Editors Note: Help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters.In the US: Call or text 988, the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline.Globally: The I… [+7312 chars]

The risk for suicide may be higher on New Year’s Day and Mondays, a large study has found. Experts contextualize the findings and share coping strategies.

Is suicide risk higher during the holidays? Experts weigh in on study and how to cope - CNN

Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways
T… [+9515 chars]

The 2024-2025 winter COVID-19 wave is hitting later than usual. Some experts are warning about a "silent" surge in cases this holiday season.

TODAY

A ‘silent’ COVID surge may hit the US over the holidays, experts warn — here's what that means - Yahoo! Voices

FRANKFORT, Ky. Kentucky health officials announced Friday a human death from rabies in Northern Kentucky.
Officials said a person who has not been identified was exposed to rabies and received medic… [+1217 chars]

Officials said a person who has not been identified was exposed to rabies and received medical treatment in Kentucky and Ohio before dying.

WCPO

Health officials announce human death from rabies in Northern Kentucky - WCPO 9 Cincinnati

A big cat sanctuary inWashington has temporarily closed after a devastating bird flu outbreak killed most of its animals, some rapidly after they developed pneumonia-like symptoms, the director said.… [+2439 chars]

A big cat sanctuary in Washington is temporarily closed and quarantined after bird flu killed 20 wild cats there, including cougars, bobcats and a tiger.

The Washington Post

Bird flu kills 20 big cats at Washington sanctuary now under quarantine - The Washington Post

With an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, the road to a cure seems long and uncertain.
But as the year comes to a close, experts are reflec… [+4667 chars]

With an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, the road to a cure seems long and uncertain.

New York Post

Five monumental Alzheimer’s discoveries scientists made in 2024 - New York Post 

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia is experiencing a high number of hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). 
Approximately 20% of the… [+606 chars]

Virginia is experiencing a high number of hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

WAVY.com

Virginia sees surge in respiratory illnesses, including RSV and flu - WAVY.com

COVID emerged suddenly, spread rapidly and killed millions of people around the world.
Since then, I think it's fair to say that most people have been nervous about the emergence of the next big inf… [+4215 chars]

COVID emerged suddenly, spread rapidly and killed millions of people around the world.

ScienceAlert

Which Infectious Disease Could Be The Biggest Problem in 2025? An Expert Explains. - ScienceAlert

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - It's the most wonderful time of the year until the post-holiday sickness starts.
"Taking care of yourself is super important," says Dr. Daived Abboud with Patient First in Allentown… [+1430 chars]

Health officials say there is a direct correlation between hydration and the severity of illness.

WFMZ Allentown

Urgent Care centers seeing surge in sickness post holidays - 69News WFMZ-TV

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates life expectancy in the US is now higher than at any point since the coronavirus pandemic, predicting an average lifetime o… [+3073 chars]

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates life expectancy in the US is now higher than at any point since the coronavirus pandemic, predicting an average lifetime of 78.4 years for those born in 2023.

US Life Expectancy Reaches Highest Level Since The Pandemic - ScienceAlert

Why it matters: An increase in deaths in the western DRC area of Panzi triggered an alert among national and global health authorities earlier this month that a potentially unknown pathogen may be si… [+1136 chars]

A combination of viral respiratory infections, malaria and malnutrition has killed nearly 50 people in the African country.

Politico

WHO names likely source of ‘mystery disease’ in the Congo - POLITICO

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Black, Sr., age 76, of Canton, Ohio, who passed away peacefully in the early morning of December, 26th, 2024 from complications after … [+1535 chars]

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Black, Sr., age 76, of Canton, Ohio, who passed away peacefully in the early...

Canton Repository

Mike Black Obituary - Canton Repository

The ongoing spread of bird flu in the United States has alarmed expertsnot just because of human cases causing severe illness, but also due to troubling new instances of infections in cats.
A sample… [+4312 chars]

The ongoing spread of bird flu in the United States has alarmed experts—not just because of human cases causing severe illness, but also due to troubling new instances of infections in cats.

Medical Xpress

New bird flu mutation discovered in US as cat infections cause alarm - Medical Xpress

Brain aging accelerates at three specificpoints in your life, according to a recent study.
The researcherslooked at brain images of over 10,000 healthy adults, then tracked blood protein changes in … [+2745 chars]

A new study found that brain aging peaks at 57, 70, and 78. Exercising, eating protein, and sleep can protect your brain against cognitive decline.

Business Insider

Scientists say your brain suddenly ages at 57, 70, and 78. Here are 5 ways to curb mental decline. - Business Insider

Research has shown the importance of vitamin D for our overall health. But recent studies have found increasing evidence that it plays a key role in maintaining cognitive function and potentially pre… [+3423 chars]

Research has shown the importance of vitamin D for our overall health. But recent studies have found increasing evidence that it plays a key role in maintaining cognitive function and potentially preventing dementia and diabetes.

Newsmax

This Vitamin Slashes Your Risk of Dementia and Diabetes - Newsmax

Umn.edu

Oregon avian flu cat death prompts nationwide raw pet food recall - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Kosovo health authorities said on Friday they had detected the country's first case of monkeypox (mpox), in a man who had recently returned from Africa.

Reuters

Kosovo detects first mpox case after man returns from Africa - Reuters

Summary: Lithium, a drug widely used for bipolar disorder, may also treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research. The study found that lithium restored brain function and reduced b… [+6888 chars]

Lithium, a drug widely used for bipolar disorder, may also treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research.