The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

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We are likely at peak season

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1384 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infectious Diseases Health Policy
  1. Right now, many people are getting sick, and it seems like we are in the peak season for respiratory illnesses. The usual patterns we see are pretty much the same as before the pandemic.
  2. Flu cases are very high but appear to be slowing down. However, we might still face more waves of flu with different strains hitting later in the winter.
  3. Covid-19 cases are increasing, but they are lower than in past winters. Vaccination and past infections have helped build immunity, which is why this winter seems milder.

The UK Covid Inquiry First Report on Resilience and Preparedness

Independent SAGE continues • 479 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Government Policy Health Systems Crisis Management
  1. The UK Covid Inquiry found serious issues from the Covid-19 pandemic that show we aren't ready for the next outbreak. This means improvements are really needed.
  2. The report suggests 10 key changes to build a better response system for future pandemics. It's important these changes are made in a complete way, not just in bits and pieces.
  3. There is a looming threat of new diseases, like avian flu, crossing into humans. We need to prepare now because we don't know when the next pandemic will hit.

South Carolina's “Heartbeat” Lawsuit

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 3282 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Abortion rights Legal issues State Legislation Women's Rights
  1. South Carolina's 'Heartbeat' Lawsuit involves a woman being denied an abortion just days past her 6th week of pregnancy.
  2. The difference between a 6-week ban and a 9-week ban could majorly impact the percentage of patients turned away by doctors.
  3. Even when a patient does everything 'right,' obtaining an abortion can be an incredibly difficult, lengthy, and stressful process.

Bill Gates Launches Global Tracking Tattoos

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3577 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Misinformation Global Health Biotechnology
  1. Bill Gates is involved in projects like global tracking tattoos and genetically modified mosquitoes.
  2. There are concerns raised about Bill Gates funding schemes that involve cutting down forests and deploying GMO Frankenmosquitos.
  3. There is skepticism and caution advised regarding Bill Gates' projects to control and monitor the population.

Do red and processed meats cause cancer?

Unsettled Science • 840 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Nutrition Cancer Public Health Research Health Policy
  1. The World Health Organization says processed meats cause cancer, but only one type of cancer has been linked directly to them, which is colorectal cancer.
  2. The IARC's decision was based on a small number of studies, which raises questions about how strong the evidence really is.
  3. Many people reacted strongly to the news, fearing that all red meats are dangerous, but the evidence used may not support that broad conclusion.
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Insurers and Private Equity Look to Join Forces to Further Consolidate Control of Americans' Access to Health Care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Private Equity Regulation Bipartisan Politics
  1. Insurance companies and private equity firms are teaming up to gain more control over healthcare access for Americans. This partnership can lead to less competition and more power in deciding patient care.
  2. The trend of private equity buying up medical practices is rising, and this shift could make it harder for independent doctors to operate. Insurance companies are noticing this and are looking to profit from these partnerships.
  3. As more people enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, insurers like CVS/Aetna are pushing to own key healthcare services. This could steer patient referrals to their own facilities, limiting choices for patients.

Open letter to the New Zealand Health Minister.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Healthcare policy Public Health Medical Ethics
  1. The open letter to New Zealand's Health Minister highlights worries about the new gender-affirming care guidelines, suggesting they lack solid evidence and consensus.
  2. It questions the credibility of organizations like WPATH and PATHA, pointing out conflicts of interest and potential political pressures affecting health guidelines.
  3. There's a call for greater caution in treating young people who identify as transgender, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices rather than 'treatment on demand.'

mRNA Injury stories - Australian academic lawyer Dr.John Woodward heaped abuse on the unvaccinated (including Novak Djokovic) and cheered mandates. He is now dying of Turbo Brain Cancer (glioblastoma)

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 3066 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccination Health Impact
  1. Dr. John Woodward, an academic lawyer, who disparaged the unvaccinated and supported mandates, is now suffering from terminal brain cancer.
  2. The story highlights the consequences of words and actions, showcasing a stark turn of events for Dr. Woodward.
  3. The situation serves as a reminder of the significance of empathy and caution in judgment towards others.

Who is the Real Dr. Peter Breggin, "The Conscience of Psychiatry"?

Freddie deBoer • 7085 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Psychiatry Conspiracy Theories Mental Illness Public Safety
  1. Dr. Peter Breggin is a prominent figure in the modern anti-psychiatry movement, influencing American understanding of psychology with his opinions and academic background.
  2. Anti-psychiatry spans political spectrums and has gained notable influence in popular culture, intersecting with holistic medicine and alternative health viewpoints.
  3. Breggin, while respected in some mainstream circles, holds extreme views like being an anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist, casting doubt on the safety and efficacy of psychiatric medications.

