The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

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Addendum to What the DSM-5 Gets Wrong About Mental Illness

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Clinical Practice Diagnosis Health Systems
  1. The HiTOP model offers a different way to look at mental health by using sliding scales instead of strict categories for diagnoses. This helps avoid labeling people in a way that might cause stigma.
  2. Unlike the DSM-5, which uses clear diagnoses, the HiTOP focuses on understanding a person’s unique traits and where they fall on various scales. This allows for a more personalized approach to mental health treatment.
  3. There is a connection between the HiTOP model and the Big Five personality traits, suggesting that mental health issues can overlap with broader personality traits rather than being completely separate categories. This creates opportunities to better understand and treat mental health challenges.

Can Labour Fix the NHS?

Comment is Freed • 92 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Policy Government Economics
  1. Labour needs to improve the economy and the NHS to win a second term. If people feel better financially and notice changes in healthcare, that would help their chances.
  2. Although Labour has increased the NHS budget, the challenges are much greater now. The NHS is struggling with long waiting lists and a demoralized workforce.
  3. The government aims to shift focus from hospital care to prevention and community health, but they often do the opposite. Past strategies haven't worked, and they need to really commit to a new approach.

MenQuadfi Approval and the Pyramid Scheme of Vaccine Safety

Injecting Freedom • 46 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines FDA Public Health Safety Protocols Regulatory Affairs
  1. The FDA approved the MenQuadfi vaccine for infants based on a study that compared it to another vaccine, Menveo, even though both showed serious side effects.
  2. There's a chain reaction of approvals where previous vaccines are used as controls without proper safety testing, creating a cycle that's hard to break.
  3. The safety standards for these vaccines are questionable, as the FDA relies on the very companies selling the vaccines to explain away any serious problems.

Color Us Shocked: The World Health Organization Continues To Deny Reality In Order To Protect China

Unmasked • 41 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Health Policy Global Health
  1. The WHO is still not accepting that COVID-19 might have originated from a lab leak. Many people believe this lab in Wuhan is where the virus started.
  2. No clear natural way for the virus to move from bats to humans has been found. The lab was known for risky research which raises concerns.
  3. The safety standards at the lab were below what was required, which adds to the suspicion about its role in the pandemic.
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Current Pfizer Board Member and Former Trump Appointed FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb

Injecting Freedom • 116 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pharmaceuticals Health Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb made claims about vaccines that were proven to be false. It's important to double-check facts, especially when discussing health topics.
  2. Gottlieb's connection to Pfizer raises questions about conflicts of interest when he criticizes others in the vaccine debate. It shows that personal interests can affect public statements.
  3. There is a call for more open discussions about vaccines and health issues. Honest debates can help clarify misunderstandings and improve public knowledge.

A note from a pediatrician who supports the US vaccination schedule

Unreported Truths • 41 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Healthcare policy
  1. Vaccines can prevent serious diseases that many people might not see anymore, but they can still be very harmful. It's important to remember how bad these diseases can be.
  2. The pediatrician believes that the COVID vaccine should be a choice for parents, not forced. He thinks the way the vaccine was pushed caused some people to trust vaccines less.
  3. He supports newer treatments like those for RSV but worries about their availability. Vaccines and treatments can save lives and reduce hospital visits for kids.

Canada Is Losing The War On Measles

Marginally Compelling • 9 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Infectious Disease Public Health Epidemiology Outbreak Response Healthcare policy
  1. Canada has lost measles elimination status because the virus has been spreading locally for over 12 months, so measles is now endemic there.
  2. The ongoing outbreaks seem to have started in undervaccinated, tight-knit communities (notably a Mennonite gathering) that seeded continuous transmission and occasional spillovers into the wider population.
  3. This shows how fragile disease control is and that high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and targeted outreach are needed to prevent and contain wider outbreaks.

COVID-Era 'Experts' Are Once Again Having A Meltdown

Unmasked • 125 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Trust Issues Covid response
  1. Many experts during the COVID-19 pandemic failed to remain unbiased and instead became political advocates. This led to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. The phrase 'follow the science' was often used to dismiss individual opinions, which made it hard for some people to voice their concerns or disagreements.
  3. Despite low trust ratings in health agencies and experts, there does not seem to be a push for humility or respect from them towards the public.

