Health

Does the Mediterranean diet hold the key to longevity?

Is following the Mediterranean diet linked to longevity?

El régimen alimenticio propio del Mediterráneo ha sido ampliamente elogiado por sus posibles beneficios para la salud, especialmente por su vínculo con la longevidad y la disminución del riesgo de enfermedades crónicas. Basado en las costumbres alimenticias tradicionales de las naciones que rodean el mar Mediterráneo, este régimen dietético pone énfasis en alimentos enteros y mínimamente procesados como frutas, verduras, cereales integrales, legumbres, nueces, aceite de oliva, así como un consumo moderado de pescado y aves. En las últimas décadas, los investigadores han examinado si esta dieta realmente es la clave para una vida más larga y saludable y cuáles…
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Ultra-processed foods make up the majority of kids' diet, CDC report finds

Kids eat mostly ultra-processed foods, CDC finds

A comprehensive analysis of children's eating patterns reveals a troubling nutritional landscape, with ultra-processed foods accounting for most of what young Americans consume daily. The research, conducted by national health authorities, examined dietary habits across various age groups and found consistently high consumption of industrially manufactured food products from toddlerhood through adolescence.The research classifies ultra-processed foods as those with numerous additives, preservatives, and synthetic components, and very few whole food ingredients. This category encompasses packaged snacks, sweetened cereals, fast food products, and pre-prepared meals that are subjected to significant industrial processing. Experts discovered that these items constitute around 67% of…
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Deaths from flesh-eating bacteria are on the rise. Who is at risk?

Flesh-eating bacteria: Who faces the highest risk as deaths climb?

Coastal areas in the Southeastern United States are seeing an unexpected increase in harmful bacterial infections that have resulted in several deaths this year. Health authorities indicate that Vibrio vulnificus, a possibly lethal bacterium present in warm ocean waters, has led to at least ten confirmed deaths in Florida, Louisiana, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina since January.Florida's Department of Health has documented sixteen cases statewide, with deaths occurring in multiple coastal counties from the Panhandle to the Atlantic coast. Louisiana has recorded seventeen infections - significantly exceeding previous annual averages - while North Carolina confirms seven cases and…
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Texas surgeon says UnitedHealthcare dispute may force her into bankruptcy

UnitedHealthcare battle may result in bankruptcy for Texas surgeon

A renowned board-certified surgeon in Dallas faces a significant financial crisis in her successful medical practice due to a prolonged reimbursement dispute with UnitedHealthcare, a leading national health insurance provider. Dr. Sarah Chen, an expert in minimally invasive procedures, indicates that unpaid reimbursements amounting to almost $2 million have rendered her incapable of managing essential practice costs, such as employee wages and leases for medical equipment.The dispute originated when UnitedHealthcare began denying claims for procedures they later deemed "not medically necessary," despite having previously approved identical treatments for years. Dr. Chen's appeals through the insurer's internal review process proved unsuccessful,…
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A salty twist: Diabetes risk study says french fries are a culprit

French fries consumption associated with greater diabetes risk

A comprehensive nutritional study has revealed concerning connections between regular consumption of french fries and the development of type 2 diabetes. The research, conducted over several years across multiple countries, suggests that the popular fried potato dish may pose more significant health risks than previously understood when eaten frequently.The study examined dietary patterns of over 15,000 participants, tracking their potato consumption habits and health outcomes. While potatoes themselves showed neutral health effects, the data revealed a clear pattern when examining preparation methods. Participants who consumed french fries two to three times weekly demonstrated a 37% higher likelihood of developing insulin…
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Scientists say it may be possible to protect aging brains from Alzheimer’s with an old remedy — lithium

Lithium: An old remedy with new hope for Alzheimer’s prevention in aging brains

Emerging studies indicate that lithium, a medication that has been used for a long time to manage mood disorders, might play a role in preserving cognitive abilities in older adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers exploring this surprising link have found convincing proof that low-dose lithium therapy might be able to postpone or alleviate certain neurological alterations tied to dementia.The potential breakthrough comes from multiple international studies examining lithium's effects on brain chemistry. Researchers have discovered that microdoses of this naturally occurring element appear to interfere with the accumulation of tau proteins and amyloid plaques - two hallmark indicators…
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CDC warns of mosquito-borne chikungunya outbreak in southeast China

CDC alerts public to mosquito-borne chikungunya outbreak in southeast China

Health authorities are closely monitoring a rise in chikungunya virus cases across southeastern China, prompting warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This mosquito-borne disease, though seldom deadly, can cause debilitating symptoms, including severe joint pain, high fever, and prolonged fatigue. With the Aedes mosquito—known for transmitting dengue and Zika—being the primary carrier, officials are urging the public to take preventive measures to avoid infection.The presence of the chikungunya virus has been reported in several provinces, as health specialists link its proliferation to the hot, humid climate that promotes mosquito breeding. Pooled water found in both city…
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Will health insurance pay for Covid vaccines this fall?

Are fall Covid vaccines paid for by health insurance?

As the fall season approaches, many individuals are beginning to wonder whether Covid-19 vaccines will be covered by their health insurance plans. With new variants emerging and public health agencies continuing to encourage vaccinations, it’s natural to question how these efforts will be funded—especially after the federal government ended its emergency declarations earlier this year.During earlier vaccination efforts, the federal government primarily covered the expenses associated with supplying Covid-19 vaccines to the population. Nonetheless, with the conclusion of the national public health emergency, the duty of financing and distributing these vaccines has significantly transitioned to the private sector, such as…
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An Ohio couple welcomes a baby boy from a nearly 31-year-old frozen embryo

Ohio Couple Welcomes Baby Boy from 31-Year-Old Frozen Embryo

In a remarkable event that underscores the evolving possibilities of reproductive technology, a couple in Ohio has welcomed a healthy baby boy—conceived using an embryo that had been cryopreserved for nearly 31 years. This birth is among the longest known intervals between an embryo's freezing and its eventual use in a successful pregnancy, prompting new discussions about the potential and future of embryo preservation.The embryo, frozen in April 1992, was part of a group of donated embryos stored in a fertility clinic’s cryogenic facility. It remained unused for over three decades before being adopted and transferred into the uterus of…
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Trump administration is launching a new private health tracking system with Big Tech's help

Private health tracking system rollout by Trump administration in partnership with Big Tech

In the period of the Trump administration, there was a notable change in the management of health data due to the launch of a novel private health monitoring system. Created in collaboration with multiple major tech firms, this project sought to revolutionize the collection, storage, and analysis of health information, transitioning from conventional public reporting methods to a more centralized system under private management.The choice to establish this system represented a significant shift from the traditional methods managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which had been responsible for managing the country's essential health data framework for…
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