Health - Resources and discussion for everything health-related

Summary

A Lancet report urges a global revamp of obesity diagnosis, citing over-reliance on BMI as misleading and harmful.

Experts argue BMI often fails to reflect true health by overlooking fat distribution and organ function.

They propose redefining obesity into two categories: "clinical obesity" (linked to health impairments) and "pre-clinical obesity" (no current illness but heightened future risk).

The shift aims for more personalized care and early intervention.

Over 75 medical groups endorse the report's recommendations.

Summary

The family of John Michael Murdoch is suing Oregon Health and Science University for $900,000 after his face caught fire during a 2022 tracheostomy.

The lawsuit alleges staff failed to let isopropyl alcohol fully dry before using a sparking surgical tool, igniting a fire fueled by oxygen.

Murdoch, allegedly awake during the incident, suffered severe burns and lasting trauma before dying six months later from unrelated causes.

Description from video:

"Are your favorite influencers getting rich by spreading misinformation?

Viva Longevity finds great scientists who are too busy doing science to be social media stars, and we help them tell their stories."

Summary

The FDA proposed a rule requiring front-of-package nutrition labels by 2028, highlighting levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar with “high,” “medium,” or “low” indicators.

The aim is to help Americans make healthier choices amid rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Critics, including food industry groups, argue the labels could confuse consumers and prefer voluntary initiatives.

While other countries with similar labels have seen positive effects, experts caution that U.S. cultural attitudes may limit their impact on consumer behavior.

Summary

The Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed over 12,000 structures and caused at least 24 deaths, while smoke poses a severe health threat.

Fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke, particularly toxic in urban fires due to burning synthetic materials, can deeply harm lungs and cause cumulative damage.

Vulnerable groups include those with pre-existing conditions, young children, and the unhoused.

Experts warn wildfire smoke is reversing progress on air quality, as climate change increases fire frequency.

Summary

Despite new variants like XEC, Covid-19 appears milder, with fewer hospitalizations and severe cases, even though infections remain widespread.

Experts attribute this to improved population immunity from repeated infections and vaccinations, which blunt the virus's effects.

XEC's immune evasion has not caused a significant surge, and symptoms now resemble mild colds for most.

However, risks like long Covid and potential severe variants persist, emphasizing the need for continued vaccinations and research on better treatments and vaccines, including mucosal and universal options, to manage the virus's unpredictable evolution.

Summary

A new study in Nature Medicine reveals that lifetime dementia risk is higher than previously thought, rising to 42% for men and women, compared to older estimates of 14% and 23%.

The increase is tied to longer lifespans and better diagnostic practices.

Black Americans and women face elevated risks due to factors like systemic inequities, genetic predispositions, and longer lifespans.

Dementia cases are expected to double by 2060.

Experts stress prevention through managing diabetes, hypertension, and lifestyle changes, while noting dementia is not inevitable with aging.

Summary

A Clean Label Project report found concerning levels of lead and cadmium in protein powders, especially plant-based, organic, and chocolate-flavored varieties.

Nearly 80% of plant-based products exceeded California's Proposition 65 safety limits for lead, with chocolate-flavored powders containing up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla.

Heavy metals naturally occur in soil but can be elevated by industrial contamination.

While BPA and BPS contamination has decreased since 2018, 47% of powders tested still exceeded Prop 65 limits.

Experts recommend whey-based or pea protein powders for lower contamination levels.

Summary

Efforts to improve Americans' diets, including the FDA's new "healthy" labeling guidelines, have minimal impact, with only 0-0.4% of people expected to change habits.

Surveys show Americans want to eat healthier, but with over 70% of U.S. adults overweight, many fail.

While giving consumers more information about food seems logical, real-world results show it rarely changes eating habits. Factors like taste, price, and convenience outweigh health concerns.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plans focus on banning ingredients and subsidies face major legal and systemic challenges.

