Public health
Public health

fromABC7 Los Angeles

14 hours ago

Dietary supplement makers push the FDA to allow peptides and other new ingredients

Dietary supplement makers seek FDA expansion of ingredient types to include peptides and probiotics, potentially increasing marketing opportunities.

fromBoston.com

16 hours ago

Quincy approves money for new firefighting gear after PFAS found in old gear

Quincy officials approved $2.65 million to replace firefighters' protective gear due to health risks from PFAS chemicals.

fromLos Angeles Times

Eye-biting black flies are 'like little demons' in San Gabriel Valley, residents say

Residents in San Gabriel Valley face a surge in black flies that bite around the eyes and neck, with relief expected to take weeks.

fromPsychology Today

Is It Harder to Cut Back on Meat Than to Quit Smoking?

The US is promoting increased meat consumption despite its known health and environmental risks.

Trump EPA relied on industry science to weaken formaldehyde cancer rules, documents show

Chemical industry and Trump EPA weakened formaldehyde regulations, relying on outdated studies, raising cancer risk concerns.

Polio virus detected in London days before ministers cut global eradication funding

Polio virus detected in London sewage again, highlighting risks amid funding cuts for global eradication efforts.

fromLGBTQ Nation

LGBTQ+ adults worry more than cis-hets about affording healthcare - LGBTQ Nation

LGBTQ+ adults face greater financial concerns regarding healthcare and basic necessities compared to non-LGBTQ+ adults.

fromKqed

New Bill Would Force Protein Powders to Disclose Toxic Metals | KQED

"So, hedge your bets," wrote Gardner in an email to KQED. "Eat foods, not protein supplements. What have you got to lose - and what do you have to gain?"

Public health

fromLGBTQ Nation

American Medical Association reaffirms support for trans health care after controversial statement - LGBTQ Nation

The AMA reaffirmed its support for gender-affirming care, clarifying that recent media reports misinterpreted its stance.

Our daughter battled Meningitis B despite being vaccinated in 'very rare' case

Vaccination can significantly reduce the severity of infections, as experienced by Noa-Rose's family during her critical illness.

fromArs Technica

Outbreak linked to raw cheese grows; 9 cases total, one with kidney failure

At least nine people have been sickened in three states, an increase of two cases since the outbreak was announced earlier this month. Three of the nine cases required hospitalization, and one person developed a life-threatening complication called Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, which causes a type of kidney failure.

Public health

Stay indoors advisory issued in multiple states as toxins fill the air

Hazardous air quality due to PM2.5 pollution has prompted advisories for residents in parts of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and southern Arizona.

fromwww.aljazeera.com

Public health

Pakistan world's most polluted country in 2025: Report

Urgent warning to thousands over lung-penetrating toxins in the air

Health warnings issued across US regions due to unhealthy air quality from PM2.5 particles, ozone, dust, and smoke from controlled burns and agricultural fires.

2 days ago

Stay indoors advisory issued in multiple states as toxins fill the air

Hazardous air quality due to PM2.5 pollution has prompted advisories for residents in parts of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and southern Arizona.

fromwww.aljazeera.com

Public health

Pakistan world's most polluted country in 2025: Report

Urgent warning to thousands over lung-penetrating toxins in the air

Health warnings issued across US regions due to unhealthy air quality from PM2.5 particles, ozone, dust, and smoke from controlled burns and agricultural fires.

more#air-quality

fromSan Francisco Public Press

A Conversation About Reproductive Health Care in the US

Reproductive health care in the U.S. has significantly changed since the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, impacting access to abortion services.

2 days ago

Jersey's wellbeing score is below UK and France

Jersey ranked 28th in a wellbeing survey, excelling in community and safety but struggling with civic engagement and life satisfaction.

fromEsquire

The CDC, Once the World's Most Important Public Health Organization, Is Now the Church of Medical Woo-Woo

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has significantly damaged the CDC since his confirmation, leading to mass resignations and a decline in public health effectiveness.

