Emergency rooms across the Midwest are seeing an increase in cases linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness caused by bites from the lone star tick. The condition, which the CDC estimates may affect up to 450,000 Americans, triggers severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions to mammalian products, including meat, dairy, and even everyday items like lotions or lip balms c…

A recent Gallup poll shows U.S. alcohol consumption has reached a record low, with only 54% of adults reporting they drink. Public awareness of alcohol’s health risks—such as increased cancer, depression, and anxiety—appears to be influencing behavior, particularly among younger adults. Only 50% of Americans ages 18–34 drink, and two-thirds view moderate drinking as harmful. Researchers note…

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have released their first new blood pressure guidelines since 2017, emphasizing earlier intervention and stronger lifestyle changes. For adults with systolic readings of 130–139 mm Hg, providers are now advised to begin with lifestyle modifications and move to medication if needed within months, lowering the threshold for treatme…

Texas health officials have declared the measles outbreak that began in West Texas earlier this year officially over, following 762 confirmed cases, mostly among unvaccinated children. Two unvaccinated school-age children died, marking the first U.S. measles deaths in over a decade. The outbreak originated in a community with low vaccination coverage and highlighted the critical role of public…

The FDA is considering a black-box warning for antidepressant use during pregnancy, prompting debate among medical experts. While some studies suggest serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may pose risks to fetal development, leading to concerns about miscarriage, low birth weight, or organ effects, physicians emphasize that untreated maternal depression carries significantly higher risks for b…

Chronic insomnia affects roughly 12% of Americans, contributing to daytime fatigue, depression, reduced motivation, accidents, and lost productivity. Experts increasingly recognize that insomnia can precede and predict depression, highlighting its bidirectional relationship with mental health. Modern work schedules, multiple jobs, blurred work-life boundaries, and widespread exposure to artific…

The Public Health Communication Collaborative (PHCC) Academy recently marked its one-year anniversary, offering public health professionals new opportunities to strengthen communication skills through both on-demand and live sessions. This fall, two interactive learning series are available to help practitioners sharpen their approach to critical challenges. Strengthening Public Health Commun…

The FDA announced that the longstanding shortage of sodium chloride 0.9% intravenous (IV) saline, ongoing since 2018, has now been resolved. The shortage worsened after Hurricane Helene flooded a key Baxter manufacturing plant, responsible for 60% of the nation’s supply, forcing hospitals to ration IV fluids and delay elective procedures. This situation exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S. med…

New CDC data show that while U.S. consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has declined slightly, they still account for more than half of Americans’ daily calories — and nearly 62% for children. UPFs, which are typically high in added sugars, fats, and preservatives, are linked to increased risk for chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The findings highlight the continued challe…