Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Often solutions for long standing issues come from the most unexpected places. A new study has found that dogs could detect Parkinson's early, which not only improves the results of treatment. We have seen many instances of animals helping people with chronic conditions navigate their daily lives with the help of a service dog whether it is a seeing eye dog, a service dog for people with fainting or heart conditions etc. 

Dogs' amazing sense of smell has always been a big help to people. They've been used for everything from finding criminals to sniffing out hidden human remains and illegal drugs. Their powerful noses have even helped detect diseases like prostate cancer, malaria, and COVID-19. Now, it looks like their incredible sense of smell can also pick up on problems with the brain and nervous system. 

<h2>Canines Detect Parkinson's Disease </h2>

A new study published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease reveals that dogs can be trained to detect Parkinson's disease solely through their sense of smell. Researchers found that two specially trained canines demonstrated high accuracy in identifying individuals with confirmed Parkinson's based on skin swabs. 

When the dogs were given samples of skin swabs, they were able to correctly identify people with confirmed Parkinson's disease about 80% of the time. What's even more impressive is that they were right about 98% of the time when they said someone didn't have Parkinson's. The study also noted that the dogs could still find Parkinson's even if the person had other health issues. This shows how incredibly precise their sense of smell is. 

Parkinson's disease is a condition that gets worse over time, making it harder for people to move. It's caused by the death or damage of brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine. An early sign of this disease is when the skin produces too much sebum, an oily substance. Scientists thought this extra sebum might have a unique smell that dogs could be trained to recognize, allowing them to detect the disease. 

For the study, five dogs were initially trained to smell for Parkinson's. However, only a Golden Retriever named Bumper and a Black Lab named Peanut proved to be skilled enough. They trained for weeks using over 200 samples from people with Parkinson's and healthy individuals. The dogs were rewarded for every correct identification, either by finding a Parkinson's sample or ignoring a healthy one. 

In the final tests, called "double-blind testing," even the researchers didn't know which samples belonged to whom—only a computer did. This ensured the results were fair. Both Bumper and Peanut were highly accurate at finding the disease during these tests. 

<h2>Implications for Early Diagnosis </h2>

Researchers suggest that using dogs could lead to a fast, pain-free, and affordable way to find Parkinson's disease. 

This study emphasizes the importance of these findings because there's currently no early test for the disease. Symptoms can begin up to 20 years before they become obvious enough for a diagnosis. The research shows that an early diagnosis is critical because starting treatment sooner could help slow the disease's progression and reduce the intensity of symptoms. Ultimately, this research suggests that dogs could play a major role in early detection and better management of Parkinson's. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Parkinsons Disease

journal of parkinsons disease

dogs can detect parkinsons

parkinsons diagnosis

how is parkinsons diagnosed

Parkinsons Disease early intervention

FDA Panel Questions Antidepressant Safety For Pregnant Women; Can SSRIs Harm Unborn Babies?

Best Sugar Alternatives That Taste Great And Keep Blood Sugar In Check

Medical Memoir: Measles- The Unfinished Fight Against One Of The World’s Most Contagious Diseases

