The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

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Top Health Politics Topics

Flu spikes

Force of Infection • 243 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease outbreaks Health data Government Policy Health Risks
  1. Influenza activity is rising again, hitting high levels not seen since earlier in the season. This increase is particularly strong among young children, leading to more hospital visits.
  2. The data about flu activity is not completely reliable, with federal health data disrupted recently. This makes it harder to track how things are changing.
  3. COVID-19 is still around, with some signs of increased activity, especially in the Midwest, but severe cases are not rising significantly.

What’s True and False in One Health

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental justice Global Health Health Equity
  1. One Health is an idea that looks at health from a broad perspective, including animals and the environment, but it raises concerns about prioritizing non-human life equally to human life. Many people find it hard to accept that a rat’s life is as important as a person's.
  2. The CDC's recent plan for One Health suggests a strong commitment to global monitoring and control of health threats, which some see as a potential overreach of power in the name of public health.
  3. Concerns are growing that One Health might lead to unnecessary restrictions and testing in both animal and human populations, which could disrupt food supplies and raise prices.

Polio Ravaged My Family. Forget Its Horror at Your Peril.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1052 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Legislation Activism Family Health
  1. The polio vaccine has been very successful in the U.S., with no new cases since 1979. This shows how important vaccines are for public health.
  2. Polio had a devastating impact on families, as seen in personal stories of loss. Such experiences highlight the real dangers of the disease before the vaccine.
  3. There are concerns about vaccine skepticism today, especially with influential figures promoting misinformation. It's crucial to remember the history of diseases like polio and the importance of vaccination.

UnitedHealth Group – a Real Life Majin Buu: The Art of Absorbing Everything in Sight

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Health Insurance Market dominance Corporate strategy Public Health
  1. UnitedHealth Group is a massive company that has grown by buying up other businesses in healthcare. This makes it very influential in many areas of the industry.
  2. Like the Dragon Ball Z character Majin Buu, UnitedHealth absorbs other companies to become stronger and extend its reach. This strategy helps them dominate the healthcare market.
  3. The unchecked power of companies like UnitedHealth can have serious consequences for regular people, leading to higher costs and fewer choices in healthcare.

Proof The CDC Knowingly Lied When Claiming The mRNA Vaccines "Reduce Hospitalizations And Deaths."

Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings • 9748 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID vaccines Medical Misinformation
  1. Evidence suggests the CDC knowingly misrepresented data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness.
  2. Information asymmetry led to false beliefs about hospitalizations and deaths of the vaccinated vs. unvaccinated.
  3. The CDC used a system that misclassified vaccinated individuals outside a hospital system as unvaccinated, impacting the reported data.
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The New Medical Supernemesis

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 794 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Ethics Policy Technology Philosophy
  1. The concept of 'the Deal' suggests a future where people can live up to 280 years, but it comes with heavy trade-offs, like losing personal belongings and facing a controlled way of dying. It's a challenging idea about how we value life and death.
  2. In this future scenario, many might feel trapped in a fake version of life, where they experience pleasant distractions instead of actually living. The imagery of a body trying to escape emphasizes the struggle against a hollow existence.
  3. Reflecting on this situation can make us question our current medical practices and life choices, similar to how historical figures have critiqued society. It invites a deeper discussion about what it truly means to live and die in our time.

While Cigna Saddles Patients with Increasing Out-of-Pocket Requirements, the Company Bought Back $5 Billion of Its Own Stock

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 959 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance policies Patient rights Prescription drugs
  1. Cigna spent $5 billion buying back its own stock while customers face rising healthcare costs. This shows a focus on profits over patient care.
  2. Cigna has lost nearly 500,000 health plan members after raising premiums, indicating they prioritize shareholder gains over customer retention.
  3. President Biden wants to limit out-of-pocket drug costs to $2,000 a year, which could help many Americans afford medications better. Insurers like Cigna may resist these changes but it could reduce unfair financial burdens on patients.

The NIH must make these 8 reforms right now

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 123 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Scientific Integrity Research Ethics Public Trust
  1. The NIH should reduce indirect costs because a lot of the money is not spent effectively. Instead of letting universities keep so much, more money could go directly to help research.
  2. We need to be careful with which studies get funding. Some research doesn't tell us anything useful, and it's a waste of taxpayer money.
  3. It's important to make sure that scientific research can be repeated and verified. If a lab can't replicate results, they should lose funding.

NIH reduced indirects from 60+% to 15%: 10 things you should know

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 148 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Funding Higher education Academic Integrity
  1. The NIH has lowered the amount of money it gives to universities from over 60% to 15%. This means more money can go to actual researchers instead of administrative costs.
  2. This change will make universities operate differently, encouraging them to reduce unnecessary costs and possibly hold faculty more accountable for their behavior.
  3. Lowering these indirect costs could lead to more funding for research projects. Researchers might actually benefit from this change, as it could increase the number of grants available.

