As of July 2021, a total of 83.6 million Americans were insured through either Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. That’s almost 1 in 4 Americans, with 76.7 million insured through Medicaid and 6.9 million through CHIP. Both public health insurance programs are funded jointly by the federal and state governments. Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income […]
Have you been hitting the gym again with COVID restrictions easing? Or getting back into running, cycling, or playing team sports? As many of you might’ve experienced, the inevitable muscle soreness that comes after a break can be a tough barrier to overcome. Here’s what causes this muscle soreness, and how best to manage it. […]
For some counties and cities that share a public health agency with other local governments, differences over mask mandates, business restrictions, and other covid preventive measures have strained those partnerships. At least two have been pushed past the breaking point. A county in Colorado and a small city in Southern California are splitting from their […]
You’ve probably heard of probiotics – the “good bacteria” that can benefit our health. We consume them in an expanding variety of ways, often in foods marketed as being healthy. These bacteria can be contained in supplement capsules, yogurts, drinks or even snack bars. They work by helping prevent other, disease-causing bacteria from infecting our gut. They […]
After hitting record COVID numbers in January, Indianapolis Public Schools has new resources for free voluntary testing for students and staff. All district-run schools will offer rapid tests, and IPS plans to open two PCR testing locations. “We recognize the challenges our staff and families have faced accessing COVID testing,” IPS Health Services Director Megan […]
Swimming, aqua-aerobics, and other water-based exercises are popular for people aged 55 and older to keep fit without putting strain on the joints. Studies show that water-based exercises have many benefits, including improving gait, balance and mobility. It’s also thought to offer benefits as part of rehabilitation programmes for peripheral arterial disease, in which arteries in the legs, stomach, […]
Tennessee’s Board of Medical Examiners unanimously adopted in September a statement that said doctors spreading covid misinformation — such as suggesting that vaccines contain microchips — could jeopardize their license to practice. “I’m very glad that we’re taking this step,” Dr. Stephen Loyd, the panel’s vice president, said at the time. “If you’re spreading this […]
This fall hasn’t felt much like “back to school” for many children. Instead, many are staying at home and attending virtual classes indefinitely. According to the Center on Reinventing Public Education, a nonpartisan research center, about 25% of U.S. school districts have started the year fully remote. This means that children will miss out on vital opportunities for educational, social […]
On a snowy January morning, Luis Portillo stood in line on the side of a busy road in Silver Spring, Maryland — a suburb just north of Washington, D.C. — with about 200 other people, waiting for his turn to get tested for covid-19 at Mary’s Center, a federally qualified health center. Portillo, a 65-year-old […]
More than two-thirds of Americans take dietary supplements. The vast majority of consumers – 84% – are confident the products are safe and effective. They should not be so trusting. I’m a professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Connecticut. As described in my new article in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy, consumers take real risks if they use diet […]
Detroit superintendent says funding is helpful but the real problem is a testing shortage. The House and Senate voted to disperse $1.2 billion in federal pandemic relief funds including $150.8 million for COVID-19 tests for schools. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday praised the bill’s near-unanimous passage in both chambers. She said the funding would deliver […]
Shortness of breath, persistent cough and fatigue are common COVID signs and symptoms. And the vast majority of people will be managing their symptoms at home. As a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist, I help people with heart and breathing problems manage and recover from a range of illnesses. Here are some simple exercises to help you navigate COVID at […]
