In a recent study, children who used the weight loss drug liraglutide experienced a significant reduction in weight compared to those who received a placebo. This groundbreaking research sheds light on a potential new treatment avenue for younger children struggling with obesity, a group that has traditionally relied on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as diet and exercise.

Managing obesity is challenging for individuals of all ages, but it is particularly difficult for children. While adults and adolescents aged 12 and older have access to GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications effective for weight management, younger children typically rely solely on lifestyle modifications. These include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral counseling. Despite these efforts, substantial weight loss in younger children has often proven elusive, with most interventions yielding only modest results.

Liraglutide, known commercially as Saxenda and Victoza, was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 for weight loss in adults. Its approval was expanded in 2020 to include children aged 12 to 17. The recent study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the annual European Association for the Study of Diabetes conference, represents the first investigation into liraglutide’s effects on children aged 6 to 12 with high BMI.

Conducted by Dr. Claudia Fox, a pediatrician at the Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis, the study involved 82 children. These participants were divided into two groups: 56 children received daily liraglutide injections, while 26 received a placebo. All participants also received counseling designed to promote healthier eating habits and an increase in physical activity, specifically moderate to high-intensity exercise for at least an hour each day.

The results were notable. After just over a year, children in the liraglutide group experienced a 5.8% reduction in BMI, compared to a 1.6% increase in the placebo group. This represents a 7.4 percentage point difference in BMI between the two groups. These findings align with previous studies involving teenagers but were even more pronounced in the younger children studied.

Liraglutide was generally well-tolerated by the participants, though some adverse effects were reported. Both the liraglutide and placebo groups experienced gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, with these symptoms being more prevalent among those receiving the medication. However, these side effects were mostly transient and did not result in a high dropout rate.

The study has several important implications but also some limitations. One key unanswered question is the long-term effectiveness and safety of liraglutide for younger children. The trial did not explore how long children would need to remain on the medication or the long-term effects of discontinuing it. After the study period ended and medication and counseling stopped, BMI levels among participants began to increase again, although the rise was less pronounced compared to previous studies involving teenagers. This suggests that early intervention with liraglutide might offer more durable results, but additional research is needed to confirm this.

Obesity is a prevalent and serious health issue among children in the United States, affecting nearly 20% of the population. This condition often persists into adulthood, leading to various health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious conditions. Effective treatments for childhood obesity are crucial not only for managing weight but also for preventing long-term health complications.

Developing and implementing weight loss medications for children is complex due to their ongoing growth and development. It is crucial to ensure that such treatments do not negatively impact physical growth or developmental milestones. Although the study did not indicate any adverse effects on growth or puberty, further research is essential to verify that liraglutide does not interfere with these important developmental processes.

The potential benefits of weight loss medications like liraglutide must be weighed against their costs and long-term effects. While the current research is promising, more studies are needed to fully understand the implications of such treatments for young children. These studies should focus on long-term safety, potential impacts on growth and development, and the overall efficacy of maintaining weight loss over time.

In summary, the study on liraglutide offers a promising new option for managing obesity in younger children. With significant weight loss observed and a generally acceptable safety profile, liraglutide could become a valuable tool in treating childhood obesity. However, further research is needed to fully understand its long-term impact and to ensure its safe and effective use in the younger population.

When a demanding week disrupts your regular sleep routine, catching up on sleep over the weekend often seems like a sensible remedy. However, new research suggests that this approach might offer more than just temporary relief—it could actually benefit your heart health. Set to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress on September 1, the study indicates that making up for lost sleep on weekends is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease.

This research, based on data from the UK Biobank study involving over 90,000 participants, reveals intriguing findings. Those who used weekends to compensate for lost sleep showed a 19% lower risk of heart disease compared to individuals who didn’t catch up as much. The benefit was notably greater for those who regularly faced inadequate sleep during the workweek. Over an average follow-up period of nearly 14 years, participants who averaged the most additional sleep on weekends were less likely to develop serious cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

For people suffering from chronic sleep deprivation—defined as getting less than seven hours of sleep per night—this research found that catching up on sleep over the weekend reduced the risk of heart disease by 20%. This suggests that even intermittent sleep recovery can have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.

