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YOUR WEEKLY CHECKUP

This week: Using electrodes to treat everything from depression to inflammation; one island's secret to longevity; when you eat is just as important as what you eat; one woman's struggle to conquer long COVID; vaccines for kids under 5.

SCIENCE HISTORY IMAGES, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

From inflammation to depression, electricity is transforming medicine

Physicians have demonstrated for decades that it's possible to treat some patients with epilepsy or Parkinson's disease using deep brain stimulation. What's different now is that there is a growing repertoire of diseases that scientists believe may also respond to electrical stimulation, delivered from both the inside and outside of the body.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

READ ON: The end of inflammation? New approach could treat dozens of diseases. +

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALESSANDRO GANDOLFI, PARALLELOZERO/INSITITUTE

This island unlocked the secret to long life

Residents of Okinawa are some of the world's healthiest and happiest. Strong social networks and good food may be why. "There's an Okinawan phrase, nuchi gusui, which can translate as 'let food be your medicine.'"

FOOD AS MEDICINE?

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK THIESSEN

It's not just about what you eat—it's about when you eat it

From salmon burgers for breakfast to spinach for a headache, these doctors say eating the right foods at the right times is the key to health.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

PHOTOGRAPH BY LUCAS FOGLIA

Fruits and vegetables are less nutritious than they used to be

Many of today's whole foods aren't as packed with vitamins and nutrients as they were 70 years ago, potentially putting people's health at risk.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

PHOTOGRAPH BY JACKIE MOLLOY

Long COVID remains a mystery. We followed one patient's struggle to get treatment.

For 1 in 3 people who've had COVID-19, the disease turns debilitating and chronic. Now there are specialized clinics—with long waits. This is the story of one woman's arduous journey through the medical system to conquer long COVID and reclaim her life.

'I'M FEELING HOPEFUL'

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Even mild COVID-19 can cause your brain to shrink (subscriber exclusive)

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Can this 19th-century health practice help with long COVID?

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As long COVID cases grow, clues emerge about who is most at risk

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Long COVID afflicts kids too. Here's what we know so far.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

NG STAFF

Vaccinations for kids under 5 could start as early as June 21

Meanwhile, Omicron's more contagious subvariant BA.2.12.1 is now causing most new COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

TRACK COVID IN THE U.S.

How long does COVID-19 linger in your body? New report offers clues.

Can I stop isolating if I'm still testing positive for the virus? (New York Times)

Tracking coronavirus in animals takes on new urgency (Washington Post)

Novavax's COVID vaccine nears the finish line (NPR)

MORE HEALTH NEWS

PHOTOGRAPH BY TONI ANZENBERGER, ANZENBERGER, REDUX

How extreme heat affects our pets—and how to help them

Cats, dogs, and rabbits don’t deal with heat like humans do. As heat waves become increasingly common, veterinarians call for extra vigilance.

Climate change is eroding a precious resource: sleep

Monkeypox cases are rising. Here's what we know so far.

The pollution from Russia's war will poison Ukraine for decades (Vox)

Esophageal cancer may be rising among the middle-aged (Washington Post)

Is a vegan diet healthy for kids? (BBC)

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