Former CDC Director Robert Redfield has called for the mRNA shots to be pulled. He'll be on VSRF live tomorrow to talk about it.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Vaccine Safety Public Health Pandemic response Government Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Former CDC Director Robert Redfield is publicly calling for COVID mRNA vaccines to be pulled.
  2. He claims the CDC knew about vaccine harms very early and has written a book outlining his concerns.
  3. He will discuss these claims and his book live on VSRF this Thursday at 7pm Eastern.

Le lien entre alcool et crime

L'Atelier Galita • 39 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Alcohol Crime
  1. Alcohol consumption can be linked to an increase in criminal behavior.
  2. During a mental health training, the question of whether schizophrenia increases the likelihood of committing a crime was raised.
  3. Exploring the connection between alcohol and criminal activity can provide insights into societal issues and potential preventative measures.

The one way smoking makes you healthier

Eat Shit and Prosper • 159 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Prevention Neurology Addiction
  1. Smoking may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Studies show that smokers are less likely to get this condition compared to nonsmokers.
  2. Both coffee and smoking have been linked to lower chances of Parkinson's disease. Drinking more coffee appears to provide a similar protective effect.
  3. Constipation can be an early sign of Parkinson's disease, sometimes showing up years before other symptoms. Smoking and coffee might help keep things moving in the gut, which could play a role in reducing Parkinson's risk.

Hospital megasystems join insurers in a pattern of mergers and acquisitions, patients pay the price.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Medical Debt Health Insurance Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. Many hospital systems are merging with insurers, making healthcare more expensive for patients. This means folks often end up paying out-of-pocket costs that can be shockingly high.
  2. Patients with insurance are still struggling financially due to high deductibles. Even insured people can find themselves unable to afford medical bills, leading some to sell their homes or declare bankruptcy.
  3. There is a growing concern that hospital mergers are not improving care or lowering costs. Policymakers are being urged to look at how these changes are affecting patients and the overall healthcare system.

My revised $1M offer to Paul Offit

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Epidemiology Medical Research Health Policy Science communication
  1. A $1 million challenge invites an expert to defend a JAMA study that claims mRNA vaccination did not increase 4-year all-cause mortality, with impartial judges to decide the winner.
  2. The critic argues the study is too confounded to draw reliable conclusions about non-COVID deaths because retrospective propensity-weighted cohorts (and 1:1 matching) cannot fully adjust for bias.
  3. The challenge is presented as educational and non-accusatory, aiming to clarify interpretation of published science, and it includes a prediction that the invited expert will likely decline.

Synformation: Epistemic Capture meets AI

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Ethics Pharmaceutical industry Policy Making Misinformation
  1. There's a new trend where fake or manipulated information is being seen as normal, especially through advanced AI technology. This can distort our understanding of reality.
  2. Many aspects of health knowledge, especially related to vaccines, are heavily influenced by big pharmaceutical companies. This means that the way we understand health decisions might be biased or not fully trustworthy.
  3. With the rise of AI, it's becoming easier for fake research and information to spread quickly. This creates a risk that our sources of knowledge could become less reliable in the future.

Suggestions for a Practical Way of Responding to RFK, Jr: Reflections from an Infectious Disease Doctor

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 115 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Infectious Diseases Health Policy
  1. Don't assume bad intentions of people like RFK Jr. Even if you disagree with them, it's important to recognize that they may genuinely care about public health.
  2. Instead of labeling individuals as 'quacks,' it's smarter to engage with their arguments and acknowledge when they make valid points. This can earn more respect.
  3. Being honest about past mistakes in public health can help rebuild trust with the community. Acknowledging errors makes it easier to improve in the future.

What About ACIP’s Non-Voting Members?

Injecting Freedom • 42 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Industry Influence Regulatory Affairs Safety concerns
  1. Pharmaceutical companies have a lot of influence in vaccine discussions, making it hard to focus on safety.
  2. Adding more diverse non-voting members to vaccine committees could help balance the interests represented.
  3. This change could make health agencies better serve the public instead of just industry interests.