Despite these promising results, experts stress the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule throughout the entire week. Irregular sleep patterns, often referred to as “social jet lag,” can have detrimental effects on heart health, undermining the benefits of weekend sleep recovery. For instance, excessive weekend sleep might not fully mitigate the adverse effects of insufficient sleep during the week.

The research, while compelling, remains in abstract form and has some limitations. It primarily reflects the UK population, and the study’s methodology does not yet account for all potential risk factors for heart disease or variations in individual sleep needs. Further research is needed to determine the optimal amount of daily sleep and whether there are thresholds beyond which additional weekend sleep offers no further benefit.

Dr. Nieca Goldberg, medical director of Atria New York City and a clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, emphasizes the broader implications of the findings. She points out that chronic sleep deprivation is known to contribute to various cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and stroke. Therefore, while catching up on sleep can be beneficial, it is crucial to aim for a consistent sleep routine to maximize heart health.

Other experts, like Dr. Nour Makarem from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, highlight that maintaining regular sleep patterns every day is likely the best strategy for long-term health. They also suggest discussing sleep issues with healthcare providers to address any underlying problems and ensure the most effective approach to improving sleep and overall cardiovascular health.

In summary, while making up for lost sleep on weekends appears to offer heart health benefits, the ideal approach is to maintain a consistent and adequate sleep schedule throughout the week. Further research will be needed to refine these findings and provide more specific guidelines for optimizing sleep for heart health.

The vibrant, cubic universe of Minecraft is set to leap off the screen with the release of the first teaser trailer for “A Minecraft Movie,” the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved video game. Starring Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and Jack Black, the film promises to bring the pixelated world of Minecraft to life in an exciting new way.

The teaser introduces Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, who, along with Brooks, “Wednesday” star Emma Myers, and Sebastian, finds himself transported into the enchanting realm of Minecraft through a mysterious portal. The trailer showcases their journey through this imaginative landscape, where they encounter various Minecraft creatures like bleating sheep, menacing piglins, and an intriguing character named Steve, played by Jack Black.

In a memorable moment from the trailer, Black’s character declares, “Anything you can dream about here, you can make,” while The Beatles’ “The Magical Mystery Tour” plays in the background. This line underscores the movie’s theme of creativity and exploration in the fantastical world of Minecraft.

The film’s official synopsis reveals that Momoa’s character and his friends face ordinary challenges that become extraordinary once they are thrust into the Overworld, a surreal and cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To return home, they must embrace their unique creative abilities, which will ultimately help them in their real-world lives.

Directed by Jared Hess, known for “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Masterminds,” “A Minecraft Movie” marks the first live-action adaptation of the popular video game that originally launched in 2011. The film is a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, and is scheduled to hit theaters on April 4, 2025.

 Rachael Gunn, known in the breakdancing world as Raygun, has issued a heartfelt apology to the breaking community following the significant backlash from her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old university lecturer and breakdancer garnered international attention for her unique and unconventional routine, but her performance did not resonate with many in the sport, leading to a storm of criticism.

In an interview aired on the Australian current affairs show “The Project,” Gunn expressed her deep regret over the negative impact her Olympic appearance had on the breaking community. Gunn’s performance, which featured distinctive moves like the kangaroo hop, backward rolls, and various contortions while lying or crawling on the floor, did not score a single point in her matches against competitors from the United States, France, and Lithuania. She lost each round 18-0, a result that fueled the controversy surrounding her style and approach.

Gunn’s style was met with confusion and disapproval from many in the breaking community, who felt that her routine diverged significantly from traditional breakdancing elements. Despite qualifying for the Olympics by winning the Oceania championships, Gunn admitted in her interview that she was nervous about competing and anticipated a mixed reception to her performance. “I knew that I was going to get beaten, and I knew that people were not going to understand my style and what I was going to do,” she said. “The odds were against me, that’s for sure.”

