The hottest Health Policy Substack posts right now

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‘Listen to the Science’: A 75-Year-Old Warning About the Phrase

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Environmental Policy Ethics Health Policy
  1. When people say 'listen to the science,' they often mean 'listen to our plans.' Science can inform us, but it doesn't dictate what we should do.
  2. The economist Ludwig von Mises pointed out that science can't tell us what actions to take; it can only explain what is happening.
  3. Many debates around issues like climate change and COVID-19 are less about science and more about ethical choices, showing that not every problem has a simple scientific solution.

Andrew Sullivan Calls on Rachel Levine to Resign Over Trans Children Research Coverup

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 812 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Transgender Issues Legal issues Public Opinion Government Accountability
  1. A significant number of minors have undergone gender transition treatments in recent years, which raises concerns about the long-term effects on their health and wellbeing.
  2. There are serious doubts about the informed consent process for young children undergoing major surgical procedures, as they may not fully understand or appreciate the consequences.
  3. Critics argue that political motives have influenced health policies regarding transgender care for children, with calls for accountability from those involved in these decisions.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2416 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Government Media Elections Public Opinion
  1. There's a livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET where Matt and Walter will talk about important topics.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the new secretary of health and human services, promising transparency and honest science.
  3. The discussion will focus on COVID-19, the medical establishment's claims, and what changes might happen under his leadership.

1924 Rathbone hearings, US Congress.

Bailiwick News • 1803 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Health Policy
  1. In 1924, Congress held hearings to improve regulations on the sale of viruses and serums, aiming to prevent misleading claims about their effectiveness.
  2. Before 1924, some biological products didn't have clear standards showing their potency or effectiveness, which created confusion.
  3. The discussions back then highlighted the need for better protection for people using these products, similar to what was already in place for animals.

Covid summer and confusion, measles, cucumber recall, maternal health declining, and a curious MAHA report

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1855 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Maternal health Disease outbreaks Health Policy
  1. COVID-19 cases are currently low in the U.S., but summer waves are common. A new variant could lead to increasing cases, so it's important to stay informed.
  2. There is a lot of confusion around who can get COVID-19 vaccines right now. Eligibility seems to change often, and it's crucial to keep up with the latest guidelines.
  3. The MAHA report raised concerns about children's health but lacked detail on important issues like poverty. We need clear strategies and proper funding to truly improve children's health.
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Deliberate induction of anaphylaxis by vaccination

Bailiwick News • 2773 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Medical Ethics Health Policy Bioethics
  1. Vaccines can potentially cause serious allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, which may not be easily predictable. This can happen even with substances that are usually safe when eaten.
  2. Some historical research on anaphylaxis reveals a connection between vaccinations and the increase in allergies and autoimmune conditions today, suggesting that vaccines might sensitize people to allergens.
  3. Many vaccines contain proteins or substances that could trigger allergies, and the lack of stringent regulation in vaccine development means that people might not be fully aware of the risks involved.

Outbreak Outlook - National - March 3

Force of Infection • 110 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Public Health Infectious Diseases Health Policy Vaccination
  1. Influenza-like illness is declining, which is good news for everyone, especially parents. Although rates are still above the national baseline, both children and adults are seeing fewer doctor visits for flu symptoms.
  2. COVID-19 activity remains low with a decrease in hospitalizations and emergency department visits. Most states are reporting stable or decreasing cases.
  3. Norovirus rates are still very high and have been consistent since December. It's affecting many people, particularly in the Midwest, so it's important to take precautions.

Money Saved By Canceling Programs Does Not Immediately Flow To The Best Possible Alternative

Astral Codex Ten • 41364 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid Government programs Philosophy Public Policy Health Policy
  1. Canceling effective programs like PEPFAR doesn't guarantee that the money will be spent on better programs. It may just sit unspent or be used for less effective initiatives.
  2. People often argue about valuing American lives more than foreign ones, but this doesn't lead to better outcomes for those in need. Many don't consider the long-term effects of cutting foreign aid.
  3. There's a need for balance in helping others. Spending a small percentage of the budget on foreign aid is reasonable, and it shouldn't diminish support for domestic needs.

Making a “Miracle” HIV Medicine

Asimov Press • 206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Drug Development Global Health Public Health Health Policy
  1. Lenacapavir is a new injectable drug that can prevent HIV for up to six months, showing a higher effectiveness than daily pills.
  2. The drug is being offered at reduced prices in many low-income countries, but there are concerns about access and affordability in some regions.
  3. Despite its promise, lenacapavir's future depends on getting it to those who need it, especially given changes in government funding for HIV prevention programs.