Republican Calculation: Don't Support Obama's Affordable Care Act

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Reform Public Policy Misinformation Insurance Industry Bipartisanship
  1. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to help many people, especially those with preexisting conditions, get health insurance. However, there was a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding it from the start.
  2. Many Republicans initially rejected working with Democrats on the ACA, believing it would help them in future elections by framing it as a 'government takeover of health care.' This strategy worked, as Democrats faced significant losses in the following elections.
  3. Despite the ACA being based on ideas that once had bipartisan support, misinformation continued to spread, making it harder for people to understand its actual impact and benefits over the years.

When will psychiatry invent the barcode?

Wood From Eden • 1344 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Psychiatry Diagnosis Research Data Analysis
  1. Psychiatry has a problem with labels. Many old labels have been removed without clear replacements, making research and understanding harder.
  2. Using numbers instead of words could help describe a person's mental health better. A barcode-like system could show traits and abilities at a glance.
  3. Psychology is subjective and changes over time. Collecting more data through tests can help improve understanding and research in mental health.

Flu is (still) taking off, egg prices, new diet standards, Super Bowl, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2404 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Nutrition Vaccination Epidemiology Disease Control
  1. Flu cases are rising sharply this year, with many people experiencing 'influenza-like illnesses' since 2002. Fewer vaccinations among kids and a mismatch between the vaccine and circulating flu strains are contributing to this problem.
  2. A new Ebola vaccine trial has started in Uganda quickly after an outbreak occurred. This is an important step to help control the spread of the virus and protect public health.
  3. New nutrition guidelines suggest that kids aged 5 to 18 should mainly drink plain water and milk, while sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited. This can help improve their overall health and prevent issues like weight gain and dental problems.

Covid is the enclosure of the human body by the ruling class for the purpose of exploitation

uTobian • 8235 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pharmaceutical industry Vaccines Healthcare system
  1. Enclosure historically happens under any system that wants to industrialize.
  2. Pharma has captured the state through various acts and profits from selling treatments for vaccine injuries.
  3. Covid represents an extreme form of enclosure by the ruling class for profit, through actions like vaccine mandates.

Bird Flu Is a Rerun of the Covid Playbook

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 34 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Bioweapons Food security Vaccination
  1. Bird flu is being compared to Covid in how authorities handle public fear and control. Just like with Covid, some people believe there's a plan to push vaccines on the population.
  2. Many think that the mass killing of birds during outbreaks mirrors the lockdowns during Covid, suggesting it's more about control than actual health. Letting animals build natural immunity is seen as a smarter approach.
  3. There's a call to change leadership in agencies handling health and safety because of their past actions. The belief is that fresh perspectives could help prevent repeating mistakes from the past.

💊💉 The future of weight loss drugs: A Quick Q&A with … analyst (and superforecaster) Greg Justice

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare access Regulations Affordability
  1. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing how obesity is treated. They might also help with other health issues, making them seem like wonder drugs.
  2. While these drugs are becoming more popular, there are challenges in getting them to the people who need them, mainly about their costs and healthcare regulations.
  3. It looks like prices for GLP-1s may drop slightly due to competition, but significant price control changes are not expected anytime soon.

Why should you care about an indirect cost?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2155 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Funding Policy Changes Community Engagement Epidemiology
  1. Indirect costs are essential for research. They cover things like rent and internet, helping researchers do their work effectively.
  2. A proposed cut in indirect costs could greatly harm universities and their communities. This could lead to job losses and less innovation, affecting everyone.
  3. Researchers need to do a better job of connecting with the public. If people understand the importance of research funding, they may be more likely to support it.

Data and communication are gold

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2389 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Data Integrity Communication Epidemiology Biosecurity
  1. Public health data is crucial for keeping people safe and informed. When this data is lost or manipulated, it poses a serious risk to health and safety.
  2. Changes in government orders are causing confusion and delays in data reporting, affecting how health agencies communicate important health information.
  3. Local health departments and universities are still working to share necessary health updates while federal agencies face challenges. Staying informed through local sources is key during this instability.

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2760 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Global Health Public Health Health Policy Epidemiology International cooperation
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO means less influence in global health decisions, leaving a gap that countries like China might fill.
  2. The WHO faces challenges like limited funding and authority, which makes it hard to enforce health policies effectively.
  3. Even though the U.S. has strong public health systems, global health threats affect everyone, so it's important to stay involved with organizations like the WHO.

