Health

In recent news, the White House has made a significant announcement that marks a new chapter in health care policy. This development is the culmination of years of tireless effort: For the first time, the U.S. government has successfully negotiated drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies. This achievement is noteworthy because the battle to reduce health care costs has always been daunting; thus, Medicare’s new ability to negotiate marks a pivotal moment. In the United States, an estimated 18 million people struggle to afford essential medications. As a result, any reduction in drug prices is likely to have a substantial…

Geri Taylor, a role model of courage in the face of Alzheimer's disease, passed away on August 4, 2024, at the age of 81. A former nurse, Taylor's life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2012. But instead of succumbing to despair, she embraced transparency and became a powerful advocate for others battling the disease. Taylor’s story gained national attention after a groundbreaking 2016 New York Times profile. The article chronicled her journey, highlighting the challenges and unexpected joys of living with Alzheimer’s. Determined to make a difference, Taylor and her husband Jim embarked on…

Researchers conducted a unique study involving 31 individuals, mostly males from the United States and the United Kingdom, who shared their experiences with both near-death states and psychedelics. The results of this study were recently published, shedding light on the complex relationship between these two profound states of consciousness. Study participants provided detailed descriptions of their encounters during near-death experiences and while on psychedelics. Although each experience was unique, notable similarities were also reported, suggesting an intriguing overlap between the two. One participant described experiencing an overwhelming sense of peace and love during his near-death experience, a feeling echoed by…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday greenlit a new round of annual COVID-19 vaccines, clearing the way for Americans of all ages to receive updated protection against the current summer surge. Vaccine giants Pfizer and Moderna will begin distributing doses to health care workers within days. These vaccines target the dominant variant that emerged this spring, although newer, more closely related strains are now circulating. All of these variants appear to be more transmissible than previous ones. The new boosters offer a critical lifeline for vulnerable populations, especially older adults, who have borne the brunt of COVID-related deaths…

Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, former head of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) medical devices division, presided over a period of increased device approvals and public health concerns. Although Dr. Shuren is retired, his tenure raises questions about potential conflicts of interest due to his wife’s work as an attorney representing medical device companies. A decade of overlap For 15 years, Dr. Shuren has overseen the approval process for a wide range of medical devices. His wife, Allison Shuren, is a senior partner at Arnold & Porter, a high-powered Washington law firm that represents medical device makers. Dr. Shuren has signed…

Recent congressional actions have highlighted concerns about certain health insurance practices that could increase financial burdens for both patients and employers. At the center of these investigations is MultiPlan, a well-known data analytics firm known for its role in helping insurers determine medical claim payout amounts. On Tuesday, Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), who hold leadership roles on a key House committee that deals with employer-sponsored insurance, sent a detailed request to a senior Labor Department official. They asked for a full explanation of the measures being taken against what they called “disturbing practices” in the health…

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised the mpox to a global health emergency. Shortly after this declaration, the Philippines confirmed its first case of the disease this year. Philippine health authorities announced the discovery of the disease, but did not disclose whether the individual was infected with the newer, more virulent Clade Ib strain that is currently predominant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is responsible for a surge in infections. The reported case involved the older Clade IIb strain that led to the global mpox outbreak in 2022. This development follows closely on the heels…

In the realm of medical advances, a significant breakthrough has emerged with the introduction of Neffy, a nasal spray that has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration. This innovative device stands out as the pioneering needle-free option for managing severe allergic reactions, offering significant relief to those with a deep fear of the injections typically associated with emergency treatments like the EpiPen. Dr. Michael Blaiss, a respected allergist at the Medical College of Georgia, highlights a common scenario in his practice: Patients are often reluctant to use traditional autoinjectors during allergy emergencies. Their apprehension is so great that…

Joshua Roman, a prodigious cellist known for his early debut in the world of music at the tender age of three, has had a formidable journey through the repercussions of the long COVID, which has profoundly affected his musical expressions. Pam Belluck, a reporter with expertise in long COVID and other health issues, sheds light on Roman’s experience after his diagnosis. Joshua’s career, marked by notable successes such as becoming the Seattle Symphony’s youngest principal cellist and performances with prestigious orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, took a dramatic turn in early 2021. On the heels of a performance…

Gabapentin, a drug originally developed for epilepsy, has found new life as a multipurpose pain reliever adopted by seniors for ailments ranging from nerve pain to muscle aches. This versatile medication has become a daily staple for many seniors seeking relief from chronic conditions. In Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, Mary Peart, 67, a retired nurse, recounts her experience with gabapentin, which she began using a year and a half ago to ease symptoms of fibromyalgia. The drug has significantly improved her mobility, allowing her to do daily activities like climbing stairs, walking her dog, and taking art classes. “It’s transformative,” she notes.…