Infant Health: Study Says Babies Receive Essential Microbes Whether They're Born Naturally or by C-Section

Experts say breastfeeding is usually the healthiest option for infants. Kristen Curette & Daemaine Hines/Stocksy Researchers say infants born via cesarean section receive only slightly fewer essential microbes from mothers. They add that this difference can be bridged by breastfeeding. Experts say that in most cases breastfeeding is the healthiest option for babies. Essential microbes transferred from mother to infant are only slightly lower for babies born via cesarean section

Pope Francis Hospitalized: What We Know

Alessandra Benedetti – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images Pope Francis has been hospitalized for a respiratory infection. There are many different kinds of seasonal viruses, including rhinovirus, RSV, and bacterial pneumonia, that can cause an infection in the respiratory tract. The pope may have a greater risk of serious disease since he previously had part of a lung removed.  Pope Francis was hospitalized for a respiratory infection on Wednesday after experiencing difficulty breathin

Eye Drop Recall: Everything You Need to Know Right Now

Su Arslanoglu/Getty Images A new recall for eye drops has impacted two lots of the Purely Soothing 15% MSM eye drops from Pharmedica USA. This is just the latest over-the-counter eye drop or ointment product to be recalled this year in the United States. In February India-based Global Pharma Healthcare voluntarily recalled its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, which were distributed by EzriCare, LLC and Delsam Pharma. Global Pharma Healthcare issued another voluntary recall on F

This Protein May Target Major Cause of Obesity, Mouse Study Finds

Thomas Barwick/Getty Images A naturally-occurring peptide, could provide a new way to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver and other obesity-related diseases. Mice who received this peptide also saw a reduction in the enlargement of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and a reduction in the migration of immune cells into certain tissues. Obesity can have a number of effects throughout the body, including changing metabolism in adipose (fat) tissue, damaging the pancreas

These New Joint Repair and Pain Relief Advancements Are Changing How Arthritis Is Treated

New and emerging advancements are changing the way joints affected by arthritis can be treated. Maskot/Getty Images Nearly 1 in 4 Americans are living with arthritis. Many people have to turn to joint repair and replacement procedures for treatment. A range of technological innovations and advancements in treatment have emerged in recent years to create more long-lasting, effective treatments to repair joints affected by arthritis. For the millions of Americans who live with arthr

What You Can Do Before Daylight Saving Time to Help Your Body Adjust

Experts say slowly adjusting your bedtime as well as decreasing your caffeine intake the week before changing your clocks can help ease the transition. Getty Images Daylight saving time officially begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, when we turn our clocks ahead one hour. Experts say the time change can temporarily disrupt our inner body clocks and circadian rhythms. They say there are ways to ease the transition from slowing adjusting our clocks in the days ahead of the change to de

Mediterranean Diet Can Reduce a Woman's Heart Disease Risk by 25%

Hernandez & Sorokina/Stocksy The Mediterranean diet may help women stay heart healthy, according to a new study. Women on this plant-based diet low in red meat had a 25% reduced risk of heart disease and death. The diet’s antioxidant properties and microbiome effects help reduce inflammation throughout the body.  A new study has found that sticking with the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on a diet high in healthy fats, plants and lean meats, can boost heart health, especial

Interested in CBD? You’re Not Alone. 30% of US Adults Are Too

A new survey conducted by Healthline found that a growing number of US adults of all ages are interested in using CBD products to help them manage a range of symptoms and conditions. Lauren Lee/Stocksy CBD products are becoming more widely available and interest and awareness are growing. Many people hope these products can help them reduce stress, improve sleep, or manage pain. The CBD marketplace is largely unregulated, leaving it to consumers to do their own research. Healthline

FDA Panel Recommends Approval of First RSV Vaccine: What to Know

Concerns have been raised about the increase in RSV cases among older adults. McKinsey Jordan/Stocksy An advisory panel has recommended that federal regulators approve the use of two RSV vaccines in older adults. The recommendation comes as officials express concerns about the increase in RSV cases in older adults. The panel is expected to vote on a recommendation for an RSV vaccine for children in the next few months. Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recomme

Dementia: This Memory Test Can Predict Who's at Risk of Cognitive Decline

Morsa Images/Getty Images A recent study finds that a simple memory test may help predict people’s risk of cognitive decline. Memory recall tests have been used for decades and impaired performance on these tests has been linked to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Early detection of cognitive impairment, especially with Alzheimer’s disease, can help people combat long-term memory issues. A simple memory test may be able to predict future cognitive decline in people with no

