In Northern Ireland, many pregnant women deal with more than one health issue at the same time. This is called multimorbidity. It's a big deal because it can make pregnancy riskier for both the mother and the baby. It also makes things tougher for healthcare services. So, it's important to understand how common this is and what patterns exist. The health of pregnant...
In the heart of California's Imperial Valley, a region known for its winter crops and severe air pollution, a young boy's asthma attack sent his mother into a panic. Esther Bejarano had no idea what triggered her 11-month-old son's symptoms. She suspected pesticides used in nearby agricultural fields. This area, straddling two counties on the U. S. -Mexico border, ha...
Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation. But for some women, it is a time of fear and danger. Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a serious issue. It can lead to severe health problems. This includes a higher chance of death. A recent study looked at the risks and survival chances for women who face IPV during pregnancy. The focus was on Bra...
Wildfires are raging across Canada, with over 90 blazes burning out of control. These fires have forced thousands of people to leave their homes in the province of Manitoba. The smoke from these fires has traveled far, reaching the Midwest and Great Plains in the United States. This smoke has triggered air quality alerts in several states, including Minnesota, Wiscon...
Steroid use is a hot topic in the world of powerlifting. These substances, known as androgenic-anabolic steroids, are used to boost muscle growth and strength. However, the conversation often focuses on the physical risks, like liver damage or heart issues. But what about the mental health side effects? This is a critical angle that often gets overlooked. Powerlifte...
Arsenic is a nasty substance that can get into our bodies through water and food. It's linked to some serious health issues. These include lung, bladder, and skin cancer. Plus, it's connected to heart disease and diabetes. Doctors measure inflammation in the body with a test for C-reactive protein (CRP). This test can hint at problems like heart disease and diabetes....
The air we breathe can have a big impact on our health, especially for athletes who train outdoors. One major concern is particulate matter 2. 5, or PM2. 5. These tiny particles can easily enter the lungs and cause problems. Athletes who exercise in polluted areas might be at a higher risk. A recent study looked into how air quality affects the immune system of athle...
Losing a partner early in life can be incredibly tough. It brings a lot of stress and can even lead to serious health problems. This isn't just about feeling sad. The body goes through some big changes too. One key change is an increase in inflammation. This isn't the kind of inflammation you see on your skin. It's happening inside your body. It's linked to both hear...
Chromium is a harmful metal that comes in two forms: chromite and chromate. Chromate is particularly nasty because it's used in making leather products. As the love for leather goods grows, so does the worry about the health risks from skin contact with chromium in these products. A recent study dug deep into this issue. Scientists tested 105 leather samples for to...
A seasoned firefighter from Baltimore is now fighting a different kind of fire. He was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer on Valentine's Day. This is a type of cancer that starts in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The firefighter, Steve Dorsey, has been with the Baltimore City Fire Department for 21 years. ...