US left without functioning vaccine panel as adviser says drama distracts'

I am done with the CDC and ACIP, Malone told Roll Call on Tuesday, adding: Suffice to say I do not like drama, and have better things to do.

Public health

Cook dinner at least once a week to slash dementia risk, study finds

Cooking from scratch at least once a week may reduce dementia risk significantly, especially for those with limited cooking experience.

fromIrish Independent

'We must take strong action' - Government exploring ways to ban sunbeds as way of cancer prevention

A ban on commercial sunbed use is advocated to reduce health risks, particularly for children and young people.

fromArs Technica

Antibiotic resistance among germs swells during droughts, study suggests

Drought conditions in soil are linked to increased antibiotic resistance in bacteria, impacting public health due to climate change.

NHS waited two days before raising alarm about meningitis outbreak

The hospital admitted to the BBC it had missed an opportunity to alert the UKHSA sooner. It said it had waited until there was a formal diagnosis via a confirmed test.

Public health

fromNature

The pros and cons of China's health role in Africa

China's health engagement in Africa has evolved from short-term aid to long-term collaborative projects, focusing on infrastructure and pharmaceutical production.

Israel using white phosphorus to scorch earth in south Lebanon, researcher says

Israel's use of white phosphorus munitions in south Lebanon raises serious legal and humanitarian concerns.

fromVulture

The Pitt's Tal Anderson Wants More Beccas Onscreen and in Real Life

Becca's urinary-tract infection reveals deeper family dynamics and the complexities of autonomy for neurodivergent individuals.

fromTruthout

ICE Raids and Medicaid Cuts Put Both Caregivers and Their Patients at Risk

Access to in-home care for disabled individuals is threatened by fears of immigration enforcement against care workers.

fromHarvard Gazette

'No way to go but up' - Harvard Gazette

"I told him, 'These are the things I'm concerned about; these are the risks if we run out of medications, or if we run out of oxygen, or if we're not able to get you off the mountain in two or three days.' I would like to think that we, whether it's as physicians or patients, should be able to talk about risk in a little bit more of a realistic, humane way."

Public health

Emergency list reveals survival items Americans should stockpile

Americans should prepare emergency supplies to sustain themselves for several days without outside help during disasters.

Meningitis outbreak passes peak, says health agency

The peak of a meningitis outbreak in Kent has passed, with 29 cases and two fatalities reported.

Thousands get meningitis vaccine as experts wait to see outbreak peak

Over 4,500 young people vaccinated in response to a meningitis outbreak in Kent, with two fatalities reported.

Public health alert as Kent meningitis cases rise

A deadly meningitis outbreak in Kent has prompted a UK-wide health alert, with vaccination programs and antibiotics distributed to thousands of students following cases linked to a Canterbury nightclub.

Nine-month-old baby girl battles meningitis in intensive care as outbreak continues

A nine-month-old girl in Kent is critically ill with severe meningitis, facing permanent effects from the infection during an ongoing outbreak in the region.

People don't need to buy a meningitis vaccine, Streeting says

Private meningitis vaccination is unnecessary for the general public despite an unprecedented outbreak in Kent; targeted vaccination and antibiotics are being provided to affected university students.

Nightclub goers urged to come forward' for treatment amid meningitis outbreak

A meningitis outbreak in Kent has resulted in 13 confirmed cases and 2 deaths, prompting health authorities to urge nightclub visitors to seek preventative antibiotic treatment.

Meningitis outbreak passes peak, says health agency

The peak of a meningitis outbreak in Kent has passed, with 29 cases and two fatalities reported.

Thousands get meningitis vaccine as experts wait to see outbreak peak

Over 4,500 young people vaccinated in response to a meningitis outbreak in Kent, with two fatalities reported.

Public health alert as Kent meningitis cases rise

Nine-month-old baby girl battles meningitis in intensive care as outbreak continues

A nine-month-old girl in Kent is critically ill with severe meningitis, facing permanent effects from the infection during an ongoing outbreak in the region.