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Often solutions for long standing issues come from the most unexpected places. A new study has found that dogs could detect Parkinson's early, which not only improves the results of treatment. We have seen many instances of animals helping people with chronic conditions navigate their daily lives with the help of a service dog whether it is a seeing eye dog, a service dog for people with fainting or heart conditions etc. Dogs' amazing sense of smell has always been a big help to people. They've been used for everything from finding criminals to sniffing out hidden human remains and illegal drugs. Their powerful noses have even helped detect diseases like prostate cancer, malaria, and COVID-19. Now, it looks like their incredible sense of smell can also pick up on problems with the brain and nervous system. Canines Detect Parkinson's Disease A new study published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease reveals that dogs can be trained to detect Parkinson's disease solely through their sense of smell. Researchers found that two specially trained canines demonstrated high accuracy in identifying individuals with confirmed Parkinson's based on skin swabs. When the dogs were given samples of skin swabs, they were able to correctly identify people with confirmed Parkinson's disease about 80% of the time. What's even more impressive is that they were right about 98% of the time when they said someone didn't have Parkinson's. The study also noted that the dogs could still find Parkinson's even if the person had other health issues. This shows how incredibly precise their sense of smell is. Science Behind the Scent Parkinson's disease is a condition that gets worse over time, making it harder for people to move. It's caused by the death or damage of brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine. An early sign of this disease is when the skin produces too much sebum, an oily substance. Scientists thought this extra sebum might have a unique smell that dogs could be trained to recognize, allowing them to detect the disease. For the study, five dogs were initially trained to smell for Parkinson's. However, only a Golden Retriever named Bumper and a Black Lab named Peanut proved to be skilled enough. They trained for weeks using over 200 samples from people with Parkinson's and healthy individuals. The dogs were rewarded for every correct identification, either by finding a Parkinson's sample or ignoring a healthy one. In the final tests, called "double-blind testing," even the researchers didn't know which samples belonged to whom—only a computer did. This ensured the results were fair. Both Bumper and Peanut were highly accurate at finding the disease during these tests. Implications for Early Diagnosis Researchers suggest that using dogs could lead to a fast, pain-free, and affordable way to find Parkinson's disease. This study emphasizes the importance of these findings because there's currently no early test for the disease. Symptoms can begin up to 20 years before they become obvious enough for a diagnosis. The research shows that an early diagnosis is critical because starting treatment sooner could help slow the disease's progression and reduce the intensity of symptoms. Ultimately, this research suggests that dogs could play a major role in early detection and better management of Parkinson's. 

Parkinson's Early Intervention May Be Possible All Thanks To Our Furry Friends With 80% Accuracy

parkinson's early intervention may be possible all thanks to our furry friends with 80% accuracy

Medical Memoir: Measles - The Unfinished Fight Against One Of The World’s Most Contagious Diseases

Health News

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contagious measles virus found in austin wastewater; how water could accelerate the outbreak?

NHS Pushes To Vaccinate 400,000+ Youths To Eliminated Cervical Cancer By 2040

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FDA Clears Prefilled Syringe for Shingles Vaccine, Aim Is for Smoother Administration

fda clears prefilled syringe for shingles vaccine, aim is for smoother administration

COVID-19 Cases On The Rise In US, Why Does It Increase In The Summers?

covid-19 cases on the rise in us, why does it increase in the summers?

<em>'<span rel="noindex">Medical Memoir</span>' is a Health &amp; Me series that delves into some of the most intriguing medical histories and unveils how medical innovations have evolved over time. Here, we trace the early stages of all things health, whether a vaccine, a treatment, a pill, or a cure.</em>

Maggie was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 2.5-year-old, fighting cancer at a young age, she survived after another two and half years of treatment, but it left her in a very vulnerable state. Her immune system took a big hit, even a common cold could be dangerous for her. 

What followed was Maggie’s parents' great efforts to ensure their child gets the best childhood, while making sure she stays safe. But no matter how safe you are or how much you try to keep your loved ones safe, things do not go as planned. Despite their efforts, during a routine visit to her oncologist, Maggie's parents were contacted about a <span>measles</span> case that was known to be in the clinic at the same time Maggie was. Every rash, cold or cough after that seemed like their nightmare come true, however, Maggie was lucky this time because she wasn’t infected. 

This is not just a story, but the reality of Dr. Tim Jack, who spoke to the Vaccinate Your Family initiative, urging people not just to vaccinate to take care of their children, but also to ensure the safety of everyone around them. But what significance does this story have for our health? What do we need to be aware of measles? 

A household name among diseases, measles, is considered to be one of the world’s most contagious diseases. Causing the deaths of millions, the disease impacts the respiratory tract and then slowly spreads throughout the body. Vaccination was the reason why we were able to control the disease in the 1960s, before which the estimated death each year was said to be 2.6 million death each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

<h2>How Old Is Measles?</h2>WHO states that the records of the disease can be traced back to the 9th century by a Persian doctor named Abū Bakr Muhammad Zakariyyā Rāzī. It became more common around the world starting in the 16th century as people traveled more. In 1757, a Scottish doctor named Francis Home discovered that measles was caused by a germ. He showed this by taking blood from sick people and giving the disease to healthy individuals. 