The alternate reality of RFK and the antivaxers

Noahpinion • 13470 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Health Policy Social movements Science communication Public Health
  1. RFK Jr. has been a strong opponent of vaccines, which may influence U.S. vaccination policies if he takes a leadership role in the government. This could lead to less public support for vaccinations.
  2. Beliefs can be useful for creating group unity, even if those beliefs are not based on facts. Sometimes, being a part of a group means accepting ideas that might not be true in reality.
  3. The tension between what is real and what people believe can impact society. It shows how important it is to balance scientific facts with how communities view and accept those facts.

US Dietary Guidelines: Science is "Subpar," Cannot be Replicated

Unsettled Science • 948 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Dietary Guidelines Research Methodology Health Policy
  1. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines are based on low-quality science that is hard to replicate. This raises questions about their reliability for healthy eating.
  2. A new study found serious flaws in how the USDA reviews the research for these guidelines, including mistakes in their search strategies and lack of transparency.
  3. Despite criticism and calls for improvement, the USDA has not made the necessary updates to ensure the guidelines are trustworthy and based on solid research.

What if Congress Doesn't Specifically Reject NIH Indirect Cost Changes?

The Good Science Project • 48 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Health Policy Budgeting Funding Regulations
  1. NIH can't just set a flat rate for indirect costs on all grants. Each university's costs need to be negotiated individually.
  2. If Congress removes rules preventing NIH from changing how they calculate costs, it doesn't mean they can bypass accounting regulations.
  3. Any exceptions to indirect cost rates must be well-documented and communicated in advance for specific grants, not applied broadly.

When MAHA Forgets the Working Class

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 955 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Chronic Illness Working Class Health Policy Insurance
  1. Health advice that seems extreme or unattainable can push regular people away. It's important to give advice that feels realistic and achievable.
  2. Personal experiences with illness can be heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. Financial worries about healthcare can be a barrier to education and opportunities.
  3. Policies like the Affordable Care Act can make a big difference for people with preexisting conditions. They can open doors for education and better health insurance options.

1DaySooner's Trump II Health Policy Proposals

Astral Codex Ten • 14935 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Public Health Medical Research Regulatory Affairs Healthcare access
  1. To improve kidney donations, policies may allow compensation for organ donors, which could help reduce the waiting list and save lives.
  2. There is a push for better transparency in healthcare data from the FDA, which could improve research and lead to safer medical products.
  3. Novel research ideas are often underfunded, so increasing support for unconventional studies and human challenge trials could speed up medical advancements.

Rep. Chip Roy: Why I’m Backing RFK Jr.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 741 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Public Health Pharmaceuticals Government Appointments
  1. Chip Roy supports RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services despite having different opinions with others. He believes RFK Jr. knows how to improve America's health.
  2. Both Roy and Erick Erickson have had life-threatening health issues, and they credit innovative drugs by Big Pharma for their recoveries.
  3. Roy shares his personal story of overcoming cancer with a revolutionary drug, showcasing the importance of medical advancements.

Universities are falling short again

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 150 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Higher education Health Policy Government funding Social Issues
  1. Universities didn't hold important debates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics like school closures and mask mandates were never discussed, leading to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. There's a call for universities to address issues around NIH funding reform. Instead of promoting fear about funding cuts, they should engage in constructive discussions to improve the system.
  3. The general public feels disconnected from universities, especially regarding how taxpayer money is spent. Universities need to listen to these concerns and actively involve diverse opinions to regain public support.

Abigail Shrier Was Vilified. Now She’s Been Vindicated.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3987 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Politics Health Policy Social Issues Public Discourse
  1. Some researchers bravely challenge popular beliefs, and Abigail Shrier is one of them. She wrote a book about the risks of transitioning minors, especially teenage girls.
  2. Shrier found that parents were often misled about the consequences of their choices. Medical professionals used fear tactics to push life-changing treatments on families.
  3. Critics of the idea that minors should transition faced serious backlash. Speaking out against this belief often led to social and professional consequences.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 24

Force of Infection • 136 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Food Safety
  1. Influenza cases have dropped recently, giving some relief, although numbers are still higher than usual. Improvements were seen across all age groups.
  2. COVID-19 activity varies by state, with some places seeing high case numbers while others have less. Overall hospitalizations are low now compared to past months.
  3. Norovirus remains very high across the country, and it's expected to stay elevated for a while. This season's peak may last longer than usual.

Yes, Wipe Down Surfaces. No, Don't Hoard Cleaning Products. Try HOCl.

