Snoring in children might seem like an innocent quirk, but a California dentist warns it could signal a hidden health issue that if addressed early, could transform their well-being.

“Your child’s snoring isn’t just noise—it’s a signal. Snoring, bedwetting, mouth breathing, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty focusing aren’t just ‘childhood quirks’ or laziness. They’re signs of a bigger issue that could impact your child for life: sleep-disordered breathing,” Dr. Mark Burhenne a dentist in Sunnyvale, California cautions in a video on Instagram.

Dr. Burhenne is talking about a common sleep disorder called sleep apnea when breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It could be linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common condition where relaxed throat muscles block airflow to the lungs, or central sleep apnea (CSA), which occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to control breathing.

An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea affecting up to 1% to 5% of children across all age groups, from babies and toddlers to adolescents and teenagers.

Warning signs of sleep apnea in children include mouth breathing, loud snoring, pauses in breathing, coughing or choking during sleep, restless tossing and turning, night sweats, sleepwalking, and bedwetting.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to get checked with a healthcare provider who might conduct a sleep study to understand the sleep pattern. Untreated sleep apnea in children can lead to learning difficulties, behavioral problems, chronic fatigue, and even serious health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure, Dr. Burhenne warns.

However, the good news is that early intervention can make a world of difference. “This isn’t just about sleep—it’s about giving your child the best chance for a healthy, vibrant life. Parents, if your child snores, mouth-breathes, or struggles with fatigue, don’t ignore it,” he said.

Treatments like…

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An alarmingly fewer number of children in the U.S. have received flu vaccinations in 2024, compared to last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Among those aged six months to 17 years, just 36% received a flu vaccine in 2024, down from 43% last year, The Hill reported.

This decline comes in the wake of a particularly deadly 2023-24 flu season, during which 205 pediatric flu deaths were officially reported.

“Not all children whose death was related to an influenza virus infection may have been tested for influenza,” the CDC wrote in a Nov. 22 memo. The organization estimates the true number of deaths was closer to 724.

While roughly 14% of parents said they still plan to “probably” obtain a flu vaccine for their children, CDC officials are concerned about the low vaccination rates heading into the winter months.

This year’s flu vaccines are designed to protect against three common virus strains: A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria.

The CDC emphasized the importance of flu shots in reducing severe illness and death, noting vaccine effectiveness has ranged from 19% to 60% over the past 15 years.

Originally published by Latin Times.

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Users have taken to social media platforms such as Reddit and X to share horror stories relating to UnitedHealthcare, including situations in which people were left with massive bills or even denied care.

One user took to Reddit to share how one of their patients was denied neurosurgery for chronic migraines.

“Just had a letter sent denying my patient who has chronic migraines from an enlarging meningioma + neuritis. They asked me to monitor for expansion. It’s literally expanding you f—ing piece of dog sh-t… it has nothing to do with the fact that they are 64 and will be Medicare’s problem next year, right?” wrote the user.

The user continued to talk about how they agreed to perform the surgery on their patient for free, and got a free anesthesia service for them as well.

Another user on Reddit shared a story of how they were charged $275,000 for the death of their mother after her insurance was denied for no coverage posthumously.

“I got an early Christmas gift from the hospital where my mom passed 10 months ago. She aspirated while in the hospital for cancer treatment, they did CPR – no pulse and called to tell me she passed, she came back for a few hours but was unconscious of course, then passed again. (Fun fact – she had a DNR. They missed it.)” wrote the user.

“Since they sat on submitting it to her insurance, it was denied for no coverage…. because she was now deceased. Makes sense,” they continued. “So I got this nice little bill. Called the billing department to tell them to shove it. They ask if I want to pay the balance today. Then they tell me ‘we’ll’ go to collections if not.”

Many of these instances and stories have resulted in users ridiculing the late CEO and celebrating his death after they or a close loved one was negatively impacted by their UHC insurance.

Such ridicule made its way to the replies of a post made by Thompson on LinkedIn.

“We work every day to find ways to make #healthcare more affordable, including reducing the cost…

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Vaping is often promoted as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. But is using e-cigarettes truly risk-free? Researchers have discovered that vaping impacts circulation, with noticeable effects occurring immediately.

In the latest study that will be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) next week, researchers explored the impact of both cigarette smoking and vaping on vascular function. The study found that while vaping exposes users to fewer toxic chemicals than cigarettes, it still affects circulation and overall health. Interestingly, the effect was observed even in e-cigarettes without nicotine.

“E-cigarettes have long been marketed as a safer alternative to regular tobacco smoking. Some believe that e-cigarettes don’t contain any of the harmful products, such as free radicals, found in regular tobacco cigarettes, because no combustion is involved,” said Dr. Marianne Nabbout, the study lead author in a news release.

