Latest Health News

MONDAY, Dec. 27, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Lockdowns keep people home for a few weeks, but they lose their luster after a few months, claims a new study that comes as many countries consider a return to lockdowns to slow the renewed spread of COVID-19. The findings could be used by policymakers when deciding whether to impose lockdowns, the researchers said. For the study, the investigators analyzed data gathered by Google from mobile device users in 93 countries who agreed to share their history on where they went and how long they stayed in a location. The researchers analyzed data collected in the first five weeks of 2020 — before lockdowns were imposed — and after lockdowns took effect. Compared to pre-lockdown, people's mobility fell by 36% at the start of lockdown and...

MONDAY, Dec. 27, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Genes in human embryos become active far sooner than once thought, according to a study that provides fresh insight into development.Contrary to the old view that gene activity begins two to three days after conception when the embryo is made up of four to eight cells, researchers found that it actually begins at the one-cell stage.One-cell embryos have hundreds of active genes, but previous techniques have not been sensitive enough to detect that small amount of activity. State-of-the art RNA-sequencing used in this study could do so, according to the British authors."This is the first good look at the beginning of a biological process that we all go through -- the transit through the one-cell embryo stage," said study co-leader Anthony Perry,...

SUNDAY, Dec. 26, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Don't let a picture-perfect snowfall turn deadly.Shoveling snow can cause heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest in folks with heart conditions and even in those who are unaware that they have heart disease, the American Heart Association (AHA) warns."Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity, made even more so by the impact that cold temperatures have on your body, increasing the blood pressure while simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries. It really is a 'perfect storm' for acute cardiac events," Barry Franklin said in an AHA news release. He is the lead author of an AHA scientific statement on exercise-related heart risks."Among the many findings of our research, we saw that the cardiac demands of heavy snow shoveling, including...

SATURDAY, Dec. 25, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Give yourself and your loved ones the gifts of health and safety this holiday season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests. The agency outlines 12 ways to do that, beginning with a reminder that washing your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread of germs. That precaution is particularly important as the Omicron variant surges across the United States and the flu season returns.Here are some other recommendations from the CDC:When heading outside, wear appropriate clothing such as light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots.Manage stress by seeking support, connecting with others and getting plenty of sleep.Don't drink and drive, and don't let others...