CDC: H5 Bird Flu Current Situation
What to know Current situation H5 Bird Flu Human Cases in U.S. CDC streamlined H5 bird flu updates with routine influenza data updates and updated reporting cadences to reflect the current public health situation. As such, the following changes were made to this page: Data on the number of people monitored and tested for bird […]
FDA: Medicines for Your Pet: What’s The Difference Between FDA-approved & Pharmacy-compounded Drugs?
If you’ve ever had to give your cat a dose of medicine, you know that it can go sideways quickly. While no cat enjoys the process, some might be more cooperative depending on how the drug is given. For example, some cats tolerate taking pills easier than liquid, while others make the pill-giving process into […]
CDC: Pet Travel Safety
What to know Preparing for travel with pets Owning a pet can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and explore new places. You may want to take your pet with you when you travel to new places. Traveling can sometimes be stressful, both for you and your pets. Preparation can help prevent stress and keep […]
FDA: The Risks of Tanning
Sunburn What it is: Sunburn, also called erythema, is one of the most obvious signs of UV exposure and skin damage. Often marked by redness and peeling (usually after a few days), sunburn is a form of short-term skin damage. Why it happens: When UV rays reach your skin, they damage cells in the epidermis. […]
CDC: Ways to Stay Healthy Around Animals
What to know Overview There are many health benefits of owning a pet. They can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by providing companionship. Studies have shown that the bond between […]
FDA: Full-Body CT Scans – What You Need to Know
Using a technology that “takes a look” at people’s insides and promises early warnings of cancer, cardiac disease, and other abnormalities, clinics and medical imaging facilities nationwide are touting a new service for health-conscious people: “Whole-body CT screening.” This typically involves scanning the body from the chin to below the hips with a form of […]
CDC: About Toxoplasmosis
Key points Overview Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Signs and symptoms Over 40 million people are infected with the parasite in the United States. Most people with healthy immune systems who get toxoplasmosis do not have symptoms. Those with symptoms may experience flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, […]
FDA: Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun – From Sunscreen to Sunglasses
Sun safety is always in season. It’s important to protect your skin from sun damage throughout the year, no matter the weather. Why? Sun exposure can cause sunburn, skin aging (such as skin spots, wrinkles, or “leathery skin”), eye damage, and skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Skin cancer is […]
CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
At a glance Why it’s important If you are pregnant, you are more likely than other people to get sick from certain germs. To prevent food poisoning, some foods are safer choices than others. That’s because some foods—such as undercooked meat and eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized milk—are more often associated with foodborne […]
FDA: Encouraging Development of Alternatives to Animal Testing in Sunscreen
Like all drugs, sunscreens must meet rigorous standards for safety and efficacy. Because consumers rely on sunscreens as an essential part of cancer prevention and many people use them daily throughout their lives, it is critical to understand not only their protective benefits but also any potential risks from long-term use. In September 2021, the […]