OK Doomer • 141 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Infectious Diseases Health Policy Epidemiology
  1. It's important to wipe down surfaces to prevent the spread of germs, especially when illnesses like the flu are on the rise.
  2. Instead of hoarding cleaning products, try using hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a simpler and effective germ killer.
  3. The flu season is currently very severe, even worse than COVID-19 in some cases, so taking precautions is essential for safety.

RFK jr is confirmed!

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 273 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Government oversight Regulatory Affairs Public Health Political Advocacy
  1. We need a better system to watch vaccine safety. The current ones are not good enough to catch all problems.
  2. The US should ban harmful dyes and pesticides that are already banned in other countries like the EU and Australia.
  3. People working at the FDA should not also work for big drug companies for a set time to avoid conflicts of interest.

My promise to you

Your Local Epidemiologist • 6868 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Community health Public awareness
  1. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based health information, not to add to the noise of social media. This platform is designed to help you make informed decisions for your health.
  2. Transparency is key, and it’s important to understand what the science says and what it means for you. It's okay to admit when we don’t know something and to clarify the difference between data and opinions.
  3. Public health is about people, not just statistics. Every issue will be approached with empathy to consider the real human impact behind the numbers.

Vaccines are popular, actually

Force of Infection • 190 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Health Policy Public Sentiment
  1. Vaccination rates in America are high, often over 80% for childhood shots. This shows that many people are choosing to get vaccinated.
  2. Public perception of vaccines can be skewed by negative news. When people believe that most doctors don't support vaccines, they are less likely to get vaccinated.
  3. Despite some controversy, many Americans actually see vaccines as a safe and normal choice for health. This is an important point that often gets overlooked.

puberty disruptors

bad cattitude • 194 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Education & Policy Health Policy Child welfare Gender identity
  1. Children are going through confusing times during puberty, and it's normal for them to feel lost. Instead of supporting them through these challenges, some ideas today make them feel like they should question their gender, which can lead to more confusion.
  2. There are serious risks in pushing kids towards gender-changing treatments without fully understanding the consequences. These medical actions can change their lives forever in harmful ways.
  3. Our society needs to focus on helping kids understand that feeling awkward during puberty is okay. We should protect them from ideas that could cause more harm rather than supporting them through their natural development.

Cause or Effect?

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Bias Health Policy Public Opinion Political endorsements Social Commentary
  1. Robert Kennedy Jr. surprised many by endorsing Donald Trump and focusing on children's health in his announcement.
  2. Andrew Hartz is working to remove political bias from therapy, making it easier for people to find therapists who won't judge them.
  3. The discussion includes satire about various public figures and the voting habits of young women.

It's Already Worse Than We Thought

OK Doomer • 251 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Health Policy Epidemiology Crisis Management
  1. The CDC recently shared worrying info about bird flu that was quickly retracted. This shows how serious the situation is around certain viruses.
  2. Viruses can mutate to become more dangerous over time, not just milder. Sometimes they start off seeming harmless, then turn deadly.
  3. Recent events are confirming fears that many have been labeled as 'doom and gloom' for mentioning. This serves as a reminder to take these warnings seriously.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 10

Force of Infection • 269 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Disease Prevention Health Policy Health Communication
  1. The flu season is at a record high, with about 1 in 13 doctor visits now related to flu symptoms. This is the worst flu outbreak we have seen in over ten years.
  2. Young children are most affected by the flu, but older adults are at a greater risk for severe illness. It's important for everyone to take precautions to stay healthy.
  3. To prevent the flu, people should wear masks in crowded places, improve ventilation indoors, wash hands often, and get vaccinated. If infected, antivirals can help reduce illness duration.

Trump, Science, and Academia

Unsafe Science • 116 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Science Policy Academia Health Policy Executive orders
  1. RFK Jr.'s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services raises concerns due to his controversial views on vaccines and health policy, even if he has a strong background in environmental law.
  2. Trump's approach to academia, including the emphasis on reducing DEI programs and fighting anti-Semitism, aims to shift the focus back to equal treatment in federal funding and policy, potentially impacting diversity efforts in education.
  3. The pause in federal grants and the disappearing of some scientific data have caused concern about access to information and funding in academia, highlighting the ongoing battle over scientific governance.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 27

Force of Infection • 515 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Health data Health Policy
  1. Flu cases are on the rise again, especially in children, after weeks of decline. It's surprising to see this rebound during the season.
  2. COVID-19 wastewater levels are decreasing, but it's too soon to know if we’ll avoid a larger wave this winter.
  3. Activity for RSV is declining across the country, but caution is still advised, particularly for babies and older adults.

