Health News
ER visits for heat illness rose in 2023 amid record-breaking temperatures: CDC
(NEW YORK) -- Heat-related emergency room visits increased in 2023 in the U.S. compared to previous years, according to new federal data.Between Jan. 1, 2023 and Dec. 31, 2023, there were a total of 119,605 ER visits for heat-related illnesses, with 92% of those visits occurring between May and September,…
Evidence of racial disparities in health care reported in every US state: New report
(NEW YORK) -- Racial and ethnic disparities in health care are evident in every state, even those with robust health systems, according to a new analysis from the Commonwealth Fund.In the analysis from the organization, which is aimed at promoting equitable health care, researchers found health system performance is markedly…
Consequences of aging, why we die explained by Nobel biologist
(NEW YORK) -- Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Venki Ramakrishnan sat down with ABC News Live to discuss the science and ethics of extending the human lifespan.In his new book, "Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality," Ramakrishnan explains why we may not want to…
Human infections from rat urine on the rise in New York City
(NEW YORK) -- The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has released a health advisory after multiple cases of human leptospirosis -- an infection that is associated to exposure to rat urine -- have been reported so far this year in New York City.There were 24 cases of…
Melatonin makers urged to follow new packaging, labeling guidelines to protect kids
(NEW YORK) -- A trade association is calling on melatonin makers to follow new guidelines on labeling and packaging for their products amid a rise in emergency room visits and calls to poison centers for accidental ingestion of melatonin by children.The new guidelines, announced Monday by the Council for Responsible…
What to know about the counterfeit, mishandled Botox injections causing harmful effects across US
(NEW YORK) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- alongside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and local and state health departments -- is continuing to investigate after 19 people across nine states have experienced harmful reactions after being given botulinum toxin injections.The injections were either counterfeit or…
Kansas governor vetoes gender-affirming trans care ban
(TOPEKA, Ks.) -- Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, vetoed a ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth in the state."This divisive legislation targets a small group of Kansans by placing government mandates on them and dictating to parents how to best raise and care for their children," said…
Drug shortages hit record-high with hundreds in short supply: Pharmacists
(NEW YORK) -- Drug shortages have reached an all-time high in the United States, pharmacists are warning.During the first three months of 2024, there were 323 active medication shortages, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Utah Drug Information Service. Previously, the record high was 320 shortages…
What the trans care recommendations from the NHS England report mean
(LONDON) -- A new report commissioned by the National Health Service England advocates for further research on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and young adults.Dr. Hillary Cass, a former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, was appointed by NHS England and NHS Improvement to chair the…
What juice sodas, prebiotic beverages a nutritionist would actually drink and why
(NEW YORK) -- From Whole Foods to corner bodegas, fizzy juice drinks from fruity seltzers to reduced-sugar sodas that boast prebiotic and digestive support have exploded in popularity.But what are the actual benefits of these juices and sodas?Registered dietitian and nutritionist Maya Feller joined ABC News' Good Morning America on…