The hottest Health Policy Substack posts right now

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Top Health & Wellness Topics

New Zealand's Midwifery Council banishes the words 'mother' and 'woman'.

A B’Old Woman • 219 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. The New Zealand Midwifery Council has decided to stop using the words 'mother' and 'woman' in their guidelines. This change raises concerns since these terms are central to midwifery.
  2. Most people giving birth identify as women, so removing these words could make midwifery less clear and less welcoming for many parents.
  3. The council has invited public feedback on this decision, but it seems odd that they didn’t consult the women and mothers most affected by these changes beforehand.

Repeated mRNA Covid jabs are linked to faster death from pancreatic cancer

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. Receiving three or more mRNA Covid vaccines is linked to shorter survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients. Those with more shots died faster than those with fewer shots.
  2. The study found changing levels of IgG4 antibodies in patients, which may weaken their immune response against cancer. This suggests the vaccines might change how the body fights tumors.
  3. Previous research indicated rising cancer death rates in Japan since the vaccine rollout. This study offers more detailed insights by tracking patients based on their vaccine status.

URGENT: The FDA will reject future Covid jabs for healthy people under 65 without big new clinical trials proving they work

Unreported Truths • 57 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. The FDA now requires new clinical trials to approve Covid vaccines for healthy people under 65. This means companies must prove the vaccines are effective before they can be used.
  2. Many adults may still qualify for boosters because of loose CDC guidelines on who is at risk for severe Covid. This could allow a lot of people to continue getting the vaccine even with new rules.
  3. While this is a step towards more safety with mRNA vaccines, the rules aren’t strict enough to significantly change access for most healthy adults.

Miracle in Mainz

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 05 Apr 21
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. mRNA technology is changing medicine, promising to extend life and improve health. Vaccines for COVID-19 showed how effective this approach can be.
  2. BioNTech and Moderna rushed to create vaccines quickly, successfully using their mRNA methods. This faster way of making vaccines works better than older methods.
  3. There are plans to use mRNA technology for cancer vaccines in the near future. This could transform how we treat cancer and save many lives.

The biggest move Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can make in his new job to show vaccine fanatics that they are no longer in charge

Unreported Truths • 125 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should end the CDC's recommendation for COVID mRNA vaccines for children and teens once he is confirmed as HHS secretary.
  2. There are serious health concerns with these vaccines in young people, including potential for myocarditis and other severe side effects.
  3. The CDC's current stance is seen as outdated and driven by ideology rather than science, so a shift in public health policy is needed.
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Color Us Shocked: The World Health Organization Continues To Deny Reality In Order To Protect China

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

Current Pfizer Board Member and Former Trump Appointed FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb

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

My revised $1M offer to Paul Offit

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

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

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

Outbreak Outlook - Dec 2

Force of Infection • 108 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Policy
  1. Flu cases are increasing, especially among young children, with activity levels hitting the start of flu season.
  2. COVID-19 rates remain low in the U.S., with fewer hospitalizations and a slight rise in emergency visits in some states.
  3. Concerns about H5N1 bird flu continue as officials are unable to find the source of recent infections in humans.

VERY URGENT: Donald J. Trump is naming Robert F Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services

Unreported Truths • 111 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Donald Trump has promised to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services.
  2. This decision is facing significant pushback from pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
  3. Trump is determined to follow through with his promise, despite the opposition.

On Substack, medicine, and journalism

Unreported Truths • 34 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Substack allows writers to express their thoughts freely and connect directly with readers, unlike traditional media.
  2. There are concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, with a belief that they were not tested thoroughly enough.
  3. The battle over free speech is important, as some believe that regulating opinions can limit open discussions on topics like vaccines.

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

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

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

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

Biden is continuing Trump's privatization of Medicare. Here's what you need to know.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 29 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Biden is following Trump's lead by continuing a program that privatizes Medicare. This shift is concerning because it can affect seniors' healthcare options.
  2. Many seniors might be moved into profit-driven Medicare plans without realizing it. This could limit their access to care and services.
  3. Critics argue that allowing private equity and insurance companies into Medicare will make them more focused on profits than on providing quality healthcare to seniors.

EXCLUSIVE: UnitedHealth Group made $81 billion in revenues during Q3 2022, billions subsidized by American tax dollars

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. UnitedHealth Group's revenues hit $81 billion in just one quarter of 2022, showing a huge profit increase over the last decade. Despite this, they have fewer people enrolled in private health plans compared to ten years ago.
  2. Many Americans are facing higher medical costs, including premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, with UnitedHealth contributing to this inflation. This means more financial strain on people, especially those with employer-sponsored insurance.
  3. The growth of UnitedHealth's Medicare and Medicaid plans highlights how private insurers are benefiting from government-funded healthcare. This creates concerns about fairness and access to care for low- and middle-income Americans.