People don't need to buy a meningitis vaccine, Streeting says

Nightclub goers urged to come forward' for treatment amid meningitis outbreak

A meningitis outbreak in Kent has resulted in 13 confirmed cases and 2 deaths, prompting health authorities to urge nightclub visitors to seek preventative antibiotic treatment.

more#meningitis-outbreak

fromGothamist

Harlem Hospital failed to follow its own guidelines before Legionnaires' outbreak

Harlem Hospital failed to conduct required weekly testing, contributing to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak that resulted in seven deaths and 90 hospitalizations.

Dangerous microbes may be hiding in drought-stricken soils

Drought conditions can increase antibiotic resistance in bacteria, posing a significant health risk as global temperatures rise.

#pfas

6 days ago

Public health

In Our Blood: The Forever Chemicals Scandal review no one should have to live like this

People in North Yorkshire town found to have alarming' levels of toxic Pfas chemicals in blood

Residents in Bentham have alarmingly high levels of toxic Pfas chemicals in their blood, linked to a local firefighting foam factory.

6 days ago

Public health

In Our Blood: The Forever Chemicals Scandal review no one should have to live like this

People in North Yorkshire town found to have alarming' levels of toxic Pfas chemicals in blood

Residents in Bentham have alarmingly high levels of toxic Pfas chemicals in their blood, linked to a local firefighting foam factory.

Welcome to allergy season. Here's how to protect yourself

Allergy seasons are worsening due to climate change, but treatments have improved, helping many manage symptoms effectively.

fromFortune

It's not just vaccines. Parents are refusing other routine preventive care for newborns-even protection from severe bleeding and blindness | Fortune

Rising skepticism and anti-science sentiment are leading to increased refusals of vitamin K shots and other preventive care for newborns.

Department of Health retracts claim sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking

The DHSC retracted a claim equating sunbeds' cancer risk to smoking after fact-checking revealed significant differences in their impact.

#meningitis

Public health

The Guardian view on meningitis in Kent: we must not take public health systems for granted | Editorial

Public health

Health chiefs warn deadly meningitis strain mutation could be fuelling rapid spread

Public health

Father of meningitis victim, 18, tells of family's immeasurable' devastation

The Guardian view on meningitis in Kent: we must not take public health systems for granted | Editorial

Public health measures in Kent are effectively managing the meningitis outbreak, with vaccinations and antibiotics limiting its spread.

Health chiefs warn deadly meningitis strain mutation could be fuelling rapid spread

A meningitis B outbreak in Kent has risen to 29 cases, prompting health officials to investigate the unusual spread of the illness.

Public health

Father of meningitis victim, 18, tells of family's immeasurable' devastation

Pinterest CEO: Ban kids under 16 from social media

Governments worldwide are considering social media bans for users under 16, supported by Pinterest CEO Bill Ready.

Rival shadow' group to RFK, Jr.'s autism science committee meets in D.C.

The federal autism committee now has a striking absence of scientific expertise, said Craig Snyder, policy lead at the Autism Science Foundation, during the rival group's meeting on Thursday.

Public health

fromFast Company

Children's ibuprofen recalled nationwide after customer complaints of 'gel-like mass and black particles'

Nearly 90,000 bottles of Children's Ibuprofen have been recalled due to contamination concerns.

fromIrish Independent

Children with life-threatening food allergies 'forgotten', parents tell TDs

Ireland's healthcare system fails to adequately diagnose, support, and treat food allergies, forcing families to seek treatment abroad and manage life-threatening conditions without specialist care.

fromwww.npr.org

FDA backs off stricter tanning bed rules with RFK Jr.'s support

The FDA abandoned a proposed ban on tanning bed use for minors, reversing a 2015 initiative despite extensive evidence that indoor tanning significantly increases skin cancer risk, particularly melanoma in young users.

fromArs Technica

RFK Jr. has destroyed over a quarter of health dept's expert panels

The Trump administration terminated or undermined numerous federal health advisory committees across NIH, CDC, and FDA, including panels on vaccines, autism, and disease prevention, causing significant damage to biomedical research and public health infrastructure.

