What the Public Needs to Know About PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

PFAS are also detectable in the drinking water supplies of many major cities. Brief History of PFAS The first PFAS were invented in the 1930s.Their development increased in the 1960s. The PFAS helps the mixture spread, so it is highly effective against flammable-substance fires. Uwe Krejci/Getty Images. Chemistry PFAS belong to a broad group of chemicals that have different properties and uses. PFOA and PFOS have been used in manufacturing for many decades and are widespread in the environment....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 516 words · Kevin Ryan

What the U.S. Food Allergen Labeling Law Really Requires

In addition, manufacturers must use use the common or usual name of the allergen. For example, egg must be called “egg” on food labels instead of ovalbumin. Therefore, these do not need to be labeled. Peter Dazeley / Photographer’s Choice / Getty Images Manufacturers are not required to print allergy warnings on raw chicken. If you areallergic to crustacean shellfish, it’s possible you may have a sensitivity to mollusks as well....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 119 words · Allison Scott

What the U.S. Withdrawal From WHO Means for Your Health

What Does This Mean for U.S. Public Health? The decision will set off another 12-month notice period for the U.S. to leave the WHO. Chan School of Public Health. Elenarts108 / Getty Images There could be significant health consequences for the U.S. from the withdrawal, Bump said. Why Is the WHO Important? The global health organization focuses on improving access to quality essential services. This includes training the health workforce, supporting policy development, and working toward sustainable financing for health systems....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 192 words · Ryan Nelson

What the Updated CDC Mask Guidance Means for K-12 Students

In May, the CDCsaidfully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks indoors and outdoors. Since then, COVID-19 variants like Delta have driven up cases and vaccination rate has nearly plateaued. With the rise in cases, experts recommend taking precautions to limit disease spread within schools and without. Jon Cherry / Getty Images Thats the way this pandemic can kind of gain state. There is also the concern that new variants may be more easily spread among children and adolescents....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 177 words · Lisa Sheppard

What Thick Blood Means and How It’s Treated

Thick blood isnt a condition in itself. Rather, it is a result of othervascularconditions. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Verywell / Julie Bang What Is Thick Blood? Coagulation is the process in which the body forms a clot in response to bleeding. Ablood clot(thrombus) that occurs in an artery or vein can be life-threatening. It can block blood flow to essential organs like the brain, heart, and lungs....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 333 words · Duane Chen

What Thyroid Patients Need to Know About Decongestants

This is because ingredients likepseudoephedrinecan affect the blood vessels throughout the body. Some drugs may interact with your thyroid medication. This decreases blood flow to the lining of the nose andsinuses, thereby reducing congestion and the production ofmucus. Verywell / Emily Roberts That’s because both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect the heart and circulatory system. Less potentially problematic, but still important to be aware of, isphenylephrine. It is a weaker cousin of pseudoephedrine, used as a substitute for it in many OTC products....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Herbert Guzman

What Time of Day Is Best for Protein Intake If You Want to Gain Muscle?

There is not an all-or-none switch that if you dont get protein in now, nothing happens. And the anabolic window isnt that narrowyour muscles can stay sensitized to protein for 24 hours after exercising. Protein From Food vs. Its best to consider a protein supplement just thata supplement to an otherwise varied and nutritious eating pattern. Photo Illustration by Lecia Landis for Verywell Health; Getty Images Eggs, meat, and beans are also good sources of protein....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 189 words · Maria Reed

What Time You Should Go to Bed by Wake-Up Time and Age

The amount of sleep you need each night changes throughout your life. Thats called yoursleep need. Some experts calculate your sleep need according to your age. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Your genes, environment, and health conditions can also affect how much sleep you need. Some people are short sleepers or long sleepers. A short sleeper may be just fine with less than seven hours of sleep. Long sleepers need more than nine hours to feel well-rested....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 979 words · Erin Keller

What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Dairy Products You should avoid most dairy products if you have diarrhea. Even if you dont havelactose intolerance, you may still have trouble digesting them. That is because dairy products contain a sugar called lactose that your body digests with an enzyme calledlactase. seksan Mongkhonkhamsao / Getty Images Diarrhea can deplete lactase, sometimes severely, lowering your ability to digest milk and other dairy. This, in turn, can lead to diarrhea, gas, nausea, and bloating....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 503 words · Andrew Graves

What to Avoid With a G6PD Deficiency

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiencyis a genetic condition that can be passed down from parents to their children. This article lists common things you should avoid if you have this blood disorder. What Is a G6PD Deficiency? Tetra Images / Getty Images G6PD is an important enzyme (protein) in your body that protects your red blood cells from damage. G6PD Deficiency Drugs to Avoid Having G6PD deficiency doesn’t mean you could’t take any medications....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 181 words · Peter Jackson

What to Do (and Not Do) If Someone Is Having a Stroke

Witnessing someone have astrokecan be a frightening experience. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations about walking needs and potential limitations at home. Summary If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Juanmonino / Getty Images The faster the person can get medical attention, the better their chance of recovery. A Word From Verywell Watching someone experience stroke symptoms can be frightening. But it’s crucial to act quickly to ensure the person has the best chance of recovery....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 116 words · Bonnie Baker

What to Do (and Not Do) If Your Ears Are Blocked With Wax

An ear wax blockage can affect your hearing or lead to anear infection. This article will go over what to doand not doif you have an ear wax blockage. You should not use these products if you have a hole in your ear drum. Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images Sometimes, letting a little bit of water sit in the ear before irrigating will help loosen the wax. It should not hurt, but you may feel a little dizzy or nauseated....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 258 words · Richard Flores

What to Do About a Groin Hernia

An inguinalherniais when a section of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in theinguinal canal. The inguinal canal is a passageway through the abdominal wall near the groin. The first sign of an inguinal hernia is usually an unexplained bulge in the groin area. Verywell / Ellen Lindner This throw in of hernia can be present at birth or develop over time. When they do, the symptoms may be present at some times and not at others....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 697 words · Ray Herrera