Breaking News

Health

Shingles is awful, but here’s another reason to get vaccinated: It may fight dementia

WASHINGTON (AP) — A vaccine to fight dementia? It turns out there may already be one – shots that prevent painful shingles also appear to protect aging brains. A new study found shingles vaccination cut older adults’ risk of developing dementia over the next seven years by 20%. The research, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, is part of growing understanding about how many factors influence brain health as we age — and what we can do about it. “It’s a very robust finding,” said lead researcher Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer of Stanford University. And “women seem to ...

Health department layoffs mean that data on drug use and mental health could sit unused

Most teenagers don’t use drugs. There’s data to show that because of a 50-year-old government survey that may now be in jeopardy. The entire 17-member U.S. government team responsible for the National Survey on Drug Use and Health received layoff notices Tuesday, as part of the overhaul of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It's not clear whether there is an alternative plan to analyze the data, which local and state governments use to develop prevention measures and treatment services. The federal government distributes grant money to fight the opioid addiction ...

Supreme Court sides with the FDA in its dispute over sweet-flavored vaping products

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled for the Food and Drug Administration in its crackdown on sweet-flavored vaping products following a surge in teen electronic cigarette use. But the justices’ unanimous decision throwing out a federal appeals court ruling is not the final word in the case, and the FDA could change its approach now that President Donald Trump has promised to “save” vaping. The high court ruled that the FDA, during President Joe Biden’s administration, did not violate federal law when it denied an application from Dallas-based company ...

Could your severe periods be an endometriosis symptom?

Menstruation is a fact of life. But painful periods don’t have to be. Cramping and bloating may not indicate a serious health concern, but talk with your gynecologist about your symptoms to be sure. If your period pain is caused by endometriosis, a healthcare provider can suggest options ...

Endometriosis Awareness Month: Be your own advocate

I’m sure many of you have no idea that March is Endometriosis Awareness month. I’m sure even more of you have no idea what endometriosis is. Endometriosis is an often underdiagnosed and misunderstood medical condition that affects approximately 10 percent of women worldwide between the ages of 15 and 44 — though many women report having symptoms with their first period. Despite how common endometriosis is, an estimated 65 percent of women are initially misdiagnosed due to lack of education on the subject. The average gynecologist or obstetrician may not have a lot of ...

UPMC Sports Medicine Specialist: How to get moving safely

After months of cold weather, many people are eager to get outside and be active again. Whether it’s walking, running, biking or playing sports, spring is the perfect time to shake off winter stiffness. But jumping back into activity too quickly can lead to injuries, especially for those who ...