Health & Safety

The U.S. is providing supplies to combat Ebola. But people are needed as well.

What The U.S. Has Given To Fight Ebola, From Thermometers To Soap

1:33pm September 17, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

U.S. aid is beginning to flow into the countries fighting the deadly virus. But while protective equipment and food supplies are vital, what's really needed now are health workers.

Americans' Waistlines Are Expanding, And That's Not Good Fat

1:31pm September 17, 2014

by Alison Bruzek

Are you more an apple or a pear? If it's the former, you've got company. Americans' waistlines are growing, even though obesity rates have plateaued. And more belly fat increases health risks.

Drat those viruses. They're the culprit in the majority of children's colds and sore throats.

Antibiotics Prescribed For Children Twice As Often As Needed

8:58am September 17, 2014

by Nancy Shute

About 27 percent of respiratory tract infections in children are caused by bacteria, a study finds. But doctors prescribe antibiotics for 57 percent, leading to 11 million unneeded prescriptions.

Maps of connections in the brain are helping researchers better understand attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Key Brain Connection Slow To Develop In Kids With ADHD

8:57am September 17, 2014

by Alison Bruzek

A network in the brain that helps control daydreaming seem to be slower to develop in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The physical therapist will advise, but you're going to have to do the work.

Farewell, Heating Pad: Physical Therapists Say It Doesn't Help

8:56am September 17, 2014

by Nancy Shute

Heating pads and other passive treatments don't do any good if the goal is gaining strength and mobility, according to the Choosing Wisely campaign. Instead, it's all about the exercise.

Jung Ha-yoon, 2, and other children in Seoul, South Korea, enjoy playing around (and in) ceramic jars. The country's infant mortality rate dropped 91 percent between 1972 and 2012.

More Birthdays For Kids Under 5 Around The World

8:12pm September 16, 2014

by Eleanor Klibanoff

The number of deaths of children under 5 has dropped by 49 percent since 1990. There are many reasons why, from better vaccines and health workers to "kangaroo mother care."

President Obama spoke Tuesday about the U.S. plan to fight the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, speaking at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The White House plan reportedly includes deploying 3,000 U.S. military personnel and training health

Obama Gives New Details On America's Effort To Fight Ebola

5:51pm September 16, 2014

by Bill Chappell

The president announced a "major increase" in the U.S. response to the outbreak, including a new military command center in Liberia, and sending medical professionals from the U.S. to field hospitals.

U.S. To Send 3,000 Troops To West Africa To Aid In Ebola Epidemic

5:33pm September 16, 2014

On Tuesday, President Obama announced that the U.S. will send more military personnel and resources to Africa to fight the deadly virus.

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Ebola Outbreak Presents Special Challenges For U.S. Military

5:33pm September 16, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

On Tuesday, President Obama announced a larger U.S. response to the Ebola outbreak that will put 3,000 troops on the front line. What can the military can provide and how quickly they can do it?

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American Doctor In Libera Calls U.S. Ebola Response Plan 'Outstanding'

5:33pm September 16, 2014

Melissa Block talks to Dr. Timothy Flanigan in Liberia about President Obama's announcement that the U.S. will ramp up aid efforts to fight the Ebola outbreak.

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