Places that had never seen the measles virus before were hit very hard. Outbreaks caused a lot of sickness and death in isolated communities, like the Faroe Islands in 1846, Hawai'i in 1848, Fiji in 1875, and Rotuma in 1911.

<h2>Root Cause Of Epidemics And Mass Death </h2>

Before vaccines, measles was always present around the world, causing epidemics. In richer countries, better healthcare and nutrition meant fewer people died from measles by the 20th century. While antibiotics couldn't fight the virus itself, they could help with complications like bacterial pneumonia. Still, common problems like ear infections, croup, diarrhea, and pneumonia led to thousands of hospital stays each year. A more serious complication, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), could cause brain damage, loss of hearing or sight, or even death. 

Globally, the death rates remained very high, with about 30 million cases and over 2 million deaths every year. 

In 1954, a <span>measles outbreak</span> at a boarding school near Boston gave doctors a chance to try and find the measles virus. They took samples from sick students. A doctor named Thomas Peebles successfully grew the virus from a sample taken from an 11-year-old boy named David Edmonston. This success allowed doctors to create the very first vaccine against measles. 

John Franklin Enders, who was Peebles's boss and is often called "the father of modern vaccines," developed the measles vaccine from a specific strain of the virus called 'Edmonston-B', named after David. This strain is still used today as the basis for most <span>measles vaccines</span>. 

Enders and his team tested the vaccine on small groups of children from 1958 to 1960. After that, they started larger trials with thousands of children in New York City and Nigeria. In 1961, the vaccine was declared 100% effective, and the first measles vaccine was approved for public use in 1963.

<h2>Global Vaccination Efforts Begin </h2>

Starting in the 1960s, individual countries began large-scale vaccination programs against measles. The first international measles vaccination efforts began in Africa in 1966. The World Health Organization (WHO) worked with governments in over 20 newly independent African countries, along with other organizations, to give vaccinations. Their goal was to control measles and also get rid of smallpox. 

Despite challenges, like keeping the heat-sensitive vaccine cold during transport and storage, these campaigns showed that vaccination worked against measles. By May 1967, The Gambia became the first country where the measles virus stopped spreading. 

In 1968, Dr. Maurice Hilleman, a key figure in vaccine development, created an improved measles vaccine. He weakened the virus by passing it through chick embryo cells 40 times. This resulted in a vaccine that caused fewer severe side effects. This weaker version, known as the Edmonston-Enders strain, led to some of the strains still used in measles vaccines today. 

In 1971, Hilleman combined the recently developed vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella into a single shot called the MMR vaccine. In 2005, the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine was added to create the MMRV vaccine. Standalone measles vaccines are still available in many countries.

<h2>Worldwide Vaccination and Challenges </h2>

In 1974, measles was one of the first diseases targeted by the WHO when they started a program to expand vaccination efforts globally. Widespread childhood vaccination has dramatically reduced measles cases worldwide. WHO now suggests vaccinating babies at 9 months in areas where measles is common, and at 12–15 months in other areas. A second dose is recommended for all children, which is very important because about 15% of children don't get full protection from just one dose. 

<h2>Why High Vaccination Rates are Crucial?</h2>

Because measles spreads so easily, a very high percentage of people need to be immune (at least 95%) to prevent large outbreaks. If vaccination rates drop too low, outbreaks can happen again when the disease is brought back into a community. 

Besides the suffering measles causes, controlling outbreaks is expensive and takes resources away from other healthcare services. Measles deaths still occur in many countries, especially where vaccination programs have gaps. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 7,800 people died from measles during an outbreak between 2018 and 2020, compared to 2,299 deaths from Ebola in the same period.

<h2>Eradication Efforts and Setbacks </h2>

The Americas region was declared free of endemic measles in 2016—the first WHO region to achieve this. However, this status was lost two years later due to a measles outbreak. This outbreak started because of a crisis in one country that led to gaps in vaccination and slow response. The virus then spread to neighboring countries, where it was eventually controlled. 

To address these issues, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been training countries on how to quickly respond to prevent measles and rubella from spreading, improving disease tracking, and launching new, high-quality follow-up vaccination campaigns. 

Between 2000 and 2023, measles vaccination prevented over 60 million deaths worldwide. However, despite having a safe and affordable vaccine, global measles deaths continued to rise before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, there were over 207,000 measles deaths globally, which was the highest number of reported cases in 23 years.

