Summary

Short bursts of vigorous activity throughout the day can significantly reduce heart disease risk, especially for women.

The study found that women who engaged in under 3.5 minutes of vigorous movement daily had a 45% lower risk of heart problems compared to those who did not.

Men also saw benefits, with a 16% reduction in risk for those who logged about 5.5 minutes of vigorous activity daily.

Summary

The nursing home industry is pressuring Trump to rescind a Biden-era staffing mandate requiring minimum nurse levels, set to begin in 2026.

Industry groups argue the rule is costly and unrealistic due to workforce shortages, while advocates insist it is critical for improving care after 172,000 nursing home deaths during COVID-19.

Critics fear rescinding the rule would weaken accountability for poor care.

Trump’s history of deregulation suggests the mandate could be reversed, despite concerns over inadequate staffing and misuse of funds in for-profit facilities.

Summary

A UK study (2011-2023) found that people over 60 in “living apart, together” (LAT) relationships enjoy mental wellbeing similar to marriage, without the daily frictions, caregiving burdens, or legal constraints of cohabitation.

LAT is 10 times more common than marriage among over-60s starting new relationships, offering autonomy while maintaining intimacy and family ties.

Unlike younger LAT couples, older adults see it as a long-term choice. Researchers highlight its policy implications for mental health and caregiving.

LAT breakups also pose less mental health risk than ending marriages or cohabitation.

Cross-posted from "Planned Parenthood Of Illinois Expands Abortion Access With Hey Jane." by @StevenSaus@midwest.social in !illinois@midwest.social

Planned Parenthood of Illinois is collaborating with Hey Jane, a virtual abortion provider, to enhance access to abortion services in Illinois. This partnership allows Hey Jane patients to access procedural abortion care through Planned Parenthood, while Planned Parenthood patients can obtain medication abortions via Hey Jane. Patients can receive medications discreetly by mail or pick them up at a Planned Parenthood health center. Both organizations accept private insurance and provide financial assistance, with Planned Parenthood also accepting Medicaid and offering no-cost abortion care to eligible Illinois residents.

Summary

In a world first, two paralyzed patients regained the ability to walk short distances and climb stairs using deep brain stimulation.

Surgeons implanted electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus, a brain region newly identified as key to walking, to “re-awaken” dormant spinal nerve fibers.

The breakthrough builds on neuron mapping and previous spinal implant research by Swiss neuroscientists at EPFL.

While movement is limited, the approach shows promise for enhancing recovery when combined with spinal stimulation, offering hope for greater mobility in paralysis patients.

Summary

Allies of Donald Trump are targeting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of a broader deregulatory agenda.

House Republicans criticized EPA scientific integrity policies, claiming they hinder political leadership, while Senate Republicans, led by Shelley Moore Capito, are attacking strict PFAS drinking water regulations.

These rules, designed to address toxic “forever chemicals,” have faced industry pushback over costs and scientific claims, despite broad scientific support.

Critics warn of intensified attacks on EPA scientists and weakened environmental protections under a potential Trump administration. Industry groups are lobbying to roll back key regulations.

A study found that estrogen/progestin pills for menopausal women are linked to a 21% increase in heart disease risk and a 61% rise in serious blood clots, according to recent findings. In contrast, hormone patches, creams, and gels do not share the same blood clot risk.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual U.S. veterans had significantly higher odds for prevalent atherosclerotic CVD compared with their heterosexual peers, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Summary

A new study in Southern California reveals that neighborhoods near superfund sites, industrial polluters, or with limited fresh food access have higher blood levels of toxic PFAS chemicals.

Residents near superfund sites face up to 107% higher PFAS levels, while those far from grocery stores have 14% higher levels, likely due to PFAS-laden processed food packaging.

PFAS exposure also stems from air and dust pollution around contaminated sites.

Researchers urge government action to reduce pollution sources and improve fresh food access to address these persistent health risks.

Summary

Libraries across the U.S. are expanding their roles to offer public health programs, from mobile clinics and mental health resources to cooking classes and blood pressure monitors.

Programs like Milwaukee’s mobile health clinic and Kansas City’s Libraries with Heart improve access to care, often encouraging patrons to seek further medical attention.

In rural areas like Texas, libraries connect communities to vital resources, combatting isolation and addressing needs like mental health and end-of-life planning.

These initiatives highlight libraries’ growing role as inclusive public health hubs, addressing gaps in traditional healthcare systems.

Summary

SunFed Produce has recalled American cucumbers sold between October 12 and November 26 across 26 U.S. states and parts of Canada due to potential salmonella contamination.

The FDA and CDC linked the cucumbers to 68 reported illnesses in 19 states, though no deaths have been reported.

Consumers are advised to discard affected cucumbers, sanitize surfaces, and seek medical help if symptoms like diarrhea or fever occur.

SunFed is cooperating with authorities to identify the contamination source, emphasizing its commitment to food safety.

Summary

Around one-third of cancer patients experience depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions, yet these often go undiagnosed, increasing mortality rates by up to 39% and suicide risk by 13 times in the first week after diagnosis.

Mental illness affects 22% of patients post-diagnosis and undermines treatment adherence and survival.

Limited mental health care access, financial barriers, and oncologists’ reluctance to address emotional health exacerbate the issue.

While integrated mental health services and support groups are growing, they remain scarce, leaving many patients to self-advocate for critical psychological care.

Summary

A New Mexico jury awarded $412 million in a medical malpractice case against NuMale Medical Center, marking the largest U.S. malpractice award to date.

The case involved a 66-year-old man who suffered irreversible damage from unnecessary penile injections prescribed under a scheme to exploit patients for profit.

Jurors found the clinic’s actions fraudulent, negligent, and in violation of the Unfair Practices Act.

The plaintiff’s attorneys hope the verdict deters similar misconduct. NuMale disputes the ruling and plans to appeal.

Summary

A new treatment for severe asthma and COPD, using the monoclonal antibody benralizumab, could revolutionize care after a 50-year stagnation in treatment methods.

A trial showed that a single high-dose injection during flare-ups was 30% more effective than standard steroid tablets, reducing hospital visits and improving quality of life.

The drug targets eosinophils, a cause of inflammation in many attacks.

Researchers highlight its potential safety, fewer side effects compared to steroids, and home-use feasibility, though experts stress the need for increased lung health research funding.

Summary

Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford health economist and co-author of the controversial Great Barrington Declaration, to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Bhattacharya, a critic of lockdowns and vaccine mandates, advocated for herd immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, a stance widely criticized by public health experts.

His nomination, alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS secretary, signals Trump’s intent to overhaul public health agencies.

Critics worry these appointments could undermine trust in public health, while supporters hail them as a challenge to the status quo.

A new scientific analysis prepared by CONAHCYT, Mexico’s National Council for Humanities, Science and Technology, argues there are unacceptable health risks for Mexican people who consume genetically modified (GM) corn and glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide.