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The FDA has not yet approved the use of topical finasteride to treat hair loss, a popular treatment sold by telehealth companies. Narongrit Doungmanee/Getty Images The FDA has issued a warning about adverse effects related to a popular hair loss product available through telehealth platforms like Hims & Hers and Ro. Males have reported side effects of topical finasteride, including depression, dizziness, and low libido. Many consumers reported they were unaware or misinformed about the potential for serious side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning about compounded topical versions of a popular hair loss drug sold through telehealth platforms. In an alert issued on April 22, the FDA reported 32 cases of adverse events between 2019 and 2024 involving consumers who purchased and used topical finasteride. Finasteride is used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the agency has not approved any topical formulations of finasteride. Despite this, such products are commonly marketed by direct-to-consumer telehealth companies, including Hims & Hers and Ro. These products are “potentially putting consumers at risk,” the FDA cautioned in its statement. According to the agency, users of compounded topical finasteride reported side effects similar to those associated with the oral form of the drug, including depression, fatigue, insomnia, and decreased libido. “Some consumers expressed they became very depressed, suffering with pain and their lives were ruined because of these symptoms,” the FDA noted in its warning. In many cases, consumers said they were not properly informed about these risks, or were even assured by prescribers that topical use carried no risk of side effects. Unlike pharmaceutical companies, telehealth platforms are not held to the same regulatory standards and are not required to disclose potential side effects in their advertising. Anthony Oro, MD, PhD, Eugene and Gloria Bauer Professor of Dermatology at Stanford Medicine, told Healthline that the reported side effects were consistent with expectations. “There’s no surprise about the adverse effects, because those are the same that have been seen with the oral medicine,” Oro said. “The disconnect is that people may think because it’s topical that it’s safe and can be used widely at different concentrations without any problems.” Healthline contacted Hims & Hers and Ro to comment on the FDA warning but did not receive a response. The FDA alert underscores broader concerns about compounded medications, which the agency does not review or approve. As telehealth services make these products more accessible, experts warn that patients may be unaware of the potential risks. Risks of compounded finasteride for hair loss The FDA warning is the latest high-profile incident involving compounded finasteride. In March, the Wall Street Journal published an investigation detailing adverse effects reported by men who had purchased the drug through telehealth platforms. Among those interviewed was U.S. Army Sgt. Mark Millich, 26, who said he experienced symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, and slurred speech. He also reported severe sexual side effects, including reduced libido and genital shrinkage. Oral finasteride has been FDA-approved for over three decades and is generally well tolerated. However, it is known to carry potential side effects, including: erectile dysfunction reduced sex drive ejaculation disorder depression dizziness “Most of the side effects the FDA is seeing for topicals correspond to those that are known from the approved oral formulation. It’s not that there’s a new adverse side effect that are being reported,” said Oro. Some males also reported long-lasting sexual and psychological effects long after ceasing to take the drug, a condition referred to as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Despite these reports, PFS is a hotly debated and controversial phenomenon within the medical community. Additionally, the FDA notes that there may be additional risks to using a topical form of the drug, including: localized irritation erythema dryness stinging or burning The FDA also warns that since topical finasteride is applied directly to the skin, it may inadvertently transfer to others through contact, an issue with potentially serious consequences. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potential to cause abnormalities in a developing male fetus. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and there is often little data to determine safety. Some compounded formulations also combine finasteride with another popular hair loss treatment, minoxidil, due to their synergistic effects on hair growth. While both minoxidil and finasteride are individually FDA approved, the safety profile of a compounded drug containing both is unclear. Inadequate warnings about topical finasteride side effects While the reported symptoms from the FDA’s warning align with known side effects of oral finasteride, the key concern is that consumers either were not informed of the risks or were led to believe they didn’t apply to topical versions of finasteride. “A lot of people have a misconception that because it’s topical it’s not going to be absorbed systemically,” said Oro. Such a misconception appears to be propagated by telehealth companies. On Ro’s website under side effects related to topical finasteride, the company states, “Because topical finasteride does not enter the bloodstream in the same way or quantity oral finasteride does, there’s reason to assume that topical finasteride could come with a lower risk of systemic effects, including sexual side effects.” Hims describes the potential side effects of topical finasteride as “minimal”, such as skin irritation and itching, typically localized to where the medicine is applied. The company also cites a study supporting the claim that “topical finasteride also comes with a lower risk of sexual side effects than oral finasteride due to its localized use.” According to the FDA alert, consumers were unaware of the potential side effects of finasteride. The FDA encourages healthcare providers to educate patients on the risks of using compounded finasteride. With the proliferation of telehealth platforms and expanded access to compounded medications, Oro told Healthline that nothing can replace the doctor-patient relationship required for informed decision-making. “You need to have someone who understands the medication and the patient — when it is appropriate to use and when you need to stop,” said Oro. “There’s a trend now where you have access to medication without a long-term relationship between the patient and the provider, and we are seeing some of the ill effects of that now.”

Cancer-related deaths have been steadily declining in the U.S., but diagnoses are rising in women, a new report found. FatCamera/Getty Images A new report on cancer rates in the U.S. shows a steady decline in disease-related deaths over the past 20 years, but an increase in diagnoses among women. Among women diagnosed with cancer, women in racial minority and ethnic groups face disproportionately higher rates of incidence. Routine screening, access to care, and adhering to a healthy diet and lifestyle can help mitigate cancer risk, particularly in higher-risk individuals. For more than two decades, cancer death rates have declined steadily in the United States. The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer shows that cancer-related deaths decreased by about 1.7% for men, 1.3% for women, and 1.5% for children each year from 2018 to 2022. Cancer death rates also decreased across different racial and ethnic populations, according to the report, published on April 21 in the journal Cancer.  The report also shows a drop in cancer diagnoses among males from 2001 through 2013 before stabilizing through 2021. Among women, however, there were yearly increases in cancer diagnoses from 2003 to 2021. Cancers associated with obesity are also on the rise. These include female breast, uterus, colorectal, pancreas, kidney, and liver cancers. However, the report notes that these trends in death rates and diagnoses were interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to barriers to medical care and missed screenings. This gap in the data could lead to an uptick in cancers diagnosed at later stages in the years to come, the researchers explained. “The magnitude of the 2020 decline was similar across states, despite variations in COVID-19 policy restrictions,” an NCI press release notes.  “These findings underscore the importance of providing access to health care, even during public health emergencies, to ensure the timely diagnosis of cancer.” Cancer-related deaths declining A decline in death rates from cancer is considered the gold standard for measuring progress made in diagnosis and treatment. The researchers attribute some of the decline in cancer deaths to reduced incidences and death rates from lung cancer and other smoking-related cancers.  Jack Jacoub, MD, board certified medical oncologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, CA, agreed.  “I suspect the strong interaction of smoking cessation and decline in smoking-related cancers significantly influences this finding in men — more men smoked and have since stopped,” he told Healthline. Jacoub added that improved screening programs and access help detect cancer at earlier stages and improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. He noted that improved patient-specific factors, such as healthier lifestyles, including smoking cessation, exercise, weight control, and limiting alcohol consumption, are perhaps more significant.  “[These] all theoretically improve tolerability to and possibly benefit from cancer therapy and improved therapeutics,” Jacoub said. Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist, chief of medicine, and director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA, echoed Jacoub’s remarks.  “We have better screening and better understanding of cancer prevention. We recommend avoiding risk factors such as obesity, processed food, and inactivity,” Bilchik told Healthline.  “We’re learning that all these factors are important, even as a child, and that’s partly relevant to cancers that are increasing in young people, such as colorectal cancer.”  “While overall incidences are declining and overall outcomes are better, we are seeing some, like colorectal cancer in young people, going up, and it’s the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 50 and second among women.” Disparities in cancer deaths among women, ethnic groups While cancer death rates decreased, the report highlights a gradual increase in diagnoses among females, particularly breast and uterine cancers. As female cancer rates increase, the report also highlights that women in racial minority and ethnic groups are disproportionately affected. From 2017 to 2021 (excluding 2020), cancer diagnoses were highest among American Indian and Alaska Native women. Jacoub and Bilchik noted some factors contributing to these disparities may include: limited access to care unhealthy diet unhealthy lifestyle habits obesity low socioeconomic status distrust of the medical system genetic factors “Improvement can be achieved [through] education and improving access for all patients,” Jacoub said. Bilchik said the disparities in female cancer rates were “alarming” and that more work needs to be done to address socioeconomic differences and improve access and screening in areas with limited access to healthcare. “Women who have less access to healthcare have a large increase in certain cancers, such as breast and uterine cancer, compared to those who have access to screening,” Bilchik said. What can women do to reduce their cancer risk?  Screening for cancer is crucial, particularly for those facing higher risks.  Routine screening can diagnose cancer in its earlier stages and at the most curable point in time.  Jacoub recommended that women and other at-risk individuals practice the following healthy habits for cancer prevention:  eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in plants and antioxidants maintain a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) avoid smoking or quit if you smoke avoid or limit drinking exercise regularly receive any recommended vaccinations Bilchik emphasized the importance of a healthy gut microbiome to help fight inflammation and maintain overall health. “There is a lot of data now that we carry these trillions of bacteria and viruses in our body known as the microbiome, and it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet to enhance healthy bacteria and viruses in our body,” he said.  “Processed foods or too much alcohol can have a negative impact on the microbiome, which has been shown to have an impact on our immune system. When the microbiome is not balanced, there’s a higher risk of cancer.” 

Tina Knowles (center), mother of Beyoncé and Solange, revealed she was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer after missing a mammogram appointment. George Pimentel/WireImage/Getty Images Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, said she was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer after delaying her scheduled mammogram for four years. Knowles is advising women to get regular screenings for the disease so it can be caught in early stages. Experts say treatment is usually less intense and more successful if a cancer is detected early on. The importance of regular breast cancer screenings cannot be overstated. Tina Knowles, the mother of pop and R&B stars Beyoncé and Solange, recently revealed she was diagnosed in 2024 with stage 1A breast cancer after missing her regular mammogram appointment. Knowles, 71, said she delayed her breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic and then didn’t get the exam rescheduled for another four years. The mammogram revealed that Knowles, who is an entrepreneur, fashion designer, and philanthropist, had a benign tumor in her right breast and a cancerous tumor in her left breast. Knowles underwent surgery to remove the tumors. She is now cancer-free. Knowles’ former husband, Matthew Knowles, is also a breast cancer survivor. “I think as women, sometimes we get so busy and we get so wrapped up and running around, but you must go get your test,” Knowles told People magazine. “Because if I had not gotten my test early, I mean, I shudder to think what could have happened to me.” In her new book, “Matriarch: A Memoir,” Knowles also discusses how a hospital surgeon and an oncologist “talked down” to her about her diagnosis. She then met with a private surgeon who arranged for her to consult with other medical professionals at the hospital. “A lot of people, especially Black people, feel they have to go with the doctor they are given even if we are not treated well. You deserve second opinions and it’s your opinion that sets the decision,” Knowles told The Today show. Breast cancer screenings, early detection improve survival rates The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women ages 40 to 44 be given the option to receive annual mammograms. The organization also states that women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year, and women ages 55 and older can undergo them every other year. The ACS states that screenings for all women should continue as long as the woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years. A mammogram is an X-ray used to scan breast tissue for cancer and other irregularities. A 3D mammogram is a more advanced breast cancer screening tool that utilizes multiple X-rays taken from different angles. “Mammograms are the most effective and widely recommended screening tool for breast cancer. Women with higher risk may need MRI in addition to mammograms,” said Tatiana Kelil, MD, the interim chief of the Breast Imaging Division and co-director for the Center for Advanced 3D+ Technologies in the Department of Radiology at the University of California San Francisco. Experts affirm that regular screenings are important. Among other factors, mammograms can miss 20–30% of cancers. “Annual mammograms are recommended because of the rate at which breast cancers typically grow in early stages,” explained Christina Annunziata, MD, PhD, senior vice president of extramural discovery science at the American Cancer Society. “More frequent tests may be necessary if a person is at high risk (hereditary breast cancers, strong family history) or if suspicious findings were present on previous studies,” she told Healthline. “Interval breast cancers (those that arise between imaging tests) tend to be more aggressive and can spread more quickly than usual. This is why it is important not to skip a mammogram.” “Screening is important to help identify breast cancer (if it were to develop) at the earliest possible stage,” added Mediget Teshome, MD, the chief of breast surgery and director of breast health at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The stage then informs treatment recommendations and is associated with prognosis with early-stage disease associated with improved survival outcomes,” she told Healthline. What to know about breast cancer Outside of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in females in the United States. It’s estimated that more than 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in females in the United States in 2025. About 42,000 of these females will die from the disease this year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in females in the United States. Only lung cancer kills more females. Overall, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer during her lifetime is about 13%. The incidence rate has increased by about 1% per year in recent years. Common symptoms of breast cancer may include: lump in the breast lump in the underarm change in the shape or size of the breast changes in the nipple Breast cancer treatment may vary depending on what stage it’s discovered and how aggressive the disease has developed in a person, and may include: surgery radiation therapy chemotherapy immunotherapy hormone therapy targeted therapy “Annual screening mammography, regardless of the woman’s age, has been proven beyond any doubt to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer,” said Richard Reitherman, MD, a radiologist and medical director of breast imaging at MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California. “A woman having annual screening mammograms markedly reduces her personal chance of dying from breast cancer [and] markedly reduces the intensity of treatment effects and therefore fewer long-term side effects,” he told Healthline. Breast cancer less common in younger women According to the ACS, the median age for a breast cancer diagnosis is 62. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than 45 years of age. However, breast cancer can be more aggressive and more difficult to treat in females under 40. The ACS recommends that women with a greater than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer start to have regular screenings before the age of 40. “It’s important for younger women to get regular breast cancer screenings because breast cancer can occur at any age and early detection saves lives,” Kelil told Healthline. “Starting screening at the right time helps catch cancer when it’s most treatable.” “It is important for women to understand that when you are younger, the breast tissue may be harder to interpret on mammogram since most women’s breast are denser when they are younger,” said Janie Grumley, MD, a breast surgical oncologist and director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Center as well as an associate professor of surgery at Saint John’s Cancer Institute in California. “They may be at higher risk of being called back for additional imaging. However, younger patients are less likely to have actual cancer. They can have a number of other benign findings, but additional work-up may be needed to determine if the finding is benign,” she told Healthline. Black women face disparities in breast cancer Black women in the United States face higher death rates from breast cancer than any other ethnic group. One reason is that Black women have a higher risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Black women also have higher rates of some risk factors for breast cancer, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Researchers have noted that Black women are also more likely to experience stress due to racism and other factors. Chronic stress can contribute to more aggressive tumors. In addition, some beauty products commonly used by Black women, such as hair relaxers, have been linked to breast cancer risk. Experts say it’s important for the public and medical professionals to be aware of these facts. “It is important for all women to have access to breast cancer screening and treatment,” said Teshome. “There are well-established observed disparities in breast cancer outcomes and mortality by race/ethnicity and other social factors that we should consider unacceptable. Cancer does not discriminate and in order to improve the health of all men and women with breast cancer, timely access to preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is paramount.” “Breast cancer affects women across all backgrounds. However, disparities in access can lead to later-stage diagnoses, worse outcomes, and higher mortality, especially in underserved communities,” added Kelil.

