New option to indicate blood type on Virginia driver’s license

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — A new law was passed which allows Virginians the option to display their blood type on government issued IDs in order to help first responders in emergencies. Sen. George L. Barker (Va. D) introduced Senate Bill 345. It directs the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, to establish a method […]

The lifesaving health benefits of wearing a smartwatch

For the past 13 years, David George has suffered from atrial fibrillation or AF, a terrifying condition where the heart suddenly begins beating irregularly, often accelerating out of control without warning. George, now 70, was forced to take early retirement from his job as a management consultant in the construction of power stations and petrochemical […]

Exercise benefits heart health, even if only on weekends

It doesn’t matter if you exercise every day or squeeze it all into the weekend. If you do the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week, you’ll get heart benefits, a new study finds. Both regimens protect you from atrial fibrillation (a-fib), heart attack, heart failure and stroke, compared with inactivity, […]

Infectious canine respiratory disease has shut down Animal Rescue League of Berks County dog adoptions

On July 4, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County shut down dog adoptions at its Cumru Township shelter after two dogs showed symptoms of what was thought to be canine influenza, according to José Joel Delgado-Rivera, ARL chief communications officer. Ultimately, dog flu was ruled out. Delgado-Rivera shared an email that he said Dr. […]

Why Black Americans Are at Higher Risk for Multiple Myeloma

Statistically speaking, multiple myeloma is more survivable than ever, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Now the not-so-good news: Your race could affect your outlook. Black Americans are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma and to die from this cancer as white Americans, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s […]

Study identifies blood proteins linked to mortality in severe burns

Jul 18 2023 Researchers led by Osaka University have used mass spectrometry to identify ten blood proteins associated with mortality in severe burns. Three of these proteins (HBA1, TTR, SERPINF2) may serve as targets for developing new treatment methods for burns. Although many people still die from severe burns, the underlying physiology behind burns is […]

Warming planet may have overwhelming impact on infectious diseases

NEW YORK (AP) — People around the world are living longer, healthier lives than they were just half a century ago. Climate change threatens to undo that progress. READ MORE: Climate change hazards worsen 58 percent of infectious diseases, study says Across the planet, animals — and the diseases they carry — are shifting to […]

Williamson Medical Center and Bone and Joint Institute to Host July Blood Drive

Bone and Joint Institute in Franklin Williamson Medical Center and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee (BJIT) will host a blood drive with Blood Assurance, the sole provider of blood products for Williamson Health, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 12 – 5 p.m. Donors are encouraged to sign up here via the Blood Assurance […]