Outbreak Outlook - National - June 30

Force of Infection • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Infectious Diseases COVID-19 Healthcare policy Epidemiology
  1. A summer wave of COVID-19 is expected to start in July, even though current activity is low. It's important to stay aware and prepared for changes in the situation.
  2. Flu cases are very low right now, with minimal activity reported across all states. It seems like there's not much to worry about regarding flu-related illnesses at this moment.
  3. Hospitalization rates are also low, which is a good sign for overall health. There are only 0.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, indicating that things are currently stable.

An Irony of the Eugenics Objection to PGT-P

Parrhesia • 494 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Bioethics Eugenics
  1. Opposing polygenic screening due to eugenics objections may overlook the importance of informed reproductive choices.
  2. The immorality in eugenics lies in coercion and harming people, not in the goal of improving population health.
  3. It's important to have nuanced discussions about controversial topics like PGT-P, focusing on justice and informed decision-making.

COVID Restrictions - Embraced Enthusiastically By Government Establishment - Were Indisputably Pointless, New Study Finds

Unmasked • 86 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID Policies Government actions Health Impact Epidemiology
  1. COVID restrictions, like lockdowns and mask mandates, didn't really help stop the spread of the virus. They ended up costing a lot of money without making a difference.
  2. Many people still feel the effects of these restrictions today, like vaccine passports and other rules that came from government policies.
  3. After lifting restrictions, there weren't big spikes in COVID cases, which suggests that the rules might not have worked as intended.

ChatGPT just confirmed: All of the fully vaxxed/unvaxxed studies show vaccines cause autism

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Autism Public Health Medical Ethics Parenting
  1. There are studies comparing autism rates in vaccinated and unvaccinated kids, but some argue these studies have flaws. Critics say they lack reliable data or use biased methods.
  2. A researcher mentioned that the majority of large studies show no link between vaccines and autism. This is a point of disagreement among many people.
  3. If a child suddenly develops autism, there is a survey available for parents. It's a quick way for them to share their experiences with autism onset.

Does RFK Jr have a guiding philosophy or is he just spitballing?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 112 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Regulation Philosophy Public Health Medical Ethics
  1. RFK Jr. has a distinct philosophy focused on skepticism towards corporations and promoting body autonomy. He is against vaccine mandates and supports personal choice in health decisions.
  2. Vivek Ramaswamy believes in reducing FDA regulations to make it easier for drug companies to operate, but he emphasizes the need for safety studies without enforcing unrealistic efficacy requirements.
  3. The current FDA leaders, like Scott Gottlieb and Bob Califf, prioritize corporate interests and maintain high drug prices. Many feel they don't push for the best evidence and often end up working for pharmaceutical companies after leaving government.

5 Lessons from Stanford's COVID Conference

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 129 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Education & Policy Mental health Data Analysis
  1. Closing elementary schools during the pandemic may have been a bad idea because kids were not significant spreaders of COVID-19. Some experts, like Anders Tegnell from Sweden, believed this from the start.
  2. Many people now agree that long school closures were harmful, but some didn't speak up about it at the time. It shows the importance of questioning popular opinions instead of just following the crowd.
  3. Countries that had less income inequality tended to handle the pandemic better than those with more inequality. Access to basic healthcare might have played a bigger role than strict lockdowns or border closures.

Outbreak Outlook, Jan 15

Force of Infection • 88 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Healthcare access Epidemiology Vaccination
  1. Influenza-like illness was slightly down recently, but it's too early to declare we've passed the peak. It's a hopeful sign, and we'll see if the trend continues.
  2. Kids aged 0-4 showed some improvement in severe illness, while older age groups are still facing rising hospital visits. Trends often lag in adults, so changes might come soon.
  3. Covid-19 indicators are mixed; some emergency visits have decreased, but wastewater data suggests the virus is still spreading. More updates will come next week.

mRNA Covid jabs often cause long-term thyroid damage, a big new study shows

Unreported Truths • 49 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Autoimmunity Research Chronic Illness
  1. A new study shows that people who got mRNA Covid vaccines had a 30% higher chance of developing thyroid disease after a year compared to those who didn't get vaccinated. This means many might be facing thyroid issues globally.
  2. The risk of thyroid problems grows over time, and those who received fewer shots in a year had an even higher risk of developing these issues. This suggests that the vaccines might cause long-term autoimmune reactions.
  3. The thyroid plays a crucial role in our metabolism and health, and these newly found connections could lead to serious issues for many people, like heart problems or anxiety, over time.

