HEALTH

Sep 06 2024HEALTH

Hospital Havoc: Six Steward Hospitals Sold, But What Does it Mean for Patients?

A judge has greenlit the sale of six Steward Health Care hospitals in Massachusetts for $343 million, but this isn't just a simple business deal. It raises some serious questions: Who benefits from this sale? What about the quality of care for patients? And what does it say about the state of health

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Sep 06 2024HEALTH

Mosquito Mayhem: Are These Towns Sitting Duck for EEE and West Nile?

Massachusetts is buzzing with worry as EEE and West Nile virus risk levels surge. While we all love a good summer picnic, should we be trading our lemonade for bug spray? Let's break down the situation and see if we can figure out what this means for you. Central Massachusetts Under Fire The

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Sep 06 2024HEALTH

Thundermist Health Center: Financial Crisis or Shifting Tides?

Rhode Island's beloved Thundermist Health Center, known for serving over 60,000 patients across its West Warwick, Woonsocket, and South County locations, is navigating a turbulent financial sea. The board recently made a significant decision: terminating the contract of Jeanne LaChance, the organi

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Sep 06 2024HEALTH

When Reality Takes a Holiday: Exploring the Complexities of Mental Health and Policing

Gilberto Melendez-Brancaccio, a man battling mental illness, found himself in a familiar predicament in June 2021. Confused and experiencing religious delusions, he was discovered in a Quincy hotel, proclaiming himself God. The police, responding to the situation, arrived and called for an ambulanc

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Sep 06 2024HEALTH

Is Light Pollution Blinding Us to the Dangers of Alzheimer's?

In a world where cities shine brighter than ever before, new research suggests our obsession with illuminating the night may be casting an ominous shadow over our mental health. A recent study by scientists at Rush University Medical Center found that states with the highest levels of artificial lig

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Sep 06 2024HEALTH

Can a Smart Ring Really Sleep Like a Baby (and Track It Too)?

You've probably heard of smartwatches, but what about smart rings? The RingConn Gen 2 claims to do it all – track your sleep, activity, heart rate, and even detect sleep apnea! One tech reviewer put it to the test, comparing it to their trusty Apple Watch for a week. They wore both devices while sl

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Sep 06 2024HEALTH

Shining Light on the Darkness: Can 'Continue' Spark Real Conversations About Mental Health?

Imagine a world where talking about mental health isn't taboo, where movies like 'Continue' aren't just entertainment, but catalysts for genuine understanding. That's the hope behind this new film, starring Emily Deschanel and Nadine Crocker, who drew inspiration from her own struggles with depress

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Sep 06 2024HEALTH

HPV Self-Testing: A Game Changer or Just a Marketing Gimmick?

HPV self-swab test hitting doctor's offices this month with promise of more comfortable screening but questions remain about access, accuracy, and at-home use. The new test offers an alternative to the traditional uncomfortable procedure involving a gynecologist. However, concerns about the test

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Sep 06 2024HEALTH

Trump's IVF Plan: A Fertile Faux Pas or a Clever Clutch?

The government should not cover IVF treatments or mandate insurance coverage. IVF is not a necessity like healthcare but more akin to cosmetic procedures that are desired but not essential. If covered, criteria would need to be set for who qualifies and how many cycles per person. This could creat

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Aug 28 2024HEALTH

Shining a Light on LED Face Masks: Experts Weigh In on Effectiveness and Value

Once the domain of high-end spas and dermatology clinics, LED light therapy has made its way into the homes of beauty enthusiasts in the form of glowing red masks and wands. Promising to smooth fine lines, reduce redness and inflammation, treat acne, improve elasticity, and erase discoloration, the

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