Category: Health

As COVID cases climb in Georgia, folks eager for the updated 2025-26 vaccine face a surprise rule. Many pharmacies now ask for a doctor’s prescription until federal experts decide on wider access, starting this month. This change stems from recent federal shifts. The Food and Drug Administration approved the new shots last week, but with tighter rules on who qualifies compared to last year. Rising COVID Cases Spark Vaccine Demand…

A new study reveals that people with moderate to severe head injuries face a higher chance of developing brain cancer later in life. Researchers from Mass General Brigham analyzed data from over 75,000 individuals over two decades, finding this link in a report published just last week. This discovery builds on growing evidence that traumatic brain injuries can trigger long term health issues. With brain cancer cases on the rise…

Georgia is seeing a alarming spike in child drownings, with rates hitting a 20 year high according to state health data. Experts and local groups are pushing for better water safety education and access to swim lessons to save lives, especially as summer heat lingers into fall. Rising Drowning Deaths Spark Urgent Calls for Action Recent reports show drowning as the top cause of death for kids aged 1 to…

The American Heart Association released updated blood pressure guidelines for 2025 on August 14, stressing stricter targets and lifestyle changes to fight heart risks. For people with diabetes, these rules highlight weight loss as a simple yet powerful tool to lower blood pressure and improve overall health, based on fresh research showing real benefits from shedding just a few pounds. These guidelines come at a time when nearly half of…

Health experts report a slight increase in COVID-19 cases across Georgia and South Carolina as summer ends and schools reopen. This uptick, noted in late August 2025, ties to more indoor activities from hot weather and back-to-school gatherings, though numbers stay much lower than last year. Current Case Trends Recent data shows Georgia projecting about 1,000 positive COVID-19 cases for August 2025, down from around 3,000 during the same month…

Chinese scientists have made history by transplanting a gene edited pig lung into a human for the first time. This breakthrough happened in Guangzhou, China, and offers new hope for solving the global organ shortage crisis. Breakthrough in Xenotransplantation Researchers led by Professor He Jianxing at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University completed the world’s first pig to human lung transplant. They used a lung from a Bama…

Georgia lawmakers gathered last week in Atlanta for a key hearing to tackle expected federal funding cuts to the state’s public health system. Facing potential freezes or reductions under the Trump administration, officials aim to redesign services that guard against diseases and provide preventive care, while dealing with an already tight budget that relies heavily on federal dollars. Hearing Highlights Push for System Overhaul State leaders expressed both hope and…

A Georgia House committee gathered on August 25, 2025, to discuss medical aid in dying, an option that lets terminally ill adults end their lives peacefully with prescribed medication. Lawmakers heard emotional stories from families, medical experts, and advocates, sparking talks on compassion, autonomy, and potential risks in a state where such practices remain illegal. Personal Stories Drive the Discussion Jamie McNeil shared her sister Jennifer Bullard’s battle with ALS,…

Singapore faces a growing threat from chikungunya virus as cases climb in 2025, driven by mosquito bites and warmer weather. Health experts warn that climate change could spark bigger outbreaks, raising questions about risks for residents and links to dengue fever. Rising Chikungunya Cases in Singapore Health officials report a sharp increase in chikungunya infections this year. As of mid-August 2025, Singapore has seen 21 confirmed cases, more than double…

A new study reveals that rare melioidosis infections in Georgia may stem from local soil sources, with links to major hurricanes like Helene in 2024. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Georgia health officials found genetic ties between cases spanning decades, raising concerns about hidden bacteria in the environment. What Is Melioidosis and Why It Matters Melioidosis comes from the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, often found in…