The reaction to Gunn’s performance extended beyond the breaking community and captured the attention of the global media. Singer Adele publicly questioned the seriousness of the performance during a concert in Munich, while actress Rachel Dratch parodied Gunn’s routine on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Gunn revealed that she had not seen the Fallon sketch but felt conflicted about the attention it brought her. “I don’t know whether to hug (Fallon) or yell at him, because what platform he ended up giving me,” she remarked.

Gunn’s performance, while controversial, was a bold attempt to bring a new perspective to breakdancing, a sport that made its Olympic debut in Paris but will not be featured in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Gunn’s approach, though not widely accepted, highlights the ongoing debate within the sport about the balance between innovation and tradition.

In light of the backlash, Gunn has decided to take a step back from competitive breakdancing. She expressed a desire to avoid the spotlight and focus on the positive aspects of her experience, including the joy and fun she found in performing. “I would much rather focus on the positives out of this, and the positive responses and the joy that I brought people,” she said. Gunn emphasized that her goal was to have fun and push boundaries, even in the face of defeat.

Rachael Gunn’s apology and decision to step away from competition reflect her acknowledgment of the controversy and her commitment to the sport, despite the challenges she faced. Her story underscores the complexities of introducing innovative approaches to traditional sports and the need for ongoing dialogue within the breaking community about the future direction of the sport.

Fatman Scoop, the acclaimed rapper and hype man known for his collaborations with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, has passed away at the age of 56 after collapsing onstage during a concert in Hamden, Connecticut. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Chanel Rae, who directed fans to a tribute posted on Fatman Scoop’s official Instagram page. The tribute described him as a “radiant soul” and “beacon of light,” recognizing him not only as a top performer but also as a father, brother, uncle, and friend. Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett also offered condolences on Facebook, acknowledging the large turnout for what would be Fatman Scoop’s final performance and expressing gratitude to those who provided life-saving assistance. She announced that grief counseling would be available for those affected by the tragedy. Sharron Elkabas, the musician’s representative, expressed shock at his sudden death, noting that he had been in good spirits recently. Details regarding the cause of death have not yet been released. Fatman Scoop gained prominence with his 1999 hit “Be Faithful” and went on to collaborate with notable artists such as Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, and Skrillex. His contributions included helping to make Missy Elliott’s 2005 single “Lose Control” a hit and collaborating with Mariah Carey on “It’s Like That,” earning him a Grammy in 2006 for best short form music video

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning the public to avoid consuming recalled deli meats amid a significant listeria outbreak, which has become the largest in the US since 2011.

In late July, Boar’s Head recalled over 7.2 million pounds of its ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products due to potential listeria contamination. Recently, the CDC has reported at least a dozen additional listeriosis cases linked to the outbreak.

Documents from the US Department of Agriculture reveal that insects and mold were found at the facility connected to the recall. The outbreak has resulted in 57 hospitalizations across 18 states and nine deaths. The CDC notes that this outbreak is now the largest since the 2011 listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe.

The CDC also indicates that the actual number of illnesses might be higher, as some milder cases may not have been tested for listeria. There is also a delay between when an illness occurs and when it is linked to an ongoing investigation.

Consumers are advised to check their kitchens for any remaining recalled products, as they can have a long shelf life. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on labels. Some products have sell-by dates extending into October 2024. Recalled items include liverwurst, ham, bologna, sausage, and roasted bacon. Most reported illnesses are associated with eating turkey or liverwurst, though some involve ham.

Boar’s Head has stated that products currently available at deli counters are not part of the recall.

Left-leaning Taylor Swift fans joined artists like Carole King and politicians, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, for a Zoom call organized by the group “Swifties for Kamala” to mobilize supporters to vote for Kamala Harris.

Swift herself has no affiliation with the group and was not involved in the call on Tuesday. The group has amassed roughly a quarter of a million followers across multiple social media platforms since President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term and endorsed Vice President Harris. To date, “Swifties for Kamala” has raised over $13,000 for the Harris-Walz campaign.