<h2>Is Measles Still A Cause Of Concern? </h2>

According to Harvard Health as of July 2025, there have been 1,288 confirmed measles cases across 38 states in the US, primarily among children. This is the highest number of cases since 2000, the year measles was declared eliminated in the country. 

This rise in cases is mainly because fewer people are getting vaccinated. Across the country, measles vaccination rates for school kids dropped from 95% in 2019 to 92% in 2023. In some areas where outbreaks are happening, like parts of west Texas, the vaccination rate is as low as 82%. This leaves many people unprotected. A big reason for the current cases is that 96% of recent infections were in people who weren't vaccinated or hadn't completed their shots. 

As the history shows, measles outbreaks can be stopped. The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) is very effective, with two doses providing 97% protection, and it's very safe. Side effects are usually mild, like a sore arm or low fever. The false idea that vaccines cause autism has been proven wrong, but this misinformation has made some people hesitant to get vaccinated. 

As a responsible citizen, one must ensure they keep in touch with healthcare professionals and keep the safety of their loved ones as well as everybody else around them. 

Measles

Medical Memoir

history of measles

the most contagious disease in the world

how many people die due to measles

measles outbreak

measles outbreak 2025

Measles Vaccines

'Medical Memoir' is a Health & Me series that delves into some of the most intriguing medical histories and unveils how medical innovations have evolved over time. Here, we trace the early stages of all things health, whether a vaccine, a treatment, a pill, or a cure.Maggie was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 2.5-year-old, fighting cancer at a young age, she survived after another two and half years of treatment, but it left her in a very vulnerable state. Her immune system took a big hit, even a common cold could be dangerous for her. What followed was Maggie’s parents' great efforts to ensure their child gets the best childhood, while making sure she stays safe. But no matter how safe you are or how much you try to keep your loved ones safe, things do not go as planned. Despite their efforts, during a routine visit to her oncologist, Maggie's parents were contacted about a measles case that was known to be in the clinic at the same time Maggie was. Every rash, cold or cough after that seemed like their nightmare come true, however, Maggie was lucky this time because she wasn’t infected. This is not just a story, but the reality of Dr. Tim Jack, who spoke to the Vaccinate Your Family initiative, urging people not just to vaccinate to take care of their children, but also to ensure the safety of everyone around them. But what significance does this story have for our health? What do we need to be aware of measles? A household name among diseases, measles, is considered to be one of the world’s most contagious diseases. Causing the deaths of millions, the disease impacts the respiratory tract and then slowly spreads throughout the body. Vaccination was the reason why we were able to control the disease in the 1960s, before which the estimated death each year was said to be 2.6 million death each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).How Old Is Measles?WHO states that the records of the disease can be traced back to the 9th century by a Persian doctor named Abū Bakr Muhammad Zakariyyā Rāzī. It became more common around the world starting in the 16th century as people traveled more. In 1757, a Scottish doctor named Francis Home discovered that measles was caused by a germ. He showed this by taking blood from sick people and giving the disease to healthy individuals. Places that had never seen the measles virus before were hit very hard. Outbreaks caused a lot of sickness and death in isolated communities, like the Faroe Islands in 1846, Hawai'i in 1848, Fiji in 1875, and Rotuma in 1911.Root Cause Of Epidemics And Mass Death Before vaccines, measles was always present around the world, causing epidemics. In richer countries, better healthcare and nutrition meant fewer people died from measles by the 20th century. While antibiotics couldn't fight the virus itself, they could help with complications like bacterial pneumonia. Still, common problems like ear infections, croup, diarrhea, and pneumonia led to thousands of hospital stays each year. A more serious complication, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), could cause brain damage, loss of hearing or sight, or even death. Globally, the death rates remained very high, with about 30 million cases and over 2 million deaths every year. The First Measles Vaccine In 1954, a measles outbreak at a boarding school near Boston gave doctors a chance to try and find the measles virus. They took samples from sick students. A doctor named Thomas Peebles successfully grew the virus from a sample taken from an 11-year-old boy named David Edmonston. This success allowed doctors to create the very first vaccine against measles. John Franklin Enders, who was Peebles's boss and is often called "the father of modern vaccines," developed the measles vaccine from a specific strain of the virus called 'Edmonston-B', named after David. This strain is still used today as the basis for most measles vaccines. Enders and his team tested the vaccine on small groups of children from 1958 to 1960. After that, they started larger trials with thousands of children in New York