Young adults should get screened for colon cancer, especially if they have symptoms or a family history of the disease. Maskot/Getty Images Real stories of young adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer highlight ongoing concern over increasing cases in adults under 50. Colonoscopies are the most accurate way to detect colorectal cancer, but other screening methods are sometimes used. Experts urge younger adults to get screened for this type of cancer, especially if they have symptoms or a family history of the disease. Experts continue to emphasize the importance of younger adults getting screened for colorectal cancer. The warnings come as the incidences of colon cancer and rectal cancer in younger adults have been increasing for more than a decade. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports there will be about 107,000 new cases of colon cancer in the United States in 2025. About 47,000 new cases of rectal cancer are also predicted to be diagnosed in 2025. The incidences are slightly higher for males than they are for females. The ACS notes that the overall rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses in the United States has declined by about 1% every year between 2012 and 2021. They credit an increase in screenings and changes in lifestyle-related risk factors. However, the ACS reports that the rate of colorectal cancer in people under 50 in the United States rose more than 2% per year from 2012 to 2021. The organization adds that the death rate for colorectal cancer has been increasing in younger adults by about 1% per year for the past two decades despite an overall decrease in the disease’s death rate. Experts aren’t certain what is driving these increases, but they say diet, particularly red and processed meat, and other lifestyle habits may be factors. The evidence of the rise in colorectal cancer cases isn’t just in statistics. There are also the recent stories from younger adults who have received unexpected colorectal cancer diagnoses. Stories of early-onset colon cancer highlight importance of screening An Arkansas woman reportedly lied to her doctors about her gastrointestinal symptoms to get a colonoscopy. Sydney Stoner said her doctors dismissed her severe abdominal pain in 2019, so she fabricated a story that she had discovered blood in her stools. A colonoscopy was ordered, and it revealed Stoner, who was 27 at the time, had stage 4 colon cancer. Stoner’s cancer is now “stable” after four years of treatment. In 2022, a Nebraska woman was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 48 after her first colonoscopy. Angelica McFall shared that she had no symptoms and no family history of colorectal cancer. McFall was treated for the disease and is now cancer-free. She is spreading the word about younger adults getting screened. Last month, William Lindley told Healthline he thought he had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to persistent stomach problems when he was 38. A colonoscopy, however, revealed he had stage 4 colon cancer. After several surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, Lindley is now moving on with his life. He urges younger adults not to downplay gastrointestinal symptoms. Colon cancer is treatable when caught early Experts note that colorectal cancer can be successfully treated if caught in its early stages. However, it can be difficult to treat if it isn’t detected until its later stages. They also note that many times colorectal cancer does not produce any symptoms until those later stages. Hence, they say, the importance of regular screenings, even at a younger age. The current recommendations call for men and women to start being tested for colorectal cancer at age 45. In addition, screenings may be required before 45 if a person has a family history of colorectal cancer or has certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s recommended that colonoscopy screenings be done every 10 years for people with no family history of the disease and no polyps discovered during the exam. The time between tests can be shorter for other patients. “Getting regular screenings for colorectal cancer are extremely important to prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer,” Cindy Kin, MD, an associate professor of surgery at Stanford Health Care in California, told Healthline. “Most polyps and cancers are not symptomatic, so don’t wait for symptoms before getting checked out.” Katherine Van Loon, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist at the University of California San Francisco, said it’s “important to raise awareness” among younger adults about colorectal cancer screenings. “This is a cancer that is entirely curable it we catch it early,” she told Healthline. Van Loon urges younger adults to not assume they won’t develop the disease because they are under the age of 50. “It’s important to pay attention to your body and be prepared to self-advocate,” she said. Van Loon adds that medical professionals also need to be aware of the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger people. “We have to be attentive to what our patients are telling us,” she said. Babak Firoozi, MD, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California, agrees. “Any concerning symptoms should be addressed, regardless of age. Colon cancer is rising in younger people for unknown reasons,” he told Healthline. “Any changes in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain, weight loss, or blood in the stool should be evaluated regardless of age.” Anton Bilchik, MD, a surgical oncologist as well as chief of medicine and director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in California, also urges medical professionals to be thorough with younger patients. “Colon cancer is a young person’s disease,” he told Healthline. “Therefore, it is important to consider colon cancer in the differential diagnosis when a patient reports with unexpected weight loss, change in bowel function, or blood in the stool.” Types of colorectal cancer tests There is an array of exams that can be given to screen for colorectal cancer. A variety of stool tests, including those that can be self-administered at home, look for blood and other components that may indicate the presence of cancer. Experts note that these tests should be done on an annual basis. They also point out that these exams do not reveal exactly where cancerous tissues or tumors are located. A more invasive test, such as a colonoscopy, needs to be done as a follow-up to locate the cancer. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024 approved a new blood test to help diagnose colorectal rectal cancer. A computed tomography (CT) scan can also be used to seek out cancerous tissue, but experts say this exam may not detect smaller lesions. The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening is the colonoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera up the rectum after a person has prepped for the exam by taking medication the day before that cleans out the bowels. Experts say colonoscopies are more accurate than other tests in detecting cancerous tissue. They also note that a doctor can remove polyps during the procedure. “The other benefit that colonoscopies have compared to other screening tests is that they can actually prevent cancer from forming,” said Kin. “When we see a polyp during a colonoscopy, we remove it at that moment, thus preventing that polyp from ever growing into a cancer.” Experts acknowledge that many people are reluctant to undergo colonoscopies because they are invasive and inconvenient, but they point out they are best way to detect this type of cancer. “Colonoscopy is the gold standard and has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of getting colon cancer,” said Firoozi. What to know about colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer among males and females in the United States. A 2025 report notes that CRC is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in males and the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death in females. The cancer usually starts in the colon or rectum and can spread to other parts of the body. The cancer, in many instances, starts as a growth, or polyp, in the colon. These growths are usually benign or noncancerous but can become cancerous if untreated. Symptoms usually don’t develop until the later stages of the disease. Six key symptoms include: change in bowel habits diarrhea constipation blood in the stool cramping or abdominal pain unexplained weight loss Treatments for colorectal cancer include: surgery chemotherapy targeted drug therapy “Colorectal cancer is on the rise in young people, and it can be quite aggressive,” said Kin. “Early detection is key. We don’t want people assuming that their symptoms are just indigestion or constipation or hemorrhoids — advocate for yourself and get checked.”

After a two-month delay, a CDC panel met last week to discuss vaccine guidelines for COVID-19, RSV, HPV, and other infectious diseases. Luis Alvarez/Getty Images The CDC is considering changes to its recommendations on vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, HPV, and other infectious diseases. Experts say some changes may be warranted, but note that robust vaccination campaigns are still necessary. Decreasing vaccination rates can reduce herd immunity and impact those with compromised immune systems and other medical conditions. Changes could be coming later this year to vaccination policies for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. An advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) met last week to consider immunization recommendations. The panel was slated to convene in February, but the meeting was postponed after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Under the direction of the new Health Secretary, members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) (ACIP) discussed the possibility of changing the COVID-19 protocol to recommend updated vaccines only for adults over 65 and those with certain health conditions. That risk-based assessment would differ from the current CDC recommendation, which calls for all adults and children 6 months of age and older get an annual COVID-19 vaccination. The new policy would be more in line with COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other countries. The advisory panel also discussed the possibility of reducing the number of recommended doses for the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV). The CDC currently recommends three doses of the HPV vaccine for individuals ages 15 to 26. Children who begin the HPV series earlier, between 9 and 15 years old, require only two doses. Three doses are recommended for immunocompromised individuals ages 9 to 26. Every year, HPV causes about 36,000 cancers in both men and women in the United States. The ACIP members voted to recommend that high risk adults ages 50 to 59 get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The current CDC policy recommends the RSV vaccine for adults over 75 and adults 60 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. The panel is expected to vote on the COVID-19 and other vaccination recommendations in June. In the past, CDC officials have usually implemented the suggestions made by the panel of experts. Vaccine changes and public health impacts Experts say changes in vaccine recommendations could impact both an individual’s health and public health in general. “We’re talking about personal health as well as public health,” David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, told Healthline. “These are respiratory illnesses that can kill people.” Cutler says relaxing standards for certain vaccinations might also give people an excuse to skip immunizations. “It can make vaccinations confusing and open to debate,” he said. “It could influence some people on why they shouldn’t get vaccinated.” Cutler added that a lower vaccination rate could affect herd immunity and increase risk for people with compromised immune systems and other conditions. “We could have tens of thousands of deaths that were unnecessary,” he said. Inderpal Randhawa, MD, an internist, immunologist, pediatrician, pediatric pulmonologist, and medical director of the Children’s Pulmonary Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach in California, noted these panel meetings discuss important public health issues. “The discussion around vaccine recommendations boils down to a basic question of risk and benefit,” Randhawa told Healthline. “The risk of a disease to one individual versus the risk of a disease to society. The benefit of the vaccine to one individual versus the benefit of preventing disease spread to a community.” “The facts show reactions and side effects to vaccines do occur and can be serious as we have seen with the COVID vaccine,” he added. “However, the effectiveness at preventing the widespread transmission of disease when at least 90 percent of society maintains immunity (often through vaccine mandates) is also compelling.” Vaccines still important for COVID-19, RSV, flu Although the pandemic has subsided, COVID-19 still remains a deadly disease. The CDC reports that more than 40,000 people in the United States died from COVID-19 in 2024. So far in 2025, the weekly COVID-19 death rate ranges from more than 1,000 in mid-January to less than 200 in mid-April. “This is still a very serious infectious disease,” Cutler said. Randhawa says a change in COVID-19 vaccination policy, however, might be warranted. “COVID-19 will continue to circulate for the next decade or potentially longer. Though widespread native immunity exists, the virus is still a threat to immunocompromised individuals in specific settings,” he said.  “Maintaining availability of high quality COVID-19 vaccines is critical.  However, widespread use of the vaccine by the general public will likely not be needed.” RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. The CDC estimates that RSV has resulted in more than 3.5 million doctor visits since October 1, 2024, as well as more than 180,000 hospitalizations and at least 10,000 deaths. The illness is particularly serious for infants and older adults. Cutler said the RSV vaccine is a “very effective vaccine,” although it can produce some side effects. The flu vaccine wasn’t discussed in depth at last week’s panel meetings, but experts say it is an important component of public health. They note that influenza presents some unique challenges. “Influenza is a particularly challenging virus as it mutates in a seasonal pattern. The rate of change to the mutations can impact how quickly influenza can spread,” said Randhawa. “Especially in the elderly, the flu vaccine program is critical.” Cutler noted that 90% of flu cases occur in the United States between November and March. He said a strong flu season can increase the number of people in emergency rooms and other medical settings, which could make treating other patients more difficult. “It can overwhelm the healthcare system,” he said. William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease expert and a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, says the public should take advantage of the vaccines and the preventive measures they offer. “COVID, influenza and RSV viruses cause regular epidemics that result in millions of illnesses, hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions and thousands of deaths each year,” he told Healthline. “The vaccines against those viruses, although not perfect, offer protection against the more severe illnesses. The vaccines are safe and I would urge all eligible persons to take advantage of them. They are substantially underused.”

