Seniors in Care Facilities Have More Protection Available This Year: CDC Encourages Vaccination Against Flu, COVID-19 and RSV 

 New research in this week’s MMWR finds that most nursing home residents haven’t received an updated COVID-19 vaccine or the new RSV vaccine.   This year, for the first time, vaccines are available to protect older adults in the United States against all three fall/winter respiratory illnesses: flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Older Americans who are…

One of the Largest HIV Privacy Breach Payments Arriving in Mailboxes This Week

Los Angeles, CA – Checks for $1,821.58 were mailed late last week to hundreds of Californians whose confidential medical information—including their HIV status—was allegedly accessed and shared without their consent. The payment is part of the settlement of a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of a “John Doe” plaintiff by lawyers for the non-profit Consumer…

6 Things You Didn’t Know In Your Home That Can Cause Cancer

Could you be using, or even consuming, cancer-causing chemicals? Consumer health groups have studied many household products and warned that they contain carcinogens, or ingredients known to cause cancer. Here are the prime products to send packing, along with safer replacements to substitute: 1. Nonstick Cookware Pots, pans, and other cookware made with a nonstick…

Case count doubles and recalls expand in Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit products

A CDC food safety alert regarding an outbreak of Salmonella infections has been updated: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html    Key Points: Since the last update on November 17, 2023, an additional 56 people infected with this outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from an additional 17 states, creating a total case count of 99 people in 32…

CDC warns of Listeria outbreak linked to peaches, nectarines, and plums   

A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/peaches-11-23/index.html     Key Points:  Eleven people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from seven states. Ten people have been hospitalized and one person has died.  Interviews with sick people and laboratory findings show that whole peaches,…

New Ways to Prevent RSV Infections

 SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – A new monoclonal antibody and anti-viral vaccines are coming for the first time to protect against RSV, Respiratory Syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) Virus. LaSalle Medical Associates clinics will be providing these breakthroughs to patients this fall. “RSV is a cold-like virus that is usually mild but can put some people in the hospital,”…

California Awards $144 Million To Break Down Barriers To Care

Investments Will Further Transform and Strengthen Medi-Cal, Helping Millions of Californians SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is investing $144 million in 145 Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports organizations and providers across the state as part of the Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) Capacity and Infrastructure, Transition, Expansion,…

American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Association of Clinicians for the Underserved announce partnership to address lifestyle-related chronic disease health disparities

Both organizations will collaborate to advance strategic initiatives that diversify the medical workforce and support FQHC primary care providers serving historically medically underserved communities ST. LOUIS, Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), a 10,000-member medical professional association, and the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU), which serves more…

CDC Releases Data on Chronic Diseases and Related Risk Factors 

2022 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) are now available through CDC’s easy-to-use web-based tool. Data topics include health-related behaviors, chronic health conditions, health-care access, and use of preventive services.   Topics include:  Alcohol Use   Arthritis  Asthma   Cancer Screening  Diabetes  Healthy Days  Heart Disease  HIV Testing  Immunizations  Mental and Physical…

Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter And Former Congressman Kendrick Meek Champion Natural Gas As A First Step To Equitably Fight Climate Change

in a growing number of leaders to put their signature on natural gas as a solution to combating climate change. Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future today announced the two are joining the Natural Allies Leadership Council. Mayor Nutter and Rep. Meek will serve alongside former Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and former Congressman Tim…

New Study Uncovers Shared Precursor Condition for Acne Keloidalis Nuchae and Primary Cicatricial Alopecias

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers at Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic in Los Angeles uncover a crucial link between two medically challenging conditions – Acne Keloidalis Nuchae and Primary Cicatricial Alopecias often called scarring alopecias. Published in the Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology journal under “Unveiling a Common Precursor Condition for…

10 Overlooked Signs They May Be Bipolar

When it comes to mental illness, there are plenty of stereotypes. But in reality, mood disorders can be hard to pinpoint—particularly in people with bipolar disorder symptoms. Don’t believe what you see in movies. You can’t tell just by looking at someone that they might be bipolar. Take beautiful actress Lisa Nicole Carson, who shared…

U.S. Departments of Education and Justice Release Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline

Today, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (Justice) jointly released a Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline. The Departments recognize and appreciate school administrators, teachers, and educational staff across the nation who work to administer student discipline fairly, and to…

No Menthol Sunday: A Day of Reflection, Education, and Action Against Tobacco Use

Faith Communities Come Together to Address the Public Health Crisis Caused by Menthol Cigarettes and Other Flavored Tobacco Products The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) encourages all African American congregations and spiritual institutions to come together on Sunday, May 21, for No Menthol Sunday.  No Menthol Sunday is the African American expression of…

5  Things  a  Hug  Can  Cure

Think that a hug is just a nice way to greet someone you haven’t seen in a long time? Think again. There’s a reason why hugs feel so good, there’s healing power in them. Seriously! Studies show that a 20-second hug, along with 10 minutes of hand-holding, also reduces the harmful physical effects of stress,…

4 Essential Heart Tests For A Longer Life

For decades, doctors had nothing more sophisticated than a stress test to identify potential heart problems. Not anymore. Cardiologists now use advanced imaging and blood tests that give a much more accurate assessment of heart attack risk. These tests are the best ways to tell who is in danger, because they can catch cardiovascular disease…

Reps. Pappas & Calvert Introduce HEARTS Act to Prioritize Non-Animal Testing Methods in NIH Research

Washington, D.C. (February 14, 2023) – On a day devoted to matters of the heart, Congressmembers Chris Pappas (NH-1) and Ken Calvert (CA-42) announce the re-introduction of the HEARTS Act (Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act) of 2023 legislation that encourages the use and development of humane, and effective alternatives to…