Health

MultiPlan, a key player in the health insurance industry credited with helping major insurers save billions through minimized medical reimbursements, is currently going through a tumultuous period of increased regulatory and financial scrutiny. The New York-based company, which influences more than 100,000 health plans covering more than 60 million people, has come under fire for practices that could leave patients with large medical bills. Recent investigations have shed a harsh light on MultiPlan’s marketing tactics, which often result in insurers paying health care providers significantly less than they are charged. This strategy, while financially advantageous for insurers and MultiPlan, often…

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on Wednesday due to a rapid increase in mpox cases in more than a dozen African countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing the most severe outbreak, with more than 15,600 confirmed cases and 537 deaths reported by the UN agency. This surpasses the lethality of the 2022 mpox outbreak, which previously led to a PHEIC declaration. What you need to know about Mpox Previously known as monkeypox, the virus was renamed in 2022 following concerns raised by health authorities. Key points For…

At the Luxor Museum in Egypt, the statue of Amenhotep, a seated scribe from the 18th Dynasty (ca. 1550 BC - 1292 BC), embodies more than just artistic interpretation; it represents the physical toll of repetitive work endured by ancient scribes. These historical figures, integral to the bureaucratic machinery of ancient Egypt, likely experienced ergonomic problems similar to those faced by modern office workers. Ancient scribes, recognized more for their intellectual contributions than their manual labor, held positions of considerable respect. They were instrumental in administrative duties that included legal documentation and logistical planning, crucial to managing social resources and…

Doctors in New Brunswick, Canada, are grappling with a scientific conundrum: a group of patients with similar, unexplained neurological symptoms. This unfolding medical mystery has become a political firestorm. The story begins in late 2018 with Laurie Beatty, an 81-year-old who showed sudden behavioral changes. He became preoccupied with an old business, displaying confusion and disorientation. His condition rapidly worsened, leading to seizures and ultimately his death. Dozens of people affected by an unidentified disease Gabrielle Cormier, just 20 years old, is the youngest confirmed case in this cluster. Many others share her situation, suffering from a series of unexplained…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up its response to the mpox outbreak by declaring it a global health emergency. The declaration came on Wednesday, marking the second such declaration in the past three years as the virus rapidly spreads to multiple African nations. Currently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing the most severe impact of the outbreak, with a reported count of 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. The current outbreak has surpassed the severity of the 2022 episode, during which a similar emergency was declared. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was renamed in 2022 following concerns…

During his recent visit to New Orleans, President Biden announced a substantial investment of $150 million to advance cancer research. The funding, part of the administration's ambitious Cancer 'Moonshot' initiative, was unveiled during his visit to Tulane University with First Lady Jill Biden. The grants are intended to benefit eight leading research institutions, improving their capabilities in precision cancer surgery. This innovative approach aims to improve the accuracy of tumor removal and minimize the need for subsequent surgeries by using advanced imaging technologies to ensure complete removal of tumor cells at tumor sites. In his speech, President Biden emphasized the…

A new report highlights the growing mental health challenges faced by young adults, attributing the crisis to the combined pressures of economic instability, climate change and rapid technological advances. The findings call for a radical overhaul of approaches to mental health care. Chloé Johnson, a 22-year-old community college student and full-time worker, embodies the struggles of many young people today. Balancing a low-paying job with education, while dealing with financial challenges like car repairs, symbolizes the economic strain faced by countless young adults. Key points Mental health problems disproportionately affect young people. Economic hardship, climate anxiety and rapid technological change…

A major new study challenges the idea that moderate alcohol consumption offers heart health benefits for older adults. Researchers in Britain tracked more than 135,000 people ages 60 and older for 12 years. The study found that even light alcohol consumption was linked to an increased risk of cancer-related deaths, particularly among those with underlying health conditions or living in low-income areas. These findings support a growing trend toward more stringent alcohol consumption guidelines. Traditionally, light to moderate drinking has been thought to offer some protection against heart disease. This study, however, found no evidence of such benefits in older…

Millions of people rely on convenient mail-order prescriptions for essential medications. However, scorching summer temperatures pose a hidden threat. Excessive heat and humidity can degrade the effectiveness of various medications, putting patients' health at risk. The problem goes beyond seasonal fluctuations. Extreme temperatures, even at other times of the year, can affect the chemical composition of drugs, making them less potent or potentially harmful. This is especially concerning for drugs such as insulin, birth control pills, and life-saving liquid medications used by transplant patients. While mail-order companies often use "weatherproof" packaging, independent studies raise concerns that medications exceed safe temperature…

Three research papers exploring MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD have been retracted by the journal Psychopharmacology. This follows the recent rejection of MDMA for this use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The retracted studies, written by researchers affiliated with Lykos Therapeutics, the company behind the rejected treatment application, were found to involve unethical conduct at one of the research sites. Lykos, however, maintains that the retracted research was not part of their submission to the FDA. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate over MDMA-assisted therapy. While some research suggests its potential in treating PTSD,…