Many plant-based proteins are less digestible and may have lower concentrations of one or more essential amino acids. Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images Vegans who meet their daily protein requirements may still fall short on certain essential amino acids, according to new research. The study highlights that protein quality, not just quantity, plays a critical role in meeting nutritional needs. Unlike animal-based proteins, many plant-based proteins are less digestible and may have lower concentrations of one or more essential amino acids. Vegans who consume adequate protein may still not get enough of certain essential amino acids in their diet, according to new research. While prior studies have tended to focus on the total amount of protein consumed in a vegan diet, a new study, published on April 16 in PLOS ONE, has honed in on specific amino acids. When considering digestibility, the research found that only about half of the participants appeared to meet the body’s requirements for lysine and leucine. The study emphasizes the importance of evaluating not just total protein consumption, but also protein quality and amino acid composition in a vegan diet. Amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein. While the body can produce some amino acids on its own, nine essential amino acids must come from dietary sources. Plant-based proteins were previously viewed as “incomplete proteins,” lacking certain essential amino acids. We now understand that they provide all nine essential amino acids, but sometimes in less optimal levels than in animal-based foods. This means those following a vegan diet must consume a strategic variety and quantity of foods, such as nuts and legumes, to get enough of the essential amino acids. “Consuming 30 grams of lower quality plant protein, such as wheat, is different from consuming the same quantity of protein from soy, a higher quality plant protein,” said Bi Xue Patricia Soh, MSc, first author of the study and a PhD fellow with The Sustainable Nutrition Initiative Team at the Riddet Institute, Massey University, New Zealand. “Our findings therefore support that, even when we are meeting total protein requirement, the foods consumed may not be of adequate protein quality in terms of supplying sufficient lysine and leucine required for body functions,” Soh told Healthline. 50% didn’t meet amino acid requirements Soh and her team conducted a cross-sectional study of 193 long-term vegans in New Zealand (141 women, 52 men). Participants were healthy adults who had followed a vegan diet for at least two years. Each completed a detailed four-day food diary documenting all food, beverages, and supplements consumed over consecutive days. The team strengthened their analysis by adjusting for protein digestibility, which measures how efficiently the body breaks down and absorbs protein and amino acids from different food sources. After adjusting for digestibility, the researchers found that while most participants met their overall protein requirements — 78.8% of males and 73.0% of females — many fell short on lysine and leucine intake. Soy protein, for example, has one of the highest digestibility ratings among plant foods, allowing the body to utilize nearly all of its nutrient content. In contrast, wheat protein has lower digestibility rates due to the presence of antinutrients and other factors. This distinction is crucial because many assessments of plant-based diets may overestimate actual protein availability by not accounting for digestibility — a finding clearly borne out in the study. After adjusting for digestibility, about 25% of participants did not meet their protein requirements. The shortfall was even more pronounced for specific amino acids: only 43.5% of participants met their requirements for digestible leucine, and just 56% consumed adequate digestible lysine. The remaining essential amino acids were generally present in sufficient amounts even after the digestibility adjustment. What are the 9 essential amino acids? The nine essential amino acids are as follows: phenylalanine valine threonine tryptophan methionine leucine isoleucine lysine histidine Since the body cannot synthesize essential amino acids on its own, eating a well-balanced diet is crucial, especially for those following a vegan diet. “Essential amino acids play an important role in general health. Therefore, ongoing deficiency has the potential to create adverse health effects,” Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic, and co-author of “Regenerative Health,” told Healthline. These nine essential amino acids play an important role in many essential functions of the body, including: stimulating muscle growth fat metabolism immune function sleep regulation appetite control regulating blood sugar calcium absorption “Lysine and leucine contribute to normal bone health, healthy muscle mass, and DNA methylation. Leucine in particular has important roles in cell signaling pathways that modulate muscle protein synthesis,” said Soh. Keys to eating a nutritious vegan diet “The easiest and most feasible way is to ensure diverse plant proteins are consumed in the three meals of the day and supplement this with one or two protein-dense snacks — nuts, seeds, [and] protein shakes with isolates that have higher amino acid digestibility,” said Soh. The study found that legumes and pulses, such as edamame, black beans, chickpeas, and lentils, were the top sources of digestible protein and lysine. Still, many plant-based protein options exist, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and nondairy milks, all of which can contribute to daily amino acid intake. “Even when hitting adequate protein amounts, we want a well-balanced diet rich in fiber and other nutrients,” Alyssa Kwan, MS, RD, a clinical dietitian in cardiology at Stanford Medicine, not involved in the study, told Healthline. Unlike animal-derived proteins, which contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts, plant proteins often need to be combined to reach the same nutritional benchmark. But you don’t need to combine specific foods at every meal. Consuming various plant-based proteins throughout the day and emphasizing high quality plant-protein sources like beans and soy products can help you meet your needs for essential amino acids. Still, Kwan noted that a diet must be examined holistically rather than focusing on individual parts. “I do not think we need to target adequate lysine or leucine or even any other specific amino acids. I would say focusing on high fiber and protein plant-based foods should help achieve any discrepancies in essential amino acids,” she said. Kirkpatrick added that following a vegan diet doesn’t automatically guarantee balanced nutrition. Intentional food choices are key. “Some of the vegan patients I have worked with in the past have started on their own and made choices that did not always speak to good nutrition. This could have been choosing ultra-processed vegan foods, not focusing on nutrient density, and a lack of knowledge of when supplementation may be necessary,” she said.

New research suggests an early intervention with two common, low cost drugs could be lifesaving after a heart attack. PixelCatchers/Getty Images A new study found that adding a second drug early after a heart attack may save lives. Those who added ezetimibe to a statin had fewer complications and deaths. The authors say that early combination therapy should become the standard of care. Experts say addressing underlying inflammation can also help control cholesterol. New research from Sweden suggests that starting a second cholesterol-lowering drug soon after a heart attack may help save lives. According to the study, published in the April 2025 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people who received ezetimibe (brand name Zetia) with their statin therapy within 12 weeks of a heart attack had fewer heart-related complications and deaths than those who waited longer or never added ezetimibe at all. The National Library of Medicine explains that ezetimibe helps reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your blood by preventing cholesterol from being absorbed in the small intestine. LDL cholesterol is the so-called “bad” cholesterol associated with clogged arteries and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Ezetimibe is sometimes prescribed for people who can’t tolerate statins. It may also be used as an add-on treatment when statins do not sufficiently lower cholesterol. This medication works differently from statins, which exert their cholesterol-lowering effects by slowing down the liver’s production of the waxy substance. Early combination therapy after heart attack may save lives To arrive at their conclusion, the researchers analyzed data from more than 35,000 patients hospitalized for heart attacks (myocardial infarction) between 2015 and 2022, using the comprehensive SWEDEHEART registry in Sweden.  Most patients were prescribed high-intensity statins at discharge, but a subset also began taking a second medication, ezetimibe, within the first 12 weeks after discharge. The study categorized patients into three groups: those who started ezetimibe early (within 12 weeks), those who started late (13 weeks to 16 months after discharge), and those who never received ezetimibe during this period.  Importantly, the analysis used advanced statistical methods — specifically, a clone-censor-weight framework — to emulate a randomized clinical trial and minimize biases Results showed that patients who started ezetimibe early in combination with statins had a significantly lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which include death, another heart attack, or stroke, compared to those who delayed ezetimibe or never took it.  One-year incidence rates of MACE were 1.79 per 100 patient-years in the early ezetimibe group, compared with 2.58 in the late group and 4.03 in those without ezetimibe.  At three years, the hazard ratio for MACE was 1.14 for late versus early treatment (not statistically significant) but was 1.29 for no ezetimibe versus early treatment, indicating substantially higher risk without ezetimibe.  Cardiovascular death was also significantly higher in the late and no ezetimibe groups compared to early treatment. Additionally, early combination therapy led to a greater proportion of patients achieving guideline-recommended LDL cholesterol targets (<1.4 mmol/L or <55 mg/dL) within one year.  What are the implications for heart attack patients? The study underscores that a stepwise approach — starting with statins and adding ezetimibe only if LDL cholesterol goals are not met — inevitably delays optimal cholesterol lowering and is associated with avoidable harm.  As the authors note, approximately 75–80% of post-heart attack patients fail to reach LDL goals with statin therapy alone; initiating combination therapy early can improve outcomes and reduce future cardiovascular events. To maximize protection, the researchers advocate that care pathways for heart attack patients should be updated to implement early combination therapy with statins and ezetimibe as standard care, potentially even before hospital discharge. Arun Manmadhan, MD, assistant professor of cardiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, who was not involved with the study, said the findings align with a broader body of research showing that sustained, low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes. “This is even more important in people who have already experienced one of these events,” he said, “because lowering the cholesterol levels, in addition to optimizing other cardiac risk factors, is one of the most effective and proven ways to prevent a second event.” Manmadhan said that, in his opinion, this study adds to the evidence that patients who have had a heart attack or stroke should have their cholesterol levels aggressively managed, both through lifestyle and medications. “This study suggests that time is also an important factor,” he added. “[The] earlier and faster cholesterol levels are aggressively controlled to recommended levels after a heart attack, the better it is for preventing future cardiovascular events.” What can patients do beyond cholesterol-lowering drugs? Markyia Nichols, MD, MPH, RDN, a CDC-certified lifestyle coach and chief medical officer at Ciba Health, said patients should know that “cholesterol isn’t the enemy.” “It’s a response,” she explained. “Cholesterol is essential for life. It builds hormones, stabilizes cells, and repairs tissue. If cholesterol is rising, it’s critical to ask what the body is trying to repair or protect against.” According to Nichols, inflammation is the real problem, not cholesterol. A diet high in sugar, processed seed oils, and ultra-processed foods, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress, and exposure to toxins can all factor into creating inflammation. “Once the heart lining is damaged, the body sends cholesterol as a patch,” she said. “Cholesterol doesn’t cause the ‘fire.’ It acts more like the ‘firefighters.'” Nichols added that, digging deeper, LDL only becomes dangerous when it’s oxidized due to poor nutrition. Circling back to the study, she told Healthline that while adding ezetimibe to statins post-early heart attack may lower cholesterol, it’s not addressing the root causes of the problem. Patients also need to focus on nutrition. “Ask for labwork that tests levels of magnesium, omega-3s, vitamin D, and vitamin K2,” she advised. “You can’t rebuild a healthy heart without healthy raw materials.” She also suggests looking to see whether your markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and insulin, are high. Further, look for any sources of inflammation you might have, like a poor diet, stress, toxins, or an unhealthy gut. Nichols concluded by saying that you may need to see a board-certified doctor trained in root-cause medicine to determine what’s causing your inflammation. However, addressing this can help you heal the underlying causes of your high cholesterol.

