The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

Understanding mysterious outbreaks

Force of Infection • 70 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology Public Health Outbreaks Disease Control Health Policy
  1. Mysterious outbreaks often fall into three categories: known diseases, rare diseases, and completely new diseases. It's important to understand these categories to respond effectively.
  2. The most common cause of an outbreak is usually a known disease that flares up, especially in areas with poor healthcare resources. These can be serious but are often easier to manage.
  3. Outbreaks of rare or new diseases are the most concerning. They require quick action because they can be very dangerous and might not have available treatments or vaccines.

HOW IRONIC: Corporate health insurance consultants blame high medical costs on our "bad habits" and "overuse" of system.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Insurance Issues Medical Debt Patient Advocacy
  1. Health insurance consultants often blame people's bad habits for rising medical costs, while huge insurance companies are making record profits. This seems very unfair to the average person trying to access affordable care.
  2. Many insured Americans are still struggling with medical debt and high out-of-pocket expenses. It's tough when even people with insurance can't afford their medications or treatments.
  3. The focus should be on the greed of insurance companies rather than blaming individuals. Insurers could help lower costs, but they often choose profit over patient care, leaving many people in financial trouble.

Former US Surgeon General is spreading misinformation again: The new BMJ study does NOT conflict with the HHS advice to avoid Tylenol

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Misinformation Medical Research
  1. The recent BMJ study does not clearly link maternal use of Tylenol to autism or ADHD, but it highlights the studies' low reliability.
  2. There's a 25-35% increased risk of ADHD and autism from prenatal Tylenol exposure, which is concerning enough to warrant further research.
  3. It's important not to stop researching the potential risks of Tylenol during pregnancy, despite some claims encouraging otherwise.

Interested in health care? This is what you should be reading.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 13 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Issues Policy Analysis Patient Advocacy
  1. Healthcare in the U.S. can be very expensive, even for people who have insurance. Many are struggling to pay out-of-pocket costs and are skipping necessary doctor visits or medications.
  2. People often turn to GoFundMe pages to raise money for their medical expenses. Sadly, those who are most likely to succeed in this fundraising are usually the privileged ones, making the problem worse for those in need.
  3. There are serious flaws in Medicare's prescription drug coverage, leading to high costs for many older Americans. Some can face over $10,000 a year on medications, which highlights the need for better healthcare solutions.

Robert Califf the FDA commissioner is making inappropriate and irresponsible claims about vaccines and boosters on twitter

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 176 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics FDA Vaccines Boosters Misinformation Twitter
  1. FDA commissioner Robert Califf is making inappropriate claims about vaccines and boosters on Twitter.
  2. Califf's claims are not supported by randomized trials, which go against FDA standards.
  3. Califf is spreading misinformation and using low quality evidence, acting more like a Pfizer spokesperson than a respected academic and scholar.
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It Is Now Clear Why Masks Never Worked

Unmasked • 46 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Health Research Vaccine debate
  1. Masks did not effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19, as shown by multiple studies over the years. Many places that enforced strict mask mandates still experienced high infection rates.
  2. Experts originally agreed that masks weren’t necessary for the general public, and later claims to the contrary were proven wrong. The research all along suggested masks wouldn't help during a pandemic.
  3. Experiments during the pandemic showed that forcing people, including children, to wear masks didn’t make a difference in controlling the virus, ultimately leading to a conclusion that the mandates were ineffective.

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Redux—WPATH Edition

Skeptic • 149 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Medical Ethics Gender Dysphoria
  1. The text discusses various historical instances of mass delusions and societal crazes, pointing out the trend of people collectively falling for false beliefs and slowly recovering from them.
  2. The article highlights the rise of the trans movement and issues like Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria, shedding light on concerns about medical ethics, pseudoscientific practices, and potential harm to vulnerable individuals.
  3. There is a critique of WPATH's approach to transgender healthcare, questioning the lack of evidence-based practices, informed consent, and the push for invasive treatments without appropriate consideration for the patients' well-being.

