Health stories in Baltimore

Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks expresses concerns about the lack of research on women's health issues, particularly fibroids, despite a new NIH initiative aimed at improving women's health. She highlights the irony of the administration's focus on women's health after cutting funding for preventative programs.

As Halloween approaches, Dr. Laura Owens from Airpark Animal Hospital provides advice for pet owners to ensure their dogs remain calm and healthy during the festivities. With costumes and unfamiliar sights, Halloween can be a stressful time for pets.

A recent discussion highlights the importance of being informed about the risks and benefits associated with medical tests. Patients are encouraged to weigh their options carefully before consenting to any procedures.

Research indicates that smiling can enhance emotional well-being and foster social connections. Experts suggest that adopting a smile can positively influence mood, even in solitary settings.

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center has notified 3,182 patients about a data breach involving personal health information. An employee mistakenly uploaded this sensitive data to an unapproved public AI tool.

Mercy Medical Center's Dr. Ann Peters sheds light on Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis, an aggressive form of the condition that can lead to severe pain and may necessitate surgical intervention. The article discusses the differences between this condition and other forms of endometriosis.

A food safety expert warns against the common practice of cutting moldy parts off bread, as harmful threads may remain. Mold can produce mycotoxins and pose health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center has alerted 3,182 patients that their personal health information may have been compromised after a staff member uploaded a spreadsheet to an unapproved AI tool. The hospital is taking steps to strengthen its data protection policies and is offering affected patients free credit monitoring.

A deceased raccoon found at Ladew Topiary Gardens tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to advise caution. The gardens remain open, but visitors and pet owners are urged to report any contact with the animal.

An E. coli outbreak tied to raw milk cheese has resulted in eight hospitalizations across nine states, prompting a nationwide recall of affected products. The FDA advises consumers to check their fridges for recalled items and take precautions against cross-contamination.

As open enrollment approaches, patients are grappling with increased health care costs due to the ongoing dispute between Johns Hopkins and UnitedHealthcare. Additionally, Baltimore County is seeing a rise in altered checks, prompting concerns about financial security.

A Consumer Reports investigation found that banned or recalled baby products are being sold on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay, posing safety risks to parents. The report highlights the need for better regulation and awareness regarding secondhand baby gear.

Pope Leo XIV will not attend a scheduled trip to Assisi due to medical advice following his recent lung cancer surgery. The Vatican confirmed that the pope is recovering well but needs to avoid travel to facilitate his healing.

A groundbreaking mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran, has shown to reduce the risk of melanoma tumors returning by 42% post-surgery. Developed by Moderna and Merck, this personalized vaccine represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment.

Calley Means, a prominent advocate for the Make America Healthy Again movement, has resigned from his role as a top adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His departure highlights growing frustrations within the movement regarding the Trump administration's progress on health issues.

The Daichman family has finally received a diagnosis for their son Dash's rare neurodegenerative disorder after three years of uncertainty. The condition, linked to a deletion in the CHD2 gene, affects only nine children worldwide, prompting the family to seek support and establish a foundation in Dash's name.

WinCo Foods has issued a recall for hoagie rolls sold in seven states due to undeclared sesame, posing a serious allergy risk. Customers are advised to return the rolls for a refund.

A new study reveals that stress during pregnancy may alter how the placenta communicates with the fetus, impacting early brain development. Experts urge expectant mothers to manage stress for the benefit of both their health and their baby's.

Cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid linked to rising overdose deaths, is raising alarms among public officials. Initially identified in 2024, it has been connected to multiple fatalities across the U.S.

Joan and Robert Eyster, a couple married for 60 years, both faced breast cancer diagnoses a year apart but are now cancer-free. They share their journey to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center is set to open a new 29-bed observation unit on December 1, aimed at reducing emergency department wait times. The unit will provide specialized monitoring for patients with complex conditions, addressing the hospital's high capacity issues.

Dame Judi Dench, the Oscar-winning actress, has shared that her age-related macular degeneration has progressed to the point where she can no longer perform or read. At 91, she reflects on the challenges of aging while maintaining a positive outlook.

A multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters has resulted in 27 illnesses and five hospitalizations. The Little Wicomico Oyster Company has recalled oysters harvested from Virginia, affecting distribution across at least 15 states.

A new study indicates that chronic stress during pregnancy may negatively impact fetal brain development. Researchers found that stress altered gene activity in fetal mice, suggesting potential implications for human pregnancies.

The FDA has announced a recall of oysters sold in Maryland and over a dozen other states due to possible salmonella contamination. Consumers are advised to check their purchases and avoid consuming the affected oysters.

An Ebola outbreak that began in Congo in May has rapidly spread to Nigeria, Uganda, and other regions, with over 9,700 infections reported. Experts warn that inadequate public health resources and surveillance are exacerbating the crisis.

Top drug experts in Maryland are recommending the decriminalization of drug paraphernalia and the establishment of overdose prevention centers. These measures aim to provide safer environments for drug users and improve public health outcomes.

Quest Diagnostics has reported a cyber breach affecting certain patient records through its Quanum Lab Services Manager. The company is currently investigating the extent of the breach and has notified federal law enforcement.