A new study found linked to CT scans to increased cancer risk, but the overall risk remains low. Reza Estakhrian/Getty Images A new study suggests that CT scans may slightly increase the lifetime risk of developing cancer. The researchers say the cumulative effects of ionizing radiation over time should not be ignored. Other experts say the risk of cancer from CT scans is minimal, and these imaging exams are an important diagnostic tool for various cancers. A commonly used computerized scan may slightly increase cancer risk over a person’s lifetime. That’s according to a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, an online publication of the American Medical Association. Researchers from the United Kingdom and the United States report that computed tomography (CT) scans could drive an estimated 103,000 future cancer cases. If true, that would mean CT scans would account for 5% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States. Researchers reported that the number of CT exams performed each year in the United States has increased by more than 30% since 2007. They said the technology can save lives by detecting cancer early, but they expressed concern over the potential dangers of low doses of ionizing radiation over time. “CT can save lives, but its potential harms are often overlooked,” said Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, a radiologist and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics as well as obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), in a press statement. “Given the large volume of CT use in the United States, many cancers could occur in the future if current practices don’t change,” added Smith-Bindman, the study’s lead author. CT scans help detect cancer early In response to the new research, the American College of Radiology (ACR) stated that no published studies directly link CT scans to cancer. They added that there are many benefits to diagnostic tests such as CT scans. “Medical imaging exams — including CT — are a primary factor in declining cancer death rates, and are directly linked to decreased hospital mortality rates and greater life expectancy. Scans reduce invasive surgeries, unnecessary hospital admissions and length of hospital stays,” the ACR said in a press statement. “Americans should not forgo necessary, life-saving medical imaging and continue to discuss the benefits and risks of these exams with their healthcare providers,” the ACR added. Richard Reitherman, MD, a radiologist and medical director of breast imaging at MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, agreed. Reitherman wasn’t involved in the study. “CT scans aid in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that may otherwise lead to increased morbidity and mortality if CT scans are not used,” Reitherman told Healthline. “Since the harms that patients would otherwise experience by not using CT scans is not addressed, the clinical application of these results [of the study] is not actionable,” he added. Patricia Nguyen, MD, an associate professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford University in California, stressed the benefits of CT scans. Nguyen wasn’t involved in the study. “CT tests are important for evaluating patients who present with symptoms and signs of cancer,” she told Healthline. “When the benefits outweigh the risks of a test and the test is clinically indicated and will inform decision making (e.g., lead to a diagnosis that then leads to treatment), then a CT test should be performed.” Calculating cancer risks from CT scans In their study, the researchers used data collected from 143 hospitals and outpatient facilities between 2018 and 2020 and catalogued in the UCSF International Dose Registry. From that, the researchers estimated there were 93 million CT scans performed on nearly 62 million people in the United States in 2023. The researchers said that based on associated radiation risks, they estimate that CT scans in 2023 could be linked to 103,000 future cancer diagnoses. They reported that radiation-induced cancers would be at a higher rate in children and adolescents than in adults. They also estimated that the most common cancers among adults would be lung cancer, followed by colon cancer, leukemia, and bladder cancer. In females, breast cancer was the second most common, while in children, the most frequently projected cancers were thyroid, lung, and breast. The highest number of cancers in adults was projected to come from CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis, followed by chest scans. In children, cancers were linked to CT scans of the head. The researchers acknowledged that the cancer risk from CT scans remains minimal and needs to be examined over decades of large-scale follow-up studies. However, they said some changes should be considered in how often these diagnostic tests are used. “Our estimates put CT on par with other significant risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and excess body weight,” Smith-Bindman said. “Reducing the number of scans and reducing doses per scan would save lives.” Reitherman noted that the American College of Radiology has implemented value-based appropriateness criteria for CT scanning. “Current practice includes measures of radiation dosage for each exam,” he said. “This process is reducing the number of examinations and dosages. This is an ongoing process that will reduce the theoretical impact of radiation-induced cancer.” What to know about CT scans CT scans combine a series of X-rays into 3-dimensional pictures. These medical imaging tests use ionizing radiation to create cross-sectional images of selected areas of the body. These pictures can show internal organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. CT scans are used to detect tumors, blood clots, internal bleeding, and infections. These scans usually require more exposure to radiation than common X-rays. However, they also provide medical professionals with a more detailed look inside a person’s body. CT scans, for example, are considered the most beneficial exam for early detection in lung cancer. “Lung cancer screening constitutes the largest proportion of screening examinations,” Reitherman explained. “Lung cancer screening is performed on patients that have a significant risk for developing lung cancer due to chronic smoking histories. Screening CT scans in this group of patients has been shown to decrease the stage at diagnosis and therefore improve outcomes. Benefit far outweighs the risk.” CT scans are also considered the “gold standard” for detecting pulmonary embolisms, blood clots that block blood flow within the lungs. They are also useful tools in getting accurate images of the brain. Nguyen said that people should “always limit their exposure to radiation.” In addition, they should ask questions of their doctors, such as: What is the total radiation of this test? Is a dose report available? Is there an alternative test that doesn’t produce radiation? Reitherman also urged people to be involved in their medical decision making. “Patients should be advocates for themselves in discussing every form of diagnostic testing with their physicians. This would include CT scans as well as lab tests, etc.,” he said. “Conversations about risk and benefits are important so that individuals can optimize benefits and reduce potential risks.”

Health agencies and experts recommend fluoride in drinking water at low levels (currently 0.7 mg/L in the U.S.) to promote dental health. LukaTDB/Getty Images HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for a ban on fluoridated water in U.S. communities. Emerging evidence shows potential health harms and neurotoxic effects in young children, but experts caution these studies are limited and the findings should be interpreted with caution. Experts have called for more robust studies on the health effects of fluoridated water in Americans. Health agencies recommend fluoride in drinking water at low levels (currently 0.7 mg/L in the United States) to promote dental health. The debate over the safety of fluoride in drinking water was reignited earlier this month when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proposed a ban on fluoridated water in communities across the United States. In tandem with the health secretary’s announcement, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced at a press conference in Salt Lake City on April 7 that it would review “new scientific information” about the purported health risks of fluoridated water.  The EPA is responsible for setting the maximum levels of fluoride allowed in public drinking water, which is currently 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kennedy’s move coincides with a recent ban in Utah, the first state to prohibit fluoride in drinking water. Kennedy told The Associated Press that he plans to assemble a task force to investigate the issue and draft new recommendations on fluoridated water. While Kennedy cannot outright ban fluoridation across U.S. communities, he could order the CDC to change its recommendation. He can also work with the EPA to change the maximum threshold of fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, was first added to water in U.S. communities in the mid-1940s to protect dental health, particularly in areas with limited access to dental care. While the long-term effects of fluoride exposure are not well understood, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the CDC continue to recommend fluoridated water for dental health.  These health agencies attest that the current designated levels of fluoride in drinking water are safe and that fluoride toothpaste and supplements are safe for use in age-appropriate amounts.  “When government officials, like Secretary Kennedy, stand behind the commentary of misinformation and distrust peer-reviewed research, it is injurious to public health,” Brett Kessler, DDS, president of the American Dental Association, said in a statement.  “Let’s stop the rhetoric and comprehensively study fluoride at the optimal level once and for all,” he said. Research on the effects of fluoride exposure is limited and ongoing. The problem with the current literature is a lack of substantial evidence supporting the potential health harms to populations within the United States, most notably the possible neurotoxic effects in children. Adding to the confusion, fluoride levels are much higher in many countries outside the United States, where research on fluoride exposure is more common. What’s more, most European countries and some provinces in Canada do not add fluoride to drinking water at all.  Despite advancements in dental care and the unknowns about potential health effects, many people may wonder why fluoride is still in our drinking water.   “What’s happened over the past, say, two decades is that there has been growing evidence that fluoride exposure in children, and in particular, in the developing child, is neurotoxic,” said Bruce Lanphear, MD, MPH, professor of health sciences at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. “That is, it’s associated with diminished IQ scores, which is very much along the lines of what we’ve seen with lead in children. Should we expect universal agreement? Absolutely not. We don’t see a universal agreement with lead. We see more agreement with lead, but we have a much more stable measure of lead,” Lanphear told Healthline. What are the health risks of fluoride exposure? In 2015, the amount of fluoride added to water to prevent tooth decay was lowered from 1.2 mg/L to 0.7 mg/L due to increased fluorosis in children in recent decades. Rates of dental fluorosis, a common condition that causes tooth discoloration and brown and white spots on permanent teeth, have nearly doubled among adolescents in the United States. “It seems to have plateaued,” Lanphear said of the condition, “but it has increased quite a bit, and the only reason is [children are] getting too much fluoride.” Health Secretary Kennedy’s position on fluoride may be partially influenced by a recent global study published in January in JAMA Pediatrics. The study suggests that children exposed to higher fluoride levels in water had lower IQs, igniting controversy among health experts on both sides of the ongoing discussions over its safety. Fluoride proponents note these findings are based on exposure in children in non-U.S. countries, mainly in China and India, where fluoride levels are much higher. The American Dental Association urged the public to interpret the findings with caution.  “I think there’s been a lot of fear that’s been instilled by RFK Jr. and his associates,” said Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. “We need to start by ensuring people that currently they are safe and that we have effective ways to keep their kids healthy and safe. In the case of dental health, it’s correctly fluoridated water — and we do see good dental health with the kids who are exposed to our water and fluoridated toothpaste,” she told Healthline. The JAMA Pediatrics study followed the release of a massive report from the National Toxicology Program published in August 2024 by the National Institutes of Health. Similarly, the report linked high levels of fluoride exposure in children to a small decrease in IQ, prompting opponents to reevaluate current fluoride levels in U.S. water systems. However, the report notes flaws in its study, citing insufficient data to determine whether the current low fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L in U.S. community water systems negatively affected children’s IQ. “We have growing evidence that fluoride is neurotoxic because kids are getting too much fluoride, as evidenced by increasing rates of fluorosis, and because there’s now new evidence that fluoride is not effective when added to water at preventing tooth decay,” Lanphear said.  Lanphear, who co-wrote an accompanying editorial to the JAMA Pediatrics study, cited a 1995 animal study that found fluoride was associated with behavioral deficits in rats. “Many of the early studies were cross-sectional and not particularly high quality. And that’s been one of the major criticisms of this new evidence — but it really shouldn’t be a criticism, because that’s how most science evolves,” Lanphear said.  Indeed, many studies examining fluoride toxicity have been small in scale and were conducted in animals and in vitro.  Still, researchers have sounded alarm over the potential threats of fluoride exposure to human health. Many have cited dental fluorosis as a complication, while others have observed more serious effects.  A 2022 review of the literature suggests exposure to fluoride at levels much higher than the current 0.7 mg/L level in the United States or the maximum threshold of 1.5 mg/L set by the WHO could lead to a range of issues, such as:  skeletal fluorosis arthritis bone damage osteoporosis muscular damage fatigue joint-related problems chronic health issues damage to vital organs endocrine or thyroid disruption Still, as with other fluoride studies, these findings are limited and may be easily misinterpreted. For instance, the fluoride levels studied in the 2022 review exceeded the U.S. and global thresholds for fluoride in water. And of course, animal studies do not necessarily translate to humans. Due to the limited nature of fluoride research, health experts and scientists remain divided on whether fluoride should remain in public drinking water or be removed entirely.  Inderpal S. Randhawa, MD, board certified internist, immunologist, pediatrician, pediatric pulmonologist, and medical director of the Children’s Pulmonary Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach in Long Beach, CA, noted the risk of tooth decay and poor dental hygiene still exists in some parts of the United States. He told Healthline that Kennedy’s proposed ban on fluoridated water seemed reasonable in communities with widespread access to dental care and fluoride-based toothpaste. In areas with poor dental health, however, fluoride levels should remain as low as possible, he said. “The concerns are real,” Randhawa said. “Long-term, systemic fluoride exposures can result in an excess amount of fluoride in the body. This can impact the bones, thyroid, and other organ systems. Reducing this risk in today’s advanced dental care is something to consider.” Fisher said the current fluoride levels are safe but called for more studies with U.S. children to better understand the potential risks. “It’s always important to look at whatever research is coming out and base our recommendations on what we think is in the best interest of the children who need this fluoride for good dental health — but obviously, we never want to do harm,” Fisher said.  “So, if there is compelling evidence that comes out that the fluoride supply in the water in the U.S., for instance, is too high and is leading to a decrease in IQ, which could potentially lead to cognitive decline, that is important information to know. The problem with making conclusions from the [JAMA Pediatrics] study is that it might be misguided.” Fisher noted that the JAMA Pediatrics findings are based on countries with almost double the amount of fluoride in their water supplies.  “There’s nothing in there that studied children in the U.S., but since this is being cited as evidence, it is important not to create hysteria amongst families. If we’re going to do research that’s going to directly correlate IQ scores and fluoride exposure in the U.S., let’s do that study,” she said. “Over time, we recognized there is an importance to having fluoride in our water supply. Adding fluoride to the water in an adequate amount was important to improve dental health. That is something that has absolutely been shown and demonstrated, especially here in the U.S.,” Fisher noted. Fluoride exposure in adequate amounts appears safe Many health experts agree that intermittent fluoride use appears safe and effective. “As opposed to drinking fluoride in water where the exposure is systemic, local application with toothpaste-like products is much lower exposure,” Randhawa said. “Similarly, receiving such treatments at the dentist is minimal exposure.” Fisher said that before fluoride was introduced to drinking water, dental and other health problems were significant in areas with scarce access to fluoride and proper dental care. “When we didn’t have fluoride in the water, we saw so much more teeth problems and subsequent problems that came from that,” she said.  “The amount of dental decay and disease was rampant, and it is rampant in parts of the world where kids don’t have access to fluoride. Dental problems don’t just affect the teeth; they affect the entire child. We are talking about kids who would go on to potentially develop brain problems, brain abscesses that spread from dental decay,” Fisher explained. Lanphear shared a different perspective, noting the risks of water fluoridation may outweigh the potential benefits.  “The evidence about the effectiveness of water fluoridation or systemic fluoride has never been rigorous,” he said, citing a large systematic review published in 2024 in Cochrane Review.  Researchers examined evidence dating back to 1975 on whether water fluoridation is effective in reducing tooth decay. They found that fluoridated water had little to no benefit in preventing cavities, maybe a 3% to 4% reduction, Lanphear noted, which meant it was not statistically significant. This, he said, questions the benefit side of the equation. Lanphear also cautioned against fluoride-based toothpaste for young children, which contradicts current pediatric recommendations. “Children 1 to 4 years old might be getting 80% of their fluoride from swallowing toothpaste,” he surmised. Be that as it may, fluoridated water remains at very low levels in U.S. communities for now, and pediatric dentists continue to recommend fluoride-based toothpaste. Pediatricians like Fisher advise that children under 6 years old use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice daily. Fisher said pediatricians and dentists consider this a safe amount to ingest if swallowed, since most young children do not know how to spit. “Are we swallowing too much toothpaste? There’s no evidence to show that we are. However, if studies are done in the future that do demonstrate that, we will adjust our recommendation, but currently, there’s no need to panic,” she said.  More studies on fluoride exposure needed Fisher reiterated that the fluoride levels in U.S. water systems are adequate but urged further study of the potential effects. “Let’s look at how we as a society, as Americans, can best supply a good amount of fluoride to our kids so their teeth and brains are healthy,” she said.  “It would be great to see a prospective study of American children, meaning you look at them first and then follow them over time and watch their developments, and you can measure IQ, if you want,” she said.  Fisher noted there are other ways to assess cognitive development that don’t involve IQ scores.  “I think those studies will be interesting and important, and potentially, if we find out that the amount of fluoride in our water is too much or not enough, we can adjust it accordingly,” she said. Lanphear agreed that more research on fluoride, in general, is needed, but opposed fluoridated water.  “I think, at a minimum, what we can say is it’s time to convene an independent scientific panel to review the evidence on the safety and purported benefits of water fluoridation,” he said.  “Fluoride toothpaste is efficacious, based upon good, rigorous, randomized, controlled trials. Drinking it or taking it as a supplement does not appear to be efficacious. So given all of that, if you ask me, and I had to make that decision as an individual, I’d say, absolutely take it out of the water,” Lanphear said. Fisher, on the other hand, remained optimistic about the low levels of fluoride in water and offered reassurance about current best practices for dental health. And if there is one thing most, if not all, experts agree on, it’s that more research on the effects of fluoride exposure is needed. “Scientists are here to make sure that we have good health, for ourselves, for our children. Nothing is more important,” Fisher said. “We do need fluoride. We need a good amount, and we should not panic about this.”

