Health

Prescription fluoride faces FDA scrutiny despite widespread support from providers and the public

Prescription fluoride’s future uncertain as FDA weighs provider and public opinions

Prescription-strength fluoride products, commonly used to prevent tooth decay in patients at high risk, are now under regulatory review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite decades of use and support from dental professionals, the FDA has begun re-examining these fluoride formulations due to technicalities in how they are classified and approved—raising concerns among healthcare providers and advocates about the future availability of an essential tool in oral health care.For numerous dental professionals, prescribing fluoride has been an essential aspect of treating those prone to cavity formation, such as young patients, the elderly, and individuals with health issues…
Read More
The U.S. fertility rate reached a new low in 2024, CDC data shows

New CDC data: U.S. fertility rate at all-time low in 2024

The United States continues to see a steady decline in its fertility rate, reaching its lowest point in decades by 2024. This ongoing trend, reflective of broader societal shifts, highlights how economic pressures, cultural transformations, and changing personal priorities are reshaping the landscape of family planning across the country.Recent demographic data shows that the average number of children born per woman has dropped to levels well below what is considered necessary to sustain the population. This metric, often referred to as the total fertility rate, is a key indicator used to understand population dynamics and long-term societal trends. The latest…
Read More
FDA to review prescription fluoride supplements for kids at risk for tooth decay

FDA considers reviewing prescription fluoride supplements for kids at risk for tooth decay

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated its plan to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prescription fluoride supplements that are frequently advised for children at risk of cavities. This move represents an important shift in pediatric dental care and suggests a wider scrutiny of the regulation and prescription of preventive treatments in the United States.Fluoride has long been recognized as a critical tool in preventing cavities, especially in children whose access to fluoridated water is limited or who are at a higher risk for dental disease. In many cases, pediatricians and dentists prescribe fluoride supplements in the…
Read More
Could cancer drugs be the future of Alzheimer's treatment?

Could cancer drugs be the future of Alzheimer’s treatment?

As Alzheimer's disease persists in impacting millions across the globe and effective therapies remain scarce, researchers are venturing into an ambitious new path: using cancer medicines for different purposes. Studies are bringing awareness to the potential that drugs initially created for tumor treatment might aid in slowing down, or possibly reversing, the cognitive deterioration linked with Alzheimer's. This groundbreaking approach seeks to speed up the creation of treatments and provide fresh optimism for patients who require it.The idea behind this approach is compelling: many cancer therapies already approved for safety in humans can be fast‑tracked into Alzheimer’s clinical trials. These…
Read More
Summer Covid cases are rising across the U.S. — Is it time for a vaccine?

Summer Covid cases are rising across the U.S. — Is it time for a vaccine?

As summer unfolds, COVID-19 infections are once again on the rise in various parts of the United States. While not reaching the alarming levels of previous years, the recent uptick in cases is noticeable enough to revive conversations around preventive measures—especially the potential need for updated vaccines.This seasonal resurgence has been observed through increased levels of viral particles in wastewater surveillance systems, a reliable early indicator of community spread. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations have also shown a modest but steady climb. Though the situation remains far from critical, the shift is significant enough to warrant attention, particularly for those…
Read More
Chronic Lyme Disease Was Once Dismissed. More Doctors Are Coming Around.

Chronic Lyme Disease: Increasing Support in the Medical Field

For many years, patients experiencing lingering symptoms long after treatment for Lyme disease often found themselves facing skepticism, both from the medical community and broader public. These individuals reported chronic fatigue, joint pain, cognitive difficulties, and neurological issues, even after completing standard antibiotic therapies. While these symptoms were real to patients, the concept of “chronic Lyme disease” remained contentious in the world of medicine. Today, however, there is a noticeable shift in how the condition is being acknowledged and addressed by healthcare professionals.Lyme disease, resulting from the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and spread by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, stands…
Read More