, there are several steps to pursue. No one wants a surprise medical bill. Learn more about how to avoid surprise medical bills at surest.com.

Persons: Donna O'Shea, — Organizations: Population Health, Insider Studios Locations: surest.com

☆ Does the MIND Diet Prevent Dementia?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Alice Callahan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

What is the MIND diet? The MIND diet was first described in a 2015 study led by Martha Clare Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University, who died in 2020. The MIND diet is unique, however, in that it calls for at least six servings of leafy greens and two servings of berries each week. Does the MIND diet benefit the brain? But these studies can’t prove that the MIND diet itself leads to better brain health.

Persons: Martha Clare Morris, Morris, ”, Debora Melo van Lent Organizations: Rush University, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Locations: San Antonio

☆ Alcohol-Related Deaths Are Rising Among Women
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A new study shows that alcohol-related deaths among women are rising at a faster rate than those among men, particularly for people 65 and older. Over the past 15 years, alcohol-related deaths have steadily increased in the United States and, historically, more men have died from alcohol-related causes. From 2018 to 2020, alcohol-related deaths increased by 12.5 percent per year for men, but by 14.7 percent per year for women. The study highlighted rising rates among older women, in particular: From 2012 to 2020, alcohol-related deaths among women 65 and older increased by 6.7 percent per year, compared with an increase of 5.2 percent per year for men in the same age range. The study does not pinpoint the reasons behind the rise in female alcohol-related deaths, said Dr. Ibraheem Karaye, an assistant professor of population health at Hofstra University and the lead author of the study.

Persons: That’s, Ibraheem, Karaye Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Hofstra University Locations: United States

☆ How lifestyle exercise can lower your cancer risk, according to a new study
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Madeline Holcombe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —As little as one or two minutes of vigorous exercise a day could lower your cancer risk, according to a new study. Participants reported not regularly exercising in their leisure time, and they wore accelerometers to track their VILPA, or vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity, the study said. Adults who incorporated about 4½ minutes of vigorous activity in short one- or two-minute bouts had more than 30% lower incidence rates of cancer, the study found. “The large majority of middle aged and older adults, more than 70-80% in most countries, are not regular exercisers in leisure time, or simply never do any exercise,” Stamatakis said via email. “Previous early-stage trials (showed) that VILPA leads to rapid improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness,” Stamatakis said in an email.

Persons: Emmanuel Stamatakis, “, ”, Stamatakis, Charles Perkins, Dana Santas, ” Stamatakis, Glenn Gaesser, Gaesser, Keith Diaz, Diaz, ” Gaesser, Santas, It’s, ’ ” Organizations: CNN’s, CNN, Charles, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Columbia University Irving Medical Locations: Australia, New York City

☆ In older adults, a little excess weigh may be OK
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Judith Graham | Kff Health News | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

For years, experts have debated what to advise older adults in this situation. Only 27% to 44% of older adults meet these guidelines, according to various surveys. Epidemiologic research suggests that the ideal body mass index (BMI) might be higher for older adults than younger adults. The study’s conclusion: “The WHO healthy weight range may not be suitable for older adults.” Instead, being overweight may be beneficial for older adults, while being notably thin can be problematic, contributing to the potential for frailty. Indeed, an optimal BMI for older adults may be in the range of 24 to 29, Carl Lavie, a well-known obesity researcher, suggested in a separate study reviewing the evidence surrounding obesity in older adults.

Persons: they’ve, ”, Mitchell Lazar, we’re, John Batsis, Anne Newman, —, Carl Lavie, Lavie, “, ” Lavie, Newman, you’re, Dinesh Edem, Dennis Kerrigan, Katie Dodd Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, Institute for Diabetes, University, Pennsylvania’s Perelman, of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Center for Aging, Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, BMI, World Health Organization, WHO, University of Pittsburgh, University of North, University of Arkansas, Medical Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Kaiser Health, KFF Locations: —, Chapel Hill, New Orleans, University of North Carolina, Michigan

☆ U.S. officials say risk of locally acquired malaria remains low as nationwide cases jump to seven
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Joe Raedle | Getty ImagesU.S. public health officials say the risk of locally transmitted malaria in the country remains low as seven new cases in Florida and Texas raise questions. "Despite these cases, the risk of locally acquired malaria remains extremely low in the United States," the agency added. The seven are the first known cases of "locally acquired" malaria in the country since 2003. Health experts say the new locally acquired cases shouldn't warrant panic about widespread malaria transmission in the U.S. Here's what you need to know about the locally acquired malaria cases in the U.S. – and why the risk of transmission remains low right now.