Confessions of a Recovering Managed Care Executive

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 839 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Public Health
  1. Working in managed care, the focus is often on lowering costs rather than ensuring quality care. This can make it hard for executives to feel good about their roles.
  2. A turning point in his career came when a doctor reminded him of the real people affected by profit-driven decisions. It made him reevaluate his path.
  3. Leaving the for-profit insurance world was tough financially, but it became the best career choice for him. He now helps doctors get fair contracts and values the work he does.

The Virtue of Diversity

David Friedman’s Substack • 431 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Epidemiology Policy Analysis Scientific research
  1. Many countries had similar Covid-19 policies, even though their cultures and situations were very different. This shows that having different approaches can be useful because it allows for diverse solutions.
  2. The Great Barrington Declaration suggested protecting vulnerable people while allowing the virus to spread among others. This idea faced strong opposition, highlighting how challenging it can be to propose different solutions in a uniform system.
  3. Countries like Sweden took a different path during the pandemic, opting for lighter restrictions. This led to a less severe impact than predicted, suggesting that a variety of strategies can lead to better outcomes.

Medicare Advantage's $64 Billion Supplemental Benefits Slush Fund

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 999 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Policy Insurance Health Equity
  1. Medicare is spending around $64 billion on extra benefits for Medicare Advantage plans, like dental and vision care. But we don't really know if people are actually using these benefits.
  2. Many seniors are drawn to Medicare Advantage plans for these added perks, but some end up losing access to their preferred doctors. It's important to understand what you're giving up when switching plans.
  3. There's a growing call to improve how Medicare Advantage plans operate and to provide similar benefits to those in traditional Medicare. Everyone should have access to the same quality of care and benefits.

Medicaid and Medicare Claims Managed by Insurers Are Rising. Why Aren’t They Worried About Their Profits?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 819 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Practices Medicaid Medicare Profit Margins
  1. Insurers are seeing more claims for Medicaid and Medicare, but they aren't worried about profits. This is surprising to many people looking at the rising costs.
  2. Insurance companies can limit patient care by using tactics like prior authorization, which makes it hard for people to get needed treatment. This helps them keep their profits high.
  3. Medicare Advantage plans allow insurers to charge seniors more out-of-pocket costs. Insurers do this to maximize their profits while still getting a steady payment from the government.

A Modest Disposal

The Fry Corner • 2457 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug policy Public Health Substance Abuse Mental health
  1. Banning a specific drug could significantly improve the world. The idea is that removing this drug will bring about positive change for humanity.
  2. Many people have different experiences with drugs. Some have never tried anything, while others have tried many different kinds.
  3. There is a strong belief that finding solutions to drug-related issues can lead to happiness and fulfillment for society. A comprehensive plan may help tackle these challenges.

22 Public Health Accomplishments in 2024

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1472 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Disease Prevention Health Education
  1. Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. dropped thanks to programs that provide treatment and education on overdose prevention. This is a big win after many years of rising deaths.
  2. There was a 2% decline in sexually transmitted infections, showing that efforts to control and educate about these diseases are making a difference.
  3. Cervical cancer deaths are decreasing among young women, likely due to the success of the HPV vaccine. This suggests that vaccination is successfully protecting future generations.

Men and ovarian cancer – the bewildering billboard in New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 1298 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Gender Issues Communication Strategies
  1. A billboard for ovarian cancer featuring a young man has caused confusion about who can get this disease. People assumed it was promoting the idea that men can also have ovarian cancer, which led to a public debate.
  2. The health organization's wording may seem ambiguous, as it suggests that 'ovarian cancer can affect anyone'. This phrasing made many question why a man was the focus, when ovarian cancer primarily affects women.
  3. There is a concern that using unclear language regarding women's health issues risks overshadowing women's experiences and identities. The billboard didn’t directly mention women, leading to confusion about the message it was trying to convey.

More of your H5N1 questions answered

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1263 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Disease Control Vaccination policy Infectious Diseases
  1. H5N1 is mostly spreading through contact with sick animals and surfaces. If it mutates, it could spread like COVID-19, mostly through the air.
  2. The U.S. hasn't started vaccinating farm workers against H5N1 because severe cases are rare and vaccines can have side effects. They focus on treating sick workers instead.
  3. Testing for H5N1 is ongoing in the U.S., with a system in place to check flu samples. It's important to stay informed about any changes in flu severity or new cases.