To assess the impact on brain circulation, researchers evaluated 31 healthy participants—both smokers and vapers—using MRI scans before and after exposure to tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarette aerosol with nicotine, and e-cigarette aerosol without nicotine. The participants, aged 21 to 49, were compared to baseline scans from 10 non-smokers and non-vapers, aged 21 to 33.

The study also measured blood flow speed in the femoral artery by placing a cuff on the upper thigh to restrict circulation. Also, the venous oxygen saturation of the participants, which shows the amount of oxygen in the blood returning to the heart after supplying oxygen to the body’s tissues was tested.

After inhaling each type of vaping or smoking, blood flow in the superficial femoral artery significantly decreased. The greatest decrease in vascular function occurred after vaping e-cigarettes with nicotine, followed by those without nicotine. Vapers also showed lower venous oxygen saturation, indicating an immediate…

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Magnesium bath flakes are a versatile and natural way to support relaxation, relieve sore muscles, and promote overall wellness through the skin. Unlike standard Epsom salts, which are made from magnesium sulfate, magnesium bath flakes are typically derived from magnesium chloride, known for its higher bioavailability. With benefits ranging from muscle recovery to improved skin hydration, these bath flakes are a simple yet effective addition to any self-care routine.

Why Magnesium Matters

Magnesium is essential for many bodily functions, including muscle function, energy production, and nervous system health. Unfortunately, many people are magnesium-deficient, which can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and stress. When used in a warm bath, magnesium flakes can be absorbed through the skin, providing a direct and relaxing way to replenish this important mineral.

How Magnesium Bath Flakes Work

Once dissolved in warm water, magnesium bath flakes allow the mineral to enter the body through the skin. This method of absorption, known as transdermal absorption, is particularly effective for those with digestive sensitivities that make it challenging to absorb magnesium orally. A soak of 20-30 minutes can significantly increase magnesium levels in the skin, which can be a beneficial routine for anyone experiencing muscle soreness, stiffness, or general stress.

Benefits of Magnesium Bath Flakes

1. Muscle Relaxation: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often turn to magnesium baths for muscle recovery. The mineral helps to ease muscle tension and reduces inflammation, making it a popular choice for post-workout relaxation.
2. Stress Relief and Sleep Support: Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system. A warm bath with magnesium flakes can help ease mental tension and promote relaxation, making it a helpful ritual before bed. For those who struggle with insomnia or restless nights, incorporating magnesium baths can be a natural way to support a restful sleep…

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The mental health of expectant mothers has a long-term effect on the health and well-being of their offspring. A recent study highlights the importance of emotional care for mothers-to-be, as researchers found that children born to women who experience psychological distress during pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy in early childhood.

The study revealed a striking 70% increased risk of epilepsy among children aged 1 to 3 when their mothers experienced continuous psychological distress during pregnancy. The findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE, are based on an analysis of a birth cohort involving nearly 100,000 participants.

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease characterized by seizures, occurring when nerve cells do not signal properly. The condition affects around 65 million people worldwide, with about 150,000 new cases occurring each year in the U.S. While some cases of epilepsy are hereditary, other factors such as developmental disorders, brain injuries, and autoimmune disorders are known causes of epilepsy.

Common triggers for epileptic seizures include stress, poor sleep, fatigue, alcohol use, recreational drug use, hormonal changes during menstruation, illness, and fever.

In the latest study, researchers analyzed the link between stress scores in expectant mothers and epilepsy outcomes in their children. Using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), researchers evaluated participants’ stress based on six items, twice during pregnancy: once in the first half at around 15 weeks, and again in the second half at around 30 weeks. Based on their K6 scores, participants were categorized into six groups, reflecting either low or moderate distress at each time point.

The analysis showed that having a maternal K6 score of 5 or higher at both time points was linked to a 70% higher risk of epilepsy diagnosis among children aged 1 to 3 years.

“Therefore, environmental adjustments to promote relaxation in pregnant…

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A 36-year-old woman in Thailand recently discovered the source of her decades-long abdominal pain: a surgical needle allegedly left in her vaginal area during childbirth.

The woman shared her story with the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, a Thai non-profit organization that reviewed her case on November 4, The Sun reported.

According to the woman, a nurse left the needle in her body while a doctor was stitching her delivery wound. The doctor reportedly tried to retrieve it manually but was unsuccessful, leaving her with years of unrelenting pain. Recent x-rays confirmed the needle’s presence, though it has since shifted, complicating removal.

Surgery has been postponed multiple times, and the woman now requires frequent hospital visits.

