ROCHESTER, Minnesota— Globally, women are roughly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer. However, recent research shows that men face an equal risk. Mayo Clinic experts say that men and women alike should be aware of thyroid cancer risk.

The thyroid is a small gland located at the front of your neck. It plays a role in ...Read more

Doomscrolling. Instagram obsessions. Mindless YouTube video viewing.

Distracting behaviors, yes. But can they actually rot a person's brain?

Last year, Oxford University Press designated "brain rot" as its word of the year, defining it as the "supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state" caused by overconsuming "trivial ...Read more

COVID-19 appears to be on the rise in some parts of California as a new, highly contagious subvariant — featuring “razor blade throat” symptoms overseas — is becoming increasingly dominant.

Nicknamed “Nimbus,” the new subvariant NB.1.8.1 has been described in news reports in China as having more obvious signs of “razor blade ...Read more

As super-contagious measles continues to spread and nears a six-year U.S. record, cases in its original epicenter of West Texas may be subsiding as hesitant residents become more concerned and willing to vaccinate, while North Dakota is a new focus with the highest rate of any state.

The reality of measles may be overcoming vaccine ...Read more

Jacob Adkisson and his husband, Taylor Hess, spent a joyful weekend in East Texas last fall celebrating their niece's wedding. On Monday, they headed home to Denver.

On the airport escalator, 37-year-old Adkisson felt tingling and numbness in his right leg. He mentioned it to Hess. Both figured that Adkisson must have stepped wrong and pinched ...Read more

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: We live in a rural area about 40 minutes from our health system's nearest clinic. However, they do offer the option to meet virtually with our health care team members. We'd like to try virtual care. Could you tell us more about it?

ANSWER: Whether you live in a rural or urban community, virtual care can be a great choice for ...Read more

If your child has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and also struggles with bladder control or toileting issues, you are not alone. Many parents are surprised to learn that these challenges often go hand-in-hand.

The good news? There are clear reasons behind the connection. Even better, there are practical steps you can take to ...Read more

Veronica Montoya relies on Medicaid for the $15,000 infusions that restrain her immune system from attacking her body, and worries she may lose that access if Congress adopts drastic changes to the health care program.

Provisions of congressional Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” would add work requirements for some people covered...Read more

SEATTLE — Washington state reported 25 times as many whooping cough cases last year as the year before, according to new data that serve as a reminder of the disease’s continued surge here and nationwide.

The state Department of Health in a Friday statement said the rise in cases last year was “staggering” and coincides with a drop in ...Read more

It was 2006 when Dr. Daniel Gibbs first noticed he was losing his sense of smell. But it wasn't what he didn't smell that tipped him off that something might be wrong.

It was what he did smell: perfume, mixed with baked bread. "The same thing, every time."

Gibbs, a neurologist in Portland, Oregon, knew this was an olfactory hallucination. And ...Read more

Major changes could be in store for the more than 24 million people with health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, including how and when they can enroll, the paperwork required, and, crucially, the premiums they pay.

A driver behind these changes is the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the name given to spending and tax legislation designed ...Read more

It's no secret that adults in the U.S. consume more sodium on a daily basis than what's recommended – often through prepared foods, such as pizza, cold cuts, canned soup and bread. But sodium intake patterns can vary by race and ethnicity, suggesting a need for culturally tailored advice, according to new research.

On average, an adult in the...Read more

SAN JOSE, Calif. — As the Trump administration threatens to revoke federal funding for programs that support trans people and the larger LGBTQ+ community, Santa Clara County is shifting local dollars to cover some of those initiatives before they are defunded.

The recommendation from County Executive James Williams, which will be finalized ...Read more

If you’re looking to help curb hunger and limit excessive snacking, choosing the right kinds of foods can make a big difference in these efforts. Certain foods can help promote satiety, which can help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Here are three of our favorites:

1. Oats are high in fiber, especially beta-glucan, and help slow or delay ...Read more

​​Bananas — aka the yellow-peeled fruit that sits on your kitchen counter until it’s way too brown — are a pretty controversial fruit. Many people avoid bananas because they’re naturally high in carbohydrates and sugars when compared to most other fruits. Yes, bananas are one of the higher-sugar fruits you can eat, but that doesn’t...Read more

If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you know it’s hard to avoid countless influencers touting a concept called sleepmaxxing. Their posts provide tips and tricks to get longer, better, and more restorative sleep. And why not? Sleep is considered a pillar of good health and is related to everything from brain health to cardiovascular health, and ...Read more

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve been hearing a lot about mindfulness meditation lately and how it can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. But I’m a bit skeptical and don’t really understand how sitting still and doing nothing can make such a big difference. I have a busy and active lifestyle, and the idea of spending time just ...Read more

The Trump administration’s cancellation of $766 million in contracts to develop mRNA vaccines against potential pandemic flu viruses is the latest blow to national defense, former health security officials said. They warned that the U.S. could be at the mercy of other countries in the next pandemic.

“The administration’s actions are ...Read more