Poor Sleep Can Make Vaccines Less Effective, Particularly for Men

Researchers say poor sleep can reduce your body’s ability to produce antibodies after vaccination. DjelicS/Getty Images Researchers say poor sleep can greatly reduce your body’s immune reaction to vaccinations. They say that’s because restful sleep helps the body to produce antibodies needed to ward off infections. Experts say there are a number of ways to help ensure a good night’s sleep from establishing a consistent bedtime routine to avoiding caffeine in the evening to limiting scr

Getting a Good Night's Sleep Can Boost Your Response to Vaccinations

Researchers say good sleep habits can boost your body’s ability to produce antibodies. Tatyana Gl/Getty Images Researchers say healthy sleep habits can boost your body’s immune reaction to vaccinations. They say that’s because restful sleep helps the body to produce antibodies needed to ward off infections. Experts say there are a number of ways to help insure a good night’s sleep from establishing a consistent bedtime routine to avoiding caffeine in the evening to limiting screen time

Person Dies From Brain-Eating Amoeba After Sinus Rinse

Cara Brostrom/Stocksy United A person died from exposure to Naegleria fowleri, also known as “brain-eating amoeba.” The person may have been using a sinus rinse when they were exposed. Infection with Naegleria fowleri is rare and only occurs when water contaminated with the amoebae enters the nose. A person in southwest Florida died after being infected with Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” The infection occurred “possibly as a result of sinus r

After One Year, Popular Weight Loss Drug Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) Improved Heart Health

New research showed that the weight loss drug semaglutide may lower heart disease risk. Jelena Markovic/Stocksy United A small study found that the popular weight loss drug semaglutide may help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. After one year, study participants showed improvements in multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Some experts suggest that by treating obesity, Ozempic appears to decrease risk fac

3 Cups of Coffee a Day May Help Reduce Body Fat and Diabetes Risk

Caffeine in coffee and tea may help reduce body fat and decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.   Westend61/Getty Images New research suggests coffee and green and black tea may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the caffeine in those drinks and the effect it can have on body fat and weight, may be the reason for the reduced risk. In addition to boosting metabolism, caffeine has a number of other potential health benefits, such as increasing alertness and

Epilepsy: Risk of Early Death Linked to Severity, Other Health Issues

Experts say more research and access to treatment are needed for people with epilepsy. Oscar Wong/Getty Images Epilepsy is a neurological condition that produces changes in the brain that can cause seizures. Researchers say people with the condition have a higher risk of early death than the general population. The risk can fluctuate depending on the severity of the epilepsy and what other health issues a person may have. People with epilepsy have a higher risk of premature death t

Currently Available Drug May Help Delay Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

697012482 A new study has found that a drug called teriflunomide may delay the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis for people whose MRI scans show signs of MS. The researchers found that the drug can help even if people affected are not yet manifesting symptoms of the disease.  MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective coating that covers the nerve fibers, called myelin. Starting treatment early for multiple sclerosis

Every Girl Scout Cookie Ranked from Healthiest to Unhealthiest

While cookies are by no means a health food, it’s possible to include them as part of an overall healthy eating plan when consumed in moderation. Image via Girl Scouts of America Nutrition experts say healthy eating is about making good choices most of the time. Treats like cookies can be eaten in moderation. Information like total calories, saturated fat, and added sugars can be used to compare which foods are relatively healthier. However, it’s also important to savor and enjoy wh

Narcan: FDA Allows Opioid Overdose Drug to Be Sold Over The Counter

Naloxone is often known by its name brand Narcan. Scott Olson/Getty Images Naloxone, more commonly known by its brand name Narcan, is a drug used to reverse some of the effects of opioid overdose. The FDA says the drug can now be sold over the counter. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Pharmacists Association support making naloxone more widely available to help save lives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the opioid-antidote naloxone know

Marburg Virus: 5 Deaths in Tanzania Outbreak

Bats can transmit the deadly Marburg virus. Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images The World Health Organization is reporting an outbreak of the Marburg virus. For the first time it has appeared in Tanzania At least eight suspected cases and five deaths have been reported. The news comes weeks after the disease was reported for the first time in Equatorial Guinea. The country of Tanzania is reporting its first outbreak of the Marburg virus according to the World