The Pavena Foundation has coordinated her treatment with a public hospital and arranged for support with travel expenses, given her family’s financial struggles. Her surgery timeline remains uncertain.

Originally published by Latin Times.

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Struggling to sleep or feeling overly sleepy during the day may be more than just a sign of fatigue; they could indicate serious health risks. A recent study revealed that elderly adults who have excessive daytime sleepiness are at risk of developing motoric cognitive risk syndrome that can lead to dementia.

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome can be considered a precursor of dementia marked by slow gait or memory issues, two characteristic features of dementia but not fully developed mobility disability or dementia. Individuals diagnosed with motoric cognitive risk syndrome might need to undergo a treatment plan that includes dietary changes, lifestyle interventions, and medications to slow cognitive decline.

The researchers of the latest study found that older people with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm to get things done were more likely to develop the syndrome compared to those who do have sleep issues.

“Our findings emphasize the need for screening for sleep issues. There’s potential that people could get help with their sleep issues and prevent cognitive decline later in life,” said study author Dr. Victoire Leroy in a news release.

To understand the link, the researchers followed up 445 people with an average age of 76 who did not have dementia at the start of the study. Through questionnaires, they assessed sleep patterns, including difficulties falling asleep, waking during the night, and daytime sleepiness. The questions also addressed the participants’ enthusiasm levels and memory problems. The researchers assessed the participants’ walking speed using a treadmill at the beginning of the study and annually for an average of three years.

Analysis showed that 35.5% of people who have excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm developed the syndrome, compared to 6.7% of the people who did not have these conditions.

After adjusting for other factors that could influence the risk of the syndrome, researchers found that…

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A new drug for urinary tract infections, Orlynvah, gets FDA approval, opening new treatment options for those patients with limited or no alternative antibacterial treatments.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that affects the urinary system, and nearly half of all people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will experience one in their lifetime. Although UTIs are less common in men, they can still occur. Around 1% to 2% of children may also be affected.

Orlynvah, an oral tablet from drug manufacturer Iterum Therapeutics, combining sulopenem etzadroxil and probenecid has been approved for use specifically for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adult women. An uncomplicated urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the tract without abnormalities in the structure.

The new medicine could be a game-changer for those with limited treatment choices, as it showed effectiveness in two large clinical trials with over 3,800 participants. The trial results also indicated that Orlynvah would work similar, or even better than, traditional antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin.

“The FDA approval of ORLYNVAH is tremendous news for those of us who have been hoping for a new option to treat appropriate at-risk patients suffering from UTIs. Based on the totality of clinical data generated, ORLYNVAH has the potential to be an important treatment alternative for use in the community,” said Dr. Marjorie Golden, Site Chief, Infectious Disease, St. Raphael Campus Yale New Haven Hospital in a news release.

However, Orlynvah did not show effectiveness in treating patients with complicated urinary tract infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections.

The drug could be prescribed to be taken twice daily for 5 days.

“ORLYNVAH offers new hope for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat uUTIs. The introduction of novel products, like ORLYNVAH, is an important way to combat antimicrobial resistance to other…

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With the growing popularity of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) drugs for the treatment of obesity, there has been a significant shift in weight management strategies. A recent study found that the growing use of these medications has contributed to around 25% reduction in weight loss surgeries.

In a large-scale study involving data from over 17 million privately insured adults, researchers analyzed national trends in GLP-1 prescriptions and the frequency of metabolic bariatric surgeries. The results suggest that while anti-obesity medication prescriptions more than doubled between 2022 and 2023, the rate of weight loss surgeries experienced a notable decline of 25.6%. The results were published in Jama Network Open.

“Our study provides one of the first national estimates of the decline in utilization of bariatric metabolic surgery among privately insured patients corresponding to the rising use of blockbuster GLP-1 RA drugs,” said senior author Dr. Thomas C. Tsai in a news release.

The study also noted that a vast majority of obese patients, strikingly 94.7%, received neither form of treatment, while 5% received GLP-1 RAs and 0.3% received surgery. Compared to patients who were prescribed GLP-1 RAs, patients who underwent surgery tended to be more medically complex.

“These results also highlight an opportunity to further expand the uptake of surgical and pharmacologic treatments for obesity and related comorbidities. Metabolic bariatric surgery and GLP-1 RAs are both effective interventions for patients with obesity, yet less than 6% of patients in our study received either form of treatment,” said co-author Dr. Ateev Mehrotra.

The researchers also raised concern that although GLP-1 medications are effective in obesity treatment, high costs, limited supply, and gastrointestinal side effects of the drugs may prompt many users to discontinue treatment and result in weight regain.

“As patients with obesity increasingly rely on GLP-1s instead of…

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