The first fatality from Alaskapox, a type of orthopoxvirus, has been reported on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. State officials released a bulletin on Feb. 9 detailing that an elderly man contracted the virus in Sept. 2023, likely from an infected stray cat who scratched him. The man, whose immune system had been suppressed by […]
Cardiologist answers some of the top heart health questions on Google for American Heart Month
People are curious about heart health — and for good reason. Heart disease remains the leading killer of men and women in the U.S. — each year, around 695,000 people die from cardiovascular conditions, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For American Heart Month, Dr. Martha Gulati, M.D., a leading Cedars Sinai […]
Ask a doctor: ‘Why do my gums bleed after I brush my teeth, and what should I do about it?’
If you notice your gums are bleeding after you brush your teeth, you could have other symptoms as well, such as tenderness and swelling. Oral health is very important — and if your gums bleed, you should bring this up with your dental professional. “Gums may start to look swollen and turn reddish in color […]
Ask a doctor: ‘Why are my ears ringing, and should I see a physician?’
Anyone who has experienced a persistent ringing, buzzing or whooshing sound in their ears knows how annoying it can be — but is it a sign of something serious? Approximately 50 million people in the United States are affected by tinnitus, a condition that fills the ears with internal sounds no one else can hear, […]
Ask an expert: ‘Is poor balance a sign of a serious health issue?’
While some people tend to be a little clumsier than others, constantly bumping into things could be a sign of a serious health issue. For some, poor balance can lead to a decreased quality of life, loss of independence and even severe health complications, according to Ninoska Alvarez, a physical therapist and balance specialist with […]
AI-designed drug for inflammatory bowel disease enters human clinical trials: ‘A significant need’
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impacts 1.6 million people in the U.S. — and a new artificial intelligence-generated drug could help alleviate symptoms. Insilico Medicine, an AI-driven biotech company based in Hong Kong and in New York City, recently announced that its new AI-designed IBD drug — ISM5411 — has entered Phase I clinical trials. This […]
AI-designed drug for inflammatory bowel disease enters human clinical trials: ‘A significant need’
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impacts 1.6 million people in the U.S. — and a new artificial intelligence-generated drug could help alleviate symptoms. Insilico Medicine, an AI-driven biotech company based in Hong Kong and in New York City, recently announced that its new AI-designed IBD drug — ISM5411 — has entered Phase I clinical trials. This […]
Ask a health expert: ‘Should I take Paxlovid if I have COVID?’
If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, you might be wondering if it’s necessary to take an antiviral medication, such as Paxlovid. Pfizer’s Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) gained full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 25, 2023. Another drug, Lagevrio (molnupiravir), is authorized for emergency use by the FDA under an […]
Cancer is now leading cause of death among HIV-positive people, report says: ‘Of great concern’
Cancer is now the leading cause of death among those who are HIV positive. The finding was announced in a report released last week from the American Cancer Society (ACS). Titled “Cancer Facts & Figures 2024,” the report noted that at least 10 cancers are associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, […]
These 8 health screenings should be on your calendar for 2024, according to doctors
Beyond the common resolutions involving diet and exercise, the New Year is a great time to take stock of recommended health screenings and get them on the calendar, experts say. Each person’s screening decisions will depend on individual factors such as gender, medical conditions, family history and other factors. “Even if you’re feeling great, early […]