Health

Despite previous assurances, former President Donald J. Trump continues to hide his medical records from the public. This secrecy continues to raise concerns especially as he enters the race again, potentially becoming the oldest president in history by the end of his term. His refusal to share even the most basic health information remains a point of contention. During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump was reluctant to share his medical history, opting instead to release a brief statement from his doctor saying he would be "the healthiest individual ever elected president." His health again became the subject of intense speculation in 2020, when he was treated for COVID-19. At the time, the limited information provided by his medical team later turned out to be an understatement of hi...

Health systems are increasingly uploading therapists' progress reports to online patient portals, prompting unexpected reactions from some patients. This step towards digital transparency is intended to foster better patient engagement in their mental health care by providing them with direct access to session notes. However, the initiative has also raised concerns about privacy and the emotional impact on patients who may not be prepared to see detailed and sometimes critical assessments of their psychological profiles. For example, Jeffrey, a 76-year-old patient, shared his disturbing experience of finding his treatment notes online, which included deeply personal details and assessments of his mental health. This development in the healthcare sector raises important questions about the ...

Recent concerns have prompted an official call for an investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving a top FDA medical device official, Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, and his wife's legal activities. Dr. Shuren, who will retire from the Food and Drug Administration later this year, has faced scrutiny over his professional actions, which may have coincided with his wife Allison's legal representation of medical device companies Shuren. Christina Jewett reports that Representatives Anna Eshoo of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut have officially called on the inspector general to look into these potential ethical conflicts. Both lawmakers, influential members of the key health and appropriations subcommittees, acted after revelations from an investigative report highlighted possib...

A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine raises serious concerns about the fragmented landscape of cannabis laws in the United States. The report argues that the current patchwork of regulations prioritizes economic gains over public health and safety. With 24 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories having legalized recreational cannabis and 13 others allowing its medicinal use, the need for a coordinated national strategy is increasingly urgent. The report highlights the dramatic increase in potency of cannabis products, particularly THC concentration. This increase in potency, combined with the proliferation of diverse cannabis products, poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as adolescents, ...

Liv Schmidt, a content creator known for her controversial weight management videos, was recently banned from TikTok following allegations that she promoted unhealthy eating behaviors. Despite amassing over 670,000 followers with her diet content, TikTok took action against her account after concerns were raised about the potential harm her videos could cause. According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, Liv Schmidt’s approach to dieting, which emphasizes severe calorie restriction, has sparked a debate about the line between promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging eating disorders. The conversation has expanded to include discussions about body positivity in today’s diet-focused social media environment. Before the ban, Schmidt was often criticized for her content, whic...

Starting on September 23, 2024, the past few summer months have seen what seems like a relentless surge in infectious diseases, from avian influenza and mpox to dengue and eastern equine encephalitis, sparking widespread media attention and public concern. Apoorva Mandavilli, a senior journalist specializing in science and global health, explores whether this perceived increase in outbreaks is as significant as it seems, or whether increased public awareness is playing a role. Throughout the United States, vectors such as mosquitoes have transmitted diseases such as dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus. While dengue has shown notable incidences, other diseases such as malaria and Eastern equine encephalitis have not seen large outbreaks, suggesting that the intense focus on these diseases ...

This title emphasizes the focus on new discoveries and treatments highlighted by the Lasker Awards. It avoids direct mention of specific diseases to maintain interest and encourage reading. Here is the rewritten text with the same main information but reformulated to make it more original: Scientists Honored with Prestigious Lasker Awards for Pioneering Work in Healthcare The Lasker Awards, a prestigious series of prizes that honor breakthroughs in medical research, were presented Thursday. This year's honorees tackled a range of challenges, from obesity and diabetes to infectious diseases and the body's natural defense mechanisms. The Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award honors a trio of scientists whose research on the key hormone GLP-1 has paved the way for revolutionary weigh...

Boar's Head has announced an indefinite closure of its Jarratt, Virginia, deli meat plant following a major listeria outbreak. The outbreak has been linked to nine deaths and affected multiple people in 18 states. The company has identified liverwurst production as the source of the contamination and has decided to permanently cease production. The plant closure affects about 500 employees who will receive severance packages and transfer offers, according to union representatives. Christina Jewett, who monitors the Food and Drug Administration’s food safety efforts, and Teddy Rosenbluth, a health reporter who is currently a Times Fellowship program, continue to provide updates on this ongoing story.

A major salmonella outbreak affecting individuals in nine states has led to the recall of egg products from a Wisconsin farm, with 65 confirmed cases reported by health officials. Fortunately, there have been no deaths linked to this outbreak. The contamination was discovered after investigations by local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They identified the Salmonella strain in both the egg packing area and the chicken housing facilities at Milo's Poultry Farms in Bonduel, Wisconsin. The recalled eggs include several sizes and types, all under the labels "Milo's Poultry Farms" and "Tony's Fresh Market," according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products were distributed in several states, including Illinois, Michigan and Wisco...

As more Americans integrate artificial intelligence into their daily lives, more of them are turning to AI chatbots for health-related questions, according to recent studies. In a cozy living room, a person holds a smartphone displaying the ChatGPT app, with a warm red blanket in the background. A recent survey indicates that about 17% of adults now consult AI for medical guidance every month. This statistic highlights a significant shift in the way individuals seek health information. Susan Sheridan, 64, cofounder of a patient safety group, has seen firsthand the practical applications of AI in healthcare. Initially unfamiliar with ChatGPT, her first interaction was driven by urgent health concerns. She was experiencing significant facial discomfort and other symptoms that puzzled both he...