Groundhog Day Explained: Why This Furry Forecaster Still Matters

Every Feb. 2, Americans turn to a groundhog to see whether winter will stick around. 

But Groundhog Day is about much more than shadows and more weeks of cold.

The tradition began in 1886, when the first Punxsutawney Phil was crowned in Pennsylvania. The first official celebration came in 1887. 

The date falls halfway...

New Federal Plan Aims to Use More Donor Organs, Improve Transplant Safety

U.S. health officials unveiled proposed changes to the nation’s transplant system, hoping to help more patients get lifesaving organs, even when donations aren’t perfect.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said the plan would tighten oversight of organ procurement organizations, known as OPOs. 

Thes...

Most Doctor-Made YouTube Health Videos Lack Strong Proof, Study Finds

Many health videos on YouTube, even those made by doctors, may not be giving viewers reliable medical information, a new study suggests.

Researchers reviewed 309 popular YouTube videos about cancer and diabetes and found that fewer than 1 in 5 were supported by high-quality scientific evidence. 

About two-thirds had low, very lo...

Gerber Recalls Arrowroot Baby Biscuits Over Possible Plastic, Paper Pieces

Gerber has announced a nationwide recall of some arrowroot biscuits made for babies after finding they may contain small pieces of soft plastic or paper, federal regulators said.

The recall affects specific batches of 5.5-ounce Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits with “Best Before” dates ranging from Oct. 16, 2026, through Dec. 16, 2026,...

U.S. Life Expectancy Hits Record High as Death Rates Fall Nationwide

Americans are living longer than ever.

U.S. life expectancy climbed to 79 years in 2024, the highest level on record, new federal data shows. Health officials say fewer deaths from COVID-19, along with drops in heart disease, cancer and drug overdoses, helped drive the increase.

“It’s pretty much good news all the way aro...

Salty Drinking Water Increases High Blood Pressure Risk, Review Concludes

People whose drinking water contains more salt have an increased risk of high blood pressure, a new evidence review says.

Particularly in coastal regions, salt in drinking water could be an overlooked contributor to elevated blood pressure, researchers reported recently in the journal BMJ Global Health.

Higher salt in drinki...