The Long Awaited Debate Of Covid Science: A Team of Experts Rebut The Expert Opinions of BC's College of Physicians and Surgeons

Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings • 8254 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Misinformation
  1. Dr. Hoffe faced consequences for raising concerns about Covid vaccine safety and experienced backlash from the medical community.
  2. The College hired an expert who criticized Dr. Hoffe's statements on Covid, but Dr. Kory disputes the conclusions, pointing to evidence that the expert report was biased.
  3. Dr. Kory provided a detailed expert report defending Dr. Hoffe, highlighting the efficacy of ivermectin in preventing Covid and criticizing the disinformation tactics used to suppress this information.

Chartbook 334 Triumph and tragedy: trends in maternal mortality worldwide.

Chartbook • 1130 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Maternal health Global Health Women's Health Public Health
  1. Global maternal mortality in childbirth has decreased from 446,000 in 2000 to 287,000 in 2020, showing some progress over time. However, it's a mix of good news and bad news.
  2. While areas like Central and South Asia have seen significant drops in maternal deaths, Sub-Saharan Africa still faces high rates, with Nigeria alone accounting for a large percentage of global maternal mortality.
  3. Some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, like Rwanda and Ethiopia, have shown that progress in maternal health is possible, even under difficult conditions, by reducing maternal deaths significantly.

I'm a neuroscientist. Our presidential candidates have shrinking prefrontal cortexes.

The Intrinsic Perspective • 24116 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Neuroscience Aging Health Science Government
  1. Neuroscientist claims both presidential candidates show signs of shrinking prefrontal cortexes due to age-related cognitive decline.
  2. There is ongoing debate about the cognitive health of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, reflecting concerns about their ability to lead.
  3. Science suggests that aging impacts cognitive abilities, including executive functions, which are crucial for effective leadership roles.

Kennedy, Conspiracy, and the Measles Outbreak that Nearly Destroyed Samoa

Off-Topic • 174 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Disinformation Health Policy Crisis Management
  1. In 2018, two babies in Samoa died after a vaccine was mistakenly prepared with the wrong liquid. This led to a public outcry and a temporary halt to vaccinations in the country.
  2. Disinformation spread online, particularly from anti-vaccine groups, made parents in Samoa afraid of vaccines. This fear led to a significant drop in vaccination rates, even as a measles outbreak began in 2019.
  3. Despite the devastating impact of misinformation, Samoa managed to recover by launching a vaccination campaign that brought their vaccination rates back up and controlled the outbreak. However, the consequences of the misinformation were severe, with many lives lost.

Male Infants and Male Rat Pups Disproportionally Affected by mRNA COVID Vaccines Given to Pregnant Mothers

Igor’s Newsletter • 7409 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Children Pregnancy Gender differences
  1. Male infants and male rat pups show disproportionate effects from mRNA COVID vaccines given to pregnant mothers.
  2. Studies demonstrate a mysterious sex difference arising from COVID vaccine exposure during pregnancy.
  3. Boys born to vaccinated mothers have more negative outcomes compared to girls, especially when the vaccination occurs in the first trimester.

What Can Political Polling Teach Us About COVID Vaccine Injuries?

The Forgotten Side of Medicine • 6859 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Perception
  1. In medicine, anecdotes play a significant role in decision-making and can provide valuable insights.
  2. The credibility of medical evidence is often questioned due to influences from pharmaceutical companies and other vested interests.
  3. Political polling has emerged as a valuable tool to gauge public opinion on vaccine injuries and has provided important insights.

COVID time series graphs show clearly the COVID vaccine kill people. That's why they keep the plots hidden from view.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Safety Data Analysis Medical Ethics
  1. Time series graphs can show if a vaccine is safe or not by plotting daily deaths after vaccination. A safe vaccine should show a flat line after the initial period.
  2. Current data for COVID vaccines shows increasing mortality rates after vaccination, which suggests they may not be safe. Many reports don’t show this data.
  3. The medical community often ignores clear signs of vaccine risks, despite evidence appearing in graphs and reports, leading to frustration among those who analyze the data.

Fox in the Henhouse- mRNA "Bird Flu" vax

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Disease Management Government Policy Bioethics
  1. The USDA's approach to controlling Bird Flu by culling infected poultry has not been effective, leading to increased costs and a rise in egg prices. Experts suggest that alternatives like breeding disease-resistant chickens could be a better solution.
  2. There are concerns about the use of mRNA vaccines for avian influenza, as they may not offer complete protection and could lead to the development of vaccine-resistant strains. This has parallels to previous issues experienced with COVID-19 vaccines.
  3. Experts advocate for reassessing current strategies to manage Bird Flu, emphasizing the importance of natural immunity and genetic resilience in chickens instead of relying solely on vaccination and mass culling.

