Author: vpzkum
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Why follow a vaccine schedule for children?
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By the first week in September this year, US health officials had already tallied 247 cases of measles, a highly contagious illness. For perspective, in 2023, 59 measles cases were reported during the full year. This isn’t surprising, as vaccination rates for preventable childhood illnesses have decreased, according to the…
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Gratitude enhances health, brings happiness — and may even lengthen lives
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Several evenings a week, as Tyler VanderWeele gathers around the dinner table with his wife and two young kids, the family deliberately pauses during the meal to do something simple but profound. Each member shares several things for which they’re grateful — an act that VanderWeele, co-director of the Initiative…
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Helping children make friends: What parents can do
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We all want our child to have friends. We want them to be happy, and to build the social skills and connections that will help them now and in the future. Sometimes, and for some children, making friends isn’t easy. This is particularly true after the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of…
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A fresh look at risks for developing young-onset dementia
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Dementia usually develops in people ages 65 years and older. So-called young-onset dementia, occurring in those younger than age 65, is uncommon. Now, a new study published in December 2023 in JAMA Neurology has identified 15 factors linked to a higher risk of young-onset dementia. Let’s see what they found,…
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How well do you score on brain health?
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Need another jolt of motivation to shore up a resolution to shed weight, sleep more soundly, boost nutrition or exercise levels, or cut back on alcohol? Then you'll be pleased to learn that any (and all) of these efforts can also add up to better brain health. An international study…
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How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals
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An F may mean failure in school, but the letter earns high marks in your diet. The two biggest dietary Fs — fiber and fermented foods — are top priorities to help maintain healthy digestion, and they potentially offer much more. How can you fit these nutrients into meals? Can…
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The popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters is soaring, but are they safe?
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Ever ridden an e-scooter or e-bike? The convenience, affordability, and flat-out fun of these “micromobility” modes of transportation are undeniable. But did it also seem a bit dangerous? In fact, the rate of accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters is climbing. Maybe that shouldn’t be surprising given their dramatic jump in…
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Are you getting health care you don’t need?
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Ever wonder if every medical test or treatment you've taken was truly necessary? Or are you inclined to get every bit of health care you can? Maybe you feel good about getting the most out of your health insurance. Perhaps a neighborhood imaging center is advertising discounted screening tests, your…
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Dengue fever: What to know and do
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Mosquitoes are not just a buzzing summertime nuisance; they can carry serious diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika. In recent months, the US has seen an unusual spike in the mosquito-borne illness dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever. What is dengue, and where is it occurring in…
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CAR-T immunotherapy for prostate cancer?
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By fighting off pathogens, the specialized cells of our immune systems help to keep us healthy and free of infectious diseases. Immunotherapies teach those same cells to recognize and destroy cancer. The drugs have been remarkably successful in treating melanoma — a type of skin cancer — as well as…