Health

CHICAGO — The local health department has elevated the risk of contracting West Nile virus to “high” after the city recently recorded three cases of the virus, Chicago’s first human cases this year. The three patients are between 40 and 80 years old, live on the Northwest or South sides and all contracted symptoms in late July or early August, …

Late-night scrolling, restless tossing and groggy mornings aren’t always the result of too much caffeine or poor sleep hygiene, but could also be signs of something deeper. As ADHD diagnoses rise among adults, experts shed light on how the condition can impact sleep behaviors in ways that often go unrecognized. And if you’re experiencing any of these challenges, here are …

A group of rabbits in Colorado with grotesque, hornlike growths may seem straight out of a low-budget horror film, but scientists say there is no reason to be spooked – the furry creatures merely have a relatively common virus. The cottontails recently spotted in Fort Collins are infected with the mostly harmless Shope papillomavirus, which causes wart-like growths that protrude …

Health officials in Massachusetts are warning the public about a potentially deadly bacteria in coastal waters after a person was infected. The state’s Department of Public Health issued a warning Wednesday about Vibrio bacteria following what it called “an extremely rare case” of Vibrio vulnificus infection. Officials said the person was most likely exposed to it while at a beach …

Hawaii has reported a dozen cases of ‘bone-breaking’ dengue fever, prompting urgent warnings from health officials.  The Hawaii Department of Health this week confirmed a case of dengue fever on the island of Oahu in a resident who contracted it during international travel.  It’s unclear exactly where the individual traveled, but the health department said it was a region where …

Amid uncertainty at the federal level, the Globe spoke with experts to guide readers on which vaccines are available, what doctors are recommending, and where to find reliable sources of information. Though the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has yet to officially weigh in on the COVID-19 vaccine, Kennedy announced on X in May that the CDC would no …

A new study suggests vegetarians have a 12% lower overall cancer risk compared to those who eat meat. Vegans saw the greatest benefit, with up to a 24% lower cancer risk overall. The strongest reductions were seen in stomach, lymphoma and colorectal cancers. Vegetarian diets, unlike typical Western diets, generally tend to be packed with fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes—all …

Share on PinterestOne unexpected player may turn the tables on Alzheimer’s: lithium. Image credit: Heather Diehl/The Boston Globe via Getty Images Lithium is a mineral that can be found in nature, with small amounts also found in the human body. Past research has also shown that lithium seems to have a neuroprotective effect on the brain. A new study shows …

Why Being in Nature Boosts Your Attention  The New York Times Source link

The United States has issued a travel warning for Americans traveling to five countries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in an update to its global travel alert that polio is circulating in Finland, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. The CDC added those countries to a list that includes more than 30 others with poliovirus …