The first non-opioid painkiller

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 34 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Policy
  1. Journavx is the first non-opioid pain reliever approved by the FDA, aiming to reduce reliance on addictive opioids for pain management. It works by blocking specific sodium channels in pain-sensing neurons instead of acting on the brain, which helps avoid side effects linked to opioids.
  2. The development of Journavx took decades due to the complex nature of pain and the challenges in finding effective, non-addictive alternatives. Researchers faced multiple setbacks and failures before finally succeeding with this novel painkiller.
  3. Currently, Journavx is mainly effective for treating acute pain and isn't yet approved for chronic pain conditions. It offers a new option for patients needing pain relief, especially in situations where traditional medications aren't sufficient.

The Media Is Furious That Dr. Jay Bhattacharya Will Be Head of NIH

Unmasked • 96 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been appointed as the head of the National Institutes of Health. He is highly qualified with degrees in medicine and health policy.
  2. His appointment is seen as a challenge to previous leadership at NIH, particularly to Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins, as he supports evidence-based science rather than political ideology.
  3. The media is reacting negatively to his appointment because he has publicly opposed strict COVID-19 measures like lockdowns and mask mandates.

Outbreak Outlook - National - June 23

Force of Infection • 35 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. COVID-19 levels are currently low, but some areas are seeing a slight increase in activity. It's important to keep an eye on different regions as the situation can change.
  2. Influenza cases are very minimal right now, with fewer people visiting doctors for symptoms like fever or sore throat. Most age groups report low levels of flu illness.
  3. Norovirus cases are declining, which is a positive sign as we head into summer. Keeping track of these trends helps us stay prepared for any outbreaks.

What RFK Jr. can do as Secretary of Health and Human Services

Unreported Truths • 91 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. Limit how often drugs can be advertised to help patients make better choices. It’s important to make sure medicine is about health, not just selling products.
  2. Open up information about COVID-19 and vaccine safety to the public. This means sharing everything from lab investigations to side effects so people can trust what they’re getting.
  3. Make healthcare more affordable by promoting cheaper generic options and limiting hospital executive pay. This can help more people access the care they need without high costs.

Anthony Fauci Is Almost Certainly Getting Away With It

Unmasked • 69 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. The Biden administration faced criticism for its early COVID policies, which many viewed as extreme and unnecessary. Many felt that pushing vaccines on young children was not justified.
  2. States that lifted mask mandates did better than those that kept them, showing that some COVID restrictions may not have been effective. This sparked debates about the effectiveness of mandates.
  3. There were significant efforts to censor opposing views on social media regarding COVID, and some policies, like vaccine passports, created controversy and division among Americans. Many were frustrated with these approaches.

Medicines of Mass Destruction

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 29 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. The Sackler family played a major role in the opioid crisis by aggressively marketing addictive drugs like OxyContin, causing immense suffering.
  2. Despite the damage caused, the Sacklers faced little real punishment, and many believe that white-collar crimes should have consequences similar to street crimes.
  3. Recent lawsuits and proposed laws aim to hold the Sacklers accountable and ensure that they cannot escape legal repercussions for their actions.

Surprise, Surprise, Anthony Fauci Lied Again

Unmasked • 86 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Anthony Fauci has admitted to lying about herd immunity levels to encourage vaccinations. This shows a willingness to manipulate facts for perceived greater good.
  2. He avoids responsibility for school closures, even though he made public claims supporting those closures at the time. This suggests he uses language carefully to distance himself from backlash.
  3. Recent emails released from Fauci show patterns of dishonesty, leading to decreased public trust in him and health authorities. Many people now doubt the credibility of public health experts.

Reality Optional-Episode 89

Disaffected Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Media often responds untruthfully to protests and events, which can skew public perception. It's important to critically evaluate news coverage.
  2. Journalism has shifted towards misleading narratives rather than factual reporting. Trust in news sources has become a significant issue.
  3. Some medical institutions are reevaluating their practices regarding gender transition surgeries for minors, indicating a growing concern in the medical community.

Dr. Oz wants to force Pennsylvania seniors into Wall Street-run health insurance plans

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 179 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Dr. Oz wants to push seniors in Pennsylvania into private health insurance plans that may cost them more than traditional Medicare. These private plans can limit their choices for doctors and hospitals.
  2. If this change happens, Dr. Oz could benefit financially because he owns a lot of stock in a big company that runs these plans. It would make him richer while seniors may end up with less coverage.
  3. Many seniors prefer sticking with original Medicare and avoid these private plans, but changes could force them to switch. This could lead to a lot of taxpayer money being spent without good coverage.

