Health & Safety

Pastor Michael Shover of Christ the Redeemer Church in Pella, Iowa, left, argues with Ryan Maher, of Des Moines, as protesters clashed in the Iowa State Capitol rotunda, while the Iowa Legislature convened for a special session on July 11, 2023.

Iowa Republicans pass bill banning most abortions after about 6 weeks

2:16am July 12, 2023

by The Associated Press

Iowa's Republican-led Legislature passed a bill banning most abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy during a marathon session Tuesday. Gov. Kim Reynolds said she would sign the bill on Friday.

Health & Safety

North Carolina's birth rate has rebounded after a pandemic dip

3:51pm July 11, 2023

by April Laissle

North Carolina’s birth rate has rebounded after a significant dip during the pandemic.

Prime energy drinks are displayed for sale on shelves at a Walmart Supercenter on July 10, 2023 in Austin, Texas. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer has called on the FDA to investigate whether the drinks pose health risks to children.

What to know about Prime, the Logan Paul drink that Sen. Schumer wants investigated

10:08am July 11, 2023

by Emily Olson

Prime drinks have become a Gen Z status symbol, a prized social media prop for a certain brand of teen male. But they're causing jitters among pediatricians who say they pack scary caffeine levels.

Test strips used to detect fentanyl and xylazine in street drugs, are seen at St. Ann's Corner of Harm Reduction in New York City on May 25, 2023. Overdose deaths involving xylazine have soared.

Deaths from xylazine are on the rise. The White House has a new plan to tackle it

8:04am July 11, 2023

by Deepa Shivaram

Deaths from overdoses of Xylazine-laced fentanyl have surged. The White House drug czar says he's marshalling efforts on testing, tracking, treatment, and stopping the spread.

People queue for a free malaria test in Lagos, Nigeria. The country has one of the highest national death tolls from the mosquito-borne disease. A new vaccine offers hope. But logistics could prevent it from reaching the arms of those who are eligible.

New malaria vaccine offers a ray of hope to Nigeria. There's just one thing ...

7:32am July 11, 2023

by Tolani Yesufu

The country's toll makes up nearly a third of the world's 619,000 malaria deaths each year. Now Nigeria has approved a new vaccine. Will it get into the arms of those who need it most?

Health & Safety

Concerns are raised about whether cannabis is safe for older users

5:05am July 11, 2023

by Jim Zarroli

Many senior citizens are using cannabis to deal with chronic health conditions but experts say they should beware of potentially negative interactions with medications and other problems.

Health & Safety

Critics say the FDA could do more to regulate caffeinated energy drinks

5:05am July 11, 2023

by Allison Aubrey

Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York is asking the FDA to investigate the energy drink PRIME. It's become popular with kids, but doctors worry about the beverage's high caffeine content.

Scientists have shown that the antibiotic doxycycline can ward off illnesses like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. It's a prevention tool called doxy-PEP.

An old drug offers a new way to stop STIs

5:04am July 11, 2023

by Will Stone

Taken after sex, the antibiotic doxycycline can ward off some sexually transmitted illnesses. Doctors are already prescribing it and the CDC is expected to share guidance soon for how best to use it.

New measures are being taken to reduce heat-related deaths in Phoenix

4:56pm July 10, 2023

by Katherine Davis-Young

Forecasters are predicting record temperatures in the Valley of the Sun. Last year, the Phoenix metro saw a record number of heat-related deaths. New measures are being taken to reduce health risks.

A Chinese worker's vision of "white people food" includes raw veggies, crackers, lunch meat and raspberries. This kind of pared-down, easy-to-prepare meal is catching on among office workers in China's cities.

Health & Safety

This is not a joke: Chinese people are eating — and poking fun at — #whitepeoplefood

1:25pm July 10, 2023

The playful term is trending on social media: Urban workers are embracing (even while joking about) easy-to-fix, healthy Western-style lunches — think sandwiches, veggies ... a lonely baked potato.

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