Patients harmed as Covid pandemic brought NHS close to collapse, inquiry finds

We coped, but only just. Collapse was only narrowly avoided thanks to the extraordinary efforts of all those working in health care. To cope with another pandemic there had to be greater capacity to scale-up hospital and ambulance services, according to the inquiry.

Public health

#vaccine-policy

Public health

Influential vaccine advisory panel may be disbanded' after lawsuit, says former vice chair

fromJezebel

A Federal Judge Just Called Out RFK Jr.'s Anti-Vaccine Panel on Their Bullshit

A federal judge blocked RFK Jr.'s vaccine committee from changing childhood immunization schedules without following established scientific review processes.

fromSilicon Canals

Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.'s CDC vaccine overhaul, ruling unqualified appointees violated federal law - Silicon Canals

A federal judge blocked Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s replacement of vaccine advisory committee members, ruling the dismissal of experts and appointment of unqualified replacements violated federal law and administrative procedures.

fromScary Mommy

A Federal Judge Just Blocked All Of RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Changes

A federal judge ruled that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. violated federal law by replacing all ACIP members with anti-vaccine advocates and changing childhood vaccine schedules without legal authority.

fromAdvocate.com

Public health

ACIP government vaccine panel meeting postponed after judge voids RFK Jr.'s appointments

fromAxios

Judge blocks vaccine changes recommended by RFK Jr.'s advisers

A federal judge temporarily halted vaccine policy changes and advisor appointments, ruling the Department of Health and Human Services likely violated administrative procedures in replacing the vaccine advisory committee members.

Public health

Influential vaccine advisory panel may be disbanded' after lawsuit, says former vice chair

fromJezebel

A Federal Judge Just Called Out RFK Jr.'s Anti-Vaccine Panel on Their Bullshit

A federal judge blocked RFK Jr.'s vaccine committee from changing childhood immunization schedules without following established scientific review processes.

fromSilicon Canals

Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.'s CDC vaccine overhaul, ruling unqualified appointees violated federal law - Silicon Canals

fromScary Mommy

A Federal Judge Just Blocked All Of RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Changes

fromAdvocate.com

Public health

ACIP government vaccine panel meeting postponed after judge voids RFK Jr.'s appointments

fromAxios

Judge blocks vaccine changes recommended by RFK Jr.'s advisers

more#vaccine-policy

#meningitis-b-outbreak

Public health

Number of meningitis cases linked to Kent outbreak rises to 27

Number of meningitis cases investigated in Kent rises to 20

Kent experiences unprecedented meningitis B outbreak with 20 confirmed and suspected cases among young adults, described as the fastest-growing outbreak medical experts have encountered.

Meningitis in Kent fatal outbreak identified as less targeted strain B

A meningitis B outbreak in Kent affects people largely unvaccinated against this strain, with the NHS vaccine covering only strains A, C, W, and Y for teenagers.

Public health

Number of meningitis cases linked to Kent outbreak rises to 27

Number of meningitis cases investigated in Kent rises to 20

Kent experiences unprecedented meningitis B outbreak with 20 confirmed and suspected cases among young adults, described as the fastest-growing outbreak medical experts have encountered.

more#meningitis-b-outbreak

Meningitis in Kent fatal outbreak identified as less targeted strain B

A meningitis B outbreak in Kent affects people largely unvaccinated against this strain, with the NHS vaccine covering only strains A, C, W, and Y for teenagers.

Women almost 150 times more likely to die from maternal sepsis in Africa than Europe

Women in sub-Saharan Africa are 150 times more likely to die from maternal sepsis than mothers in developed nations due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in maternity wards.

Millions of children dying from preventable causes, report reveals

Most of 4.9 million child deaths in 2024 were preventable, with progress slowing 60% since 2015 due to aid cuts threatening the 2030 goal of ending preventable child mortality.

