Health

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, U.S. health officials are urgently coordinating international efforts to import intravenous (IV) fluids. These efforts aim to mitigate severe shortages that have already led hospitals to delay surgeries and ration supplies for intensive care patients. Last month, severe flooding in western North Carolina severely damaged a key plant operated by Baxter, which produces about 60% of the U.S. supply of IV fluids. This disruption has had a profound effect on health services, affecting everything from hospital surgeries to home dialysis and nutrition for patients dependent on intravenous feeding, including premature newborns in neonatal intensive care units. The urgency has further intensified with the looming threat of Hurricane Milton,...

The future of drug pricing policies in the United States depends on the outcome of the 2024 elections, with Democratic and Republican candidates presenting distinct approaches. Vice President Kamala Harris aims to expand the Biden administration's existing policies, while former President Donald Trump's position remains less defined. Harris has pledged to broaden the scope of Medicare drug price negotiations, a key achievement of the Biden presidency, to include more drugs and benefit a broader population. It intends to use the resulting savings to fund an ambitious new proposal to cover long-term home care under Medicare. That means a commitment to build on the current administration's efforts to reduce drug costs and expand access to care. By contrast, Trump has offered fewer...

A recent CDC survey provides the first national data on transgender students and high school students in the United States, shedding light on the prevalence of gender identity diversity among young people and the significant mental health challenges they face. The findings reveal that approximately 3.3% of students identify as transgender, with an additional 2.2% questioning their gender identity. These data highlight the need for greater support, understanding and inclusive policies for these young people. The survey, conducted in 2023, highlights alarming disparities in mental health outcomes between transgender and cisgender students. Transgender adolescents reported substantially higher rates of bullying, persistent sadness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Specifically, about one ...

Rwanda has reported an outbreak of Marburg virus, a severe hemorrhagic fever known for its high mortality rate, with 11 fatalities this year. This marks the first appearance of the virus in Rwanda, located in east-central Africa, despite its presence in several other African nations in recent decades. Rwanda's Health Ministry has identified 36 cases since the virus was first detected in late September. In a related development, German health authorities have confirmed that two people suspected of having the Marburg virus have tested negative. The scare led to temporary restrictions at a major Hamburg train station, following symptoms the couple showed after one of them had contact with an infected individual in Rwanda. The authorities have reassured the population that there is no risk...

As marijuana legalization expands in the United States, concerns about potential health risks are growing. While most users experience no problems, a growing number, particularly heavy users, report addiction, psychosis and other negative consequences. Dr. Kevin Gray, a psychiatrist specializing in bio-behavioral medicine, highlights the complex nature of cannabis: “Cannabis has both therapeutic and potentially problematic effects.” The New York Times interviewed hundreds of people experiencing serious and sometimes frightening symptoms related to cannabis use. One story tells of actor David Krumholtz, who after resuming marijuana use, developed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This debilitating condition causes cycles of intense nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration, seizures...

In a distressing turn of events, Dr. Anna Nusslock, a 36-year-old chiropractor from Eureka, California, was faced with a critical medical situation that brought unexpected legal and ethical challenges to the forefront. In February, Dr Nusslock, who was pregnant with twins, suffered a premature rupture of membranes at 15 weeks' gestation. Medical assessments indicated that the survival of her twins was highly unlikely and that continuing the pregnancy posed serious risks to her health, including potential infections and significant blood loss. Despite the urgent medical recommendation for an abortion given the non-viability of the fetuses and the health risks involved, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, where she sought emergency care, adhered to its policy against performing abortions if ...

In the unexpected event of the owner's death, the fate of his beloved pets often becomes uncertain. This concern prompted Tracy Jennings, a landscaper in Buffalo, Minnesota, to take proactive steps to ensure her pets were well cared for in her absence. After witnessing the distressing outcome of her friend's animals who were hastily rehomed and subsequently euthanized, Jennings decided to set up a legally binding animal trust. A pet trust fund is not simply a thoughtful gesture; This is a solid agreement that designates a caretaker for pets and allocates funds to manage their expenses, such as veterinary care, food and grooming. This trust takes effect immediately upon signing and continues to operate posthumously, providing peace of mind to pet owners. The legal enforceability of ...

Recent concerns have prompted an official call for an investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving a top FDA official in the medical device industry, Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, and his wife's legal activities. Dr. Shuren, who will retire from the Food and Drug Administration later this year, has faced scrutiny over his professional actions, which may have coincided with his wife Allison's legal representation of medical device companies Shuren. Christina Jewett reports that Representatives Anna Eshoo of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut have officially called on the inspector general to look into these potential ethical conflicts. Both lawmakers, influential members of the key health and appropriations subcommittees, acted after revelations from an investigative r...