Health News

1. Why Your COVID Test Results Take That Long

   Promised turnaround times of 24 to 48 hours are stretching to several days, as people wonder if they should isolate or carry on with their regular schedule.

2. Masks Cut Distance Coronavirus Travels in Half

   More evidence for wearing masks -- researchers find face masks cut the distance that airborne pathogens can travel by more than half.

3. Supreme Court Blocks Biden Vaccine Mandate for Businesses

   But the justices voted 5-4 to allow a similar mandate for health care workers remain in place while lawsuits against it move through the courts.

4. More Folks Drive High When Pot Made Legal

   New research finds that along with the legalization of marijuana, more people are driving intoxicated leading to more crashes.

5. Biden: More Masks, COVID Tests, and Troops to Battle Omicron

   The president announced three strategies to protect Americans during the Omicron surge.

6. Why Getting COVID on Purpose Is a Dangerous Idea

   There's a lot of chatter out there asking, ‘If we're all going to get COVID, why not just get it over with now?’ There are a couple of problems with this argument, experts say.

7. Teens On Social Media Too Much? What Experts Want You to Know

   While there are positive aspects to social media, there's evidence it can pose risks to teens' mental health.

8. CDC to Recommend You Wear Better Masks as Omicron Spreads

   Meanwhile, WHO officials stressed that global vaccine distribution is first priority in defeating the highly-contagious Omicron variant, as well as other variants that may evolve.

9. HPV Vaccine Could Shift Rates of Non-Cervical Cancers

   The impressive data on how HPV vaccination has cut cervical cancer rates tells only part of the story of how many other lives could be transformed.

10. How to Make Sense of Omicron and Changing COVID Protocols

    Infectious disease experts share practical advice on navigating all the guidance at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic.

11. Biden Administration to Provide 10 Million More Tests Per Month to Schools

    The Biden administration announced on Wednesday that 10 million more COVID-19 tests will go to schools each month in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus and keep in-person classes going.

12. Betty White’s Cause of Death Was a Stroke

    Actress Betty White died from a stroke she had six days before her Dec. 31 death at her home in Los Angeles, the Associated Press reported, citing her death certificate. She was 99.

13. Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis

    The Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis and is encouraging the public to donate, saying historically low blood supplies are causing some hospitals to change treatments and cancel surgeries.

14. From ‘Go Bags’ to Evacuation Routes, Prepare for a Disaster

    The unfortunate reality is that natural disasters strike year round and often. Here’s how to ensure your family is ready.

15. Will Smith’s Personal Trainer on Getting in the Best Shape of Your Life

    Will Smith’s Personal Trainer Aaron Ferguson shares how to get in the best shape of your life as you start off the new year.

16. Swab Nose, Throat, or Both for COVID-19 Rapid Tests?

    Rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 come with instructions to swab the nose only. Would adding a throat sample boost the accuracy?

17. More Olive Oil May Bring Longer Life

    People who consume more than 1/2 a tablespoon of olive oil a day are less likely to die from heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or lung disease.

18. Nonprofit Addresses Health Equity by Providing Safer Surgeries

    Smile Train is addressing cleft palate around the world and trying to ensure no one’s circumstances limit their health outcomes.

19. Heart of Genetically Modified Pig Transplanted Into Man

    The heart of a genetically modified pig has been transplanted into a 57-year-old man who had end-stage heart disease.

20. Meat Company Recalls 28,000 Pounds of Ground Beef

    A meat company is recalling 28,356 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with an E. coli strain known as O157:H7.

21. At-Home COVID Tests: Rare as Gems and Almost as Expensive

    Thanks to the Omicron surge, finding a rapid at-home test can feel like striking gold under a four-leaf clover at the end of the rainbow.

22. Want to Avoid Glaucoma? What You Eat May Help

    Research has found a link between kale and spinach consumption and a reduced risk of glaucoma. Learn more details.

23. Many Doctors Uninformed on Rights of Disabled Patients

    Thirty-six percent of doctors surveyed knew little or nothing about their legal requirements for patients with disabilities.

24. Supreme Court May Back COVID Vaccine Mandate for Health Workers

    The court does not seem as convinced that the federal government can require private businesses with more than 100 employees to vaccinate or test workers.

25. Medicare Seeks to Cut Drug Costs for People in Part D Plans

    The federal government wants to challenge insurers to deliver better service for their Medicare customers, including maintaining adequate networks of doctors for new or expanded Advantage plans.