Lithium in Drinking Water: Uncovering Links to Autism Risk and Environmental Factors

Lithium in Drinking Water: Uncovering Links to Autism Risk and Environmental Factors

A study published on April 3 in JAMA Pediatrics is thought to be the first to recognize naturally occurring lithium in drinking water as a potential environmental risk factor for autism. “Any contaminants in drinking water that could impact the developing human brain warrant serious investigation,” stated the lead author of the study, Beate Ritz, MD, PhD, a professor of neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a professor of epidemiology and environmental health at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.

7 Wonders of Wellness: Unlock the Mediterranean Diet’s Life-Changing Benefits

7 Wonders of Wellness: Unlock the Mediterranean Diet’s Life-Changing Benefits

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern inspired by the traditional eating habits of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and parts of France, North Africa, and the Middle East. It emphasizes the consumption of fresh, whole, and minimally processed foods, with a focus on plant-based ingredients, healthy fats, lean proteins, and a variety of herbs and spices.

Antibiotic Alchemy: Transforming Prescribing Practices to Protect Patients and Combat Resistance

Antibiotic Alchemy: Transforming Prescribing Practices to Protect Patients and Combat Resistance

In a busy medical setting such as an urgent care or emergency department, physicians may be tempted to prescribe antibiotics to patients who request them, even if they are unlikely to be helpful. However, a major study by researchers at Intermountain Health and Stanford University found that overprescribing and inappropriately prescribing antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and significant patient harm.

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