City and Nigeria. In 1961, the vaccine was declared 100% effective, and the first measles vaccine was approved for public use in 1963.Global Vaccination Efforts Begin Starting in the 1960s, individual countries began large-scale vaccination programs against measles. The first international measles vaccination efforts began in Africa in 1966. The World Health Organization (WHO) worked with governments in over 20 newly independent African countries, along with other organizations, to give vaccinations. Their goal was to control measles and also get rid of smallpox. Despite challenges, like keeping the heat-sensitive vaccine cold during transport and storage, these campaigns showed that vaccination worked against measles. By May 1967, The Gambia became the first country where the measles virus stopped spreading. In 1968, Dr. Maurice Hilleman, a key figure in vaccine development, created an improved measles vaccine. He weakened the virus by passing it through chick embryo cells 40 times. This resulted in a vaccine that caused fewer severe side effects. This weaker version, known as the Edmonston-Enders strain, led to some of the strains still used in measles vaccines today. In 1971, Hilleman combined the recently developed vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella into a single shot called the MMR vaccine. In 2005, the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine was added to create the MMRV vaccine. Standalone measles vaccines are still available in many countries.Worldwide Vaccination and Challenges In 1974, measles was one of the first diseases targeted by the WHO when they started a program to expand vaccination efforts globally. Widespread childhood vaccination has dramatically reduced measles cases worldwide. WHO now suggests vaccinating babies at 9 months in areas where measles is common, and at 12–15 months in other areas. A second dose is recommended for all children, which is very important because about 15% of children don't get full protection from just one dose. Why High Vaccination Rates are Crucial?Because measles spreads so easily, a very high percentage of people need to be immune (at least 95%) to prevent large outbreaks. If vaccination rates drop too low, outbreaks can happen again when the disease is brought back into a community. Besides the suffering measles causes, controlling outbreaks is expensive and takes resources away from other healthcare services. Measles deaths still occur in many countries, especially where vaccination programs have gaps. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 7,800 people died from measles during an outbreak between 2018 and 2020, compared to 2,299 deaths from Ebola in the same period.Eradication Efforts and Setbacks The Americas region was declared free of endemic measles in 2016—the first WHO region to achieve this. However, this status was lost two years later due to a measles outbreak. This outbreak started because of a crisis in one country that led to gaps in vaccination and slow response. The virus then spread to neighboring countries, where it was eventually controlled. To address these issues, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been training countries on how to quickly respond to prevent measles and rubella from spreading, improving disease tracking, and launching new, high-quality follow-up vaccination campaigns. Between 2000 and 2023, measles vaccination prevented over 60 million deaths worldwide. However, despite having a safe and affordable vaccine, global measles deaths continued to rise before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, there were over 207,000 measles deaths globally, which was the highest number of reported cases in 23 years.Is Measles Still A Cause Of Concern? According to Harvard Health as of July 2025, there have been 1,288 confirmed measles cases across 38 states in the US, primarily among children. This is the highest number of cases since 2000, the year measles was declared eliminated in the country. This rise in cases is mainly because fewer people are getting vaccinated. Across the country, measles vaccination rates for school kids dropped from 95% in 2019 to 92% in 2023. In some areas where outbreaks are happening, like parts of west Texas, the vaccination rate is as low as 82%. This leaves many people unprotected. A big reason for the current cases is that 96% of recent infections were in people who weren't vaccinated or hadn't completed their shots. As the history shows, measles outbreaks can be stopped. The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) is very effective, with two doses providing 97% protection, and it's very safe. Side effects are usually mild, like a sore arm or low fever. The false idea that vaccines cause autism has been proven wrong, but this misinformation has made some people hesitant to get vaccinated. As a responsible citizen, one must ensure they keep in touch with healthcare professionals and keep the safety of their loved ones as well as everybody else around them. 

medical memoir: measles - the unfinished fight against one of the world’s most contagious diseases

Ishita Roy

Amid Intensified Midsummer Heatwave In US, Here’s How To Keep Heat Exhaustion And Stroke At Bay

amid intensified midsummer heatwave in us, here’s how to keep heat exhaustion and stroke at bay

<span>COVID-19</span> cases are once again rising across the U.S., with nearly half the country reporting increasing infections. California, Florida, and Texas are among the hardest-hit states, signaling a “summer wave” backed by wastewater surveillance data and CDC reports.