Everything You Need to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu

OK Doomer • 106 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Disease Control Government Policy Communications
  1. H5N1 bird flu is mutating quickly, which is concerning for public health. It's important to stay informed about its developments.
  2. The U.S. administration is not communicating openly about health updates, which could leave people in the dark during a health crisis.
  3. Historically, some diseases that started off appearing mild later became serious. We should be cautious and prepared for any changes in the bird flu situation.

Up, up, and away

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1530 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infectious Diseases Disease Prevention
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are on the rise in the U.S., which means more people are getting sick. It's not peak season yet, but it's a good idea to wear a mask when traveling.
  2. The flu is spreading quickly, especially the Flu A strain. Vaccination rates are lower this year, which may lead to more severe cases, so getting vaccinated is still encouraged.
  3. Covid-19 cases are increasing gradually, with new variants making it easier to catch. As we head into winter and holiday gatherings, it's wise to get vaccinated to stay protected.

The fluoride debate

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1979 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Community health Dental Health
  1. Fluoride helps strengthen our teeth and prevents cavities, which is why it's in toothpaste and is often added to public water supplies.
  2. Fluoridated water has been effective in reducing tooth decay overall, especially in communities with less access to dental care.
  3. The safety of fluoride is based on careful dosage; while high levels can be harmful, the amount used in drinking water is considered safe for everyone.

The Week in Abortion

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2987 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Abortion rights Reproductive Rights Legislation
  1. A campaign ad featuring personal abortion stories can have a significant impact on raising awareness and shifting views.
  2. Efforts to restrict abortion access continue, including cruel tactics like forcing women into unnecessary procedures to undermine the importance of abortion.
  3. Pro-choice groups are actively working on ballot measures to protect abortion rights, facing opposition and challenges from anti-abortion activists.

It's time to pay attention to Bulgarian death rates. Yes, I'm serious.

Unreported Truths • 62 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Epidemiology Covid impact
  1. Bulgaria has seen a drop in death rates since Covid ended, which is surprising given its low vaccination rate. This suggests that high vaccination levels may not always lead to lower long-term death rates.
  2. Many countries still face unexpectedly high death rates post-Covid, even though the pandemic has been declared over. This indicates that there are other factors at play affecting mortality rates.
  3. The experiences of Bulgaria and heavily vaccinated nations highlight the complexity of public health outcomes after a pandemic, including the need to examine why some countries are seeing rising deaths while others are not.

mRNA Injury stories - British journalist Mike Dickson, who attacked World #1 Tennis player Novak Djokovic for being unvaccinated, died suddenly during Australian Open - journalists and medical fascism

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 2731 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Journalism
  1. British journalist Mike Dickson, who criticized Novak Djokovic for being unvaccinated, died suddenly during the Australian Open.
  2. The incident sparked discussions about journalists and medical fascism.
  3. The story highlights the importance of understanding the risks and consequences of mRNA injuries.

IMPACT: After HEALTH CARE un-covered’s Reporting, Medicare Profiteer Shuts Down

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Medicare Insurance Regulations Fraud
  1. A health insurance company known for misleading advertising has shut down after reports revealed their shady practices. This is good news for Medicare and its beneficiaries.
  2. The government made new rules to protect seniors from aggressive marketing tactics that this company used. These changes likely contributed to the company's downfall.
  3. Even though the company is gone, there's still a problem with how commissions are set up, which may still push seniors towards less beneficial Medicare plans.

Texas is Fabricating Abortion Data

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5247 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Anti-Abortion Movement Women's Health Legislation
  1. Doctors in Texas are being forced to report fake abortion complications or risk losing their jobs.
  2. Texas is manipulating abortion data by requiring vague and nonsensical reporting of abortion complications.
  3. Anti-abortion organizations are using fabricated data to create a false narrative about the dangers of abortion.

Psychological Bioterrorism

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Psychological Warfare Government Policy
  1. Psychological bioterrorism is when fear of diseases is used to control people's behavior. This fear can be based on misleading stories about past epidemics, making people anxious and helpless.
  2. Mass media plays a big role in spreading fear by reporting alarming predictions about diseases. This creates panic and leads people to accept solutions that may not actually be necessary.
  3. It's important to recognize when fear is being used to manipulate us. Awareness can help protect us from the negative effects of psychological bioterrorism and the misinformation spread by various organizations.

