You may have seen the ads that promise weight loss and better health — phone apps, rings, and other devices — by giving you data on how your body reacts to food, exercise, and sleep. Is this information enough to help consumers achieve their goals?
Category: Public Health
Lawsuit by KHN Prompts Government to Release Medicare Advantage Audits
The lawsuit was filed three years ago to learn about vast overcharges by the popular health plans that are detailed in audits the government refused to release to the public.
Will Covid Spike Again This Fall? 6 Tips to Help You Stay Safe
Recent research suggests that the covid virus is mutating to better dodge people’s immune defenses. It could soon evade monoclonal antibodies used to treat covid. KHN examines what public health officials believe is on the horizon and how best to fight the disease.
3 omicron strains experts are closely watching
The omicron variant’s family tree is anything but simple, with dozens of subvariants branching off from the initial strain first identified in southern Africa in 2021. Now, these subvariants are competing in a race for global dominance, Bloomberg repor…
4 factors that led to monkeypox’s decline
Monkeypox cases in the U.S. peaked in early August and have since fallen more than 85 percent. The outbreak’s quick downfall can mainly be attributed to four factors, experts told The New York Times.
New Generation of Weight Loss Medications Offer Promise — But at a Price
People now have at their disposal more medicines that are effective at reducing weight, but none can counter obesity alone. One big problem: Insurance coverage remains spotty, and the costly drugs may be needed long term.
WHO ramps up Ebola response: 3 updates
The World Health Organization is sending additional specialists and supplies to Uganda to aid in Ebola response efforts, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, said Oct. 12.
Screen kids 8+ for anxiety, US task force recommends
Primary care providers should routinely screen all children ages 8 and older for anxiety, according to final recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published Oct. 11 in JAMA.
87% of global physicians feel there is a lack of long COVID-19 treatment guidelines
Eighty-seven percent of global physicians feel there is a lack of guidelines to treat patients with long COVID-19, a survey published Oct. 11 from Sermo found.
Jha: COVID-19 death risk ‘close to zero’ with boosters
While the U.S. keeps close watch on several omicron variants that can more easily evade immunity ahead of an anticipated winter surge, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator believes there’s reason to remain optimistic.