Big insurer Anthem took in $38 billion in the first 3 months of 2022. Most of it by far came from taxpayers.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 28 Apr 22
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Public funding Medicare Medicaid
  1. Anthem's revenue has shifted significantly, with most of its income now coming from taxpayer-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid rather than private-paying customers.
  2. The employer-based health insurance system is declining rapidly as many employers can no longer afford to provide coverage, affecting the number of private-paying customers.
  3. Despite growing profits largely from private-paying clients, many of Anthem's customers are struggling to afford out-of-pocket costs, leading to increased financial hardships.

New CDC-Funded Study Finds Some Vaccinated Children More Likely To Get COVID

Unmasked • 62 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines COVID-19 Misinformation
  1. A new study funded by the CDC shows that some vaccinated children may actually be more likely to get COVID. This surprises many who thought the vaccines would fully protect them.
  2. Many countries in Europe did not recommend COVID vaccines for children, raising questions about their necessity and safety in the U.S.
  3. There's a growing distrust in public health guidelines as experts appear to have given mixed messages on vaccines and their effectiveness.

Sec. Kennedy's Statement on the ACIP and Vaccine Trials

Who is Robert Malone • 26 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Child Health Regulations Clinical Trials
  1. Children in some states need to get a lot of vaccines to attend school, but many of these vaccines haven't been tested properly for safety. This can be seen as a serious concern.
  2. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has members who will now be more aligned with evidence-based decisions and will focus on the safety of vaccines for children.
  3. There are claims that many vaccines were studied in controlled trials, but many of those studies may not have used true placebos that would help show if the vaccines are safe or effective. This raises questions about the safety of the vaccines on the childhood schedule.

Judge halts New York City's plan to redirect tax dollars to private health insurance companies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Medicare Public Health
  1. A judge stopped New York City's plan to move municipal retirees into private Medicare Advantage plans. This decision allows them to stay in traditional Medicare without facing penalties.
  2. The city's plan aimed to save $600 million by pushing retirees into private insurance options, but this would have burdened taxpayers across the country. The plan depended on federal subsidies to work.
  3. There are concerns about Medicare Advantage plans, as they can limit access to necessary care and lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for retirees. Many believe that staying in traditional Medicare is safer and more reliable for their health needs.

In Defense of Artificial Reproduction

The 21st Century Proletarian • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Technology Feminism Social justice Women's Health
  1. Feminists like Shulamith Firestone have argued for technological advances in reproduction to challenge gender stereotypes and hierarchies.
  2. Rejecting the natural connection between women and motherhood is important to move towards gender equality and eliminate gender distinctions.
  3. Advocating for responsible use of artificial wombs can lead to progress in gender equality, but it should be approached cautiously with a focus on societal well-being.

What I'm reading in health care this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Issues Patient Care
  1. Doctors are facing a lot more claim denials this year, which is making their jobs harder and causing burnout. There's a push from healthcare providers for the government to change the rules around prior authorizations to help ease this burden.
  2. Patients with diabetes are struggling when companies switch them to high-deductible health plans. These plans can increase the chances of serious health issues and financial troubles for patients who need regular care.
  3. The government is looking closely at Medicare Advantage plans due to concerns about overpayments to insurers. Changes could be on the way that would affect how these plans operate and the money insurers can make from them.

Why do so many people have ultra-high levels of anti-spike antibodies years after receiving Covid mRNA jabs?

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Medical Research Disease Prevention Antibodies
  1. Many people are showing very high levels of anti-spike antibodies long after getting COVID mRNA vaccines. It's surprising to see that these levels can remain so elevated for years.
  2. The persistent presence of these antibodies raises concerns about potential long-term health effects. We really don't know yet what this means for people's health.
  3. There are important questions we need to answer about why some people have such high antibody levels. Understanding this is key to figuring out if there are any risks involved.