Pharmacies running out of stock of meningitis B vaccine

Meningitis B vaccine shortages surge across UK pharmacies amid a Kent outbreak investigation of 20 cases with two deaths reported.

fromwww.cbc.ca

There will be people who die': Advocates speak out as Niagara's only safe drug consumption site faces closure | CBC News

Ontario's closure of the Niagara Region's only safe drug consumption site will likely increase overdose deaths, blood-borne infections, and public substance use in the community.

fromMetro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley's Leading Weekly

Silicosis Epidemic in California Leads to New Worker Safety Law

Engineered stone fabrication workers face a silicosis epidemic in California, with 29 deaths and hundreds sickened, prompting the state's first-in-nation protective law effective January 1.

Scotland's assisted dying bill rejected after emotional debate

Scottish Parliament rejected a bill to legalize assisted dying for terminally-ill adults, with opponents citing coercion risks to vulnerable populations.

Readers respond to the December 2025 issue

A reader shares her postpartum depression survival story, crediting specialized perinatal psychiatry care and peer support groups with saving her life, while expressing gratitude for ongoing research into better treatments.

Americans' trust in the CDC's vaccine recommendations declines markedly under Trump

Federal government childhood vaccine recommendation trust dropped to 60% from 71% in June 2025, with Democrats experiencing the steepest decline from 81% to 66%.

Women feel coerced during maternity care in England, charity says

Women report experiencing coercion and pressure from healthcare professionals during maternity care, including forced procedures without adequate explanation or informed consent.

Parents of teen who died in 2025 call for more government support

A Bournemouth University student died from Meningitis B in October 2025, prompting her parents to urge vaccination awareness and government reconsideration of meningitis vaccination policies.

London weight loss drug access 'unequal' - report

Slow NHS rollout of weight loss drugs creates a two-tier system where Londoners resort to unsafe, counterfeit, or expensive private alternatives.

Officials missed 99% of data' on Covid vaccines before making recommendation, memos reveal

Internal memos used to end Covid vaccine recommendations for pregnant people and children overlooked hundreds of studies, prioritizing ideology over evidence-based decision-making.

#public-health-policy

3 states and New York City join global disease response network * Nebraska Examiner

State and local public health departments in California, Illinois, New York, and New York City independently joined WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network after the U.S. federal government withdrew from the WHO.

3 states and New York City join global disease response network * Nebraska Examiner

fromMichigan Advance

3 states and New York City join global disease response network * Michigan Advance

3 states and New York City join global disease response network * Nebraska Examiner

3 states and New York City join global disease response network * Nebraska Examiner

fromMichigan Advance

more#public-health-policy

3 states and New York City join global disease response network * Michigan Advance

Revealed: How many will DIE by 2050 if we don't curb climate change

Rising temperatures are projected to increase the prevalence of physical inactivity, translating into additional premature deaths and productivity losses, especially in tropical regions. Prioritising heat-adaptive urban design, subsidised climate-controlled exercise facilities, and targeted heat-risk communication is essential to mitigate these emerging health and economic burdens, in addition to ambitious emissions reductions.

Public health

Realtime pollution alerts needed on Windermere, campaigners say after boy nearly dies

Realtime pollution alerts are urgently needed across Windermere after a child contracted dangerous E coli from contaminated water, highlighting failures in current water quality monitoring systems.

fromwww.aljazeera.com

Rafah crossing closure leaves Gaza patients trapped without treatment

Closure of Rafah crossing halts medical evacuations for thousands of critically ill patients in Gaza, including infants requiring urgent surgery unavailable in the territory.

Sharp rise in young Britons saying ill health is reason they are jobless, study finds

UK youth unemployment has surged with 70% more 16-24 year-olds citing health problems as barriers to work, reaching nearly one million NEETs, prompting government employment initiatives including hiring grants and apprenticeship incentives.

fromBusiness Matters

Fuel price surge could force one in ten drivers to cut hospital visits, survey warns

Rising fuel prices threaten to force drivers to reduce essential medical visits and significantly cut household spending, with potential economic recession risks.

fromPsychology Today