Category: Public Health

A long road ahead for alcohol cancer risk conversations: Viewpoint

The alcohol advisory released by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, is “likely only one in an evolving history of landmark public health documents about the dangers of drinking; it’s a document for the archives as well as the moment,” Rachael Bedard, MD…

Voters Backed Abortion Rights But State Judges Have Final Say

Though abortion rights supporters prevailed on ballot measures in seven of the 10 states where abortion was up for a vote on Nov. 5, the state supreme courts voters have elected indicate legal fights to come aren’t clear-cut.

Dementia to double by 2060: 4 study notes

The number of U.S. adults with dementia is expected to double, from 514,000 in 2020 to 1 million in 2060, according to a study published Jan. 13 in Nature Medicine. 

Respiratory virus activity remains elevated: 7 key updates

Respiratory illness activity remains high across the U.S., with emergency department visits and positive test rates rising for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. 

Polio's reemergence risk amid decreasing vaccinations: 4 things to know

Polio, a disease that in the past paralyzed thousands of Americans annually, is making a comeback in the U.S. due to vaccine skepticism and declining immunization rates, The New York Times reported Jan. 13. 

Childhood illnesses could reappear in vaccinated adults

As pediatric vaccination rates continue to decline, preventable illnesses will reemerge for all age groups, according to The New York Times. 

US leads world in overdose deaths: CDC

According to the latest CDC Monthly Provisional Drug Overdose Counts report, the U.S. continues to lead the world in overdose fatalities, with more than 100,000 deaths recorded in 2023. 

Public health emergency declared over LA wildfires: 5 updates

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has declared the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County a public health emergency.

Doctors, Nurses Press Ahead as Wildfires Strain Los Angeles’ Health Care

A primary care clinic burned, medical offices closed, and hospitals struggled with possible evacuations. The wildfires that have incinerated large swaths of Los Angeles County are stressing the region’s health care infrastructure. Still, providers continue to find ways to deliver vital care.

Tufts exec: Bird flu outbreak unlikely to become a pandemic

Although any existing or emerging virus can become a pandemic, the H5N1 outbreak that has infected 66 Americans and more than 900 dairy herds is “poorly suited for pandemic potential,” according to Shira Doron, MD.