New JAMA paper claim vaccines reduced COVID deaths by 75% and were associated with a 25% reduction in non-COVID ACM. Here are the flaws.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology Health Policies
  1. The study's matching process was flawed because it couldn't do proper 1:1 matching due to privacy laws. This means their claims about vaccine benefits are questionable.
  2. Analysis of excess mortality trends in France suggests there were no significant benefits from the vaccines, as there was no noticeable drop in death rates.
  3. Even the best matching techniques can't fully address the healthy vaccinee effect, meaning the results of this study are likely not reliable.

FDA Exposed: Hundreds of Drugs Approved Without Proof They Work

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 36 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Regulation Pharmaceuticals Public Health Drug Approval Patient Safety
  1. Many drugs have been approved by the FDA without solid proof that they actually work. This means patients might be taking medication that doesn't help them at all.
  2. The FDA's approval process has become too focused on getting drugs to market quickly rather than ensuring they are genuinely safe and effective. This can lead to harmful or ineffective treatments being available for long periods.
  3. Many doctors and patients misunderstand what FDA approval really means. Just because a drug is approved doesn’t mean it has clear benefits or is safe to use.

Assisted Suicide

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Policy End of Life Care Patient rights
  1. Assisted suicide is a complex and emotional topic that many people face, especially those with terminal illnesses. It raises important questions about how we support those in suffering.
  2. In some places, like Canada, the approach to physician-assisted suicide is becoming more common and complicated. This shift impacts many lives and decisions.
  3. Personal experiences with assisted suicide can be profound and challenging. Sharing these stories helps us understand the real-life implications of this practice.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 6

Force of Infection • 90 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Health Education Food Safety
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are at a peak, especially affecting young children the most. Parents should be cautious and ensure their kids are staying healthy during this time.
  2. COVID-19 levels are rising again, with some regions seeing more severe cases. It's important to stay vigilant and consider precautions if you're in a high-risk area.
  3. Norovirus is spreading quickly, with test positivity rates very high. It's a good idea to wash hands frequently and be aware of food recalls to avoid sickness.

A closer look: what you need to know about insurance companies' and PBMs' "copay accumulator" scheme

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Legislation Pharmaceuticals Chronic Illness
  1. Copay accumulators are a practice where insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) do not count patient discounts towards their deductible. This forces patients to pay more out of pocket for expensive medications later in the year.
  2. Many patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, are impacted by these accumulators, facing higher healthcare costs that can lead to stress and difficult financial choices. Advocacy groups are working to raise awareness and ban this practice.
  3. Insurance companies argue copay accumulators help control drug costs, but many believe it's just a way to make more money at patients' expense. Some states are taking steps to ban it, but many patients still lack protection.

Hospitals are not hiding Covid cases. There really isn't much Covid around right now. Be wary of those who say otherwise.

Independent SAGE continues • 19 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Data interpretation Vaccine Efficacy Healthcare policy
  1. Currently, there are low levels of Covid in hospitals and the community. The data suggest that the situation is better than many people think.
  2. Some claims about high Covid cases and hospitalizations are misleading. It's important to examine the evidence and context behind those claims.
  3. Overall, the chances of getting severely sick from Covid are much lower now than before, thanks largely to vaccinations and improved immunity.

CVS/Aetna's $9 billion in profits paid for a lavish party and stock buybacks. Not patients' medical claims.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Corporate Profits Patient Advocacy Medical Debt Insurance Industry
  1. CVS/Aetna made $9 billion in profits, which they used for parties and buying back stocks, not helping patients with their medical costs.
  2. Many patients are struggling with high out-of-pocket medical expenses, leading them to seek help through crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe.
  3. Executives at CVS/Aetna are making huge salaries, while the company is spending less on actual patient care, raising concerns about corporate priorities in healthcare.