The Most Important Word in The Democratic Party Platform for Health care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Insurance Medications Affordability Public Health
  1. The Democratic Party wants to expand healthcare benefits so that everyone can afford their medications, even those without insurance.
  2. Many people have gaps in their health coverage, which can be dangerous if they rely on medications like insulin.
  3. Including everyone in cost caps for medications can help prevent medical debt and save lives by ensuring people have access to necessary treatments.

Governor Tim Walz's Track Record on Medical Debt, Public Option, UnitedHealth Group

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1059 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Elections Medical Debt Insurance
  1. Governor Tim Walz has worked to make healthcare more accessible in Minnesota, leading to a drop in the uninsured rate. This means more people are getting the healthcare they need.
  2. Walz supports a public option for healthcare which aims to provide more choices and better coverage for citizens. This effort shows his commitment to improving the healthcare system.
  3. He is focused on reducing medical debt and drug costs, making healthcare fairer for everyone. His efforts include laws that help ensure people can access necessary care without financial worry.

RFK Jr. Says Drug Addicts Need Tough Love. Is He Right?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 769 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Addiction Treatment Government Role Public Health
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes in a tough love approach to help drug addicts, which means putting pressure on them to quit using drugs. He feels this method can be more effective than just accepting their addiction.
  2. Kennedy wants the government to take a strong stance against drug use, suggesting that those who refuse help might face jail time. This idea aims to push addicts towards getting the help they need.
  3. His philosophy contrasts with harm reduction strategies that focus on minimizing the risks of drug use instead of forcing users to quit. This suggests a significant divide in how society views addiction treatment.

How to Fix the NIH

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1372 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Policy Chronic Illness Healthcare system
  1. Institute directors should have term limits of 5 to 10 years. This helps bring in new ideas and prevents one person from holding too much power for too long.
  2. More funding needs to go towards preventing chronic diseases rather than just treating them. Preventive care is important for keeping people healthy and can save money in the long run.
  3. The NIH should be more transparent about financial conflicts of interest. People deserve to know how research funding is influenced by financial ties to the industry.

Donald Trump, the Smokers’ President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Social Issues Health Policy Consumer Rights
  1. Some people see nicotine as a popular choice and want to defend it against government rules. This has made smoking a topic that some conservatives rally around.
  2. A new cigar company recently launched and did really well, showing that there is still interest in nicotine products, despite overall sales being down.
  3. Media figures like Tucker Carlson argue that nicotine can actually improve life, pushing back against efforts to regulate its use.

⚡️ Top 10 news of the week

digitalhealthinsider • 19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Digital Health Healthcare Innovation Health Technology Health Policy
  1. Waltz is working on making prescription care cheaper and easier using AI technology. They aim to help consumers make better choices about their healthcare.
  2. There's a growing gap between what virtual health services offer and what people want. This disconnect could affect how healthcare evolves in the future.
  3. Health tech startups are facing challenges after a surge in funding during the pandemic. Many may need to merge or consolidate to survive in the changing market.

Scripps Institute’s Kristian Andersen Cannot Tell the Truth, But You Already Knew That

The DisInformation Chronicle • 690 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress COVID-19 Disinformation Health Policy
  1. Kristian Andersen, a researcher at the Scripps Institute, has been accused of lying in his statements to Congress about COVID-19 origins. His past actions have raised questions about his credibility.
  2. Emails show that Andersen initially thought the COVID-19 virus might be genetically engineered, but changed his stance after discussions with influential figures like Tony Fauci. This shift has led to scrutiny over his motivations.
  3. The recent House Select Committee report suggests possible attempts to cover up the true origins of the virus. Andersen is accused of misleading the public and Congress, which could potentially lead to legal consequences.

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.

Inside The Trump-Affiliated Outfit Trying to Repeal The Affordable Care Act

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Public Policy Healthcare Reform
  1. There's a group trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, led by people connected to Trump. They believe that Obamacare has failed and want to make major changes.
  2. Bobby Jindal, a key figure in this group, argues that patients should have more control over their healthcare choices, but this could risk leaving some people without proper coverage.
  3. Critics say Obamacare has actually helped many Americans get health insurance, and there's evidence suggesting that healthcare costs have not risen as much as claimed by its opponents.

Health NZ puts the ‘men’ in menstruation.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 31 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Health Policy Social Issues Activism
  1. Health NZ's new policy claims that menstruation is not just for women, stating that people of all genders can menstruate.
  2. Many people are surprised and upset by this policy, feeling it's confusing and not in line with most people's understanding of gender.
  3. There are concerns about how this affects cultural beliefs, especially in Māori culture, which emphasizes the sacredness of women's experiences.

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.