Health

Mississippi declares public health emergency over rising infant mortality rate

Surge in infant mortality leads to Mississippi public health emergency

Mississippi has announced a public health emergency due to a troubling increase in infant mortality rates, becoming one of the most critical health challenges the state has encountered in recent times. This worrying pattern has positioned the state at the forefront of nationwide conversations on maternal and child health, as authorities rush to identify the root causes and establish immediate interventions.El anuncio de una emergencia resalta la gravedad de la situación. La mortalidad infantil, que se refiere a la muerte de un niño antes de cumplir un año, es un indicador fundamental de la salud general de una comunidad y…
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CVS holds off adding Gilead's new HIV prevention shot to drug coverage lists

CVS delays including Gilead’s new HIV prevention shot in drug coverage

CVS Health has delayed the inclusion of Gilead Sciences’ newest injectable for HIV prevention in its pharmacy benefit plans. This move might impact the availability of the innovative drug for patients. Recently authorized by regulatory bodies, the medication is regarded as a significant progress in HIV prevention, providing a more lasting option compared to current daily oral treatments.Gilead’s innovative approach is centered on convenience and efficacy, designed to improve adherence for individuals at risk of HIV infection. Unlike traditional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tablets that require daily intake, this injectable is administered at longer intervals, reducing the burden of strict adherence.…
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Supreme Court allows Trump's cuts to health research grants over DEI policies

Supreme Court affirms Trump’s cuts to health research grants over DEI concerns

El Tribunal Supremo de los Estados Unidos ha decidido respaldar la imposición de restricciones a las subvenciones federales para la investigación en salud relacionadas con políticas de diversidad, equidad e inclusión (DEI), generando un amplio debate en las comunidades académicas y de investigación médica. Esta decisión respalda las medidas anteriores implementadas durante la gestión de Donald Trump, que buscaban disminuir la financiación de programas que exigían el cumplimiento de estándares DEI para obtener subvenciones.The court's decision is seen as a critical juncture in the ongoing debate on the allocation of federal money to research organizations. By maintaining these limitations, the…
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Revised AHA guidelines on hypertension: What's new?

Updated AHA guidelines on hypertension: Key changes

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, and its proper management is critical to reducing risks such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Recently, the American Heart Association (AHA) introduced revised guidelines to help physicians and patients address this issue more effectively. These updates reflect new evidence, better screening recommendations, and more personalized approaches to treatment, all with the goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing long-term complications.The decision to revise these guidelines comes from extensive research showing that earlier interventions and more precise monitoring can significantly reduce cardiovascular events. The updated…
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Does semaglutide really contribute to vision loss?

Understanding the risks of vision loss with semaglutide

Semaglutide, a medication widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes management and more recently for weight control, has generated both excitement and concern in the medical community. While its effectiveness in regulating blood sugar and supporting weight reduction is well documented, some reports and studies have raised questions about whether it could be linked to vision problems, including a potential risk of vision loss. This possibility has understandably attracted attention from patients and healthcare professionals, making it important to separate scientific evidence from speculation.To grasp the ongoing discussion, it's beneficial to examine what semaglutide is and its operational mechanism. Acting as…
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Small change to how you walk may help relieve osteoarthritis pain

Adjusting how you walk may relieve osteoarthritis pain

Osteoarthritis ranks among the most prevalent joint issues globally, impacting millions as they grow older. Marked by the slow degradation of cartilage, it commonly results in rigidity, inflammation, and discomfort that hampers daily tasks. Standard treatments usually involve drugs, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgery. However, recent studies indicate that even a slight change in one's walking style could substantially reduce pain. This straightforward adaptation provides an easy and non-invasive method for those seeking effective strategies to handle their condition.Walking is a basic function most people take for granted, yet the mechanics of each step have a direct impact…
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Man who asked ChatGPT about cutting out salt from his diet was hospitalized with hallucinations

ChatGPT told man to cut salt from diet, resulting in hospitalization for hallucinations

The story of a man who was hospitalized with hallucinations after following dietary advice from an artificial intelligence chatbot has brought the risks of relying on unverified digital sources for medical guidance into sharp focus. The individual, who had asked ChatGPT for a low-sodium diet plan, experienced severe health complications that experts have linked to the bot's uncritical recommendations. Este evento actúa como un recordatorio contundente y aleccionador de que, aunque la IA puede ser muy útil, carece de los conocimientos fundamentales, el contexto y las medidas de seguridad ética necesarias para ofrecer información sobre salud y bienestar. Su resultado…
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FDA warns about unapproved thyroid pills — then says it'll 'ensure access' to them

FDA addresses unapproved thyroid pills — then confirms it will ‘ensure access’ to them

The recent declaration from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning non-approved thyroid treatments has led to a complicated and sometimes inconsistent scenario for both patients and medical professionals. The agency has issued a significant alert about the potential safety hazards linked to these medications, particularly a type of "animal-derived thyroid" (ADT) products. At the same time, the FDA has expressed its plan to "maintain accessibility" to these exact medications, at least for a temporary phase. This dual communication highlights the fragile equilibrium the FDA must maintain between its duty to safeguard public health and its obligation to avoid disrupting…
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3,000 steps a day at a faster pace may lower cardiovascular risks by 17%

3,000 steps a day at a brisk pace may reduce heart disease risk by 17%

A recent analysis indicates that walking 3,000 steps daily at a rapid pace may greatly decrease the chance of developing heart disease. The study emphasizes that it's not only the number of steps that matters but also how vigorous they are. This discovery offers an effective, implementable strategy for those aiming to enhance their cardiac health without engaging in a lengthy or demanding fitness routine. It underscores the concept that even moderate and regular exercise can bring significant health advantages.The research, which evaluated data from many participants, concentrated on the link between the number of steps taken each day, the…
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Subtle signs of multiple sclerosis may appear years before onset

Multiple sclerosis: subtle indicators may precede official onset by years

Numerosos estudios emergentes están proponiendo que las personas pueden manifestar síntomas leves de esclerosis múltiple (EM) mucho antes de obtener un diagnóstico formal. Estos signos tempranos, que suelen pasar desapercibidos, son ahora un foco clave para investigadores que buscan optimizar el tiempo de detección y tratamiento. Al identificar estos indicadores preclínicos, los profesionales de la medicina esperan intervenir antes, lo que podría desacelerar el avance de la enfermedad y mejorar los resultados a largo plazo para los pacientes. Este cambio de enfoque, de manejar la enfermedad tras su aparición a comprender sus fases iniciales, representa un avance significativo en la…
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