Lack of sleep linked to more belly fat, study finds

A new study from the Mayo Clinic concludes that a lack of sleep is directly linked to more belly fat. Study participants who slept less ate about 300 calories more per day and gained about 1.1 pounds.

Democratic, Republican Senate bargainers reach $10B COVID agreement

President Joe Biden settled for much less in the package despite warnings that the government was running out of money to keep pace with the continued spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.

Medicare enrollees can get free COVID-19 tests at drug stores

This is the first time that Medicare has covered an over-the-counter self-administered test at no cost to beneficiaries.

Here are the 10 ‘allergy capitals’ of America in 2022

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks cities based on pollen data, use of allergy medication and the number of allergists in each area.

Scientists sequence first-ever complete human genome

The completed sequence can help scientists unlock a better understanding of how humans evolve, the development of diseases and even how to more effectively treat cancer.

US teachers being trained in mental health to help students in turmoil

The California Department of Education funds a program for mental health training for teachers for any school district requesting it. Experts warn of a mental health crisis facing children.

Man gets 90 COVID-19 shots to sell forged vaccine passes

The 60-year-old was caught at a vaccination center in Germany when he showed up for a COVID-19 shot for the second day in a row.

Water contaminant linked to infant brain damage won't be regulated by EPA

Upholding a Trump-era environmental policy, the Environmental Protection Agency says it will not regulate a drinking water contaminant that has been linked to brain damage in infants.

Free school lunch program launched during pandemic ending soon

A heads-up for parents: The program offering universal access to free school lunches is set to expire this summer. 

CDC drops COVID-19 health warning for cruise ship travelers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that they will leave it up to vacationers to decide whether they feel safe getting on a ship. The cruise-line industry is happy about the move.

Omicron 'stealth' subvariant BA.2 identified in Virginia: health officials

Health officials say the Omicron subvariant BA.2, has been identified in Fairfax County COVID-19 patients as well as in other areas across Virginia.

Increased cancer risk associated with artificial sweeteners, study says

In particular, the authors found aspartame and acesulfame were associated with increased cancer risk and higher risks were observed for breast cancer and obesity-related cancers.

COVID-19 deaths jump by 40%, but cases falling globally, WHO says

WHO said the jump in COVID-19 deaths was likely due to changes in how these virus deaths were reported across the Americas and by newly adjusted figures from India.

Prediabetes rising among US adolescents and teens, study finds

Researchers found that prediabetes among youths in the U.S. increased significantly from 11.6% to 28.2% between 1999 and 2018.

FDA approves 2nd COVID-19 vaccine booster for those 50 and older

U.S. regulators are allowing people 50 and older to get another booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.