The North Dakota Health and Human Services Department reported two new cases of measles in eastern Cass County over the weekend, increasing the state’s total number of infections to 11. Both individuals who contracted measles were unvaccinated and caught the virus while travelling internationally. One of the individuals is currently hospitalized. Two Essentia Health clinics […]
Measles cases rise to 11 in North Dakota after two new infections reported in Cass County
The North Dakota Health and Human Services Department reported two new cases of measles in eastern Cass County over the weekend, increasing the state’s total number of infections to 11. Both individuals who contracted measles were unvaccinated and caught the virus while travelling internationally. One of the individuals is currently hospitalized. Two Essentia Health clinics […]
Alcohol raises heart disease risk, particularly among women
Young to middle-aged women who reported drinking eight or more alcoholic beverages per week — more than one per day, on average — were significantly more likely to develop coronary heart disease compared with those who drank less, finds a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session. The risk was highest […]
Sweetened drinks linked to atrial fibrillation risk
Adults who reported drinking two liters (about 67 ounces) or more of sugar- or artificially sweetened drinks per week had a higher risk of an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation compared with adults who drank fewer such beverages, according to new research published today in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, a peer-reviewed journal of […]
Over 80% of Nurses Face Workplace Violence, Survey Finds
U.S. nurses reported a surge in workplace violence in post-pandemic times, according to a new survey from the nation’s largest nursing union. In National Nurses United’s (NNU) poll of 914 nurses, 46% said workplace violence had increased and 82% said they had experienced at least one type of violence at work in 2023. Additionally, 68% […]
Drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes reduce alcohol cravings, use in individuals with obesity
In social media posts on the community network Reddit, users reported reduced cravings for alcohol when taking drugs intended to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Across a number of threads — with titles such as “Did scientists accidentally invent an anti-addiction drug?” and “I don’t know if this is a side effect but … […]
How Cardiac Arrest Became a Household Topic After Damar Hamlin’s Collapse
In January, we reported on Damar Hamlin’s collapse during a televised football game. In this report, we follow up on the resulting public interest on sudden cardiac arrest that made Hamlin the most searched person of 2023. During the final Monday Night Football game for the 2022-2023 National Football League (NFL) season, all gameplay between […]
Psychedelics for Psych Conditions Made Their Mark in 2023
In January, we reported on an investigational psychedelic that alleviated symptoms of depression in a mid-stage trial. In this report, we follow up on what has happened since that study was published. In the phase IIa trial, an investigational N,N-dimethyltryptamine treatment — commonly known as the hallucinogen DMT — significantly reduced depressive symptoms by 7.4 […]
U.S. Attempts to Get Its Xylazine Problem Under Control
In February, we reported on the emerging problem of xylazine-laced fentanyl. In this report, we follow up on what has happened since doctors first started raising concerns about this contaminant and its effects. Early in 2023, word started to spread among physicians that a veterinary tranquilizer called xylazine — also known as “tranq” — was […]
Dangerous Brazilian Butt Lifts Get a Makeover in Florida
In April, we reported on the dangers of Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs), and what makes South Florida a hotspot for BBL-related deaths. In this report, we follow up on what has happened since plastic surgeons began raising concerns about the procedure’s safety and Florida’s medical board intervened. Following a swath of deaths tied to gluteal […]