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Health

FDA approves second Alzheimer's drug that can modestly slow disease

The Food and Drug Administration approved Eli Lilly's medication Tuesday for patients with early or mild cases of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Maternal health task force re-established

Gene therapy may cure rare diseases. But drugmakers have few incentives, leaving families desperate

Millions baking across the U.S. as heat prolongs misery with little relief expected

The steamiest conditions on Friday were expected in parts of Ohio and Indiana, where heat indexes were expected to soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit and remain there most of the day.

Majority of Americans favor forgiving medical debt, AP-NORC poll finds

A survey found that about half of Americans say it's extremely or very important for the U.S. government to provide debt relief for those who have yet to pay off medical treatments.

Record-breaking U.S. heat wave scorches the Midwest and Northeast, bringing safety measures

The dangerous heat wave is expected to linger until at least Friday.

Tobacco-like warning label for social media sought by U.S. surgeon general who asks Congress to act

The U.S. surgeon general has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms similar to those now mandatory on cigarette boxes.

Drug shortages keep on growing. Older, injectable medicines are among the most vulnerable

The University of Utah Drug Information Service says total active shortages hit an all-time high of 323 earlier this year. That's up 85% from a 10-year low of 174, at the end of 2017.

Another round of water testing at Lake Anna

The Virginia Department of Health says 25 people have been sickened, including five confirmed cases of E.coli.

Bird flu is highly lethal to some animals, but not to others. Scientists want to know why

In the last two years, the virus has been blamed for the deaths of millions of wild and domestic birds worldwide. It's killed legions of seals, wiped out mink farms, and dispatched cats, dogs and even a polar bear.

VDH investigating multiple illnesses reported by Lake Anna area visitors

Officials says there is a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses among people who were in the Lake Anna area over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

UVA study says calls to U.S. poison centers increase

A new study from the UVA School of Medicine has found that poison centers across the country are seeing more and more cases that could lead to severe harm or even death in all age groups.

Rural pharmacies fill a health care gap in the US. Owners say it's getting harder to stay open

Rural pharmacies can be a touchstone for their communities.

New Central Virginia program aiming to help stroke patients improve use of arms, hands

The University of Virginia Health System, Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy and MicroTransponder have teamed up to help stroke patients.

Louisiana Legislature approves bill classifying abortion pills as controlled dangerous substances

The final Senate vote Thursday came despite widespread criticism from doctors, who note that the drugs have other critical reproductive health care uses.

Older Americans often don't prepare for long-term care, from costs to location to emotional toll

Many Americans are unprepared for what can be an emotional, costly and guilt-inducing process of finding long-term care for a loved one.

Daily marijuana use outpaces daily drinking in the U.S., a new study says

High-frequency marijuana use overtook high-frequency drinking for the first time in 2022.

BRHD, RRHD offering vaccination clinics for students

The Blue Ridge and Rappahannock Rapidan health districts are offering various clinics where children can get the vaccines they need for school.

Tick season has arrived. Protect yourself with these tips

Tick season is starting across the U.S., and experts are warning the bloodsuckers may be as plentiful as ever because of a another mild winter and other favorable factors.

Maternity hospital ranking includes UVA Health

Newsweek recently released its 2024 list, which includes 404 hospitals. Of those, 168 received the five-ribbon ranking and UVA Health is one of them.

Fewer U.S. overdose deaths were reported last year, but experts are still cautious

The agency says about 107,500 people died of overdoses in the U.S. last year. That's down 3% from 2022.

Survey finds 8,000 women a month got abortion pills despite their states' bans or restrictions

Society for Family Planning issued its #WeCount survey Tuesday showing providers in states with laws that seek to protect them from prosecution by other states were writing prescriptions that covered about 1 in 10 abortions nationally.

There's bird flu in U.S. dairy cows. Raw milk drinkers aren't deterred

Federal officials warn about the health risks of drinking raw milk at any time, but especially during the outbreak.

Clinic in Greene County joining new statewide mental health initiative

The Virginia Telemental Health Initiative offers free telemental health services to eligible uninsured or underinsured Virginians.

UVA Health, Sentara MJH graded on patient safety

The Leapfrog Group’s spring 2024 Hospital Safety Grades assign 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' 'D,' or 'F' grades to nearly 3,000 general hospitals across the country.

Florida's 6-week abortion ban takes effect as doctors worry women will lose access to health care

The ban went into effect Wednesday and affects not just women who want to terminate viable pregnancies because of personal choice, but also nonviable pregnancies for women who want to have babies.

Mammograms should start at 40 to address rising breast cancer rates at younger ages, panel says

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force announced the updated guidance Tuesday. It also says women ages 40 to 74 should get screened every other year.

USDA updates rules for school meals that limit added sugars for the first time

The Department of Agriculture issued final rules for the program that serves breakfast to more than 15 million students and lunch to nearly 30 million children every year.