Health

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

Despite previous assurances, former President Donald J. Trump continues to hide his medical records from the public. This continued secrecy raises concerns especially as he runs for office again, potentially becoming the oldest president in history by the end of his term. His refusal to share even the most basic health information remains a point of contention. During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump was reluctant to share his medical history, opting instead to release a brief statement from his doctor saying he would be "the healthiest individual ever elected president." His health again became the subject of intense speculation in 2020, when he was treated for COVID-19. At the time, the limited information provided by his medical team later turned out to be an unders...

Health systems are increasingly uploading therapists' progress reports to online patient portals, prompting unexpected reactions from some patients. This step towards digital transparency is intended to foster better patient engagement in their mental health care by providing them with direct access to session notes. However, the initiative has also raised concerns about privacy and the emotional impact on patients who may not be prepared to see detailed and sometimes critical assessments of their psychological profiles. For example, Jeffrey, a 76-year-old patient, shared his disturbing experience of finding his treatment notes online, which included deeply personal details and assessments of his mental health. This development in the healthcare sector raises important ques...

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

A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine raises serious concerns about the fragmented landscape of cannabis laws in the United States. The report argues that the current patchwork of regulations prioritizes economic gains over public health and safety. With 24 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories having legalized recreational cannabis and 13 others allowing its medicinal use, the need for a coordinated national strategy is increasingly urgent. The report highlights the dramatic increase in potency of cannabis products, particularly THC concentration. This increase in potency, combined with the proliferation of diverse cannabis products, poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as ado...

Liv Schmidt, a content creator known for her controversial weight management videos, was recently banned from TikTok following allegations that she promoted unhealthy eating behaviors. Despite amassing over 670,000 followers with her diet content, TikTok took action against her account after concerns were raised about the potential harm her videos could cause. According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, Liv Schmidt’s approach to dieting, which emphasizes severe calorie restriction, has sparked a debate about the line between promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging eating disorders. The conversation has expanded to include discussions about body positivity in today’s diet-focused social media environment. Before the ban, Schmidt was often criticized for her con...

Starting on September 23, 2024, the past few summer months have seen what seems like a relentless surge in infectious diseases, from avian influenza and mpox to dengue and eastern equine encephalitis, sparking widespread media attention and public concern. Apoorva Mandavilli, a senior journalist specializing in science and global health, explores whether this perceived increase in outbreaks is as significant as it seems, or whether increased public awareness is playing a role. Throughout the United States, vectors such as mosquitoes have transmitted diseases such as dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus. While dengue has shown notable incidences, other diseases such as malaria and Eastern equine encephalitis have not seen large outbreaks, suggesting that the intense focus on...

This title emphasizes the focus on new discoveries and treatments highlighted by the Lasker Awards. It avoids direct mention of specific diseases to maintain interest and encourage reading. Here is the text rewritten with the same main information but reformulated to make it more original: Scientists Honored with Prestigious Lasker Awards for Pioneering Work in Healthcare The Lasker Awards, a prestigious series of prizes that honor breakthroughs in medical research, were presented Thursday. This year's honorees tackled a range of challenges, from obesity and diabetes to infectious diseases and the body's natural defense mechanisms. The Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award honors a trio of scientists whose research on the key hormone GLP-1 has paved the way for revolutio...

In a recent public health advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy expressed concern about rising levels of stress among parents, suggesting that the demands of modern parenting are becoming unmanageable and burdensome. Historically, parental concerns have spanned a variety of topics, from health to safety. However, today's parents are grappling with unique challenges such as digital exposure, rising school violence, and other contemporary fears, adding to the traditional burdens of parenting. Dr. Murthy’s warning places parental stress in the same critical category as major health risks like smoking and HIV, indicating a significant increase in concern. This spike in stress is attributed to modern pressures to invest heavily in children’s educational and extracurricula...

Boar's Head has announced an indefinite closure of its Jarratt, Virginia, deli meat plant following a major listeria outbreak. The outbreak has been linked to nine deaths and affected multiple people in 18 states. The company has identified liverwurst production as the source of the contamination and has decided to permanently cease production. The plant closure affects about 500 employees who will receive severance packages and transfer offers, according to union representatives. Christina Jewett, who monitors the Food and Drug Administration’s food safety efforts, and Teddy Rosenbluth, a health reporter who is currently a Times Fellowship program, continue to provide updates on this ongoing story.