Health Highlights:  April 4, 2022

How sleepless nights widen your waistline. People who don't get enough sleep tend to eat more, new research shows, and all those extra calories wind up precisely where most people don't want it: around the belly. Read more

No sign that COVID vaccine in pregnancy ups birth defect risk. A major new study found no link to any birth defect detected on ultrasound, supporting experts' calls for COVID immunization during this critical time. Read more

Medicare will now pay for COVID tests bought at drug stores. Fifty-nine million Americans covered by Medicare Part B can get up to eight free, at-home tests each month from any provider that offers them, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said. Read more

U.S. nursing home deaths decline to lowest level seen during pandemic.Despite some encouraging numbers, experts warn that nursing home residents continue to be more vulnerable to COVID because of their age and underlying medical conditions. Read more

CDC director announces sweeping changes to agency. Dr. Rochelle Walensky announced Monday that the agency would undergo a monthlong review of its inner workings. Read more