TODAY’S TOP HEALTH STORIES (WZMQ) – Removing vaccine mandates in just one state could risk measles outbreaks nationwide. Researchers at the University of Maryland looked at a proposal in Florida to end all vaccination mandates for school attendance. They found the decision could result in measles epidemics not seen since before the vaccines were invented. Florida is already below vaccination rates needed for herd immunity.
Treating a person’s depression can help improve their odds of surviving cancer. That’s according to a u-c San Diego study that found cancer patients with major depression who got psychotherapy in the first month after their diagnosis had a 21 percent lower risk of dying from cancer.
But researchers point out only about 3 percent of cancer patients receive mental health care during that first month.
Frequent use of cannabis is linked to more severe cases of epilepsy. A Washington State University study found epilepsy patients who used cannabis nearly daily had twice as many seizures as people who didn’t use cannabis. Medication was also less effective for cannabis users. The study’s authors say more research is needed. Recreational cannabis use is currently on the rise in the U.S.
