Health

As those who are vaccinated peek out beyond our masks, people are looking for a return to summers past in 2021. Many are trying to book summer camps, find out whether pools are open, plan vacations and fill out out calendars with family and friends. And do we need backup plans in case there are

Here’s a look at Down syndrome, a genetic condition that affects cognitive ability, causing mild to severe learning disabilities and distinctive facial characteristics. There are three types of Down syndrome: translocation, mosaicism and trisomy 21. Trisomy 21 is the most common and contributes to 95% of cases. Facts English physician John Langdon Down first characterized

Here’s a look at smallpox, a contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease. The most severe and most common form of the smallpox virus is known as variola major. Types of variola major smallpox Ordinary – most common, 85% of casesModified – mild and occurs in those that have been vaccinatedFlat – occurs more frequently in

Here is some background information about stem cells. Scientists believe that stem cell research can be used to treat medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. About Stem Cells Sources: National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic Stem cell research focuses on embryonic stem cells and

Kale has become the poster child for a kind of tongue-in-cheek mockery of virtuous eating habits over the past decade, as evidenced by the now ubiquitous “eat more kale” slogan and “keep calm and kale on” merch. Despite the many jokes, memes and pop culture chatter, kale is still around. And dare I say it’s

Here’s a look at meningitis outbreaks in the United States. General Information Meningitis is caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes (known as meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is typically caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding these areas. There are five types of meningitis: bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal

Hoof-and-mouth disease (also known as foot-and-mouth disease) is a communicable virus affecting cattle, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Hoof-and-mouth disease is not related to hand, foot, and mouth disease, a virus that infects humans. About It is a member of the genus Aphthovirus in the family Picornaviridae. There are seven types of hoof-and-mouth disease and

Here’s a look at obesity in the United States. A person is considered to be obese when he or she reaches a particular body mass index (BMI). Adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while adults with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. Obesity can increase the risk

Here is a look at autism. Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) incorporates a group of neurodevelopmental disorders causing impaired communication skills and social skills. ASD generally starts before three years of age and lasts a lifetime, but early intervention plays a role in treatment and progress. ASD is about four times more common among

Here’s a look at Zika virus, an illness spread through mosquito bites that can cause birth defects and other neurological defects. Facts Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and CNN Zika virus is a flavivirus, part of the same family as yellow fever, West Nile, chikungunya and dengue fever.