Massive Danish study finds a statistically significant link between aluminum and health conditions, but they manipulated the data to show the opposite

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Research Ethics Data Manipulation Health Policy
  1. A Danish study claims that aluminum exposure reduces autism and asthma risks, but many think the data was manipulated.
  2. There is no scientific reason to believe that injecting aluminum improves health, and no doctors recommend this treatment.
  3. The study's results are questioned because other evidence shows high aluminum levels in the brains of autistic children.

Health Expert States There's Basically Zero Evidence Supporting N95 Masks. But At Least There's Significant Side Effects

Unmasked • 83 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Health Policy Mask Mandates
  1. There is little evidence that N95 masks are effective, and they may cause significant side effects.
  2. Many health experts and officials seem unwilling to learn from past COVID-19 failures, which could lead to repeated mistakes.
  3. With the possibility of mask mandates returning, it's important for people to question the policies and their actual effectiveness.

'Experts' Running The COVID Playbook Again As Mask Mandates Return

Unmasked • 86 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Pandemic response
  1. Some COVID-19 policies were based on arrogance and made without admitting they failed. It's worrying when experts ignore their mistakes and push for restrictions continuously.
  2. The pandemic showed how dangerous it is when authority figures act with big egos and lack accountability. This issue hasn't disappeared even years later.
  3. Despite all the evidence against them, some people still believe in the effectiveness of masks. Many experts have criticized masks, saying they haven't worked as promised.

Here is what you need to know in healthcare this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 279 implied HN points • 20 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Insurance Issues Medicare Policy Impact Public Health
  1. Insulin prices have skyrocketed, and many diabetics are struggling to afford it. In fact, out-of-pocket spending for insulin doubled from 2007 to 2019 for those on Medicare.
  2. High-deductible health plans are making it harder for low-income workers to get preventative care. People earning less than $75,000 a year often avoid necessary medical check-ups due to high costs.
  3. Private insurers are paying much more for healthcare services than Medicare, which leads to higher premiums for consumers. This shows that privatizing healthcare isn't necessarily better for controlling costs.

What I'm Reading: PBM front groups, Biden on prior authorization and American's $88 billion medical debt problem

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Medical Debt Insurance policies
  1. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have a big impact on drug prices, often leading to high out-of-pocket costs for patients. Many people don't know much about PBMs, and there's a push to educate more on their role in the healthcare system.
  2. Big insurance companies are under scrutiny for using front groups to lobby against healthcare reforms. These groups aim to protect their profits, especially in areas like Medicare Advantage plans, while avoiding direct public backlash.
  3. Prior authorization is increasingly being criticized for delaying medical care due to insurance companies denying necessary treatments. Both the Biden administration and many states are looking to reform this process to improve access to care.

Suing the Government for Covid Vaccine Injuries is Not the Answer

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Government Accountability Public awareness
  1. Taxpayers should not bear the burden of Covid vaccine injury claims, the actual wrongdoers should be held accountable.
  2. Awareness is crucial as some governments have acknowledged Covid vaccine safety issues and started compensation programs.
  3. Seeking accountability from all involved in pushing the vaccines, from pharmaceutical companies to public figures, is necessary for justice.

What is happening to medical students?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 220 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics AMA Political Activism Medical education Leadership
  1. Students shouting down speakers at the University of Chicago raised concerns about their behavior and the medical school's leadership.
  2. Debating whether the AMA should issue a statement on the war highlighted the complexities of making impactful statements and maintaining professional standards.
  3. The lack of courage in inviting diverse speakers and fostering debate in medical schools may contribute to a culture of protest among students.

URGENT: A young child died of cardiac arrest after being jabbed during Moderna's key Covid vaccine trial

Unreported Truths • 84 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Clinical Trials Policy decisions Safety concerns
  1. A young child died from cardiac arrest after receiving a Moderna Covid vaccine during a trial. This incident hasn't been publicly reported in official channels.
  2. Moderna did not mention the child's death in their published results, raising concerns about transparency in their clinical trial process.
  3. The safety results from the trial show that children given the Moderna vaccine had more serious side effects compared to those who received a placebo.