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State lawmakers are pushing for vaccine exemptions even as childhood vaccination rates fall

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Vaccination bills are popping up in more than 15 states as lawmakers aim to potentially resurrect or create new religious exemptions from immunization mandates, establish state-level vaccine injury databases or dictate what providers must tell patients about the shots. Many see a political opportunity to rewrite policies in their states after President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ‘s nomination as the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency oversees virtually every ...

FDA approves painkiller designed to eliminate the risk of addiction associated with opioids

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials on Thursday approved a new type of pain pill designed to eliminate the risks of addiction and overdose associated with opioid medications like Vicodin and OxyContin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it approved Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Journavx for short-term pain that often follows surgery or injuries. It’s the first new pharmaceutical approach to treating pain in more than 20 years, offering an alternative to both opioids and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. But the medication’s modest effectiveness ...

Penn College’s Hyland earns Doctor of Nursing Practice

WILLIAMSPORT — Sherry L. Hyland, assistant professor of nursing at Pennsylvania College of Technology, recently completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Aspen University. The Doctor of Nursing Practice culminates in an evidence-based practice improvement project. Hyland, who works in ...

Avoiding common winter injuries

Slippery sidewalks, icy driveways and physically demanding tasks like shoveling snow can lead to sprains, fractures and more serious conditions. By understanding common injuries and how to prevent them, you can safely enjoy the winter. Common Winter Injuries Falls on ice and snow are ...

What is a normal heart rate?

You probably were told your resting heart rate at your last checkup. Or maybe you get alerts throughout the day thanks to a fitness tracker or smart watch. But what does the number really mean? And how do you know if your heart rate is normal? What is a resting heart rate? In simple ...

Understanding common illnesses

During cold and flu season, it can be challenging to differentiate illnesses like the common cold, flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus. Each show distinct symptoms, modes of transmission and treatment approaches. Knowing what you’re dealing with can help you make ...