Report links workplace discrimination to high blood pressure

The more exposure people had to discrimination, the greater their likelihood of developing hypertension, which has been linked to heart attacks and strokes.

May 14, 2023

Progress on reducing infant and maternal deaths has stalled, WHO warns

A combined 4.5 million deaths occurred among mothers and infants worldwide in 2020, the agency reports.

By Erin BlakemoreMay 14, 2023

Facing high death rates, Black expecting parents seek out Black doulas

These Black doulas focus on a community that faces higher maternal mortality rates yet has long struggled to find advocates to address their birthing needs.

By Justin Wm. MoyerMay 14, 2023

Despite treatment for deadly blood clots, his health was going downhill

The devotee of rugged back country skiing would spend the next 16 months trying to discover why he had grown so weak.

By Sandra G. BoodmanMay 13, 2023

Who can donate blood? What to know about FDA’s new guidelines

The Food and Drug Administration finalized guidelines for blood donations that do away with some long-standing disqualifications for gay and bisexual men.

By Teddy Amenabar, Fenit Nirappil and Laurie McGinleyMay 12, 2023

A fetus had a 1% chance at life. A historic surgery in womb saved it.

Kenyatta Coleman learned that her fetus had a vein of Galen malformation. Boston doctors saved its life with the first successful fetal brain surgery.

By Kyle MelnickMay 12, 2023

Monkeypox, now known as mpox, showing signs of return

The World Health Organization declared the mpox global health emergency over, but health officials say gay and bisexual Americans should still be on alert.

By Fenit NirappilMay 12, 2023

Amid loneliness epidemic, readers share stories of struggle and serenity

Readers responded to the surgeon general's health advisory on loneliness by sharing poignant stories of trying to nurture connection in a fractured America.

By Michael Blackmon and Fenit NirappilMay 12, 2023

From a Google search to a boxing gym: Jennifer Wexton’s Parkinson’s journey

Wexton is on a mission to raise awareness about the progressive neurological movement disorder after her own diagnosis.

By Meagan FlynnMay 12, 2023

Bacteria linked to tainted baby formula may become nationally reportable

Cronobacter sakazakii, which sickened babies and led to a national formula shortage, would be tracked by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.

By Laura ReileyMay 11, 2023

Peanut allergy skin patch for toddlers shows promise, study finds

The "peanut patch" outperformed a placebo in reducing sensitivity to peanut protein, according to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

By Bryan PietschMay 11, 2023

FDA advisers back making birth control pill available over the counter

The vote by the agency’s outside experts increased the likelihood that a contraceptive called Opill will be approved for sale without a prescription.

By Laurie McGinley and Rachel RoubeinMay 10, 2023

A new, more diverse human genome offers hope for rare genetic diseases

The first pangenome is based on the full genetic blueprints of 47 people from around the world.

By Mark JohnsonMay 10, 2023

DEA extends telemedicine option for prescribing controlled medications

Doctors will be allowed to keep using telemedicine to prescribe certain drugs for anxiety, pain and opioid addiction, extending for six months pandemic-related flexibilities.

By David Ovalle and McKenzie BeardMay 9, 2023

What the end of the covid public health emergency means for you

Here’s how major health policies will be affected when the covid public health emergency ends on on May 11.

By Lena H. Sun and Amy GoldsteinMay 9, 2023

End of covid emergency highlights U.S. weakness in tracking outbreaks

The end of the covid public health emergency highlights long-standing vulnerabilities of a technologically weak and fractured public health surveillance system.

By Lena H. SunMay 9, 2023

Doctors found the world’s smallest skin cancer spot: A woman’s tiny mole

Alexander Witkowski, an Oregon dermatologist, found a 0.65 millimeter mole – the world's smallest skin cancer spot – under Christy Staats’s eye.

By Kyle MelnickMay 9, 2023

Overdose prevention centers are tough sell in U.S. despite successes

The supervised injection sites allow people to take illegal drugs like fentanyl under watch of staff trained to reverse overdoses.

By David OvalleMay 8, 2023

Do overdose prevention centers work? First U.S. study seeks answers.

A federally funded study will look at whether people using drugs in programs in New York City and Rhode Island are less likely to overdose.

By David OvalleMay 8, 2023

Breakfast for life: Quick tips for meals that boost energy and health

A mix of fiber and protein is key. These breakfast ideas can help you fuel up.

By Sharon LiaoMay 8, 2023