What We're Reading: Out-of-State Abortions for Texans; Lingering COVID-19 Effects; Muscle Strengthening Health Benefits

Author(s):

A significant increase has been observed in Texas residents traveling out of state for abortion care; nearly a third of people who previously had COVID-19 cited lingering symptoms up to 1 year after infection; muscle strengthening exercises linked with lower risk of disease and early mortality.

Marked Increase in Out-of-State Abortions Among Texans

Axios is reporting a significant increase in Texas residents traveling out of state to access abortion care after the state’s controversial abortion ban took effect in September. Data from Planned Parenthood health centers indicate that Texas’ surrounding states experienced a nearly 800% increase in patients from the state seeking abortions between September 1 and December 31, 2021. The number of abortions at clinics in the state fell by approximately 60% in the first month after the bill was enacted.

Lingering Symptoms Cited 6 to 12 Months After COVID-19

As one of the largest studies to assess outcomes among individuals who did not require hospitalization because of COVID-19, findings of 152,000 people in Denmark indicate that nearly a third reported at least 1 ongoing symptom in the 6 to 12 months after being infected. Published as pre-print and still pending peer review, Reuters reports that the most commonly cited long-term symptoms were fatigue and changes in sense of smell and taste. Moreover, 53.1% of those who tested positive for COVID-19 said they experienced either mental or physical exhaustion, sleep problems, or cognitive problems within the 6-to-12 month period vs 11.5% in the control group.

Muscle Strengthening Linked With Lower Risk of Mortality, Disease

Recent findings of a study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine suggest that spending 30 to 60 minutes on muscle strengthening exercises each week can significantly curb risks of early mortality and disease. As reported by USA Today, the meta-analysis of 16 prospective cohort studies including approximately 480,000 participants showed that those who met the time requirement for resistance exercises weekly were associated with a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, as well as a 10% to 20% reduced risk of early death from all causes. Pairing 30 to 60 minutes of muscle strengthening exercises with aerobic activity was shown to further reduce risk of premature death, heart disease, and cancer-related mortality.