health on localnews page 8

Connecticut just expanded a cutting-edge mental health program that mixes therapy with a psychedelic compound called psilocybin. This isn’t about legalizing wild parties—it’s about testing a carefully controlled treatment for stubborn conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. The program starte

Oregon steps up grocery help for some Medicaid users

Oregon has started giving extra food aid to certain Medicaid patients who struggle with serious health issues and limited funds. The state now lets some members with specific medical conditions receive up to six months of grocery support through two new programs. One program focuses on fresh produce

Obesity and heart health: What’s really changing?

For decades, obesity was linked to higher risks of heart problems like high blood pressure and cholesterol. But new research suggests that in recent years, people over 40 with obesity have managed these risks almost as well as those with normal weight. The study tracked over a million adults across

How Walking and Running Styles Affect Knee Pressure

Scientists studied how two types of leg movements—toe-in and toe-out—change pressure on the knees during walking and running. They worked with 20 healthy young adults, splitting them into two groups. One group walked with their toes pointing slightly inward, while the other ran with their toes turne

Pets Safe from Summer Heat

Stay cool and keep pets comfortable when the sun blazes. If a dog or cat shows fast breathing, heavy drooling, vomiting, bright red gums, or lethargy, move them to a shaded spot and call a vet right away. Cool the animal with lukewarm water or a fan, but avoid ice‑cold baths that can shock them. H

Faith, Hope, and the Fight Against Infertility

In many parts of the world, trouble with starting a family is seen as more than just a medical issue. It touches mind, body, society, and the stories people tell about themselves. In a city in Pakistan, a small group of men who could not have children were asked how their faith shaped what they feel

Suicide and Faith: What the Numbers Say

The world loses more than 700, 000 people to suicide each year. Scientists want to know if religion affects that number. They looked at data from 2000 to 2021 in many countries. The study compared people who follow Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths. Results showed

Religious Habit Boosts Physical Health, New Study Shows

A new study from Brigham Young University’s Wheatley Institute looks at how regular church attendance affects body health. The research is part of a three‑part series that also covers mental and social benefits of religion. Researchers sifted through about 60, 000 papers on faith and health. They k

New Pathways to Mental Well‑Being in the Middle East

The Middle East faces unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and social expectations often shape how people talk about emotions and seek help. Researchers have put together a fresh framework that blends traditional values with modern technology to make m

Heatwave Overwhelms Paris Funeral Home, Stalling Graves