While the virus was originally associated with winter peaks, health experts now observe a biannual pattern—resurgences during both summer and winter months. This evolving trend is being attributed to multiple factors, including waning immunity, the emergence of new variants, and behavioral patterns unique to warmer months.

<h4>What’s Fueling the Summer Spikes?</h4>

Summer spikes aren’t just a coincidence. The current surge is primarily being driven by:

<ul><li>Fading immunity from earlier vaccinations or infections</li><li>Highly transmissible variants, especially NB.1.8.1 (also known as the Nimbus strain), along with XFG and KP.3.1.1</li><li>Increased indoor activity due to excessive heat and air conditioning</li><li>Large social gatherings, such as July 4th celebrations, barbecues, and summer travel</li></ul>

Experts explain that during hot months, people seek comfort indoors in air-conditioned environments where poor ventilation raises the risk of airborne transmission. Add to that the travel and celebrations typical of summer, and it creates the perfect breeding ground for viral spread.

<h4>Meet the New Variant: NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus)</h4>

The most dominant strain at present is NB.1.8.1. First detected in March 2025, it’s known for causing a razor-like sore throat and spreading rapidly across 24–25 states. Though it’s not linked with more severe illness, its ability to bypass immunity has made it a major concern for public health officials.

Other variants like XFG and LP.8.1, all Omicron descendants, have also shown up in wastewater, signaling widespread, albeit less severe, transmission.

<h4>Is This Wave Milder Than Before?</h4>

Fortunately, hospitalizations and deaths are still significantly lower than in previous pandemic waves. However, emergency room visits are increasing among young children, and those over 65, immunocompromised, or living with chronic conditions remain vulnerable.

Also worth noting: long <span>COVID</span> continues to affect people even after mild infections, with lingering symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath.

Even as cases rise, there are ways to protect yourself and your community. Here’s what experts recommend:

<ul><li>Get vaccinated and boosted: Updated boosters are especially important for the elderly and immunocompromised. Don’t delay current doses while waiting for the fall rollout.</li><li>Wear masks in high-risk settings: Opt for N95 or KN95 masks in crowded indoor spaces, airports, or around high-risk individuals.</li><li>Test when symptomatic or after exposure: Keep rapid tests at home and isolate for at least 5 days if you test positive.</li><li>Improve ventilation: Use fans, HEPA filters, and keep windows open when possible. Choose outdoor venues for gatherings.</li><li>Practice hygiene: Wash hands often, sanitize surfaces, and stay alert to symptoms like sore throat, fever, and fatigue.</li></ul>