More than 26,000 participants registered for the Tuesday evening call, which also featured remarks by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT), and North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton.

Irene Kim, co-founder of “Swifties for Kamala,” had previously hoped that Harris or her running mate, Tim Walz, might join the call, though neither were present.

“Hello Swifties!” Warren, the first speaker of the night, greeted the group as heart, thumbs up, and party emojis flowed through the Zoom stream. “You are resilient, and you know how to take on bullies and be your most authentic, joyful selves,” Warren said. “You come together hand-in-hand, friendship bracelets on your wrist, and you overcome pretty much anything that life throws at you. And that is what the Kamala Harris campaign is all about. It’s about standing up for what is right in the face of bullies, like Donald Trump.”

King sang her favorite Swift song, “Shake It Off,” and encouraged attendees to stand up and use their voices in the lead-up to the election. “I’ve been a political activist for years, I’ve been a volunteer, I’ve been a door knocker, even as a famous person,” King said. “I am a Swiftie, and Taylor and I are actually friends. We’ve had conversations backstage, and I see her as sort of my musical and songwriting granddaughter, and we have a lovely relationship. I’m so excited about Kamala because so many people are excited about Kamala.”

Gillibrand told a few Swiftie jokes (“Karma is a relaxing thought, but for Donald Trump, it’s not” and “Kamala is saying, look what you made me do”) and referenced the now-infamous cat lady remarks made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance. “I think it’s important that we, as single cat ladies, as independent women, as women who know every lyric that Taylor Swift has ever written, that we are part of this campaign and part of this election,” Gillibrand said. “I think she can be a voice for this generation that is really profound, as someone who values women’s words, who values women, who values our independence.”

Markey spoke about climate change, alluding to Swift’s Rhode Island summer home. “Climate change is threatening our favorite phenomena,” Markey said. “The waters on the shores of Taylor’s holiday house in New England are some of the fastest warming waters in the world, outside of the Arctic. Right now, Kamala is running against the climate-denier-in-chief.”

In the chat, organizers called for action in Swift-appropriate fashion: asking for donations in amounts of $13 or $19.89—numbers significant to the singer—or $47, in reference to the next president.

In the heart of Rome, where history and culture co-exist elegantly, a small boy by the name of Gianluca Todisco is said to have embarked into the world of art. From the start, Gianluca was enchanted by the expressive ability of art where he explored music, dancing, and creation. This drive, which he has possessed since then, is what has brought him to his latest single ‘RAMI’. It is more than a song, ‘RAMI’ is an ode to love in its glorious perplexing shapes, and it also captures the development of Gianluca’s artistry in a way.

History and culture entwined to form a pleasant picture, and in the middle of such a city, there was a small boy Gianluca Todisco who was said to have ventured into the world of art. From the very beginning, however, we see that he owned the expressionist side of the art which engaged him in music, dancing, and creation. This desire which he had from then has taken him to his most recent single ‘RAMI.’ More than a song, ‘RAMI’ is a celebration of love in all its many varied and beautiful forms, and at the same time, it chronicles Gianluca’s growing up as an artist.

The Origins of Gianluca’s Devotion to Art

It is interesting to note that Gianluca’s immersion into the arts commenced at the mere age of 4 years old. As a child raised in Rome, a city that has a lot of art, it was probably unavoidable that he would find his way into the artistic world. He started with singing and dancing classes, in which he found the joy of performing, as well as expressing feelings through motion and music. These initial events were the dormancy of these contours of creative inclination which made Gianluca delve further into gaining classical piano proficiency. The piano, which had so many variations and emotions, became yet another means of destruction for Gianluca.