Addressing affordability and access is critical for progress.

Non-paywall link

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's preventive care mandate, following a 5th Circuit ruling that deemed the task force responsible for setting these guidelines unconstitutionally structured.

The task force, which recommends preventive care services, is challenged by Christian businesses who object to covering HIV-preventing medication due to religious beliefs.

The 5th Circuit's ruling jeopardizes jeopardizes critical preventive care like cancer screenings for millions.

The justices are expected to rule by June, marking another key legal challenge to Obamacare, though not its first encounter with the Court.

Summary

The Native American Church warns of a peyote shortage, a sacred cactus used in religious ceremonies.

Overharvesting, land development, and surging demand from Western psychedelic seekers contribute to the decline.

Peyote, which grows slowly and only in limited regions of the US and Mexico, is further pressured by decriminalization movements and illegal poaching.

The Church has called for conservation measures.

The shortage threatens traditional practices, as the cactus is vital to the spiritual and cultural life of its 350,000 adherents.

Summary

California wildfires have caused physical devastation and significant mental health impacts for residents and first responders.

Experts warn of increased risks of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, particularly for those directly affected or exposed to wildfire smoke.

Firefighters and first responders face higher PTSD rates due to job-related trauma. Untreated mental health conditions can strain relationships and lead to chronic health issues.

Recommendations include expanding access to mental health services, limiting distressing media consumption, and fostering support networks to mitigate the long-term mental health effects of these disasters.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/20616219

Summary

The future of Medicare's drug price negotiations, initiated under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, is uncertain under the incoming Trump administration.

Medicare plans to announce 15 drugs for its next round of negotiations, potentially including Ozempic.

While Trump allies have signaled opposition to the program, ending it could be politically risky, as high medication costs affect many Americans.

Experts suggest Trump could leverage negotiations, particularly for Ozempic, to score political wins with his base, especially in rural areas, where weight-loss drugs and diabetes treatments are in demand.

Summary

Over 15,000 doctors have signed a letter opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as health secretary, calling him "unqualified" and "actively dangerous."

The letter highlights Kennedy’s history of spreading vaccine misinformation, citing a 2019 Samoa measles outbreak that killed 83 people.

Critics warn his appointment would undermine public health, gut federal health agencies, and reverse decades of progress.

Advocacy groups and 77 Nobel laureates have also opposed his confirmation.

RFK Jr. faces bipartisan skepticism in the Senate, with his approval hinging on near-unanimous Republican support.

Summary

A Tulane University study found that drinking coffee only in the morning is linked to a 16% lower risk of death from all causes and a 31% lower risk of heart disease compared to non-coffee drinkers.

Researchers analyzed data from over 40,000 U.S. adults and suggested morning coffee between 4:00 a.m. and noon aligns with natural sleep-wake cycles, potentially reducing inflammation.

Afternoon and evening coffee showed no benefits, and the study found no link between coffee and reduced cancer mortality.

Experts stress further research is needed before making lifestyle changes.

Summary

The Biden administration finalized a rule removing medical debt from U.S. credit reports, effective March, impacting $49 billion in debt for 15 million Americans.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also barred lenders from using medical information in lending decisions.

The rule, aimed at reducing financial harm from medical expenses, could boost credit scores by 20 points on average and enable 22,000 additional annual mortgage approvals.

This follows 2023 credit bureau changes but faces potential rollback under the incoming Trump administration.

Summary

A study of over 540,000 women found that an additional 300mg of calcium daily—equivalent to half a pint of milk—reduces bowel cancer risk by 17%.

Both dairy and non-dairy calcium sources, like fortified soy milk, offer protective effects.

Bowel cancer, the third most common cancer globally, affects nearly 2 million annually and is rising among younger adults.

Risk factors include red/processed meat and alcohol, while prevention focuses on diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking.

Published in Nature Communications, the study highlights calcium's role in reducing cancer-causing bile acids in the colon.