The nonprofit organization Connected Horse is hosting its annual "Lassos with Love" fundraiser in Pleasanton on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Five Star Equestrian Center. This special event is designed to support equine-assisted therapy for dementia patients and their caregivers, an initiative that has shown profound benefits in reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while boosting self-esteem, trust, and emotional regulation.

Many people reach for a cigarette to relieve stress, believing it will help calm their nerves and provide immediate relief. A stressful day at work, family tension, or even mounting pressures in life often leads to this habitual response. However, smoking is far from the stress relief people think it is. In reality, it is a dangerous trap that perpetuates anxiety and worsens mental health in the long run. Nicotine, t

In a troubling case that highlights the challenges of navigating health insurance in the United States, a Massachusetts woman is facing over $20,000 in medical bills after an unexpected encounter with a bat led to costly rabies treatment. Erica Kahn, 33, was on vacation at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona when the bizarre incident occurred last August. While photographing the night sky, she noticed bats flying nearby but did not expect any danger. Suddenly, one bat flew directl

San Ramon has reported its first case of West Nile virus in 2025, confirmed on July 21 by the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District. The virus was found in a California scrub jay, making it the first infected bird detected in Contra Costa County this year. West Nile virus activity in birds often signals an increased risk to humans, and similar reports have already emerged from neighboring Alameda and Santa Clara counties in recent weeks.

A hospital in Chicago placed its emergency room on full bypass Monday morning after experiencing a critical air conditioning failure, just as a heat advisory went into effect across the region. The failure, caused by a chilled water line issue, led to the temporary loss of cooling inside the facility’s tower building and impacted several vital areas, including patient care zones and essential equipment rooms. The extreme weather conditions made the situation even more urgent

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte has permanently closed five of its Northern California health centers, including locations in South San Francisco, San Mateo, Gilroy, Westside/Santa Cruz, and Madera. The closures mark a significant loss of health services for thousands of patients in the region. The organization cited recent federal policy changes that restrict funding for clinics providing abortion services, except in limited cases, as the driving force behind the decision. These closures have cut

A significant enhancement to pediatric healthcare has arrived in Palo Alto with the opening of new treatment spaces focused on supporting children with cancer and blood disorders. The newly launched outpatient clinic and infusion center add six exam rooms and 15 private infusion bays, designed to increase comfort and privacy for young patients and their families during intensive treatment sessions. Located within a leading pediatric hospital, the expanded space at the center dedic

Taking expired medication may not always result in harmful effects, but it is not something you should make a habit of. According to Dr. Rahul Mehta, a general physician, the effectiveness of expired medicine tends to decrease over time, but they rarely turn harmful chemically. "Many medicines retain much of their effectiveness after the expiry date, but their potency reduces," Dr. Mehta explained. This reduction in effectiveness could pose a risk, p

Copper vessels have long been a cherished part of Indian culture, particularly within Ayurveda, where they are believed to provide several health benefits. These include antimicrobial properties and the ability to balance the body’s doshas, promoting overall wellness. One well-known Ayurvedic tradition is drinking tamra jal, or copper-infused water, early in the morning, which is thought to boost digestion and detoxify the body. In recent years,

Kiwi, often known for its vibrant green color and sweet-tart taste, is packed with nutrients that not only promote general health but also enhance sleep quality. With its natural abundance of serotonin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, kiwi is an excellent fruit to include in your diet, especially before bedtime. Studies suggest that consuming kiwi before sleep can help improve the time it takes to fall asleep, the overall duration of sleep, and

COVID-19 is making an unexpected resurgence in California, with San Francisco showing some of the highest levels of the virus detected in wastewater surveillance since the previous winter season. According to newly released data from the California Department of Public Health, the virus is present at moderate levels across most of the state, but certain areas, especially the Bay Area, are recording alarming spikes. In San Francisco specifically, six out of nine wastewater testi

A major shift is underway in the American ice cream industry as nearly 90% of producers have committed to removing artificial dyes from their products by 2028, according to an announcement made by federal health officials on Monday. The initiative marks a significant step in an ongoing national effort to eliminate synthetic food additives amid mounting concerns about their potential effects on human health. This voluntary move follows similar decisions by other large food companies in recent

An air quality alert has been issued for the Chicago metropolitan area and parts of northwest Indiana as ozone levels remain elevated and wildfire smoke continues to affect the region. The alert was declared by the National Weather Service and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, extending through Tuesday night and affecting several counties in both states. In Illinois, it includes Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, central Cook, Kendall, Grundy, and northern Will Counties. In Indiana, the

On January 7, 2025, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a significant draft guidance titled “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Software as a Medical Device.” While the release may not have received widespread media attention, its impact on startups and innovators in the healthcare technology space is expected to be profound. The document outlines new expectations for how companies should design, test, validate, and monitor AI-powered medical

In a major development that could bring relief to thousands of patients across India, the central government is preparing to slash prices of critical and life-saving medicines, particularly those used to treat cancer, HIV, and rare genetic disorders. A recently accessed official document reveals that an interdepartmental committee has recommended a set of sweeping customs duty exemptions and concessions aimed at making high-cost medical treatments more accessible to Indian patients.

A recent study by Indian researchers has revealed that individuals with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), commonly known as knee replacement surgery. Conducted by teams from Vardhman Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, with input from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and Fortis C-Doc Hospital, the study highlights how diabetes can lead to both short- and long-term health challen

A major hospital in downtown Chicago has unveiled plans to construct a new tower on its Streeterville campus that would significantly enhance its ability to deliver advanced cancer treatment and expand overall patient care capacity. The project aims to centralize cancer services and increase the number of medical and intensive care beds available to meet rising demand. The proposed tower would include up to 278 medical and surgical beds and add 36 intensive care unit beds. This ex

Salt is an essential part of our diet, but too much of it can cause serious health problems. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adults should consume no more than 5 grams of salt per day, which is roughly equivalent to one teaspoon. Despite this recommendation, most people consume much more nearly double the safe limit putting them at significant risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions.

Kentucky has confirmed its first measles outbreak of 2025, joining a growing list of states across the United States battling resurgent infections of a disease that had once been declared eliminated. As of early July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,267 confirmed measles cases nationally, placing the country on the verge of its highest annual case count in more than three decades. The outbreak in Kentucky involves four confirmed cases in Fayette and W

The community of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is reeling after the announcement that Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospital will be eliminating its labor and delivery services. The decision, revealed earlier this week, has stirred deep concern and criticism, particularly from former staff members and advocates for equitable maternal health care. According to hospital officials, the services will be consolidated and transferred to a new, centralized labor and delivery center approximately 10 mile