A new study suggests that probiotics can benefit mental health even in generally healthy populations. vorDa/Getty Images Taking probiotics may reduce negative mood, according to a new clinical trial. The study adds more evidence to the gut-brain connection’s role in regulating emotion. Experts caution that probiotics are not a substitute for psychiatric medication and therapy. Probiotics reduced negative mood in a new clinical trial, adding to mounting evidence that the gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in mental health. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers observed that participants began feeling mood improvements within about two weeks of taking probiotics. Because the study involved healthy adults — not just people with diagnosed depression — the findings suggest probiotics could benefit mental health across the general population. The results were published on April 9 in the journal npj Mental Health Research. The researchers noted their use of daily mood tracking may have helped detect subtle improvements that other mental health assessments could miss. “This is the first study to implement daily mood monitoring to assess the effects of probiotics, and in fact, by the end of the month-long study, their negative mood still appears to be improving,” Katerina Johnson, PhD, first author of the study and a research associate at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, told Healthline. The study adds to growing interest in the gut-brain connection, a complex communication system that is thought to influence mood and emotions between the gut and the brain. The gut produces a large amount of serotonin (about 95%), a neurotransmitter involved in everything from mood to appetite. This suggests that improving gut health could positively impact mental health. Probiotics improved negative mood Researchers conducted a comprehensive study involving 88 healthy volunteers with an average age of 22. Participants in the study were not overweight, which was based on their body mass index (BMI). They also did not engage in excessive drinking, nor drug use.  Once enrolled, participants were randomly assigned to receive either a multispecies probiotic mixture or a placebo for 28 days. The probiotic mixture contained nine bacterial strains, including various Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus species. Participants consumed one 2-gram sachet daily dissolved in lukewarm water. The researchers administered a comprehensive battery of validated psychological questionnaires before and after the four-week intervention, including measures of anxiety (STAI), worry (PSWQ), depression (CES-D), and negative affect (PANAS). Despite this thorough approach, these standard psychological assessments detected minimal differences between the probiotic and placebo groups. However, daily mood reporting told a different story. This daily monitoring revealed the study’s most significant finding: participants who received probiotics showed a reduction in negative mood starting around the two-week mark, while those on placebo showed no such improvement. “By monitoring people daily, rather than just assessing them before and after, it gives us a much better resolution of changes over time when taking probiotics,” Johnson said. “One disadvantage with psychological questionnaires is that they attempt to dissect how people are feeling into discrete categories, e.g., stress, anger, anxiety, or depressive tendencies. In contrast, asking how positive or negative someone is feeling can holistically capture a change in any emotional state,” she explained. These findings suggest that probiotics can benefit mental health even in generally healthy populations and that common research methods may miss these effects. Interestingly, the improvements in negative mood didn’t affect positive mood, which remained unchanged in both groups.  “We certainly understand that while we’ve had treatments for depression and anxiety for years, they’re sometimes not the right fit for an individual,” Lisa Durette, MD, chair of psychiatry at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, told Healthline. Durette wasn’t involved with the research. “Opening up the discussion around other ways for us to help our patients and taking a more holistic approach is a very good thing,” she noted. “If you look at the way in which individuals report antidepressants affecting themselves, a lot of patients will say they feel like they are emotionally blunted. They can’t feel the highs and the lows as well as I could without medication. But there was no blunting identified with these probiotics, which I think is interesting,” Durette continued. According to the study authors, if probiotics could simultaneously reduce negative mood without reducing positive mood, that would prove to be a “notable benefit.” The researchers also found that certain individuals might respond better to probiotics than others. Specifically, as measured by psychological questionnaires, individuals with higher baseline risk aversion showed the greatest improvement in negative mood when taking probiotics. Probiotics should not replace mental health treatment Despite the promising results, experts caution that probiotics are not a substitute for psychiatric medication or therapy. Probiotics may be a helpful addition to a broader mental health strategy, but they shouldn’t replace proven treatments for conditions like depression or anxiety. “The results from this study underline that probiotics are certainly not sufficient as a standalone solution in the prevention and treatment of mental illness,” Christoph Thaiss, PhD, assistant professor of pathology at Stanford University, told Healthline. “It is also important to remember that probiotics are available as nutritional supplements that do not undergo the same rigorous testing for efficacy as FDA-approved drugs,” he added. Thaiss wasn’t involved in the research but noted that “probiotics could play an important supportive role in the clinical management of mood disorders.” Durette shared that holistic practices, including diet, exercise, and probiotic supplementation, have a rightful place in mental health treatment as long as people are informed of all the potential risks and benefits.  “It may be helpful for you to supplement what you’re doing with a prebiotic or a probiotic or be more mindful of having more whole foods that could increase healthy gut microbiome organisms,” said Durette. Still, Durette acknowledged that more research in this area is needed. “We don’t know enough yet to determine whether or not these interventions should be a substitute for a traditional treatment,” she said.

ADHD medications may raise heart health indicators like blood pressure and pulse, but patient monitoring can lead to successful health outcomes. Maskot/Getty Images New research suggests that common ADHD medications are linked to small increases in measures of cardiovascular health like blood pressure and pulse. Researchers and experts say the benefits of ADHD medications outweigh the potential risks, and monitoring patients can help minimize risks. Researchers and clinicians await more rigorous data on the long-term effects of ADHD medications on heart health. New research suggests the small cardiovascular risks associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications like methylphenidate, bupropion, and lisdexamfetamine do not outweigh their mental health benefits. The study, published on April 6 in The Lancet Psychiatry and written by an international group of researchers, analyzed 102 random control trials involving 13,315 youth and 9,387 adults. The findings show relatively small increases in pulse, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings in those taking ADHD stimulants. Increases were also observed in those taking noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, a type of antidepressant. A third type of medication, alpha agonists, showed the inverse: a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. The authors concluded that while ADHD medications tend to raise heart health indicators like blood pressure and pulse, the current best practice of patient monitoring can lead to successful health outcomes. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and the medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in California, said the research reaffirms that those taking ADHD-related medications should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease. Chen wasn’t involved in the study but told Healthline that given the age range for many of the studies focused on youth, it’s important to help young people understand what a heart-healthy lifestyle looks like. “As of now, this research says there is not a dramatic change in cardiovascular risks, but it’s something that probably should be tracked over the long term to look at long-term outcomes,” Chen said. Anoop Singh, MD, a general psychiatrist and regional medical director for Mindpath Health in California, agreed that the findings are reassuring for patients and clinicians. Singh wasn’t involved in the study. “If anything, it reinforces… that mental health practitioners or psychiatrists should continue to closely follow the current clinical guidelines, which include monitoring of the blood pressure and the pulse before and during the treatment with ADHD medications,” Singh told Healthline. “So, no surprises. The study did, in fact, basically extend the findings of previous similar studies.” Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with ADHD There has been a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with ADHD in the last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While research shows this increase is likely a combination of public and medical awareness, some medications used to treat ADHD, like Ritalin, have also been stigmatized. When used appropriately, ADHD medications lead to better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life. A 2019 analysis found that ADHD medication led to lowered instances of injuries and substance use disorder, although there were some limitations to these findings.Still, as with any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, there are risks. “Even an over-the-counter Sudafed carries the risk of causing some increase in blood pressure and heart rate,” Singh noted. “However, when you are contemplating [the] use of these medications in a medical setting, we have to at least allow some level of confidence to be placed in the fact that, given that a treatment intervention is being suggested as a medical treatment, there would be an appropriate process of evaluating and monitoring for side effects,” he said. When cardiologists screen people diagnosed with ADHD, Chen said they look for several factors before a patient is prescribed medication. “Just like any other person, we would screen for cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, [and] diabetes,” Chen said. “We would counsel the patients the same way about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a heart-healthy diet, exercise, avoiding smoking, avoiding drinking, getting good quality sleep.” Long-term data on ADHD drugs and heart health needed One challenge for researchers is that none of the studies analyzed included follow up after 26 weeks with most looking at patients over 12 weeks. Singh noted this was a common issue, not just in psychiatry but across medicine. “There is always going to be some want of more, better, longer term, studies to give us more data,” he said. “And because medicine, or at least Western medicine these days, is so evidence-informed, we are always hungry for more evidence.” In a Lancet Psychiatry commentary piece that accompanied the study, Steven R. Pliszka, a researcher unaffiliated with the project, suggested a double-blind study as the next possible step for the research. Pliszka noted this could include hourly checks of cardiovascular indicators for one day every six months. Another path forward, he wrote, could be using machine learning to help comb through broader databases for relevant information.The study authors pointed out that long term data was lacking and that their findings could not account for possible individualized cardiac health risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease. They cautioned that just because increases in measures like blood pressure and pulse were small on average, it didn’t mean that for some people, they could be higher and require medical intervention.

Three people in rural California have died from hantavirus, the rare virus that killed late actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, in February. Purschke/Ullstein Bild via Getty Images Three people in a rural town in California have died this year from hantavirus, public health officials reported. The rare virus had killed actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, in February. Hackman died a week later of heart disease with complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. Hantavirus is spread to people through droppings, urine, and saliva of infected rodents, mainly mice. It does not spread from person to person. A rare virus that killed the wife of late actor Gene Hackman is linked to three deaths in the rural town of Mammoth Lakes, CA, state public health officials confirmed on April 3. Hackman, 95, died of heart disease with complications due to Alzheimer’s disease about a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the Associated Press reported. The partially mummified remains of the couple were found in their Santa Fe, NM, home on February 26. Tom Boo, MD, a Mono County public health officer, called the situation in the rural town in the Eastern Sierra region “tragic and alarming” in a statement. Hantavirus is a relatively rare virus that affects the lungs. People can become infected through the droppings, urine, or saliva of rodents, usually mice such as the deer mouse. The virus does not spread from person to person. Michelle Harkins, MD, a pulmonologist with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque, said it most commonly, but not always, occurs in rural areas. “Exposure usually happens when people are cleaning out old sheds or going into mouse-infested areas around their property,” she told Healthline.  Sweeping up mouse droppings can cause the virus to become airborne, which people can then inhale, said Harkins. She has also seen patients who were exposed to the virus while working in the forest or on a construction site. Deer mice are common in California’s Eastern Sierra region, but Boo said in the statement that their numbers are thought to be higher than typical this year. This could increase the risk of people being exposed to hantavirus. While hantavirus can be potentially deadly, David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., said it’s important to keep the risk of this virus in perspective. “In the United States, where there’s generally good hygiene, and you don’t have a lot of people living in rural areas where rodent droppings are common, hantavirus is going to be very rare, but not impossible to contract,” he told Healthline. Also, “there have been fewer than 1,000 cases of Hantavirus reported in the United States over the last 30 years,” he said. “In contrast, over 100,000 people die each year of viral infections that we can prevent, like COVID, flu and RSV.” Cutler said it is just as important for healthcare workers, especially those who work in rural areas where hantavirus occurs, to be aware of this virus and its symptoms. Symptoms of hantavirus Cases of hantavirus are relatively rare, but they can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around one-third of people who develop lung-related symptoms die from the disease. When the virus affects both the lungs and the cardiovascular system, about half of patients will die, said Harkins. In this phase, people can develop low blood pressure and fluid buildup in the lungs. “Not everybody enters this cardiopulmonary phase, but a fair number do,” she said. “It can have a very rapid onset, and people can die within hours to a day or so without supportive care and monitoring.” Early symptoms of hantavirus infection start to show one to eight weeks after exposure, said the CDC, and include: fatigue fever muscle aches About half of people infected will also experience: headaches dizziness chills abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain People may go on to develop respiratory symptoms such as: coughing shortness of breath tightness in the chest Hantavirus cases appearing earlier than usual The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most cases of hantavirus occur west of the Mississippi River. The highest number is in New Mexico, followed by Colorado, Arizona, and California. In the Eastern High Sierras, hantavirus cases typically occur later in the spring and in the summer, said Boo. So “the occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried, especially this early in the year,” he added. The early appearance of cases this year may be, in part, due to climate change. “We know that there’s a cycle,” said Harkins. “Mild winters and summer rainfalls can increase the vegetation and the mouse population. When there are more mice around, they are more likely to become infected and spread the virus among themselves.” None of the people who died in Mammoth Lakes had appeared to have engaged in high-exposure activities such as cleaning poorly ventilated indoor areas or other buildings with a lot of mouse waste, Boo said.  “Instead, these folks may have been exposed during normal daily activities, either in the home or the workplace,” he added. Harkins said there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of exposure to hantavirus, such as: Rodent-proof your home by keeping doors and windows shut, sealing gaps in walls, and keeping outside wood piles away from the house. Air out enclosed areas for at least 30 minutes before entering if you see rodent droppings. Avoid vacuuming or sweeping rodent droppings, urine or nests, because this can cause the virus to become airborne. Spray droppings and contaminated areas with a disinfectant or 10% bleach solution and let it sit for five minutes before wiping the area. Wear gloves and an N-95 (or higher) mask while cleaning contaminated areas. “If you do happen to go into a shed and clean it out, or you’re getting out Christmas decorations and there’s a mouse nest in the box, watch your symptoms afterward and seek medical care if you start to have symptoms,” said Harkin. “But keep in mind that this can be delayed by one to eight weeks after the initial exposure.”

The CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health was eliminated by the HHS, which could limit access to valuable resources to help people quit smoking. MJimages/Getty Images The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has gutted key programs linked to successful smoking cessation. The CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health was eliminated by the HHS, which could limit access to valuable resources on smoking cessation and prevention. Experts say the federal cuts could increase smoking rates in the U.S. and raise smoking-related disease burden and treatment costs. Smoking and tobacco use in the United States has declined overall, but health disparities persist, making low cost resources like quitlines crucial to help people quit smoking. The federal government has invested millions of dollars in anti-smoking campaigns and cessation efforts. However, the new administration’s latest round of budget cuts to federal agencies could hinder decades of progress. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., gutted health groups that had been pivotal to the nation’s steady decline in smoking and vaping rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to bear the brunt of budgeting cuts. The Office on Smoking and Health (OSH), which linked contaminated vaping devices to fatal lung damage in 2019, was eliminated by the HHS. The OSH also funds the National and State Tobacco Control Program, which provides millions in funding to support tobacco control efforts in 50 states, the District of Colombia, 8 U.S. territories, and 28 tribes and tribal organizations. Gutting the OSH could limit vital resources to help people quit smoking, which experts say could lead to higher rates of tobacco use and higher costs of treatment for tobacco-related chronic disease.  HHS also recently placed dozens of staffers at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) on leave, including the group’s top official. CTP is responsible for overseeing warning labels on tobacco and nicotine products and marketing restrictions. An HHS official told Healthline that Kennedy and HHS remain committed to investigating potential root causes of chronic diseases. The official said that critical programs within the CDC will continue to streamline operations and create a more efficient HHS. The official added the CDC will continue to provide resources for those who want to quit smoking and conduct ongoing surveillance on smoking habits. Still, federal cuts to smoking resources could impact access to free or low cost quitline programs. According to a news release from the North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC), quitlines helped more than 175,000 people quit smoking in the past two years. The 2024 NAQC Annual Survey of Quitlines shows that quitlines across the U.S. received more than 1.2 million calls and provided tobacco cessation resources to more than 500,000 tobacco users. Tens of thousands more relied on text messaging services accessed through their state quitlines. Federal funding for quitlines varies by state. NAQC’s survey data show that five state and two territorial quitlines are more than 75% funded by the CDC. Another 18 states are 25% funded by the CDC.  “Every state quitline receives at least some funds from the CDC for their program,” Thomas Ylioja, PhD, MSW, president and CEO of the North American Quitline Consortium, told Healthline.  “Without continued funding, these quitlines will need to significantly cut counseling and medication services or potentially stop answering calls.” Healthline spoke with Ylioja to learn more about how cuts to federally-funded cessation programs like quitlines could impact public health. Ylioja highlighted new, compelling statistics on smoking cessation from a forthcoming NAQC survey. Those results have not yet been published. What is the success rate of quitlines? Ylioja: Quitlines are the backbone of smoking cessation in the country.  They are the most accessible treatments proven to help people stop smoking with free counseling and quit medications like the nicotine patch, gum or lozenge.  And they work: NAQC survey data show about 35% of people who enroll in their quitline program quit smoking for good, compared to about 7% who try to quit without help. What role does CDC OHS play in smoking cessation? Ylioja: Over the past two years, NAQC’s survey data found more than 500,000 people received support with quitting from their quitline. Quitlines are deeply embedded within the healthcare system. Many doctors refer people who smoke to the quitline for treatment because they don’t have the time or staff to deliver counseling in the clinic. CDC OSH also runs the national Tips From Former Smokers media campaign. Tips do two things: they educate people about the harms of smoking and encourage them to quit, and they direct people to call or text their state quitline for help.  Tips has been massively successful, helping millions of people quit since it started in 2012. Editor’s Note: An HHS official told Healthline that current Tips campaigns are expected to continue through the end of September. How will cuts to quitlines impact the health of Americans?  Ylioja: Without having a single recognizable program like 800-QUIT-NOW available and promoted, fewer people will be encouraged to quit, fewer people will know where to get help, and fewer people will quit.  Quitlines have been enormously successful over the past 20 years [in] helping people quit. Smoking is the leading cause of chronic diseases, including cancers, heart disease, stroke, and COPD. In the past 10 years, an estimated 2.9 million people received counseling or medications from their state quitline.  Hundreds of thousands used state quitline web and text messaging programs. Quitlines have helped more [than] 1 million smokers quit. Who will be most impacted by cuts to smoking cessation programs?  Ylioja: New NAQC survey data shows 74% of quitlines offer specialized services for youth, including helping them to quit vaping or using e-cigarettes.  These programs are now at risk, which means more youth will use nicotine for longer periods. One-third of quitline participants across the country are on Medicaid. The burden on public health insurance will go up due to the well-established higher costs of medical care for people who smoke. What is your biggest concern about the long-term impacts of these cuts? Ylioja: In the past 25 years, we have made enormous progress in reducing smoking, from 23.5% or 46.5 million adults, down to 11.6%.  Youth cigarette smoking is at its lowest point in decades; even vaping is lower than in the past 10 years. [The] use of other tobacco and nicotine products is increasing as the tobacco industry looks to recover [its] market. The cuts to CDC OSH threaten to reverse the tremendous progress we have made, setting us back 10 or even 15 years.  Ultimately, these cuts will worsen and extend the epidemic of tobacco-caused chronic diseases, which continue to be [the] leading cause of disability and premature death. Resources to help you quit Quitlines like 1-800-QUIT-NOW can help you quit smoking and vaping for good. Other quit resources include: Smokefree.gov We Are Truth Become an Ex Live Vape Free Quit For Life

For the first time, comedian Kenan Thompson talks about living with GERD and shares that the digestive condition is “no joke.” Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images SNL’s Kenan Thompson opens up about living with GERD for the first time. The beloved actor and comedian says the digestive condition is no joke. After years of experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, Thompson found relief with medication. As the longest-running cast member of the iconic variety show “Saturday Night Live,” Kenan Thompson knows how to make audiences laugh. Now, for the first time, the actor and comedian is putting jokes aside to talk about something serious: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive condition in which stomach contents are pushed back into the esophagus.  GERD can cause heartburn, frequent burping, discomfort, trouble swallowing, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Thompson is one of about 60 million Americans living with this chronic condition. “GERD is no joke. It’s uncomfortable,” Thompson told Healthline. GERD symptoms are ‘no joke’ In his mid-30s, Thompson began experiencing intense heartburn that interfered with his sleep. “It’s definitely given me restless rights, which is not helpful when you’re trying to perform and you’re already dealing with a lot of stress,” he said. GERD has also impacted his vocal range during comedy skits. “I’ve blown my voice out a lot easier than I thought I would just by singing a song or something and all the sudden I’m hoarse,” Thompson said. Thompson said his symptoms were at their worst when his eating habits were at their worst. He pointed to soda and pizza as two culprits. “I would have flareup moments and not really understand what was necessarily going on or just not putting two and two together that I was doing this to myself. I was kind of like ‘oh I guess that pizza was a little spicier than I recall or was paying attention to,’ not really kind of acknowledging my involvement in it,” he said. In his early 40s, he was diagnosed with non-erosive GERD, which means the condition does not cause damage to the esophagus as it does with erosive GERD. “GERD is diagnosed clinically by history with your physician,” Kavita Kongara, MD, gastroenterologist and chief of motility at Northside Hospital, told Healthline. “If further testing is warranted, an upper endoscopy can determine the sub-type of GERD you may have, which includes non-erosive GERD, which impacts two out of three people, and erosive GERD.” How is GERD managed? After years of trying over-the-counter medication only to gain temporary relief, Thompson’s doctor prescribed him the medication Voquezna (vonoprazan). “[Despite] using over-the-counter medications and prescription treatments like antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, or proton pump inhibitors, some people with GERD continue to experience persistent, bothersome symptoms,” said Kongara. So was the case for Thompson, who wanted a longer-term solution for his symptoms. “It was almost like I couldn’t eat pizza without having a no-sleep night, and you can’t live like that. I got to eat my pizza; come on,” he said. Today, his GERD is well-managed. “I’m not so worried about those specific [food] triggers anymore,” he said. “I don’t eat them as often as I used to raise that acidic level [but] at the same time, I don’t necessarily worry if I do have an issue because now I have medicine so I know what to do and what not to do and if there is a slip up I have a safety net.” To spread awareness about GERD, Thompson is sharing is story as part of the “GERD IS NO JOKE” campaign. “If I can change one life, great, and if it’s more based on the following that I have, even better, but I definitely want to get the word out because if there are people that are suffering and they don’t have the information, it will definitely help me sleep at night to help another person,” he said. Thompson also does not rule out the possibility of an SNL skit on GERD to gain more awareness about the condition. “[Now] that I’m up on the radar talking about it… it might inspire a writer to write about it,” said Thompson. “You never know; I might just have to do the Weekend Update version of myself.” Image Courtesy of Phathom Pharmaceuticals Best and worst foods for GERD While clinical evidence is limited and sometimes inconsistent regarding the impact of foods on GERD, Anna Beery, registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Healthline many people find that certain foods trigger symptoms. Eliminating trigger foods can, therefore, help minimize symptoms. Examples of reflux trigger foods include: acidic foods carbonated beverages coffee high fat foods peppermint chocolate alcohol canned foods Beery added that other foods to avoid eating frequently include red meat, fried foods, sweets, and fast food. “A great way to figure out which foods can be triggering would be keeping a food journal,” she told Healthline. “Writing down foods, quantities, and symptoms can help determine which foods may be triggering. Documenting meal timing, stress, and sleeping habits can be helpful as well.” Regarding what to eat, Beery cited research suggesting that a primarily plant-based diet may improve GERD symptoms. “This is not necessarily a vegan or vegetarian diet. This is a diet that is focused on eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Healthy, plant-based oils such as olive oil are recommended in moderation,” she said. Because research also indicates that fiber may help decrease GERD symptoms, Beery suggested the Mediterranean diet. “This diet is high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and seasoning with herbs and spices,” she said. “Each day, eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains and plant-based foods. Each week eat fish, poultry, beans, legumes, and eggs with [a] moderate amount of dairy.” In addition to dietary modifications, Beery said eating five to six smaller meals per day can be beneficial, and that the timing of meals matters, too. “Lying down less than two hours after eating can increase stomach acid production,” she said. “Avoid eating the largest meal at the end of the day.” Other lifestyle habits like sleeping in a proper position with the head of bed raised can decrease acid backflow. “Better sleep in general, may decrease GERD,” said Beery. Additionally, because obesity is linked to increased symptoms of GERD, she said maintaining a healthy weight and increasing physical activity can help manage symptoms. Overall, managing GERD is personalized and there is no one-size-fits-all. “GERD can be complex with trigger foods differing and symptoms varying from person-to-person,” Beery said.