Promises Made, Promises Kept

Who is Robert Malone • 30 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. The medical freedom movement has gained momentum during COVID-19, uniting people across political lines who oppose vaccine mandates and advocate for civil liberties.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement focuses on improving public health, addressing chronic diseases, and reforming the food and pharmaceutical industries.
  3. Kennedy's efforts are often misrepresented as solely anti-vaccine, but he emphasizes a broader agenda aimed at tackling chronic illnesses and promoting healthier lifestyles for all.

Adventures with the Common Cold

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 2 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Policy
  1. Certain traditional remedies—like hibiscus, pomegranate, black currant, mauby, vitamin C, nasal rinses, garlic, ginger, and chicken soup—are presented as having antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting effects. Using these remedies early is described as helping to shorten and relieve severe cold and flu symptoms.
  2. Mainstream medicine and large pharmaceutical companies are criticized for prioritizing vaccines and commercial drugs while underpublicizing or sidelining research on cheap, traditional treatments. This dynamic is said to create an information gap that keeps people from learning about home-based options.
  3. Individuals are urged to learn and use early self-care measures and traditional treatments to prevent colds and flus from worsening and to reduce reliance on hospitals and pharmaceutical interventions. Prompt, informed action at home is framed as a way to limit complications like bronchitis or pneumonia.

URGENT: The killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson left an anti-insurance company message at the scene of Thompson's murder

Unreported Truths • 74 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. The murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO suggests a deep anger towards insurance companies in America. Many people feel frustrated with the healthcare system and this anger may have contributed to the tragic event.
  2. The words found on the bullet casings indicate a connection to the tactics used by insurance companies to deny claims. This points to a critical view of the industry and its practices.
  3. There seems to be a troubling support for the killer from some online communities. This reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the healthcare system and raises concerns about the public's response to such violence.

The RFK Effect

Who is Robert Malone • 26 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Senator Bernie Sanders has changed his stance and is now co-sponsoring a bill to ban direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising, influenced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. This shows that Kennedy is having a noticeable impact on political discussions.
  2. Despite this shift, some Senators like Bill Cassidy continue to oppose Kennedy's reforms, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and showing resistance to changes in the health system. This suggests a struggle between established interests and calls for reform.
  3. Public opinion is shifting, with many citizens recognizing the influence of pharmaceutical companies on health policies. The ongoing efforts by Kennedy and Trump are seen as steps toward a healthier future, which resonates with various voter groups.

Anthony Fauci Isn't Out Of The Woods Yet, Thanks To New State Investigations

Unmasked • 54 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Anthony Fauci has admitted to lying during the COVID pandemic, suggesting he didn't always tell the truth about key issues.
  2. There are ongoing investigations that could still hold Fauci accountable despite any pardons he might receive.
  3. The discussion includes concerns about his decisions on public health measures, like lockdowns and vaccine mandates, which many feel were misleading.

Understanding mysterious outbreaks

Force of Infection • 70 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

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 Health Policy
  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.

Legal Abortion Protections Aren't Enough

Can We Still Govern? • 69 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Trump's administration could make it harder for women to access medication for abortion, which is used in most cases. This might include limiting how it can be obtained, like using telehealth services.
  2. Reproductive health care access, including basic services like contraception, could be restricted nationwide. Trump may use federal power to cut funding to providers, making it tougher for women to get care.
  3. There might be a rise in misinformation about reproductive health. Strategies to confuse the public about abortion being health care could lead to more restrictive policies in all states.

Why is Dr. Scott Gottlieb so desperate to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. out of Trump's cabinet?

Unreported Truths • 67 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb is openly opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a position in the Trump cabinet because he fears Kennedy would disrupt the current healthcare system. Many believe Big Pharma is worried about losing its grip on health policies if Kennedy gets into power.
  2. Gottlieb has a long history of connections with pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, which raises concerns about conflicts of interest. This background makes people skeptical about his motives and the influence of corporate interests in health decisions.
  3. Kennedy is seen by some as someone who could push for necessary changes in the healthcare system, while Gottlieb represents the status quo that many believe is broken and costly. The debate reflects ongoing frustrations with how healthcare is managed in the U.S.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 18

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 11

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

The Grace of Dr. Jay

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 52 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

Outbreak Outlook - October 21

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.