Diversion #4 Answers

Sensible Medicine • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Hospitals
  1. The post mentions various medical centers like BI, Deke, and General, along with locations like Chicago and American public hospitals.
  2. There's an invitation to subscribe to Sensible Medicine for a 7-day free trial to access more content like the one provided in the post.
  3. Physicians like Adam Cifu, MD, are contributors to the content shared on the platform.

Cochlear Implant Users Face Grim Future Without Repair or Upgrades

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Devices Right-to-repair E-Waste Cybersecurity Legislation
  1. Cochlear implant users, especially low-income earners, face challenges when their devices become obsolete or in need of repair, potentially leading to loss of hearing if they can't afford upgrades.
  2. Repairing electronics could save Americans $50 billion annually; household could save approximately $382 per year by repairing electronics instead of replacing them.
  3. Tensions between corporate profits and the care of individuals emerge in the realm of medical devices, showing the importance of supporting repair initiatives and community aid over consumption.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 18

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Vaccination Health Policy Public Health Food Safety
  1. RSV and flu-like illnesses are starting to rise as we get deeper into winter, especially among young kids. But overall, flu activity remains low for now.
  2. Covid-19 cases are still very low across the country, and hospitalizations due to the virus have decreased. Most areas show low wastewater levels for Covid-19.
  3. Norovirus is on the rise, especially in the South, and other respiratory viruses are also becoming more common. It's a good time to stay aware of food recalls linked to contamination.

IT'S JUST SPIN: UnitedHealth Group touts out-of-pocket savings that patients will never see.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Public Health Pharmaceuticals Healthcare Costs
  1. Only a small percentage of UnitedHealth policyholders will actually benefit from announced out-of-pocket savings, making the impact very limited.
  2. The company's marketing creates a misleading impression that many will save money, but most won't qualify for these benefits.
  3. UnitedHealth seems more focused on boosting profits and shareholder returns than on genuinely helping patients with affordable medications.

On the awful Catch-22 the media and public health face over Covid jabs

Unreported Truths • 76 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Media Trust Government Accountability Risk Communication
  1. Many people now believe that mRNA Covid shots are not safe or effective. This has led to a significant drop in the number of people getting vaccinated, even in areas that previously supported vaccinations.
  2. Public health officials and media outlets are still trying to promote the Covid vaccines as if they are widely accepted. This disconnect is causing more distrust among the public toward health authorities.
  3. There is a growing realization that mistakes were made in how the Covid vaccines were marketed. Acknowledging these errors is important for restoring trust in health institutions and science.

The Endless Cycle Of Insanity Continues: Mask Mandates Are Back Again

Unmasked • 75 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policies COVID-19 Government Response Misinformation
  1. Mask mandates are returning in some areas, like California, as winter approaches. This has happened repeatedly since 2020.
  2. There is a belief that these mask mandates have failed to prevent illness in the past. Many are questioning why they are being reinstated again.
  3. Some people feel that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the mask policies and the studies supporting them. This creates confusion about their actual effectiveness.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 11

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy
  1. Covid-19 levels are low in most areas, but there are still slight increases, especially in the Midwest. Make sure you're keeping an eye on your health and any symptoms.
  2. Influenza-like illness is starting to rise, particularly in young children, as we move into flu season. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is a good time to do so.
  3. Norovirus is currently higher in some regions, but it has dropped slightly overall. It's a reminder to keep practicing good hygiene, especially during this time of year.

These two helped get us into the health care mess we're in. Maybe they can help get us out.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medical Debt Consumerism Public Health
  1. High-deductible health plans make people avoid necessary care because they can't afford the out-of-pocket costs. This leads many to skip doctor visits and medications.
  2. Many Americans with insurance are still facing financial struggles, often leading to medical debt and even bankruptcy. This happens because their insurance doesn't cover enough of their medical expenses.
  3. Healthcare executives need to rethink their strategies. The current focus on 'consumerism' has created serious problems for patients, pushing many to choose between essential care and basic living expenses.

