Feeling winded after climbing stairs can be a normal physiological response because stairs demand more oxygen and energy, but new or prolonged breathlessness warrants medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions such as heart failure, obesity, COPD, or anemia. If recovery is quick, it’s usually not concerning; if breathing stays elevated for more than about three minutes or is accompanied by chest pain, headaches, or vision changes, consult a doctor. To improve stair endurance, gradually train and strengthen the muscles involved while addressing any medical issues first.
A comprehensive survey in Wales reveals concerning levels of anxiety, loneliness, and emotional difficulties among primary school children aged 7-11, with one in seven experiencing significant emotional issues. The survey highlights the impact of social media, online dangers, and pandemic-related isolation on young children's mental health, prompting calls for improved support and interventions in schools.
A meta-analysis shows that physical activity, especially cognitively complex sports like basketball or dance, significantly improves attention and focus, serving as a natural alternative or supplement to medication for attention-deficit disorder. Regular moderate exercise enhances brain function by increasing blood flow and releasing beneficial proteins, with timing and enjoyment being key factors for maximizing benefits.
The FDA has issued a low-risk recall for over 11,000 bottles of Ziac, a blood-pressure medication, due to cross-contamination concerns with ezetimibe. Patients should check their bottles' lot numbers and NDC codes, and consult their healthcare providers for guidance. The recall highlights the importance of strict manufacturing practices and vigilant quality control to ensure medication safety.
A student at South Summit Elementary School in Utah tested positive for measles, prompting health officials to investigate and implement measures to prevent further spread, and they urge unvaccinated residents to get the MMR vaccine.
A new measles case has been confirmed in Rutherford County, North Carolina, bringing the state's total to five cases since December, linked to an ongoing outbreak in South Carolina. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent the highly contagious disease, which can spread easily and has seen a rise in cases nationwide.
A comprehensive review finds that tramadol provides only modest pain relief for chronic pain but carries significant risks, including heart problems and increased adverse events, suggesting its benefits may not outweigh the harms and prompting a reevaluation of its widespread use.
Oregon officials warn that visitors to two Linn County hospitals on specific dates may have been exposed to measles, following the state's first confirmed cases in 2026, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent the highly contagious and potentially severe disease.
North Dakota has reported five flu-related deaths this season, including two children under 10, with over 5,000 cases. Health officials emphasize vaccination and vigilance for warning signs, marking the first pediatric flu deaths since 2016.
A study finds that disruptions in the body's internal clock, especially weaker circadian rhythms and later activity peaks, are linked to a higher risk of developing dementia in older adults, suggesting potential benefits of circadian rhythm interventions for prevention.
A recent study in mice suggests that restoring NAD+ levels with the compound P7C3-A20 can reverse brain damage and cognitive decline associated with advanced Alzheimer's disease, challenging the notion that the disease is irreversible. The findings highlight the potential for treatments targeting brain energy balance to repair damage and improve function, though further research in humans is needed.
Addyi, marketed as the 'female Viagra,' was approved over a decade ago amid controversy, but it has proven to be only marginally effective with significant side effects. Despite lobbying efforts and expanded indications for older women, the drug's actual benefits are minimal, with only a slight increase in satisfying sexual events, and it remains a poor choice compared to other medications. The article criticizes the drug's approval process and marketing tactics, emphasizing that it is not a safe or effective solution for female sexual desire issues.
Nearly 40,000 cases of McCain Foods' tater tots, including Ore-Ida and Sysco brands, were recalled across multiple states due to the potential presence of hard plastic fragments, prompting a voluntary safety recall by the company.
A new flu strain called 'Super-K' or subclade-K, a drifted version of H3N2, is spreading unusually in Australia outside the typical flu season, potentially increasing healthcare pressure. While not more severe, it is more transmissible and slightly less responsive to vaccines, prompting updates to the 2026 flu vaccine. Experts recommend vaccination and preventive measures to reduce infection risk.
LDL cholesterol, often called 'bad' cholesterol, can build up silently in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is essential to have regular blood tests to monitor levels, ideally keeping LDL below 100 mg/dL, and to understand that genetics and aging also influence cholesterol levels. Managing diet, lifestyle, and regular check-ups are key to controlling LDL cholesterol and maintaining heart health.