health and wellness

COVID

COVID 19

COVID-19

COVID IN US

US health

COVID-19 cases are once again rising across the U.S., with nearly half the country reporting increasing infections. California, Florida, and Texas are among the hardest-hit states, signaling a “summer wave” backed by wastewater surveillance data and CDC reports.While the virus was originally associated with winter peaks, health experts now observe a biannual pattern—resurgences during both summer and winter months. This evolving trend is being attributed to multiple factors, including waning immunity, the emergence of new variants, and behavioral patterns unique to warmer months.What’s Fueling the Summer Spikes?Summer spikes aren’t just a coincidence. The current surge is primarily being driven by:Fading immunity from earlier vaccinations or infectionsHighly transmissible variants, especially NB.1.8.1 (also known as the Nimbus strain), along with XFG and KP.3.1.1Increased indoor activity due to excessive heat and air conditioningLarge social gatherings, such as July 4th celebrations, barbecues, and summer travelExperts explain that during hot months, people seek comfort indoors in air-conditioned environments where poor ventilation raises the risk of airborne transmission. Add to that the travel and celebrations typical of summer, and it creates the perfect breeding ground for viral spread.Meet the New Variant: NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus)The most dominant strain at present is NB.1.8.1. First detected in March 2025, it’s known for causing a razor-like sore throat and spreading rapidly across 24–25 states. Though it’s not linked with more severe illness, its ability to bypass immunity has made it a major concern for public health officials.Other variants like XFG and LP.8.1, all Omicron descendants, have also shown up in wastewater, signaling widespread, albeit less severe, transmission.Is This Wave Milder Than Before?Fortunately, hospitalizations and deaths are still significantly lower than in previous pandemic waves. However, emergency room visits are increasing among young children, and those over 65, immunocompromised, or living with chronic conditions remain vulnerable.Also worth noting: long COVID continues to affect people even after mild infections, with lingering symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath.How to Stay Safe This SummerEven as cases rise, there are ways to protect yourself and your community. Here’s what experts recommend:Get vaccinated and boosted: Updated boosters are especially important for the elderly and immunocompromised. Don’t delay current doses while waiting for the fall rollout.Wear masks in high-risk settings: Opt for N95 or KN95 masks in crowded indoor spaces, airports, or around high-risk individuals.Test when symptomatic or after exposure: Keep rapid tests at home and isolate for at least 5 days if you test positive.Improve ventilation: Use fans, HEPA filters, and keep windows open when possible. Choose outdoor venues for gatherings.Practice hygiene: Wash hands often, sanitize surfaces, and stay alert to symptoms like sore throat, fever, and fatigue.

Your Brain May Have Aged During The Pandemic, Even Without Getting COVID

your brain may have aged during the pandemic, even without getting covid

Don't Let The Smiling 'Fit' Selfies On Social Media Fool You, Here's What Eating Disorders Can Look Like

eating disorders

12-Year-Old Teen Dies From Rare Brain Tumor After Unusual Early Signs, Grieving Mother Urges Parents To Watch For Subtle Symptoms

12-year-old teen dies from rare brain tumor after unusual early signs, grieving mother urges parents to watch for subtle symptoms

World Brain Day: Can Your Mind Break The Body? How Chronic Anxiety Might Be Fueling Neurodegeneration

world brain day: can your mind break the body? how chronic anxiety might be fueling neurodegeneration

<span>Mental health</span> is a big cause of concern for people; however, not many consider how it also affects young kids and teens. The National Alliance on Mental Health stats show that about 50 % of all mental health conditions begin by the age of 14 and 75% by age 24. What’s surprising is that one out of six kids have anxiety or depression, however only half of them get help. 

Despite growing concerns about the mental health of young people in the U.S., a new survey reveals that most public schools are not screening students for psychological problems. According to a survey report published in the Jama Network Open, show that there is a big barrier that schools must bridge in terms of mental health help. 

<h2>Low Rates of Mental Health Screening </h2>

A survey asked over 1,000 public school principals about mental health screenings. The results showed that fewer than one-third, specifically just under 31%, of schools actually check students for mental health problems. This is happening years after the top health official in the U.S., the Surgeon General, announced that there was a mental health crisis among young people. This crisis was linked to things like social media, the COVID-19 pandemic, bullying, and other factors that led to more depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide among young Americans. 

The survey also pointed out big problems schools face when it comes to mental health. About 40% of principals said it was hard to make sure students get the right help if they talk about feeling anxious or depressed. Researchers believe these difficulties come from several things, such as not having enough money or tools, not knowing enough about how to do mental health screenings, and worrying that checking students would mean too much extra work for school staff. Even though not many schools are screening for mental health, some are offering help to students. The survey found these important points: 

<ul><li>Nearly 80% of schools that do screen for mental health issues usually tell parents if their child shows signs of depression or anxiety.</li><li>More than 70% of principals reported that their school provides in-person treatment for students dealing with mental health problems.</li><li>53% of principals said they might send a student to a therapist outside of the school, in the local community, for more help.</li></ul>

The study also looked at what makes a school more likely to screen students for mental health. It found that schools with 450 or more students were more likely to screen. Also, schools where most of the students were from racial or ethnic minority groups were 33% more likely to conduct mental health screenings. 

Experts suggest that if there were policies to give more money from the government (both federal and state) for mental health in schools, and if schools had more mental health staff, it could lead to more screenings. This would also make it more likely that students would get the treatment they need. 