Amy Schumer said she quit Wegovy due to side effects like nausea but was “having a really good experience” with Mounjaro. John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images Amy Schumer recently shared she had quit Wegovy due to side effects like nausea. However, Schumer said she was “having a really good experience” with Mounjaro, such as improved menopause symptoms and libido. Experts say it’s common for people to have side effects with GLP-1s. If you can’t tolerate a GLP-1 drug, your doctor might recommend switching to a different weight loss medication. Writer, actress, and stand-up comedian Amy Schumer recently took to Instagram to discuss her experiences with the GLP-1 drugs Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). While appearing to be driving through stop-and-go traffic, which she noted at one point was “completely unsafe,” Schumer said she wanted to “keep it a hundred” with her fans regarding her weight-loss journey. After quipping that she’s “your favorite comedian with no top lip,” the star revealed on March 21 that she had used Wegovy three years prior but had experienced intolerable side effects. “I was like puking, I couldn’t handle it,” she related. Schumer then went on to describe how she had more recently used the telehealth provider Midi Health to receive hormone treatment for perimenopause as well as being prescribed Mounjaro for weight loss. The actress added this combination of medications was working well for her. “My symptoms of being in perimenopause have disappeared. My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy,” said Schumer. “I want to get down more,” she added, referring to the positive effect on her libido. “So, yeah, that’s been great. Mounjaro’s been great,” Schumer said. She further explained to viewers that Mounjaro is generally not covered by insurance unless you have a diagnosis of diabetes or “severe obesity, which most of the Internet thinks I have.” Schumer then closed out the video by saying she is “having a really good experience” and “wanted to keep it real,” adding that she liked Midi Health so much that she decided to invest in the company. Why did Schumer do better on Mounjaro than Wegovy? Meghan Garcia-Webb, MD, obesity medicine doctor at Weight Medicine MD, told Healthline it’s not uncommon for people to have significant side effects from one GLP-1 medication but not another. “It is hard to predict who will be able to tolerate them and who won’t,” she said, “although people who already struggle with gastrointestinal health issues may find these medications make them worse.” Garcia-Webb added that clinically, she does find that people often have fewer side effects on Mounjaro than on Wegovy. However, she said some research suggests the side effect profiles are similar. Novo Nordisk states that common side effects with Wegovy include: nausea diarrhea vomiting constipation abdominal pain upset stomach headache tiredness dizziness bloating belching low blood sugar (if you have type 2 diabetes) gas stomach flu heartburn runny nose or sore throat On the other hand, Eli Lilly lists nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain as Mounjaro’s most common side effects. Garcia-Webb said it also depends on how long people are able to wait for side effects to subside. “Oftentimes, side effects are worse in the beginning and when titrating up on doses but then taper off,” she said. “So if people are able to stick with it, they may find their symptoms decrease over time.” However, sometimes the side effects are so severe that some people can’t tolerate them long enough to see them lessen, she said. It seems Schumer may have had that experience with Wegovy. Coping with side effects of GLP-1 drugs In addition to gradually titrating up, clinicians have suggested other strategies to help patients stick with their medication until they adjust to the side effects. In a July 2021 article published in Postgraduate Medicine, the authors stated that smaller, more frequent meals can help ease digestive woes while taking GLP-1 medications. The authors wrote that avoiding fatty or spicy foods could help combat nausea. They noted that sufficient water and fiber intake could help mitigate constipation. The article further emphasized the importance of educating people about the potential for side effects, which could help manage expectations and make it easier to continue the medication until side effects begin to ease up. What if a weight loss drug isn’t working for you? Trista Best, MPH, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian with Balance One Supplements, said that if people are having difficulty with a particular weight loss drug, several options can be tried. “If a medication isn’t effective, options include adjusting the dosage, switching to a different weight loss drug, or exploring alternative treatments such as metabolic testing, personalized nutrition plans, or behavioral therapy,” Best told Healthline. Best noted that doctors could also recommend other GLP-1 drugs such as liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) or even explore weight loss drugs that work through different mechanisms like phentermine, bupropion, or naltrexone. Garcia-Webb added, however, that these alternative medications may not be as effective as GLP-1s. “[But] for some people, especially those who can’t tolerate the GI side effects, they may be a better fit,” she said. Garcia-Webb said it’s also important to define what people mean when they say that their medication isn’t working for them. “If it’s a question of side effects, many times lowering the dose, titrating up very slowly, and adding medications to help with the side effects can help quite a lot,” she said. What Schumer’s experience highlights about weight loss drugs Schumer’s different experiences with Wegovy and Mounjaro highlight the individualized nature of weight loss medications. While GLP-1 drugs can be effective, tolerance varies widely, and finding the right fit may require adjustments or alternative treatments. For those struggling with side effects, strategies like gradual dose increases, dietary modifications, and patient education can help. As the landscape of obesity treatment continues to evolve, Schumer’s candid discussion reminds us that weight loss journeys are personal and that keeping it real can help others navigate their own paths. Learn more about how to get GLP-1 medications from vetted and trusted online sources here: How to Get Zepbound: What We Know So Far Where to Buy Zepbound Online How to Get Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Where to Buy Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Online Where to Buy Ozempic Online Where to Buy Ozempic Online How to Get Wegovy for Weight Loss In Person and Online How to Get a Wegovy Prescription Online

“Hunger Games” star Elizabeth Banks shares her journey with healthy aging and how she’s navigated shingles and perimenopause. Image by Kyle Topping for Pfizer Actor, director, and producer Elizabeth Banks shares how she prioritizes her health in her 50s. The “Hunger Games” actress is spreading awareness about preventing the respiratory condition pneumococcal pneumonia. Banks shares her journey with healthy aging and how she’s navigated shingles and perimenopause. Known for her iconic role in the “Hunger Games” franchise and Emmy-nominated part in “30 Rock,” actress Elizabeth Banks knows how to captivate an audience. At 51, she’s using her platform to connect with Gen Xers about living healthily into their 50s. A few years ago, before she turned 50, Banks contracted shingles, a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Shingles typically cause a painful, blistering rash. “I was misdiagnosed at first because I was a little young to be getting shingles, or so I was told. My symptoms included the classic stuff like a one-sided rash and tingling at the top of my head. I couldn’t sleep and experienced other symptoms, including a burning sensation,” Banks told Healthline. Shingles was the only medical issue that ever resulted in Banks missing work. “Suddenly, I felt a little bit my age, and my sense of invincibility was shattered. I felt I needed to take better care of myself in all aspects,” said Banks. “Shingles is often brought on by stress, and I felt like my body was less able to handle stress, which I’ve lived with forever. I like being stressed out. I like doing a lot of things. And suddenly, I felt like, ‘Oh, I must check myself and look after myself better.’” She learned that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the shingles vaccine for those 50 and older. “There is a shingles-specific vaccine that is offered when you turn 50, or after you turn 19 if you are immunocompromised. It’s important to vaccinate against shingles to keep you safe and healthy,” Jen Brull, MD, president of the Board of Directors at the American Academy of Family Physicians, told Healthline. While Banks said she always follows her doctor’s recommendations for vaccinations, she has become more diligent about staying up to date on vaccinations, including the flu shot, since experiencing shingles. She recently partnered with Pfizer to spread awareness about another preventive condition: pneumococcal pneumonia. Visitors to VaxAssist.com can schedule a vaccination appointment and learn more about the pneumonia vaccine and other vaccines against respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). “Staying on top of preventive health as we age is critical — it can make the difference between catching something early or dealing with a challenging diagnosis later in life once a condition has progressed,” said Brull. Brull noted preventive services include vaccinations, cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, bloodwork, annual wellness exams and tests, and guidance on lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, and mental healthcare.  “No matter your age, having a baseline is important. Think of all the things that happen when you get a regular checkup — that’s preventive care,” Brull said. Healthline recently spoke with Banks to learn more about the importance of midlife vaccinations and how she prioritizes her health in her 50s. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. What should Gen Xers know about prioritizing their health? Banks: I think Gen X is in a precarious spot because we have more access to information about our health and longevity than ever before, but we are also dealing with a lot. For many of us, we’ve got young kids or teenagers in the house. We’ve got aging parents that we’re dealing with. We’ve got jobs which we’ve worked hard for. I feel like all those stress levels can often make our health not a priority because we have so much else going on. My real advice is just a reminder to Gen X to look out for themselves too and take care of their health so that they can be there for their families, young and old, and continue excelling in their careers without getting sick. How have you taken care of your health in your 50s? Banks: I started by looking at my daily habits, particularly my diet and sleep. I’m also experiencing perimenopause, which all Gen X women are going through or are going to go through. That has brought changes in my body that I have to pay attention to. I do a better job with my diet. I do a better job with exercise. I do a better job prioritizing walking. I do a better job getting enough sleep and lowering stress. On top of that, I am getting vaccinated and keeping up with preventative health measures. I get my mammograms and my colonoscopies, all the fun stuff. I came to realize that when you’re 50 or older, you’re more than six times greater risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia. Knowing that made me realize there’s a real midlife moment where we have to start paying a little bit better attention so that we can be around as long as possible. How do you feel about experiencing perimenopause? Banks: Perimenopause is happening to me, and menopause is just around the corner. I wish it was coming sooner, to be honest. I’d like to be through this patch of it. I found that I had to pay closer attention to minor changes. I didn’t feel like myself, and so it was a bit of a wake-up call. There will be some physical changes happening, and you’re not going to be the same. I ask, “What does that look like going forward?” I loved the opportunity it gave me to analyze my life and prioritize my health. What to know about menopause Menopause is a phase in which menstruation is absent for 12 months. The average age of onset for females is in the early 50s, though it can occur earlier or later. “Menopause is a gradual process that can take several years and can have physical and emotional impacts,” said Brull. Perimenopause, meanwhile, is a transitory phase before menopause that can last for a decade or more. This phase is typically when the classic menopausal symptoms begin. Brull said healthy habits that can help women through the process include: moving your body regularly eating a healthy diet avoiding alcohol staying up to date on vaccinations and preventive care “Some people find that cutting back on alcohol and caffeine helps manage the sleep changes that come with menopause. Others find that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the best way to manage their symptoms,” said Brull. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but keeping healthy habits [is] a great way to ensure you’re doing what is in your control to stay well.” If you notice that your periods become less regular, you feel more tired, experience hot flashes, or feel pain during intercourse, reach out to your doctor. In addition to medical care, Brull said hearing other women’s experiences like Banks’ and maintaining a strong social community during menopause is impactful.   “Identifying others in your life who have gone through menopause or are currently experiencing it can help make the experience less isolating,” she said. “If needed, your family doctor can help you find an online or local support group to join.”

Research increasingly shows it’s the volume of exercise, not the pattern, that determines the health benefits. Halfpoint Images/Getty Images New research shows that weekend warriors, people who exercise just one or two days per week, have a lower risk of death than regular exercisers. Prior studies have also shown that weekend warriors achieve similar benefits to heart and brain health. Experts agree that when you exercise each week matters less than making sure you get enough. A growing body of evidence shows that “weekend warriors” — people who concentrate their exercise into one or two days per week — experience the same health benefits as daily exercisers. Physical activity guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. While conventional wisdom suggests spreading this activity throughout the week, this approach doesn’t suit everyone’s lifestyle. Enter the weekend warriors who hit their exercise goals in one or two days, typically on weekends. This consolidated approach to exercise has raised questions about its effects on health and longevity. However, research increasingly demonstrates it’s the volume of exercise (hitting that minimum of 150 minutes), not the pattern, that determines the benefits. Prior studies have linked weekend warrior workouts with comparable brain health and cardiovascular benefits as regular exercisers. A new study published April 2 in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) provides substantial evidence supporting this approach. The results show that compared to physically inactive individuals (those not meeting minimum recommended exercise guidelines), weekend warriors experienced mortality benefits comparable to those who exercised regularly throughout the week. Both weekend warriors and regularly active individuals showed significantly lower risks of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Notably, this research marks the first analysis to examine the relationship between physical activity patterns measured by fitness trackers and mortality outcomes. Brad Donohue, PhD, a professor of psychology and creator of The Optimum Performance Program in Sports (TOPPS) at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, told Healthline the findings were “some of the best evidence we have seen so far” to support the weekend warrior exercise pattern. Donohue wasn’t involved in the study. Weekend warriors have 26% lower risk of all-cause mortality Researchers analyzed health and exercise data from more than 93,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a comprehensive biomedical database, to investigate potential associations between exercise patterns and mortality risk. The study cohort was predominantly white (97%) with an average age of 62 years old; women comprised slightly more than half (56%) of participants. To be included in the study, participants needed a complete seven-day record of physical activity captured by wearable fitness trackers — a method that typically provides more reliable data than self-reported exercise habits. The trackers, which utilized machine learning, could detect and classify various physical activities, from bicycling to dancing. Participants were then divided into three distinct groups based on their activity levels: Active regular — people who hit the minimum recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity throughout the week. Weekend warriors — people who hit the minimum recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity in one or two days. Inactive — people who did not hit the minimum recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. Over roughly eight years of follow up, both active groups experienced significantly less mortality risk than sedentary participants.  “These findings send an important message that all movement counts. Many people struggle to fit in daily exercise during the work week, but this research shows that even if you can only be active on the weekends, you can still gain meaningful health benefits,” said Keith Diaz, PhD, an associate professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and member of the AHA’s Physical Activity Science Committee, not involved in the study, told Healthline. When compared to the inactive group, people who exercised throughout the week had a lower risk of death from all causes (26% lower), cardiovascular disease (24% lower), and cancer (13% lower). Surprisingly, the protective benefits were even greater among the weekend warrior group — a result the study authors had not anticipated. Weekend warriors had a 32% lower risk of death from all causes, a 31% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and a 21% lower risk of death from cancer.  However, there was no significant difference in risk when comparing both active groups. “Neither approach was superior to the other. So, if you’re already active during the week, there’s no need to switch to a weekend-only routine. What matters most is meeting the recommended amount of physical activity in a way that fits your lifestyle,” said Diaz. How to become a weekend warrior Donohue told Healthline that the latest research on weekend warriors is “inspiring”, as it could encourage more people who might otherwise struggle to find time for exercise during the week. One of the clear messages about the weekend warrior phenomenon is that everyone’s lifestyle may vary, so finding a personal strategy to meet minimum physical activity goals is essential. “Weekend warrior workouts can take many forms. The best ones are those you enjoy and can stick with. For beginners or those returning to working out, something as simple as a long walk, leisurely bike ride, going for a hike at a local park, or doing some yard work or gardening can provide health benefits,” said Diaz. Other options for individuals with higher fitness levels include: running pickup basketball amateur sports leagues fitness classes Consistency is key, though, just like anything else. Donohue pointed out that one of the biggest motivators for fitness is social connection. “If you want to increase the likelihood that you’re going to maintain regular exercise, establish a relationship with someone who is going to do it with you,” he said.

