The U. S. is seeing a sharp increase in flu cases, thanks to a new variant called subclade K. This variant first showed up in places like the U. K. , Japan, and Canada. The CDC reports that over half of the states are now experiencing high or very high levels of flu activity. So far this season, th
PFAS chemicals, also known as "forever chemicals, " are found in many makeup products. These chemicals do not break down easily and can stay in the body and environment for a long time. A recent study found over 50 different PFAS chemicals in more than 1, 700 beauty products. This is a lot of potent
Over the past decade, the number of pregnant women using opioids has seen a significant rise. This trend is worrying because it puts both the mother and the baby at risk. A recent study looked at over 5. 5 million pregnancies in California. It found that the rate of opioid use during pregnancy more
Financial worries can age your heart faster than you might think. A recent study found that money troubles and not having enough food can speed up heart aging just as much as high blood pressure or diabetes. This means people with financial stress might be at a higher risk of heart disease and even
Rotorua's lakes and rivers are popular spots to beat the summer heat, but they come with risks. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is urging everyone to be cautious. Last year, 17 people drowned in lakes and rivers across New Zealand, with three of those in the Bay of Plenty. Drowning isn't the only
Phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics flexible, have been around for decades. They are found in many everyday items, from food packaging to medical equipment. Scientists have known about the potential dangers of these chemicals for a long time. Yet, despite growing evidence, regulat
COVID-19 is still around, and it's still a big deal. Health experts are urging people to get the latest COVID-19 booster shot. This updated booster is designed to protect against the ever-changing virus. It's not just about avoiding getting sick right now. It's also about preventing long-term health
Mixing medications and alcohol can be a dangerous game. Many people don't realize that even common over-the-counter drugs can react badly with alcohol. This can lead to serious health issues, from liver damage to respiratory problems. Let's start with pain relievers. Ibuprofen and naproxen, found i
Construction workers are in the frontline of climate change. They spend long hours outside and face serious health risks. Heat waves, humidity, and cold snaps can all cause problems. So can air pollution. These issues are well known. But what can be done to keep workers safe? A recent study looked
Forever chemicals, man-made substances designed to repel water, oil, and stains, are everywhere. They are in nonstick pans, fast-food wrappers, and waterproof jackets. Scientists have already linked them to serious health issues like liver damage, high cholesterol, fertility problems, birth defects,
