Global health is in trouble. Older people are more at risk. Dangerous diseases like drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) are spreading quietly. And we're not doing enough to prevent illness through simple things like eating well and staying active. Scientists in Sweden and South Africa found a new way to detect TB in breath. It's not perfect, but it's a start. About hal...
Somalia is a country where many people don't have enough food. This isn't just a small problem. It's a big health issue. For a long time, the country has faced many troubles. These include weak government, harsh weather, and fights among different groups. Because of these problems, many people can't get the food they need. Most studies look at big reasons for this h...
A pet treat company in Michigan is pulling some of its dog chews off the shelves. Why? Because they might be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria that can make both pets and people sick. Best Buy Bones, Inc. is recalling four specific batches of Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites. These treats come in one-pound bags and have an expiration date of September 2027. ...
The Americas might soon lose its measles-free status. This is because cases are popping up in Canada, Mexico, and the U. S. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is worried. To keep the measles-free title, these countries must have zero cases within a year. But time is running out. Vaccination rates are dropping. This is the main reason for the measles comebac...
Politics and medicine should not mix, but sometimes they do. A recent example is U. S. Rep. Nancy Mace's claim that Tylenol use during pregnancy is linked to autism. This claim is not backed by science. It is important to note that major medical groups, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, say Tylenol is safe for pregnant women. Mace's comme...
The COVID-19 pandemic put the spotlight on how well the United States could manage vaccination efforts. Unlike many other countries, the U. S. left much of the decision-making to individual states. This created a patchwork of policies and strategies across the country. The goal was to see how these different approaches affected the speed and fairness of vaccine distr...
In Zambia, anthrax is a big problem that affects both people and animals. It's a disease that can spread from animals to humans, and it's especially risky in places where wildlife, livestock, and people live close together. Three areas in Zambia—Simalaha Conservancy, Blue Lagoon, and Lochinvar National Parks—are hotspots for this disease. These places are also where ...
A recent Senate hearing shed light on the controversial firing of Susan Monarez, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The hearing, led by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, aimed to uncover the true reasons behind her abrupt dismissal just weeks after her confirmation. Monarez, during her testimony, provided a detailed account of t...
Vaccination rates for kids are dropping in many parts of the United States. This is a big deal because it puts communities at risk. Experts say that to keep diseases from spreading, at least 95% of children should be vaccinated. But recent data shows that fewer than 4 in 10 counties meet this goal. This drop in vaccination rates is a concern. It means that more kids...
In 2014, a big eye health study called the National Eye Survey II (NES II) was done in Malaysia. It used a method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to check how many people were blind or needed cataract surgery. The results showed big differences in eye care across the country. Some places had more people with blindness or who needed surgery, while o...