This exposure to music and stage performance provided a good foundation for what was to be a lifelong commitment to the arts. Upon completing his studies at La Sapienza University Rome in Fashion and Performing Arts, Gianluca was ready to pursue his passion in a more zealot way. It was this yearning for the world of music and honing his career anywhere around the globe that pushed him to first move to the USA, and soon after, to Los Angeles. This, of course, was a turning point in his life as it marked the onset of a journey where he would forge ahead not only as an artist but as a man dedicated wholly to his art.

“RAMI”: Odd Love & Development

Back in Los Angeles, the capital of the entertainment world, Gianluca gained the opportunity to fashion one of his most intimate and personal pieces, that is, ‘RAMI’. The eponymous word has Italian roots and translates into English as ‘branches’. This refers to the various kinds of love that have defined and fed us over the years. As far as “RAMI” is concerned, Gianluca reminds us that it is love that has many faces: the love, that is found in families, love of friends, love of those who wish to see us grow. Similar to branches thirsting for rain as well as nutrients from the roots of a tree in order to expand and blossom, the deep connections nourished her emotionally.

Gianluca’s choice of composing and developing ‘RAMI’ in Italian is his way of paying respect to his roots and culture which has been instrumental in his artistry. The song was introduced in the presence of an audience through a live performance at Griffith Observatory Park in Los Angeles, a place that is famous among the people for its stunning architecture and the sense of wonder and adventure that comes along with the song as it looks into human emotions. It was more than just a show; it was a musical tribute to the emotional aspect of “RAMI” and the audience experienced the beautiful words in every melody and tone of the song.

Connecting Art and Life: Gianluca’s Broader Artistic Vision 

What he imagines lucidly inside his mind is not only reflected inside “RAMI” as a single but rather more than that It is obvious that the creativity he expresses is very much biographical. Since its inception, Gianluca has continued addressing different matters and raising the feeling of oriented or self-directed enablement. A piece of work can be for instance demanded to expose one’s emotion, or one could be more intimidating. These themes offer consolation in a pithy sense and thereby help to connect people who want to express their experience through creativity.

This desire to connect with his audience is evident in all of Gianluca’s work. Nevertheless, concepts, ‘INDIFFERENTE,’ ‘HOLLYWOOD,’’ ‘PARADISO’, ‘What is Reality’, ‘Brute’ also draw attention, and every single one of these was perfectly consolidated and integrated by means of energetic and elaborate elaboration. But it is not less poignant, perhaps quite equally important, and this dignity expresses itself through movement in high emotional and narrative or lyrical cinematography performed by Gianluca lessons. In this context, he considers solitons of family, depression, frustration, fears, desires, and objectives to be the creative fugues full of melodrama.

The Art of Persuading Others

Art, as defined by Gianluca, includes pursuing finer challenges that reach beyond oneself. His phrase ‘Feel Free to Be Yourself’ is indeed remarkable because it encourages people to accept themselves in a society where it is common to be judged. Gianluca expresses such sentiments hoping that his work would motivate others to be liberated, not by adherence to set standards but by being true to who they are and finding others like them.

This message makes more sense in the context of ‘RAMI’. The song with this title is a love song and tries to make the listener focus on the emotional aspect of being a human being. Gianluca’s piece of art serves as a reminder that even though we all live our lives in distinct ways, we have those threads that connect us to other human beings. ‘RAMI’ presents love to the audience in a form that would make them not only evaluate the circumstances and people surrounding them but make them also actively engage with them.

Looking Forward: The Future of Gianluca Todisco’s Artistic Journey

Nonetheless, as an artist, he keeps developing new concepts and transcending the limits of his imagination. He is engaged in new works suggesting to further develop the themes surfaced in “RAMI,” however, the focus is on the new sounds and views. In this scenario, he sees improvement in both artistic and personal abilities as yep continues establishing environments that will nourish his art and reach out to many people.

Gianluca Todisco’s artistic handiwork in the short film ‘RAMI’ is more of art first than love, he has weaved both love and his artistic work within the short film. Living in Rome during his childhood and now living in Los Angeles Gianluca pursued art as he sought for others to find themselves and realize their inner beauty through artistry. There’s no doubt that in the coming years, Gianluca’s pieces of art, will be devoid of the past features but will center on love, relationships, and self-identity giving the audience a wholesome experience.

