At the start of the pandemic, the American Cancer Society recommended postponing non-essential cancer screenings to reduce the strain on the medical system. Because of these reduced screenings, cancer diagnoses have dropped since the first cases of COVID-19 were recorded. As the pandemic persists, understanding this drop in diagnoses is critical to ensure that doctors […]
We are all avoiding public spaces and participating in “social distancing” to curb the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus at the center of the current pandemic. Guidelines on how to protect oneself and others vary between every authority. Initially, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that people not wear masks and
COVID-19: Are six feet enough to protect from aerosol pathogens? Read More »
The silence is palpable on Huntington Avenue these days. During an hour that would have normally seen a frantic commute, an empty Green Line train rumbles by. In a city like Boston that is (wisely) following social distancing guidelines, people’s lifestyles have changed almost overnight — they are staying inside. The act of social distancing
Staying inside: How a new sedentary lifestyle affects the human body Read More »
The coronavirus pandemic triggered a wave of paranoia that left the public susceptible to a variety of health-related propaganda. These myths likely did more harm than good, as people prioritized toilet paper over the physical distancing and protection protocols that we are more accustomed to now. Many widespread myths were dispelled by the World Health
The myth of vitamin C Read More »
Where physical health concerns spread, a mental health pandemic followed. There is no question that COVID-19 has shaken most of the world, pausing life as people know it in the face of an uncertain future. The new quarantined reality quickly revealed the psychological impacts of self-isolation and disruption of routine. Mental health has become increasingly
Self-care and skincare: The importance of routine Read More »
With an estimated 50 million people living with dementia around the world, the recent connection between dementia and meditation shows promise for using mindfulness as an effective practice to delay brain and cognitive changes. Current studies are exploring the benefits of instilling this practice for patients with an early form of dementia called mild cognitive
A promising connection between dementia and meditation Read More »
Isolation reveals the human mind at its best … and its worst. Free from some of the distractions and stressors that harangue them, our minds have the time and space to wander a bit. We might find ourselves lost in thought or daydreaming more often. By lifting that which constrains our cognitive processes to the
The psychology of isolation: A double-edged sword Read More »
The race to develop a vaccine for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic spans across the world as the virus continues to take thousands of lives every day. Unfortunately, the fastest vaccines typically take at least five years to fully develop; this includes multiple failed attempts before commercializing an effective vaccine that successfully passes all clinical trials
Vaccine development: From the lab bench to the doctor’s office Read More »
With cases surpassing two million nationwide, hospitals and healthcare systems across the country have stepped up to meet the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers courageously serve those weakest while risking it all — reusing personal protective equipment (PPE), taking up additional shifts, and often living in hotels or garages in
Why are hospitals losing money during a pandemic? Read More »