(StatePoint) “I’m fine,” is a phrase Kelsey Voskamp, Colorado resident, used many times in her life while pushing through what she thought were just headaches. Like many others who are misdiagnosed or undertreated, Voskamp didn’t realize she experienced a neurological disease called migraine and didn’t know how to explain to her family, and even her doctor, how debilitating her migraine attacks were.

(StatePoint) Epidurals are used as a pain relief method by millions of American women during childbirth each year. While safe and effective in most cases -- each year, 2.4 million births involve epidural analgesia procedures out of 4 million annual births -- unintentional dural puncture affects 5%, causing complications for new mothers. Among those patients, 60–80% experience postpartum headaches, which can become severe, chronic and disabling, in some cases lasting months to years. Medical advancements however are promising to offer a safer and more comfortable and effective experience during labor and delivery.

(StatePoint) The last few years have put immense pressure on nurses to work longer, harder and with less staff. New research suggests that many nurses feel unseen, undervalued and unsupported, wondering if it’s worth it.

(StatePoint) Being indoors makes it easy to pack on unwanted pounds and fall into less than healthy patterns. The warm weather months however are the perfect time to reset and take control of your health.

(StatePoint) Over the past two years, public schools have faced continual disruptions brought about by COVID-19. Experts say that federal relief funds have given the nation a one-time opportunity to learn from the experience and to focus recovery efforts and resources on delivering high-quality instruction and support for students in ways that will accelerate their learning and meet their social and emotional needs.

(StatePoint) Did you know that everyone inhales nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) into their lungs as part of daily life? NTM is a group of over 200 types of bacteria. While most of these types of bacteria do not cause harm in humans, some do. The most common type of NTM lung disease is MAC or mycobacterium avium complex. Naturally found in soil and water, for most people the organisms do no harm. However, in a small number of vulnerable individuals, NTM can infect airways and lung tissue, leading to disease. As of 2012, more than 86,000 people are likely living with NTM lung disease nationwide.

(StatePoint) Today, one-third of all U.S. homes are in what are known as wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones, regions in or adjacent to areas prone to wildland fires. As with many types of disasters, wildland fires are increasing in severity and frequency. This is because of the continuously changing climate. However, there are things we can do now to help protect properties, ensure the safety of residents, and strengthen local communities.

(StatePoint) New research is offering insights into how the world can recover and rebuild from the pandemic, along with how individuals and organizations can address issues they care about in their communities.

(StatePoint) Since the start of the pandemic, Americans have been postponing routine care. With more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, medical experts are urging patients to return to routine health care and get caught up on delayed or foregone preventive health screenings.

(StatePoint) Lung cancer research is moving at a rapid pace, with researchers learning more about the disease and working hard to find treatments to help save and extend lives. At the same time, Black Americans account for only 3.1% of participants in clinical trials for cancer drugs. Experts say that this needs to change.

(StatePoint) Driving fatalities in the United States are at the highest point since 2008, yet new research reveals that many are unaware of the enhanced risk and are actively making choices that increase the danger on our roads.

(StatePoint) Did you know that there are many sustainable tweaks you can make to the way you shop?

(StatePoint) Starting a garden for the first time or expanding an existing plot is easier than you may think. With a little love and care, your green space will bloom and thrive.

(StatePoint) As the days grow long and the weather warms, you’re likely spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or competing in a triathlon, keep these five sunny season tips in mind:

(StatePoint) At a time when the economic impacts of COVID-19 are making it hard for many families to afford healthy food and safe housing, and ever-changing work and school schedules are making their logistics hard to juggle, a new report finds that inequities in the system are further exacerbating these issues for millions of American children.

(StatePoint) New research from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health finds patients and physicians share widespread trust in pharmacists. This is welcome news as pharmacists in the United States are poised to take on additional responsibilities to help fill the growing care gap expected from health care provider shortages in the next decade.

(StatePoint) Human plasma donations are used to produce life-saving medicines for people affected by serious and rare diseases around the world. Experts say that right now there is a critical need for plasma donations.

(StatePoint) If you’re like many people right now, you’re feeling a particular sense of urgency to roll up your sleeves and be a force for good.

