Health

A new study led by a Georgia State University researcher finds that the opioid epidemic and rural homelessness are exacerbating each other with devastating consequences.

The fires raging in Los Angeles have destroyed thousands of structures, and the death toll is rising. Along with the wildfires, residents must deal with other hazards: smoke and ash.

Community health workers were found to be the unsung heroes of the health care system’s pandemic response, according to a study led by a team of public health researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and their community partners. Findings also show that current funding and reimbursement mechanisms remain inadequate to sustain their work.

Wildfire smoke is about 10 times as toxic as the regular air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels, and there’s no safe level of exposure, Stanford experts say, the more we breathe, the worse the range of health outcomes.

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide with many treatments, such as medication, often failing to provide lasting relief. Researchers from the University of Sydney’s Center for Rural Health have uncovered a possible solution. Their study, published in JAMA Network Open, found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care could reduce disability and enhance quality of life.

Rewards and financial incentives are successful methods to help people quit smoking, according to a new Cochrane review co-led by a University of Massachusetts Amherst public health and health policy researcher. For the first time, the researchers also found “high-certainty evidence” that this intervention works for pregnant people as well.

Whether it’s a wintry visit to a snow-covered ski resort or a summertime hike in an alpine park, a vacation in the mountains can be breathtaking. Literally.

The rapidly spreading wildfires that have transformed much of Los Angeles County into a raging hellscape are not only upending the lives of tens of thousands of residents and business owners, but also stressing the region’s hospitals, health clinics, first responders, and nursing homes.

Los Angeles has experienced some of the world’s worst air quality this week as smoke from massive wildfires blankets the region and threatens the health of far more people than the fires themselves. And that will end up adding to the economic toll.

A study by investigators from Mass General Brigham provides information to empower consumers and policymakers about the degree of processing of the foods available at three large grocery retailers.