The idea of ending outdoor activities near sunset to prevent mosquito-borne viruses is not new, but this year’s public reaction is.

In 2005, 2012, and 2019, towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut requested residents to limit outdoor activities during outbreaks of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) with minimal attention. However, when Oxford, Massachusetts officials recently proposed a voluntary curfew—advising residents to conclude outdoor activities by 6 p.m. until the end of September, and by 5 p.m. in October until the first hard frost—there was notable pushback. Approximately 200 residents attended a town meeting to discuss the measure.

Philip Davis, president of Oxford’s Little League, noted that the level of protest this time was unusual compared to previous EEE outbreaks. “In my family, we were completely done when Covid ended. We were done being locked inside, being scared. Living scared is no way to live,” Davis said.

Given the recent memories of the 2019 EEE curfews and the subsequent Covid restrictions, Davis remarked, ‘I think everyone has reached their limit. It’s time to hand the decision-making back to the parents.’

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus can reach the brain, leading to swelling and inflammation. Initial symptoms include a sudden headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting, which may progress to disorientation, seizures, and coma. Severe cases are rare.

In the U.S., the CDC reports about 11 human infections annually. This year, there have been four cases identified in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Vermont, with New Hampshire recently reporting a death from the virus.

EEE-spreading mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.

Dr. Kristy Murray, a mosquito-borne virus expert at Emory University, noted that the dusk-to-dawn curfew was likely a serious decision by local and state health departments. “The most severe outbreak of EEE in the U.S. occurred in Massachusetts in 1938, resulting in 25 deaths, primarily among children. Public health authorities would certainly want to take preventive measures if the data indicates a concerning trend,” she wrote in an email.

Lori Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, explained that such curfews serve multiple purposes: they reduce mosquito exposure during peak activity times, raise public awareness of the threat, and create safer conditions for mosquito control efforts, such as insecticide spraying.

Dr. Catherine Brown, Massachusetts’ state epidemiologist, acknowledged that the recommended curfews are not popular. “It’s an unpopular recommendation, but it’s a crucial component of a comprehensive prevention strategy,” which includes insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito spraying, she said.

Brown recognized concerns about the potential negative impact of the curfews on children’s mental and physical health. “Public health encompasses more than just infectious diseases. It’s also about ensuring kids have adequate outdoor playtime and exercise. We understand that balance at the Department of Public Health and do not make these recommendations lightly,” she emphasized.

On August 16, Oxford and three neighboring towns—Douglas, Sutton, and Webster—were classified as at critical risk for EEE after both a person and a horse in the area tested positive for the virus. According to the CDC, EEE is fatal in about one-third of cases and leaves approximately 50% of survivors with long-term neurological issues. There is no specific treatment for the illness.

Oxford Town Manager Jennifer Callahan informed the board of health that the infected individual lived in Oxford, and the person’s family had requested that officials alert the community.

Despite these warnings, opposition grew among some parents and coaches. A Change.org petition protesting the curfew gathered over 880 signatures by Monday. Cambria Macki, an ER nurse and mother of four, expressed her frustration, stating, “My children have already lost so much of their childhood due to Covid. Football and cheerleading offered them a semblance of normalcy. Please don’t close the fields.” She acknowledged the EEE risk but suggested managing it through other measures like spraying and protective clothing.

Recently, Cambria Macki has been engaged in heated debates on social media with her neighbors over whether the greater risk for kids lies in a rare but serious infection or in deteriorating mental and physical health. She pointed to federal data highlighting a rise in youth suicides and shared her observations of teens and preteens waiting in local emergency rooms for inpatient psychiatric care.

Macki noted, “For many of these kids, sports are an essential escape from difficult home lives. They may feel insignificant at home, but on the field, they matter.”

Another commenter argued, “Government overreach in the name of safety has already disrupted our kids’ lives enough.”

