Health

A small randomized pilot at Virginia Commonwealth University found that brief therapy dog visits were associated with larger reductions in loneliness among 60 patients hospitalized for acute mental illness compared with other groups, according to researchers reporting in Front in Psychiatry.

A Brazilian randomized trial of 102 adults found a 12-week program of brief intermittent high-intensity exercise produced larger drops in panic severity and attack frequency than a relaxation therapy, and the results were published in Frontiers in Psychiatry.

A study by Vitality and LSE reported that following a 7:1 sleep rule — at least seven hours of sleep and falling asleep within a one-hour window most nights — could add about four years to life expectancy. The article describes five expert-backed sleep hygiene strategies the author uses to keep a consistent schedule.

A Hutchinson mother performed CPR on her 18-year-old son during a cardiac arrest while a 911 dispatcher guided her. Paramedics later restored his pulse and the family says he left the hospital with no lasting brain damage.

Moves to nursing homes or assisted living often happen suddenly, and federal CMS star ratings can flag problematic nursing homes though they rely on self-reported data and have limits.

Ronald Hicks delivered his first Sunday homily at St. Patrick's Cathedral after being installed as New York's archbishop, using contrasts such as sports and pizza to illustrate a theme and stressing evangelization and care for the vulnerable.

NAMI Maryland and other advocates will go to Annapolis for Advocacy Day on February 10 to ask lawmakers to protect state funding after the proposed FY27 budget included a reduction for the Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports. NAMI’s executive director reported rising mental health needs among people of all ages.

A U.S. survey of 2,090 adolescents and their parents found that higher-quality family meals were associated with 22%–34% lower reported alcohol, cannabis and e-cigarette use among teens with lower levels of childhood adversity. The study reported limited benefit of shared meals for adolescents with adversity scores equivalent to four or more adverse childhood experiences.

Dr. Mary Claire Haver says about 50% of women can expect an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime, and subtle clues such as loss of height, back pain, receding gums and brittle nails may signal lower bone density.

Dave Coulier said he is in complete remission after two cancer diagnoses and credited early detection during routine checkups with finding a second cancer early. He described how noticing body changes and a prompt medical visit helped lead to the diagnosis.

A Vitality–LSE analysis reported that meeting a '7:1' sleep goal most nights was associated with longer life expectancy and lower markers linked to cognitive decline for adults aged 40 and over.

A Nashville mother underwent a paid full‑body MRI that found a lung spot; follow-up testing led to a Stage 1B lung cancer diagnosis and prompt surgery. She has written a book and launched a foundation to support screening access and research.

Admiral Brian Christine, MD, writing as Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS, opposes assisted suicide and calls for greater investment in palliative, hospice, and mental health services; the article notes Illinois recently legalized assisted suicide and New York’s governor has pledged to sign a Medical Aid in Dying bill.

Frozen vegetables can be used in green, tomato, or white pasta sauces and are often frozen soon after harvest to help preserve flavor and many nutrients. They come pre-cleaned and chopped, which can shorten prep time for weeknight meals.

Authorities say an 8-year-old boy in Round Lake Beach died after reported long-term neglect and abuse; his mother and her boyfriend have been charged and are due in court Sunday.

Mike Tyson posted a 30-second Super Bowl ad, paid for by nonprofit MAHA Center, in which he describes past struggles with processed foods and severe weight gain. The article notes medical experts saying excess processed foods can increase risks such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

The UN Secretary-General said violence in South Sudan is increasingly targeting humanitarian and health services and that nearly 10 million people now need life‑saving assistance; large displacement and a worsening cholera outbreak have been reported.

The article reports editors tested a range of sleep devices and handpicked favorites they still use, including smart eye masks and sunrise alarm clocks, with options starting at $25.

Former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck says he got a cholesterol test after his father died suddenly and was surprised to learn his LDL levels were high despite a healthy lifestyle.

Observed since 1999, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlights that Black Americans made up about 38% of U.S. HIV diagnoses in 2023 while comprising roughly 14% of the population, and it draws attention to ongoing gaps in testing, treatment linkage, and prevention access.

A new animal study found that parathyroid hormone (PTH) reduced abnormal nerve growth and improved spinal tissue in mice, and researchers say human trials are needed before it can be used for chronic lower back pain.

A UK study of 26,362 adults ages 40 to 77 found that cannabis use was generally associated with larger brain volumes in several regions and with somewhat better performance on cognitive tests. The research team says the results are nuanced and that further study is underway.

PAHO issued an epidemiological alert after a sharp rise in measles cases in the Americas, and it will meet in April to decide whether the U.S. should lose its measles elimination status.

Experts on Broadcast Retirement Network said consistent sleep schedules, limiting evening screen time, and addressing underlying sleep problems — not just symptoms — support memory, immune function, metabolism and cardiovascular health.

A large analysis linked getting at least seven hours of sleep and keeping bedtimes within a one-hour window to a reported increase in life expectancy, and sleep experts in the article say sleeping in on weekends can cause social jet lag and ongoing fatigue.

CMS proposed a 0.09% average increase to Medicare Advantage payments for 2027 and is taking public comments through March 1, with a final rate expected by April 6.

A Pennsylvania bill would ban 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) products above 2%, while the FDA has recommended scheduling kratom concentrate and federal agents seized 7‑OH products in Missouri last December.

Since Germany liberalized cannabis two years ago, telemedicine platforms and online pharmacies have driven rapid growth in legal cannabis imports and sales, and Health Minister Nina Warken has proposed tighter rules requiring in-person prescriptions while the industry pushes back.

South Korea has reported 17 consecutive months of year-on-year increases in monthly births and its national fertility rate rose from 0.721 in 2023 to 0.748 in 2024. Experts say the increase may reflect short-term factors and that deeper structural issues remain.

TrumpRx.gov currently lists discounts largely for GLP-1 weight-loss medications and fewer than 45 drugs in total, with most offers coming from a single manufacturer and only five companies listed so far, Reuters reports.