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FDA says decongestant in many cold medicines doesn’t work. So what does?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Changes are coming to the cold and cough aisle of your local pharmacy: U.S. officials are moving to phase out the leading decongestant found in hundreds of over-the-counter medicines, concluding that it doesn’t actually relieve nasal congestion. Phenylephrine is used in popular versions of Sudafed, Dayquil and other medications, but experts have long questioned its effectiveness. Last month the Food and Drug Administration formally proposed revoking its use in pills and liquid solutions, kicking off a process that’s likely to force drugmakers to remove or ...

Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu, Oregon authorities said, prompting a recall of raw frozen pet food that was sold nationwide. Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, Oregon, said Tuesday it had voluntarily recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for the virus. The product was sold through distributors in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, ...

A sense of hearing, a divine gift

A first sentence warning. This scientific, educational article about hearing is going to mention God. The sense of vision, hearing, taste, touch and smell are remarkable abilities built into humans and other creatures. These five senses are dramatic evidence that a designer was involved in how ...

Raynaud’s Syndrome is more than just a case of cold feet

If you’ve ever felt an intense sting in your nose or a sharp bite in your toes while out in the cold, it could be more than just normal discomfort. These sensations might be signaling a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud’s syndrome or disease. This condition ...

US deaths are down and life expectancy is up, but improvements are slowing

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. life expectancy jumped last year, and preliminary data suggests there may be another — much smaller — improvement this year. Death rates fell last year for almost all leading causes, notably COVID-19, heart disease and drug overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Thursday. That translated to adding nearly a year to the estimated lifespan of Americans. Experts note it’s part of a bounce-back from the COVID-19 pandemic. But life expectancy has not yet climbed back to prepandemic levels, and the rebound appears ...

Tips for a safe, merry and bright holiday season

The holiday season is a wonderful time filled with family gatherings, festive decorations and plenty of treats. But the season also brings certain risks for kids, from choking hazards to potential injuries with holiday decor. Here are some simple safety tips to keep your holiday joyful and ...