<h2>Supporting <span rel="noindex">Student Mental Health</span> </h2>

According to the NAMI finding mental health conditions early and getting effective treatment can make a huge difference for children and their families. It's crucial that we make it possible for all schools to offer better access to these important services. Policies should also focus on making it easier to provide mental health support in schools, addressing issues like problems with getting paid for services, making effective treatments available to more students, and ensuring fair access for everyone. 

Schools have a very important role to play in helping children and young people get help sooner. School staff—and even students themselves—can learn how to spot the warning signs of a developing mental health condition and how to connect someone to care. 

By offering school-based mental health services (with professionals in schools) and school-linked mental health services (connecting to community resources), schools can lower the barriers that keep young people and families from getting the treatment and support they need. This is especially important for communities of color and other groups who are often underserved. 

When we invest in children's mental health to ensure they receive the right care at the right time, we improve the lives of children, young people, families, and our entire communities. 

Mental Health

Student Depression And Anxiety

Depression And Anxiety

Student mental health

Do school kids need mental health help

do school kids get diagnosed with mental health

Mental health is a big cause of concern for people; however, not many consider how it also affects young kids and teens. The National Alliance on Mental Health stats show that about 50 % of all mental health conditions begin by the age of 14 and 75% by age 24. What’s surprising is that one out of six kids have anxiety or depression, however only half of them get help. Despite growing concerns about the mental health of young people in the U.S., a new survey reveals that most public schools are not screening students for psychological problems. According to a survey report published in the Jama Network Open, show that there is a big barrier that schools must bridge in terms of mental health help. Low Rates of Mental Health Screening A survey asked over 1,000 public school principals about mental health screenings. The results showed that fewer than one-third, specifically just under 31%, of schools actually check students for mental health problems. This is happening years after the top health official in the U.S., the Surgeon General, announced that there was a mental health crisis among young people. This crisis was linked to things like social media, the COVID-19 pandemic, bullying, and other factors that led to more depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide among young Americans. Challenges in Providing Care The survey also pointed out big problems schools face when it comes to mental health. About 40% of principals said it was hard to make sure students get the right help if they talk about feeling anxious or depressed. Researchers believe these difficulties come from several things, such as not having enough money or tools, not knowing enough about how to do mental health screenings, and worrying that checking students would mean too much extra work for school staff. Even though not many schools are screening for mental health, some are offering help to students. The survey found these important points: Nearly 80% of schools that do screen for mental health issues usually tell parents if their child shows signs of depression or anxiety.More than 70% of principals reported that their school provides in-person treatment for students dealing with mental health problems.53% of principals said they might send a student to a therapist outside of the school, in the local community, for more help.Factors Influencing Screening The study also looked at what makes a school more likely to screen students for mental health. It found that schools with 450 or more students were more likely to screen. Also, schools where most of the students were from racial or ethnic minority groups were 33% more likely to conduct mental health screenings. Experts suggest that if there were policies to give more money from the government (both federal and state) for mental health in schools, and if schools had more mental health staff, it could lead to more screenings. This would also make it more likely that students would get the treatment they need. Supporting Student Mental Health According to the NAMI finding mental health conditions early and getting effective treatment can make a huge difference for children and their families. It's crucial that we make it possible for all schools to offer better access to these important services. Policies should also focus on making it easier to provide mental health support in schools, addressing issues like problems with getting paid for services, making effective treatments available to more students, and ensuring fair access for everyone. How Schools Can Help Schools have a very important role to play in helping children and young people get help sooner. School staff—and even students themselves—can learn how to spot the warning signs of a developing mental health condition and how to connect someone to care. By offering school-based mental health services (with professionals in schools) and school-linked mental health services (connecting to community resources), schools can lower the barriers that keep young people and families from getting the treatment and support they need. This is especially important for communities of color and other groups who are often underserved. When we invest in children's mental health to ensure they receive the right care at the right time, we improve the lives of children, young people, families, and our entire communities. 

Student Depression And Anxiety Goes Unevaluated - Why Is Mental Health Help Needed For Kids In School

student depression and anxiety goes unevaluated - why is mental health help needed for kids in school

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