Almost 100 years after the end of Prohibition, the alcohol industry is facing a new challenge in the United States. In New Mexico, where alcohol-related deaths are the highest in the country, lawmakers are considering two proposals to change how alcohol is taxed. One plan suggests a flat 3% tax rate
Did you know that whooping cough had a record year in 2024? Over 32, 000 people got it, with a staggering 2, 000 cases in California alone. This isn't just scary, it's a clear sign that vaccination rates are dropping. Infants are especially at risk, with over 60 babies under 4 months hospitalized, a
In northeastern Brazil, scientists are looking at marmosets to understand how viruses spread. These small primates live close to humans, making them a good indicator of virus activity. In 2018, researchers studied 47 marmosets from urban and suburban areas in the semiarid region. They checked for si
Ever wondered how we can create wise public health policies? It all begins with solid research, but putting it into practice fairly isn't always a breeze. Let's take a page from doctors and hospitals. They rely on evidence to make crucial treatment decisions. We can borrow from their approach and ap
Forecasting how much public money will be spent on medicines in the future is tough. There's a lot of uncertainty because new drugs keep hitting the market, and it's hard to know how they'll affect the economy. Experts haven't agreed on the best way to do this forecasting yet. Some people like to l
The COVID-19 pandemic brought big changes to our lives, including how much we moved around. A study looked at adults in Arkansas to see how their exercise habits changed during the pandemic, and what factors played a role. Researchers asked 1, 205 adults in July and August 2020 about their exercise
Chemsex, a term referring to the use of drugs during sex, has mainly been tied to men who have sex with men (MSM). It’s now a health concern because it’s linked to rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. But there’s more to explore than just MSM. Let's dive into what research
This fall, BC kids have been hit hard by viruses. Schools reopened during a COVID surge, and since then, kids and their families haven't stopped getting sick. RSV and flu rates are high, and many parents feel like they're living on a sickness rollercoaster. Last year's "immunity debt" idea, blaming
A recent study looked into whether taking dietary supplements had any effect on COVID-19 symptoms. Researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences surveyed over 27, 000 adults who were tested for COVID-19. They found that people who had symptoms were more likely to take supplements,
Have you ever wondered why some Black women in the US might be hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine? It's a big deal, especially because it can make health inequalities worse and affect how many people in the community get vaccinated. You might think, "Why is this a problem? " Well, it's imp
