Health

The Health and Human Services secretary moved hepatitis A, influenza, meningococcal (MenACWY) and rotavirus from routine pediatric recommendations to a "shared clinical decision-making" category, and the department says the vaccines remain available and covered by insurance; the change was made without a vote from the usual outside expert panel.

The Cook County Department of Public Health is urging residents to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Month and is offering free test kits to suburban Cook County residents.

A man from Costa Rica who was detained by ICE was hospitalized in June with an altered mental status and was later deported to Costa Rica in a reported vegetative state; DHS says he was diagnosed with unspecified psychosis and hospitalized while in custody.

Researchers at University Hospitals treated mice carrying human Alzheimer's genes with a compound that restored NAD enzyme function and reversed multiple brain pathology features and cognitive deficits; the team says human studies are still years away.

A man has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder after a Columbus couple were found dead; their two young children were later found physically unharmed.

The Department of Health and Human Services revised the U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations to mirror Denmark's schedule, narrowing routine recommendations and reclassifying meningococcal, hepatitis B and hepatitis A vaccines to shared clinical decision-making; experts warned the countries differ in health systems and social safety nets.

An OHSU study published in Sleep Advances found inadequate sleep was linked to higher mortality risk across U.S. counties and ranked as a leading behavioral factor after smoking.

Jill Martin will have emergency surgery to address a skin complication linked to prior breast cancer treatment; she and doctors say her cancer has not returned.

Chicken noodle soup can provide protein, vegetables and warm broth that support hydration and ease digestion; commercially prepared versions often contain high sodium and fewer vegetables or protein, so ingredients and preparation affect its nutritional value.

The Fred Hampton Free Store operates in an abandoned Family Dollar in the Lower 9th Ward and is run by volunteers. It provides donated goods, basic medical care and harm-reduction services without federal or foundation funding.

Novo Nordisk says its newly approved once-daily oral Wegovy pill launched in U.S. markets after FDA approval in December 2025 and is seeing strong interest; the company reported trial results similar to the injectable and wide pharmacy availability at about 70,000 locations.

Doctors report that meningococcal cases have increased since 2021, and they warn the CDC's move to recommend meningococcal vaccines only for high-risk groups could reduce adolescent vaccination rates.

Chest pain is common, but heart attacks can also present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, jaw or arm discomfort, nausea or unexplained pressure, and doctors report that quicker recognition and prompt emergency evaluation improve outcomes.

A WHO-commissioned systematic review of more than one million women found no strong evidence that menopause hormone therapy changes dementia risk; most studies were observational and rated low certainty.

Many Americans sleep on their side, and WIRED Reviews tested hundreds of mattresses over extended use to identify 12 models the team found suited to side sleepers' needs.

Federal officials released new Dietary Guidelines urging whole foods and limits on highly processed products, including advice of no more than 10 grams of added sugars per meal. The guidelines also endorse some foods higher in saturated fat and recommend consuming less alcohol without specific daily limits.

Maggie Lamagdeliene, a Jacksonville native and lifelong Jaguars fan, broke her kneecap on New Year's Eve, had surgery this week, and plans to attend the Jaguars' home playoff game on Sunday.

Sleep experts warn the popular 5 a.m. wake-up trend can backfire for people who are not naturally early risers, and ideal wake times vary by chronotype, habits and consistency.

Seven hair experts say many people stop hair growth products too soon; a drop in shedding is often reported within a month and visible regrowth may appear after about six months of consistent use.

The American Red Cross says its blood supply is under pressure following the busy holiday season, and officials warned shortages could force difficult decisions about which patients receive transfusions.

An Albuquerque arrest warrant alleges Timothy Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two child actors, and police documents say Melissa Gilbert was on speakerphone during a November 2025 interview.

Authorities say a 39-year-old man was booked in Illinois after being charged in the deaths of a Columbus couple; the suspect's next court date is set for Monday.

Naomi Watts says her menopause journey included unexpected eye changes and she has partnered with Johnson & Johnson to raise awareness; experts in the story list symptoms such as dry eyes, eye strain and fluctuating blurry vision.

UN agencies estimate about 33.7 million people in Sudan will need humanitarian assistance in 2026, while WHO reports more than one third of health facilities are non-functional.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced federal dietary guidelines that recommend avoiding added sugar for young children and state that no amount of added sugar is recommended for ages 5–10; HHS described the guidance as recommendations and the Agriculture Department will begin drafting rules for school meal programs.

A senior community member asks whether others have used cannabis for chronic pain or anxiety, noting they found it helpful for arthritis pain and stress relief and inviting personal stories.

New Jersey confirmed its first pediatric flu death of the season: a child under five died of flu-related complications, and state officials said flu activity in the state is elevated.

A Tennessee woman was injured while intervening in a dog fight at her home on Dec. 10 and has had one leg amputated; she has been discharged from hospital and is preparing for prosthetic fitting.

MIT researchers have developed a biodegradable 'smart pill' that can wirelessly signal when it has been swallowed; the device activated in tests with pigs but still requires human trials and manufacturing scale-up before use.

A 21-year-old woman says she lost vision in her right eye after contracting a rare infection called acanthamoeba keratitis linked to contact lens use; she is receiving hourly eye drops and antibiotics as treatment.