(StatePoint) As most new parents quickly learn, babies are constantly examining their surroundings and taking in the world around them, especially during play time. That’s why it’s so important that you have toys on hand to help them meet their developmental milestones. Here are a few to consider:

(StatePoint) Creating a baby registry? Upgrading the nursery? If you’re like most parents, you probably have questions about baby monitors. Thanks to many new and exciting technological advancements, these essential gadgets have totally transformed over the last few years. To choose the best one to meet your needs, here’s what to know and consider about the latest features:

(StatePoint) With car supplies still not meeting today’s demand, experts believe that prices are going to remain elevated on both new and used cars for the foreseeable future.

(StatePoint) Inflation is driving rising costs on everything from gasoline to groceries. And recent research shows that auto insurance is expected to rise for most policyholders this year too. While you can’t control how insurers price their policies, you can avoid shouldering higher costs.

(StatePoint) The events of the past couple of years have shown how important scientists are to making the world a better and safer place.

(StatePoint) High-quality sleep is fundamental to your health and happiness. However, for the 10-30% of U.S. adults living with sleep apnea, a good night’s rest is not guaranteed.

(StatePoint) Those graduating in the spring of 2022 and other job seekers should take note -- industry experts say that not only are home healthcare caregivers needed more now than ever before, but this industry offers many rewarding career paths.

(StatePoint) Jonathan Hill was only 2 years old when he was diagnosed with hemophilia A, a bleeding condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. Like with other chronic diseases, living with hemophilia is a lifelong journey filled with daily obstacles and medical care.

(StatePoint) If you are living with – or know someone who has – a rare kidney disease, you know how important it is to speak with your healthcare team about proper management strategies, including diet modifications. This is especially important for those living with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a rare, genetic disease that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop on and progressively enlarge both kidneys.

(StatePoint) Few things are more important to older adults than their independence -- being able to do what they’d like when they’d like. But independence can be fleeting. Something unexpected, like a fall, can change everything. That’s why it’s important for older adults and their loved ones to take steps now to reduce the risk of a fall from happening.

(StatePoint) More and more people are realizing that adding life insurance to their financial plan can provide a measure of security for their loved ones. In fact, according to a survey by the financial services trade association LIMRA, the first six months of 2021 saw the highest number of U.S. life insurance policies sold since 1983, and nearly one in three Americans said they were more likely to purchase coverage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(StatePoint) Searching for a mental health provider? You likely have questions.

(StatePoint) Falling short of your goals? In a period of stagnation? It may be time to spring clean your routine. Here are a few tips and ideas for getting more done with greater ease.

(StatePoint) Birds are chirping and the days are getting longer, which means it’s time to stock up on everything your household needs to usher in the new season. From spring cleaning supplies to allergy medications, it’s important to get the best products at the best price.

(StatePoint) With warmer weather on the way, it’s time to deal with the associated household hassles of the season. Here are three hacks that will help you create a healthy, comfortable home during the months ahead:

(StatePoint) Radon is present at high levels in a surprisingly large number of American homes, schools and other buildings. While this naturally-occurring gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless, it’s far from harmless. Experts are raising awareness about the serious health risks associated with radon exposure and what you can do about it.

(StatePoint) New shoes can be a great way to update a wardrobe while staying motivated to remain on track with a wellness goal. From platform sneakers to slip-on styles with clean, classic graphics, a range of fresh footwear trends are all the rage. To stay on-trend, try these three tips and style ideas on for size.

(StatePoint) For many, the additional isolation and never-ending uncertainty of the past couple years has led to mental fatigue and burnout. Experts say that no matter your age, turning to play instead of social media can help you feel more like yourself again.

(StatePoint) Omicron is between 1.5 to 3 times more transmissible than the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, people who manifest symptoms are doing so more quickly than with previous strains -- sometimes just two to three days after exposure. And recent evidence shows daily Omicron deaths in the United States have exceeded those from the Delta variant. Amid these troubling facts, there is pervasive confusion about what steps individuals should be taking right now to protect themselves.

(StatePoint) A new research study looking at how debt affects daily lives reveals that the true cost of debt is more than making the minimum payments. Having debt can also be detrimental to mental and physical health, and impact life decisions.

(StatePoint) If it’s time to jumpstart the resolutions you made at the beginning of the year, consider these five tools to make them more attainable:

(StatePoint) New research suggests that Americans are volunteering to give back to their communities and fight stress during uncertain times.