The Horse Dewormer PR Campaign And My Defense Of Dr. Charles Hoffe Against The BC College of Physicians and Surgeons

Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings • 7036 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health
  1. The Canadian government restricted access to ivermectin, leading to Canadians seeking veterinary sources of the medication.
  2. A coordinated public relations campaign was launched to discourage the use of ivermectin, involving federal agencies, media, and health organizations.
  3. Physicians faced challenges accessing and prescribing ivermectin due to restrictions, leading some to consider the use of veterinary versions in treating COVID-19 patients.

Homicide is not the leading cause of death for pregnant women

Sex and the State • 19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Maternal health Public Health Reproductive Rights Social Issues
  1. Homicide is not the leading cause of death for pregnant women; in fact, most pregnant women are more likely to die from health issues like heart disease and blood clots.
  2. Media often highlights rare events, so if something makes the news, it’s likely not common; we should be cautious about believing it’s a widespread issue.
  3. There’s a lot we still don’t know about maternal mortality rates and what leads to them, but many deaths are preventable, and better support for healthcare is needed for expecting mothers.

... No, We Definitely Want to Use Medical Arguments to Defend Trans Children

Freddie deBoer • 11912 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Transgender rights Medical care Advocacy Health care Medical Ethics
  1. Medical arguments are crucial for defending trans children to ensure access to necessary healthcare.
  2. Advocating for trans rights should focus on practical strategies that work in the real world, not just theoretical ideals.
  3. Challenging societal norms and privacy laws for medical decisions of trans children may have adverse political consequences.

Hope and camaraderie are stronger than fear

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1900 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Changes Health Communication Community Engagement Mental health
  1. Hope helps us get through tough times, even when things seem scary. It reminds us that positive change is possible.
  2. Working together and sharing our stories makes us stronger. It shows the real impact of policies on people's lives.
  3. Even when problems feel overwhelming, small wins matter. Many people are fighting for better public health every day.

Body as a shell

Your Local Epidemiologist • 4557 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Education Policy Issues Science communication
  1. RFK Jr. has been picked to lead the Health and Human Services, which worries many public health professionals. They feel this could undermine efforts to improve public health.
  2. There is a strong concern that misinformation will spread, leading people to make poor health decisions. The fear is that lies can spread faster than the truth.
  3. Despite feelings of exhaustion and frustration, public health workers remain committed to fighting misinformation. They believe it's important to keep providing accurate information to help people make informed choices.

Here's what we're getting ourselves into

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2286 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Healthcare policy Epidemiology Chronic Disease Health Communication
  1. Many people think natural things are always good, but that's not true. Some natural things can be harmful, like germs that cause diseases.
  2. It's important to rely on science rather than just the appeal of nature. Some human-made medicines save lives, even when natural solutions sound better.
  3. We need policies that look at the real issues affecting health, not just ones that follow popular but incorrect ideas about nature. Ignoring the complexities can lead to more health problems.

In life, Bill Pascrell Fiercely Bucked Health Insurance Giants During the ACA Debate. Today's Advocates Should See Him as Inspiration.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Legislation Advocacy Public Health
  1. Bill Pascrell was a strong fighter for healthcare reform, especially during the Affordable Care Act debates. He believed everyone deserves access to healthcare.
  2. He worked tirelessly for first responders and survivors after 9/11, making sure they got the medical support they needed. His efforts led to important legislation for their care.
  3. Pascrell's legacy shows us the importance of standing up against powerful interests in healthcare. His commitment inspires others to continue fighting for a fair healthcare system.

Addressing Medical Debt Is Important. Addressing Its Root Causes Is Just As Essential.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Debt Health care Policy Reform Political Advocacy Insurance Issues
  1. Medical debt is a serious issue affecting millions of Americans, even those with health insurance. It's important to address the immediate effects of this debt but also look at what causes it.
  2. Many families face the risk of losing their homes and filing for bankruptcy because of medical debt. This situation can have a lasting impact on future generations.
  3. There are calls for reforms, like capping out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses. It's crucial for leaders to support these changes to help reduce the burden of medical debt.

South Park Tackles Prior Authorization. It Would be Funny if It Wasn't so Damn Deadly.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 699 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. South Park humorously shows how hard it is to get health insurance to pay for needed treatments. This reflects the frustrating challenges many people face with their own health insurance.
  2. Prior authorization is a process where insurance companies require approval before covering treatments or medications. This can delay care and even lead people to give up on getting the help they need.
  3. Many doctors and healthcare workers are overwhelmed by the amount of time spent dealing with insurance approvals. This adds costs to the healthcare system and can negatively impact patient outcomes.