UCSF has match day outdoors & plans on contact tracing... in 2024

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 132 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical education Public Health Risk management
  1. Population immunity to COVID-19 is high, making large outdoor gatherings unnecessary. Holding events outdoors may not significantly impact transmission and could be inconvenient.
  2. There is little evidence to support the need for contact tracing in 2024. The effectiveness of contact tracing for the virus is questionable.
  3. Medical school policies may sometimes prioritize perceived safety over rational decision-making, potentially impacting student experiences and learning.

Integrating Mental Health into Diplomacy

Life Coaching Curriculum & Soft Skills for Leadership • 19 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Diplomacy Societal Change
  1. Prioritize mental health in diplomatic strategies through inclusive policies and legislation
  2. Implement mental health education programs in schools to prepare the younger generation for global empathy and conflict understanding
  3. Incorporate mental health modules into diplomatic training to promote empathy and improve negotiation effectiveness

Outbreak Outlook - October 7

Force of Infection • 73 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Epidemiology Health Statistics
  1. Flu activity is low across the country, especially among young children. Only a small percentage of doctor visits are for flu-like symptoms.
  2. Covid-19 cases are on the decline, with fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations in many regions. Wastewater data shows a calming trend in most areas.
  3. Norovirus cases are rising, particularly in the Southern region, with test positivity increasing. It's important to stay updated on food recalls related to health risks.

Mayo Clinic Suspends A Doctor Who Commented in NYTimes About Testosterone's impact when Trans-athletes compete in Women's sports

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 230 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Academic Freedom Censorship COVID Public Health
  1. Mayo Clinic suspended a doctor for comments on transgender athletes in women's sports, violating academic freedom.
  2. Academics should have the freedom to express their views in media without censorship.
  3. Universities should prioritize the free exchange of ideas over financial gain.

There's Finally A Plan To Stop Public Health From COVID Tyranny

Unmasked • 69 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Reform Pandemic response Individual Rights Government Accountability
  1. The media played a big role in promoting strict COVID measures like masks and lockdowns, which affected people's freedoms. They often focused on one side of the story and spread misinformation.
  2. Public health officials seriously influenced the response to the pandemic, sometimes ignoring new evidence in favor of their existing beliefs and practices. This led to many damaging decisions during the crisis.
  3. There's now a plan to limit the power of public health authorities and prevent extreme measures from happening again. The hope is to create a more balanced and informed approach in the future.

Americans (with insurance) can't afford their medical care. They're turning to GoFundMe.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 179 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Insurance Costs Policy Access
  1. Many Americans, even those with health insurance, are struggling to pay medical bills due to high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. This has led some to seek help through platforms like GoFundMe.
  2. People with chronic conditions, like cancer, are especially at risk of financial troubles. Even after meeting their deductible, they often face new costs each year, making it difficult to afford necessary care.
  3. The issue of high medical costs can affect anyone, as most people will have a chronic condition at some point in their lives. It's a growing crisis that impacts both health and finances.

What Is the U.S. Surgeon General Saying About Social Media?

The Analog Family • 59 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Youth Issues Social media Public Health Policy Recommendations
  1. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that social media poses serious risks to kids and teens, stating it may harm their development and mental health. Parents should be aware of these risks and consider moderating their children's use of social media.
  2. Kids and teens are still developing and may struggle with issues like peer pressure and identity formation. Excessive social media use can lead to problems like anxiety, low self-esteem, and disrupted sleep.
  3. The advisory offers practical advice for families, like creating tech-free zones and fostering in-person friendships. It's important for everyone to find a balance between online and offline activities.

On the deep crisis in American medicine - and the broad societal anger and cynicism it is driving

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Public Health Medical costs Patient rights Healthcare policy
  1. Healthcare costs in America are extremely high, and many people struggle to pay bills despite spending so much on health services.
  2. The quality of American healthcare outcomes is lagging behind other countries, with lower life expectancy and other health issues.
  3. Many people feel distrustful and frustrated with the healthcare system, believing it often prioritizes profit over patient care.

