Teen substance use has reached record lows, according to the Monitoring the Future survey, which found two-thirds of 12th graders and over 90% of 8th graders reporting no alcohol, marijuana, cigarette, or e-cigarette use in the past 30 days. This aligns with CDC data showing declines from 2011–2021, including a sharp drop during the pandemic. Experts are puzzled yet optimistic about the sus...

A new University College London study reveals that each cigarette shortens life expectancy by 20 minutes, nearly doubling previous estimates. Smoking a pack a day equates to losing seven hours daily, emphasizing the profound health impact of tobacco use. Researchers highlight that quitting smoking, even briefly, yields immediate benefits: stopping for a week by January 8 saves a day of life...

\In 2024, cruise ship outbreaks of stomach illness reached their highest level since 2012, but with only 16 reported cases among nearly 20 million passengers, the risk remains low. While cruise ships are often associated with norovirus, respiratory illnesses are actually more common, with rates 3-4 times higher than stomach illnesses. Cruise lines enforce strict hygiene protocols to prevent...

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is seeking a Risk Communication / Reseach Scientist specialist to join its Office of Pandemic Planning & Response. This role focuses on developing and implementing evidence-based public health risk communications and pandemic preparedness programs, collaborating with federal, state, and local partners, and supporting CDC and ASPR workplans. Idea...

Norovirus, the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., is surging this winter, with CDC data showing a sharp increase in outbreaks. From just 69 outbreaks in late November, reports jumped to 91 by early December, far exceeding recent years’ averages. Highly contagious, norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact, requiring as few as 10 vira...

Dry January offers a chance to take a break from alcohol, with potential benefits for both physical and mental health. Studies suggest that even a short period of abstinence can improve sleep, help with weight loss, and enhance skin health. Participants may experience better sleep quality, as alcohol disrupts rest, and some even shed pounds due to fewer calorie-dense drinks. To succeed, exp...

As winter approaches, it's vital to remind communities about the importance of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled in large quantities. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. The CDC recommends installing a CO detector in ever...

Belgium will become the first European Union country to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, effective January 1. The decision is based on both health and environmental concerns. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke cited the addictive nature of nicotine and the growing appeal of disposable e-cigarettes to teenagers as key health risks. Additionally, the disposable devices contribute to ...

Bird flu, caused by the H5N1 virus, has been spreading across various animal species, including wild birds, poultry, and now cats. Recently, an Oregon house cat died from bird flu after ingesting raw turkey from a recalled pet food. Pet owners should avoid feeding cats raw meat or unpasteurized dairy, as these can carry the virus. Keeping cats indoors and away from wild birds and livestock ...