Val Kilmer’s death highlights the serious risks of pneumonia, especially for older adults and those with a history of illness. Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images Legendary actor Val Kilmer of ‘Top Gun’ fame passed away at 65 at his Los Angeles home. Kilmer’s daughter shared that the cause was pneumonia, an infectious disease of the lungs. Experts say Kilmer’s previous treatment for throat cancer and his age may have been contributing factors. It’s recommended that older adults protect their health by getting regular vaccinations, particularly against pneumonia. Actor Val Kilmer, perhaps best known for his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the films “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” has died at 65. Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, announced her father had died of pneumonia on April 1 at his Los Angeles home. Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that inflame the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to fill with pus or fluid. Symptoms generally include fever, chills, coughing, and problems with breathing. This potentially fatal condition is most dangerous for infants and young children, people with weakened immune systems and other health problems, and adults ages 65 and older. Kilmer previously battled with throat cancer in 2014. However, his daughter told The New York Times he had recovered from the disease. Kilmer’s throat cancer, age were risk factors for pneumonia Emma Lin, MD, a board certified pulmonologist, sleep medicine specialist, and co-founder of ReadyO2.com, explained to Healthline that Kilmer’s previous cancer battle, as well as his age, may have left him more prone to pneumonia. “Many patients I’ve had who’ve survived throat cancer come to me with lung issues later on,” she said. Lin added that radiation therapies used to treat throat cancer can weaken a person’s lungs, making infections like pneumonia more likely to develop. “I always remember this when working with patients who’ve had cancer in the past,” she said. “Although they may appear well, their lungs will be weaker than normal.” William Schaffner, MD, professor of preventive medicine and health policy and professor of medicine in infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said that, in general, people with throat cancer have a more difficult time clearing their mouth and throat. “The secretions can be aspirated, that is, ‘go down the wrong tube’ into their airway — the bronchial tubes,” he told Healthline. When these secretions make their way into the lungs, it can lead to inflammation and what is known as “aspiration pneumonia,” Schaffner explained. Lin noted that increasing age is associated with a greater risk for pneumonia. “I see a great many patients, particularly elderly patients, who are vulnerable to catching pneumonia,” she said. Lin explained pneumonia can be more harmful to older individuals because their immune systems may not be as effective at eliminating infections as when they were younger. What older adults can do to prevent pneumonia Olalekan Otulana, MD, a general practitioner with Cassiobury Court, strongly recommends keeping up to date with your vaccinations. “That includes the pneumococcal vaccine and the annual flu jab,” Otulana told Healthline, noting that vaccines may significantly reduce the risk of severe illness. “Maintaining good overall health also plays a big role,” he added. “Stopping smoking, staying active, eating well, and managing chronic conditions if present (e.g., diabetes [or] heart disease) all help keep the immune system strong and lungs functioning well.” Lin spoke of the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of infections. “It also helps if they keep their hands clean by washing them frequently as well as avoiding close contact with people who are ill,” she said. For people with long-term health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s advice, Lin said. “It may involve regular use of inhalers or other medicines as prescribed by your doctor,” she noted. Lin further advised that older adults remain active. “I explain to my patients that a short walk each day keeps the lungs functioning properly and builds a strong immune system,” she said. Finally, Lin suggests making sure you get adequate sleep. “Sleep allows the body to heal and recover from infections,” she said. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), adults over 65 need about 7–9 hours of sleep per night. What we can learn from Kilmer’s passing Kilmer’s death highlights the serious risks of pneumonia, especially to older adults and those with a history of illness. While his talents on screen made him a beloved Hollywood icon, his health journey and battle with cancer highlight the importance of pneumonia prevention, which may be supported through vaccinations and maintaining overall wellness. As fans remember Kilmer for his legendary performances, health experts emphasize that simple steps, such as staying active and following medical advice, can help reduce the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

The FDA recently authorized a new at-home test for common sexually transmitted infections that can be purchased without a prescription. simonkr/Getty Images The FDA has approved a new at-home test for two common sexually transmitted infections and a sexually transmitted disease. The test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis produces results in 30 minutes. Experts say the kit allows people to test themselves for STDs in the privacy of their home. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first at-home test for three common sexually transmitted infections and diseases that can be purchased without a prescription. The FDA marketing authorization has been granted to the Visby Medical Women’s Sexual Health Test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. The test is designed for females with or without symptoms of these three infections. Results are delivered within 30 minutes. Visby officials told Healthline they expect the new test to be available in a few months and will announce pricing then. The Visby product is a single-use test that includes a collection kit (vaginal swab) and a powered testing device that communicates with the Visby Medical App. The app displays results when the test is complete. FDA officials reported that in recent clinical studies the Visby at-home test correctly identified more than 98% of negative samples for the three STDs and more than 97% of positive samples. The FDA reviewed the product under the agency’s De Novo premarket review pathway, which allows low-risk to moderate-risk devices to be approved quickly. This authorization also allows other devices to go through the FDA’s 510 (k) premarket notification process for quick approval by proving their similarity to the Visby product. “This approval is not just a milestone for Visby Medical but marks a transformative moment in medical diagnostics,” said Adam de la Zerda, PhD, founder and chief executive officer of Visby Medical, in a press statement. There are currently several at-home test kits available for use by men and women for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. These tests are specific to these individual infections and involve collecting blood and/or urine samples. The products include the Visby Medical Sexual Health Test, which lacks the app that the new product contains. At-home testing for STIs can improve treatment The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there were 2.2 million cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea diagnosed in the United States in 2023. The agency also noted that there were 2.6 million confirmed U.S. cases of trichomoniasis that year. In its annual surveillance report released last year, the CDC also reported there were more than 200,000 cases of syphilis diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022, the highest number since 1950. Experts say at-home tests are important because people with STIs need to seek medical treatment quickly. Antibiotics are effective in treating these infections, but untreated STIs may lead to serious health issues, including infertility. They add that test accuracy is also important because a false negative result can delay treatment. A false positive result can lead to unnecessary treatments and a potential delay in correctly diagnosing another infection or disease. “Home tests can give people information about their health from the privacy of their home. This can be particularly important for sexual health tests for which patients may experience fear or anxiety, possibly resulting in delayed diagnosis or treatment,” said Courtney Lias, PhD, the director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in an FDA press release. “Expanding access to tests for sexually transmitted infections is an important step toward earlier and increased diagnosis, which can result in increased treatment and reduced spread of infection.” Lisa Valle, DO, OB-GYN and medical director of Oasis Women’s Sexual Function Center in Santa Monica, CA, said at-home kits have the ability to increase the number of people who test for STDs. “More people are apt to test in the privacy of their homes,” Valle told Healthline. She noted that increased testing can help reduce the spread of STDs and lead to earlier treatments. She does caution, however, that a person can receive a positive result while alone in their home without anybody to talk to or counsel them. “There are medical and emotional issues they could be dealing with without the help of a healthcare professional,” she said. Valle added that there are potential issues for someone who receives a negative test result at home. They can be satisfied there isn’t anything wrong with them despite having symptoms and not getting tested for other illnesses or conditions. What to know about chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is when a bacteria, virus, or parasite attacks the body. These infections, many times, don’t have symptoms. Some — but not all — STIs can develop into a sexually transmitted disease (STD). These diseases do produce symptoms in many people. All can be diagnosed with basic tests and treated with antibiotics. Chlamydia is usually transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex without a condom or other barrier protection. Some people who have chlamydia don’t have symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include: burning sensation during urination foul-smelling abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis unusual sores on or around the genitals rectal pain Gonorrhea can affect anybody, but it is most common among teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. It is also transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal unprotected sex. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 30 days after exposure. They include: discoloration and swelling at the penis opening testicular swelling and pain watery, creamy, or green discharge from the vagina pain or burning while urinating Trichomoniasis causes symptoms in only about 30% of people with the disease. When symptoms do appear, they include: vaginal discharge that is watery, creamy, or green vaginal spotting or bleeding frequent urination Valle said it is that important people get tested either at home or in a medical facility if they develop these symptoms. She recommends that people get tested before and after they get involved with a new romantic partner. “Overall, testing does help decrease the spread of these diseases,” she said.

Defunding Planned Parenthood could limit health services provided by the organization, most impacting lower-income households and people in rural areas. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether states can deny Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood because the organization’s clinics perform abortions. The Trump administration has also temporarily frozen $27 million in Title X family planning funding designated for Planned Parenthood. Experts say these funding reductions would reduce the health services provided by the organization, most impacting lower-income households and people in rural areas. The U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating over whether states have the right to deny Medicaid reimbursement funding to Planned Parenthood. The high court heard legal arguments on April 2 in a case stemming from South Carolina, where state leaders have decreed that Planned Parenthood should not receive Medicaid funding for any of its array of health services because abortions are performed at its clinics. The justices are expected to announce their decision in the case as early as June. For now, the court appears divided over the issue, according to the Associated Press. The question before the court is a technical one. It centers on whether a Medicaid recipient can sue over the right to choose their own healthcare provider. However, experts say a ruling in favor of South Carolina would limit the healthcare choices of people on Medicaid. Many of those patients say it can be difficult to find a healthcare professional outside of Planned Parenthood that accepts Medicaid.  “The Supreme Court is about to decide whether or not people who use Medicaid can fight against politically-driven, illegally-driven policies that want to take away access to their right to use government-based insurance to decide which provider they want to have,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, on Crooked Media’s “What a Day” podcast in a statement. The court hearing came just days after the Trump administration announced it is withholding tens of millions of dollars in Title X funding from Planned Parenthood as it looks into whether the organization is violating federal civil rights laws and President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Experts said the court ruling and the Title X decision could have far-reaching consequences. “The impacts could be significant,” Therea Cheng, MD, an assistant clinical professor of emergency medicine at the University of California San Francisco, told Healthline. “Planned Parenthood is a lifeline to basic reproductive health for many low-income people.” “Continuing to defund the work of women’s health supporters like Planned Parenthood is dangerous and leaves millions of people without resources,” Cynthia Plotch, co-founder of the women’s health products company Winx Health, told Healthline. “Now more than ever, it’s critical we continue fighting for education, resources, and solutions.” Medicaid and Planned Parenthood Since 1977, the Hyde Amendment approved by Congress has prohibited the use of federal funds to pay for abortion services, with only a few exceptions. According to Planned Parenthood’s most recent annual report, there were 392,000 abortions performed at the organization’s nearly 600 health centers in 2023. That was out of more than 9 million overall health services provided to 2 million people. Among the services were more than 4 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and more than 2 million services involving birth control. There were also more than 400,000 pap smears and breast exams. In addition, more than 1 million people used Planned Parenthood as a resource for education, programming, outreach, and training. About 34% of Planned Parenthood’s revenues, nearly $700 million, comes from funding such as Medicaid, government grants, and contracts. Experts say denying Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood reduces all the health services the organization offers and limits the options for the lower-income households the federal program covers. “This is creating a possible restriction of access for many patients for services that have nothing to do with abortion,” Lisa Valle, DO, OB-GYN and medical director of Oasis Women’s Sexual Function Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Healthline. “People turn to Planned Parenthood… not only for reproductive care but also for lifesaving cancer screenings,” added Plotch. “Defunding access will hurt our communities, leaving many without options. The reality is stark: when women don’t know their options, they can’t access them. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when women’s health is relegated to whispers behind closed doors.” Planned Parenthood and Title X funds Title X has provided funding for family planning programs for more than 50 years. Among the services it funds are birth control, pregnancy testing, assistance for becoming pregnant, and infertility services. The Trump administration has temporarily frozen $27 million in Title X funds to Planned Parenthood due to “possible violations” of executive orders that prohibited promotions based on diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as “taxpayer subsidization of open borders.” The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has given Planned Parenthood 10 days to respond to the allegations. Experts say this reduction in funding could have a wide range of impacts. “It’s endangering the health and welfare of families across the country,” said Cheng. “It’s creating chaos for providers and patients.” “Planned Parenthood is the only source of healthcare for patients who can’t get healthcare elsewhere,” noted Valle. “Title X funding supports critical healthcare services, like cervical and breast cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and HIV services. Clinics that rely on these funds may have to cut back on preventive care, potentially leading to higher rates of undiagnosed conditions,” said Plotch. “Simply put, the reduction of Title X funding poses a serious threat to reproductive health care access, particularly for low-income women, rural communities, and marginalized groups,” she added. “This will lead to worse health outcomes, increased unintended pregnancies, and greater health disparities across the country. We deserve better.”