Pfizer's Delayed Myocarditis Study

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Safety Public Health Clinical Trials Medical Ethics Regulatory Affairs
  1. Pfizer's study on myocarditis in kids is facing challenges with enrollment, making it hard to gather enough participants. This means the study could take longer to finish than expected.
  2. The lengthy five-year follow-up in the study is needed to thoroughly check for any long-term health effects. This is important for understanding the consequences of myocarditis better.
  3. There's no solid evidence that Pfizer is hiding data or being unethical; the delays seem to be due to the difficulty of conducting a rigorous study.

The Grace of Dr. Jay

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 52 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology COVID-19 Health Policy
  1. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is important because he promotes open discussions in science, even when there are differing opinions. His approach helps to maintain trust in scientific research during tough times.
  2. During the pandemic, some scientists faced harsh criticisms and censorship for their views. It’s essential to remember that different ideas can help us all understand complex situations better.
  3. The future of health science needs leaders like Jay, who exemplify curiosity and kindness. These qualities can foster better communication and collaboration in tackling public health challenges.

Blowing smoke: how tobacco companies flattered the medical profession

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Advertising Public Health
  1. Tobacco companies targeted the medical profession to promote smoking, using endorsements from doctors to sway public opinion.
  2. The tobacco industry used tactics like associating cigarettes with respected figures like physicians to boost sales, despite later evidence linking smoking to serious health issues like lung cancer.
  3. The rise of e-cigarettes created a new revenue stream for the tobacco industry, which continues to target emerging markets and adapt advertising strategies to fit current events like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Death Is The Consequence of The Void

The Drug Users Bible • 19 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Drug policy Harm Reduction Community Action
  1. Governments should provide drug safety information because it can save lives. When they treat users as criminals, it creates a lack of important information.
  2. A project called the Drug Users Bible provides harm reduction information for drug users. This resource has been made available for free and has already been widely downloaded.
  3. Everyone can help by sharing safety information and resources within their communities. If officials won't help, we can step up and support each other.

More New Information Says COVID Came From Gain Of Function Research In Wuhan Lab

Unmasked • 52 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Pandemic response Research Ethics Government Accountability
  1. Gain of function research in Wuhan might have played a role in the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of research involves modifying viruses to understand their effects.
  2. Anthony Fauci was involved in supporting this risky research, which has led to questions about accountability. His actions have been under scrutiny regarding the origins of COVID-19.
  3. Recent reports suggest that important findings about COVID's origins were not shared with top officials in the U.S. government. This lack of communication raises concerns about transparency and decision-making.

"Make America Healthy Again" is a Dumb, Rich Guy's Idea of Public Health

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Capitalism Pharmaceuticals Health Crisis Vaccination
  1. American health issues stem from capitalism, not just personal choices or corporations. This system often prioritizes profit over people's health, leading to serious public health crises.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health campaign promises are vague and do not address the fundamental issues behind America's health problems. Instead, they seem designed to raise money rather than provide real solutions.
  3. Critics argue that Kennedy's brand of anti-corporate rhetoric is disingenuous. They point out his connections to the very industries he claims to oppose, suggesting that real change needs to come from collective action rather than relying on wealthy individuals.

The PLOS Biology journal editors claim vaccines don't cause autism and we should NOT do a proper study to find out if this is true or not

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Autism Bioethics Research Ethics
  1. The PLOS Biology editors state that vaccines don't cause autism and argue against further research, which some view as avoiding important questions.
  2. There has never been a thorough study that properly examines the link between vaccines and autism, raising concerns about the validity of existing studies.
  3. There are claims of hidden data and suppressed discussions in serious meetings, making it difficult for researchers to investigate this topic openly.

Outbreak Outlook - October 21

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy
  1. Covid-19 cases are low nationally, but there might be a slight increase in the Northeast. Hospitalizations are at a low level across the country.
  2. Norovirus is increasing in rates, especially in the South where it has reached higher levels than in the last two years.
  3. Influenza-like illnesses are up slightly, particularly among young children, but overall activity remains low.