Rike Sterrett, Oxford’s director of public health services, acknowledged the deep impact of Covid-19 restrictions on both parents and children and their lasting effects on public health. She emphasized that the town’s curfew is a voluntary recommendation, not a mandate.

Sterrett mentioned that local schools are adhering to the guidance by rescheduling or moving outdoor activities indoors rather than canceling them altogether. Additionally, outside groups can continue to use city fields after hours if they sign a legal form acknowledging the risks and provide proof of adequate insurance.

“There won’t be any evening games under the lights; it’s about adjusting practice schedules,” Sterrett explained.

Reflecting on her experience in Marlborough, Massachusetts, during the 2019 EEE outbreak—a year that saw 12 human cases nationwide—Sterrett observed that while there was some pushback then, it was less pronounced. She acknowledged the desire for people to make the most of the remaining pleasant weather.

The push for restrictions on outdoor activities has, meanwhile, increased public awareness about EEE and the importance of avoiding mosquito bites.

Sterrett expressed optimism about the educational impact of the recommendations, saying, “I’m hopeful that the message is getting out there.”

Philip Davis mentioned ongoing efforts with local officials to seek more flexible recommendations. Parents are advocating for adherence to the state’s broader guideline, which suggests limiting outdoor activities from dusk until dawn—a significant shift from the town’s current curfew.

For example, on Tuesday night, dusk is anticipated around 8 p.m., which is two hours beyond the town’s curfew.

Davis noted that his Little League organization plans to comply with the town’s waiver requirements and has the necessary insurance to use the fields after the curfew. He intends to advise his coaches to conclude practices a half-hour before dusk, allowing players time to collect their equipment and head inside.

“We felt as though this was just the wrong approach,” Davis said, referring to the town’s curfew policy.

With a summer surge of COVID-19 impacting the United States, the FDA has approved updated vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech as of Thursday.

Moderna and Pfizer announced that their updated mRNA vaccines will soon be available at pharmacies and clinics.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing COVID-19. “These updated vaccines meet the FDA’s high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality,” he stated. “With immunity levels declining from past infections and vaccinations, we strongly recommend that eligible individuals receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine for enhanced protection against currently circulating variants.”

A CVS representative stated that doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are expected to begin arriving at its locations within a few days. Amy Thibault from CVS noted, “Once the vaccine supply arrives at our pharmacies, we will accept walk-ins.” Additionally, CVS’s digital scheduler will be updated to reflect available vaccination appointments, allowing customers to check local availability online.

Walgreens customers will be able to schedule appointments for the updated vaccine starting September 6, with availability expected within 24 hours. A Walgreens spokesperson added that walk-ins will also be accommodated as vaccine supplies become available in the coming days.

According to CDC data, SARS-CoV-2 virus levels in wastewater are at “very high” levels nationwide, marking the highest summer peak in the U.S. since July 2022. Wastewater monitoring provides insight into the virus’s spread, especially as testing and other forms of surveillance have decreased.

The CDC reports rising rates of severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, though they remain below the peaks seen in previous years.

The current predominant strain in the U.S. is KP.3.1.1, which now accounts for 37% of cases over the past two weeks, a significant increase from a month ago. KP.3.1.1 and KP.2, which is included in the updated mRNA vaccines, are both variants of JN.1. JN.1 will also be targeted by an updated protein-based vaccine from Novavax, with all these strains being versions of the Omicron variant.

In June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that everyone over 6 months old receive both an updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot this year.

As of Thursday, the FDA has announced that individuals aged 5 and older are eligible for an updated Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, provided it has been at least two months since their last dose.

For unvaccinated children aged 6 months to 4 years, the updated Pfizer vaccine is available in a three-dose series, while the updated Moderna vaccine is offered in a two-dose series. Children in this age group who have been previously vaccinated can receive one or two doses of the updated vaccines, based on their prior vaccination history. Additionally, some children aged 6 months to 11 years with weakened immune systems may qualify for extra doses.