Media Coverage

I think I have the coronavirus. What should I do?

It’s probably a run-of-the-mill cold, or it could be the beginning of a bout of seasonal flu. But with recent cases of the novel coronavirus, called COVID-19, surfacing in Illinois, some people are bound to wonder: Could this be the coronavirus?
“They should not see their doctor immediately,” said Michael Ison, a professor of infectious diseases and organ transplantation at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. “They should call their doctor first.”

Tougher Laws Reduce Gun Deaths in Kids

The “Child Could Access” laws are associated with a 29% reduction in all-intent firearm deaths and a 59% reduction in unintentional firearm deaths, according to the study.
“The reduction in firearm fatalities is greater in those states with stronger negligence laws compared with states with weaker laws,” said co-author Hooman Azad, a second-year medical student at Northwestern University in Chicago. “While it does not absolutely mean causation, there are very strong associations between the type of CAP law and the number of firearm fatalities in children.”

How to Manage Your Anxiety About Coronavirus

Health can be a uniquely anxiety-provoking arena, says Catherine Belling, an associate professor of medical education at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine who wrote a 2012 book on hypochondria (now medically known as illness anxiety disorder). “Our bodies are so incredibly, intimately close to us, but…we’re dependent on doctors to tell us what’s going on inside ourselves,” she says. “The stakes are really high, but you also don’t have control over this very high stakes part of yourself.”

Allergists Offer Advice to Parents of Kids With Food Allergies

Food allergies affect children of different ages in different ways and can influence relationships with classmates, family and the general public, according to the study in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

“Quality of life issues related to food allergies are ubiquitous,” said co-author Dr. Ruchi Gupta, director of the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Old diseases, other public health threats reemerge in the U.S.

Although life expectancy inched up slightly in 2018, it hasn’t yet regained the lost ground, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“These trends show we’re going backwards,” said Sadiya Khan, an assistant professor of cardiology and epidemiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Stalked by the Fear That Dementia Is Stalking You

Tamar Gefen, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, strongly suggests having an in-depth discussion with a genetic counselor if you’re considering a test.
“Before you say ‘I have to know,’ really understand what you’re dealing with, how your life might be affected, and what these tests can and cannot tell you,” she advised.

Less than 5% of pregnant women have good heart health, according to Northwestern study. Experts say doctors need to do more in response.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and U.S. health experts are working to better understand why so many moms are dying. On Monday, Northwestern Medicine researchers published what they say is the first study to examine the cardiovascular health of pregnant women in the United States.

Joe Rogan ate nothing but meat for 30 days and said his ‘energy levels were amazing’

If you’re one of Joe Rogan’s 8.5 million Instagram followers, you’re likely familiar with his unconventional diet. The comedian, mixed martial arts fanatic and podcast host often shares photos of his favorite meal, which consists of elk meat, mushrooms and jalapenos. Eating nothing but animal protein that’s high in saturated fat while ignoring vegetables and carbohydrates is not wise, Linda Van Horn, chief of nutrition in the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells CNBC Make It. Research suggests that eating two servings of red or processed meat a week is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

Why your Valentine might want hot chocolate for that walk on the beach

Drinking cocoa rich in flavonols – plant compounds also found in fruits, vegetables and tea – might make walking easier for some older adults with poor circulation, a study suggests.

Suicide rates fall among gay youth but still outpace straight peers

“Numerous studies going back to the late 1990s have consistently shown that sexual minority youth are about three times more likely to report making a suicide attempt,” said Brian Mustanski, co-author of an editorial accompanying both studies, and director of the Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing in Chicago.