Persons: Barrington Sanders, Joe Raedle, it's, vivax, Daniel Parker, –, Parker, Sadie Ryan, Ryan, Chandan Khanna, UC Irvine's Parker, we're, Rajiv Chowdhury, Chowdhury, Stephane de Sakutin Organizations: Miami - Dade Mosquito Control, Getty, Florida Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control, CDC, CNBC, UC Irvine, University of Florida, Florida Climate Institute, Local, Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services, AFP, UC, Florida International University Locations: Miami, Miami , Florida, Florida, Texas, Sarasota County, United States, U.S, Florida , Texas, Sarasota, Sarasota , Florida

☆ Australia’s having an intense flu season, and it could be a signal of what’s to come in the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Jen Christensen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —It’s only June, but scientists in the US are already thinking about flu season. As always at this time of year, they’re keeping a close eye on Australia, which saw an early start to its flu season. “We closely monitor what happens in countries throughout the Southern Hemisphere this time of year, just to see what’s happening during their flu season. If many people opt out of the flu vaccine, cases could rise. So while Reed and her colleagues will be watching Australia’s flu numbers and running their calculations, it’s still not totally clear what 2023’s flu season will bring for the US.

Persons: CNN — It’s, don’t, Care, It’s, ”, Carrie Reed, Reed, “ We’ve, Thomas McAndrew, “, Taylor Swift, ” McAndrew, William Schaffner, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, –, it’s, ” Reed Organizations: CNN, Australian Department of Health, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Department of Community, Population Health, Lehigh University . “, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, CNN Health, World Health Organization, agency’s Department of Health, Care Locations: Australia, Southern, Chicago, agency’s

☆ Red light therapy: How it affects sleep
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Red light therapy has been found to be helpful for skin health, wound healing, hair growth among people with alopecia and pain management. “That’s why when we talk about blue light or red light, we’re not talking about a red-colored light bulb. A 2019 study led by Figueiro looked into whether delivering red light to closed eyes during sleep — using a red light mask — and to open eyes upon waking — via red light goggles — reduced sleep inertia among 30 adults. In other words, it might be that any benefits come from replacing the light you’re exposed to before sleep with red light, rather than adding the latter during sleep. The bottom line is that when it comes to sleep, “what’s better than red light is no light,” Dasgupta said.

Persons: ”, Raj Dasgupta, “, ” Dasgupta, ‘, Dasgupta, Joshua Tal, Mariana Figueiro, Figueiro, who’s, ” Figueiro Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, Health Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine Locations: China, New York City, Mount Sinai

☆ Marijuana harms development in first trimester of pregnancy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“Low birth weight is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s health and development long-term,” she said. “What we are telling women is that it’s not an absolute certainty that your baby’s growth will be impacted if you are using marijuana. “My advice to women is to avoid using marijuana at all during pregnancy and if possible stop using prior to becoming pregnant,” Bailey said. Marijuana use can harm fetal development in the first trimester, a time when many people may not know they are pregnant. Prior research has “pretty well established” that smoking cigarettes during pregnancy has a bigger impact on birth weight than exposure to marijuana,” Bailey said.

☆ New study suggests Black women should be screened earlier for breast cancer
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Jacqueline Howard | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

CNN —A new study on breast cancer deaths raises questions around whether Black women should screen at earlier ages. Even though Black women have a 4% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than White women, they have a 40% higher breast cancer death rate. “When the breast cancer mortality rate for Black women in their 40s is 27 deaths per 100,000 person-years, this means 27 out of every 100,000 Black women aged 40-49 in the US die of breast cancer during one year of follow-up. They also wrote that health policy makers should pursue equity, not just equality, when it comes to breast cancer screening as a tool to help reduce breast cancer death rates. Having dense tissue in the breast can make it more difficult for radiologists to identify breast cancer on a mammogram, and women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer.

☆ The Best Places to Buy a House on a Budget
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Michael Kolomatsky | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

First-time home buyers around the country are struggling to amass a down payment in this high-inflation economy. For those who work remotely or are open to relocating, a recent study by Rocket Homes can help find a new locale. To arrive at the 10 best metros for these buyers, researchers compared home prices, mortgage payments, income and sales taxes, unemployment and crime rates, the health of residents and climate hazards. Thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages and 20 percent down payments with an interest rate of 6.5 percent were factored into the calculations. Pittsburgh came in seventh, thanks in large part to the health of its residents.

☆ Venture Capital Investors Are Trying to Take Over Pandemic Response
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Adam Rogers | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +19 min

Private capital has been eyeing public health for years. Several founders and investors told me that the failure of Kleiner's fund made Silicon Valley wary of investing in pandemic preparedness. Venture investors love that kind of thing. Public health and private industryWhen COVID hit, Charity Dean was the assistant director of the California Department of Public Health. In the end, almost every pandemic-related product created by Silicon Valley will ultimately require the government as a primary customer.

☆ Workers are clamoring for pricey new weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Companies are grappling with how to respond.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Companies that pay for workers' health insurance are grappling with how to cover the pricey drugs. Medicare, the federal program that provides health coverage for people 65 and older, doesn't cover weight-loss drugs. ArcBest already has a program to help workers lose weight through behavior changes and nutrition. Krutsch said he wants to build on that, covering the weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Saxenda for employees who aren't able to lose weight without medication. The new weight-loss drugs were in short supply in 2022, and that gave employers time to figure out how to handle them, he said.

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