Florida Surgeon General calls to halt use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, sparking debate

Maryanne Demasi, reports • 3125 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 vaccines Florida Debate Safety concerns
  1. Florida Surgeon General called for a halt in the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines due to concerns about DNA contamination.
  2. He criticized the FDA and CDC for not adequately testing whether DNA fragments in the vaccine could integrate into a person's genome.
  3. This action has sparked a debate about the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

England's ongoing Covid wave and new Long Covid research

Independent SAGE continues • 359 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Covid response Long Covid Research Epidemiology
  1. England is experiencing a new wave of Covid-19, which has been ongoing and affecting many people's lives and plans.
  2. Recent research shows that being vaccinated significantly lowers the risk of developing Long Covid, but it's still a concern for a large number of people.
  3. Even with a lower chance of Long Covid now, frequent Covid waves mean that many people continue to suffer from long-term symptoms and disruption in their daily lives.

Is the current Covid wave in England peaking?

Independent SAGE continues • 439 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infection Control
  1. Covid cases in England might be peaking now, as recent hospital admissions have been flat. This wave is bigger than last May's but lower than previous peaks.
  2. The KP.3 variant is currently dominant in England. While it can evade some immunity, it doesn't seem to cause more severe illness.
  3. Improving indoor air quality and monitoring wastewater for viruses could help manage Covid and other infections. The government needs a better plan for future pandemics, including research on Long Covid.

Confronting the Dangers of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care is Imperative

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics AI risks Regulation Patient rights Health Equity Privacy
  1. AI in health care needs more rules to keep patients safe. Governments must step up to protect people from potential problems with these technologies.
  2. It's important to make AI decisions clear and understandable for patients. Patients should have the right to ask for a human to review any decision that affects their care.
  3. We need to ensure AI doesn't make health care inequality worse. AI programs should reflect diverse patient groups and focus on fairness, not just existing biases.

Medicare Advantage Insurers Hurt You Because Their Profits Depend On It

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 739 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Medicare Patient Care Public Health
  1. Many seniors using Medicare Advantage plans face serious obstacles, like having limited access to doctors. This can lead to long travel times and difficulties in getting proper care.
  2. These plans often require a lot of extra steps to approve treatments, causing frustrating delays for patients in need of immediate attention. It can take weeks or months to get the care they need.
  3. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare can be tricky and risky. Many people may find they can’t get the additional coverage they need after becoming sick, thus leaving them stuck in a difficult situation.

Nightmare on Wall Street for Medicare Advantage Companies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1498 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare Government Finance
  1. Medicare Advantage companies are struggling as Wall Street is disappointed with payment increases from the government. The payment increase for 2025 was lower than what these companies wanted.
  2. Insurers like Humana and UnitedHealth have seen their stock prices drop significantly, losing billions in market value. This fall has been alarming to investors who were used to seeing these companies perform well.
  3. The Medicare Advantage sector may look to influence politics by supporting candidates who favor their interests. Companies are likely to invest heavily in campaigns to get more favorable treatment in the future.

Buckle up: Navigating the noise around routine vaccination

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1375 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Communication Health Policy
  1. Vaccination has had a huge impact on public health, eradicating diseases like smallpox and reducing cases of polio and measles to near-zero with high vaccination rates.
  2. Most people still trust vaccines, with a significant percentage of parents ensuring their kids are vaccinated, despite the loud voices questioning vaccine safety.
  3. It's normal to have questions about vaccines, but it's important to seek answers from trusted experts to separate fact from fiction.

Drug regulators - the revolving door keeps revolving

Maryanne Demasi, reports • 2692 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals mRNA technology
  1. A former TGA boss has been appointed to the board of Medicines Australia to advance mRNA technology in Australia.
  2. John Skerritt, previously with TGA, reflects on his achievements in speeding up drug approvals during his time there.
  3. Concerns are raised about the 'revolving door' practice where agency officials end up working for industries they once regulated.

Canadian doctor sudden deaths have reached 150 since COVID-19 vaccines rolled out - our Canadian Medical Association celebrates the occasion with a full page Pfizer ad...

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 4874 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Healthcare
  1. 150 Canadian doctors have died suddenly since COVID-19 vaccines were administered.
  2. The Canadian Medical Association promoted Pfizer in the midst of these deaths.
  3. The Mexican drug cartels are seen as having stronger ethics compared to Canada's healthcare leadership.