The hottest Prevention Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Why All Mammograms Should Incorporate A.I.

Ground Truths • 8135 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. AI makes mammogram reading more accurate and finds more cancers earlier, including smaller and aggressive tumors. It also significantly reduces radiologists' screening workload.
  2. AI can predict five-year breast cancer risk from a standard mammogram, letting clinicians target high-risk women for closer surveillance or preventive testing like MRI or genetic workups.
  3. AI can identify breast arterial calcification on mammograms, which signals higher heart disease risk and lets mammography serve as a two-for-one screen for cancer and cardiovascular risk.

Viruses we don't test for

Force of Infection • 139 implied HN points • 23 Mar 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Many different respiratory viruses besides flu and COVID cause what people call “a cold,” but they are rarely tested for and so much illness goes unnoticed even though these viruses shape seasonal outbreaks.
  2. Common under-recognized viruses—like adenoviruses, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, seasonal coronaviruses, and rhinoviruses/enteroviruses—usually cause mild cold-like symptoms but can cause serious illness in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised people, and some have distinctive complications (e.g., adenovirus conjunctivitis or parainfluenza croup).
  3. Prevention is similar across these pathogens: good ventilation, staying home when sick, hand hygiene, and high-quality masks (like KN95) reduce spread, while vaccines or specific treatments are limited and broader therapies are still under development.

The Lowdown on Low-Dose Aspirin for Primary Prevention

Ground Truths • 13866 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Low-dose aspirin for primary prevention in older adults generally causes more harm than benefit. It increases major bleeding and, in some trials, was linked to higher overall or cancer-related mortality without reducing cardiovascular events.
  2. Major guidelines now advise against routine aspirin for primary prevention in older adults, with age cutoffs varying by group. Aspirin still provides clear benefit for secondary prevention after events like heart attack, stroke, or stenting.
  3. There are hints aspirin might lower cancer incidence in specific subgroups (for example people with CHIP), but overall trial data in the elderly showed higher cancer deaths and CHIP testing isn’t part of routine care, so this is not an actionable reason to use aspirin now.

Flu antivirals: What to know and when to use them

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1378 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Antivirals like Tamiflu and Xofluza can shorten the flu by about one to two days, reduce symptom severity and some complications, and work best when started within 48 hours; they can also be used to prevent illness after a known exposure.
  2. Not everyone needs antivirals—many healthy people recover with rest, fluids, and fever reducers—but treatment is recommended for people who are hospitalized or have severe illness and for high-risk groups (young children, people 65+, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions).
  3. Side effects are usually mild (mainly nausea) and serious harms are rare, and many scary online claims are misleading—Tamiflu has not been shown to routinely cause hallucinations and star anise tea is not a substitute; Xofluza is a one‑dose option that may reduce contagiousness but is more expensive and has less data in some populations.

What Is The Current Evidence for mRNA Vaccine Shedding?

The Forgotten Side of Medicine • 9512 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Shedding from mRNA vaccines is a real concern, with varying levels of sensitivity among individuals.
  2. Symptoms of shedding exposure often overlap with long COVID and vaccine side effects, particularly affecting women.
  3. Shedding can occur through proximity, skin-to-skin contact, and other secretions, with a range of symptoms such as menstrual abnormalities, bruising, dizziness, and more.
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Fentanyl Poisoning Deaths Are Preventable

Ask Polly • 7409 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Fentanyl poisoning deaths are preventable with a safe nasal spray called Narcan.
  2. Many young people are dying from fentanyl poisoning after consuming laced drugs like Adderall or pain killers.
  3. It's important to educate oneself and others about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning and have naloxone like Narcan on hand to prevent deaths.

A modern day witch trial

uTobian • 8667 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. The study on autism prevalence and costs shows the rising financial burden of autism over the years.
  2. The model presented in the study reveals the alarming increase in autism rates, especially for certain demographics.
  3. The study highlights the shift in costs from parents to government as the first generation of autism epidemic children age, emphasizing the need for prevention strategies.

7 Insights about Cancer from Kate Middleton 👑

Are You Okay? • 1917 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Cancer is a set of diseases with unique risk factors, treatments, and prognoses. Understanding this can help manage anxiety and ruminations about personal risk.
  2. Not all cancers are hereditary, and the absence of cancer in the family doesn't guarantee immunity. Knowing individual risk factors and getting appropriate screenings are important.
  3. Cancer is common, affects a large percentage of the population, and doesn't discriminate. Healthy habits, symptom awareness, and early detection play crucial roles in managing cancer risk.

IMPORTANT REPOST: Synergistic pairing of ivermectin and fenbendazole found HIGHLY EFFECTIVE at preventing and treating cancer

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 2555 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. A synergistic pairing of ivermectin and fenbendazole is highly effective at preventing and treating cancer.
  2. Both ivermectin and fenbendazole show promise in inhibiting the growth and spread of cancerous tumors.
  3. Combining ivermectin and fenbendazole with other anti-cancer nutrients like quercetin, vitamins C and D, and curcumin can enhance their effects.

Why Covid Can Never Be 'Just A Cold'

¡Do Not Panic! • 2260 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Covid cannot be equated to a common cold due to its unique way of infecting and affecting the body.
  2. The virus's ability to infect various organs and cause severe damage sets it apart from typical cold-causing viruses.
  3. The lasting impacts of Covid, including long Covid and immune system complications, highlight that it is far more than just a cold.

British Columbia to Start Self-Testing for HPV for Cervical Cancer Screening

The Vajenda • 1965 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. British Columbia is starting self-testing for HPV for cervical cancer screening, moving towards at-home mail-in tests.
  2. HPV detection is more effective than Pap smears in detecting precancerous lesions, removing human error and being highly sensitive.
  3. Cervical cancer screening guidelines may change over time to adapt to new data and technologies, aiming to improve access and convenience for people.

Prevent Kidney Stones (and UTIs?) by Optimizing Urine pH

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 918 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Optimizing urine pH can help prevent kidney stones by finding a balance around 6.5-7, influencing crystal formation.
  2. Urine pH might not have a significant impact on UTIs, as it is more linked to the infecting organism's metabolism.
  3. Adjusting diet to control sulfur amino acids, collagen, potassium, and glutamine levels can be a potential strategy to optimize urine pH.

Disease X - Turns Out Death Is Profitable

AND Magazine • 1061 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Lab leaks and mishaps involving dangerous viruses are increasing worldwide post COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Scientists are creating highly lethal viruses through experiments, raising concerns about potential future pandemics.
  3. There is a focus on preparing for 'Disease X' which may lead to profit-making opportunities and increased restrictions.

Friday Q&A: HPV vaccine; preventing cholesterol plaque; COVID isolation for infants; & female hair loss

Are You Okay? • 519 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with HPV types responsible for various cancers, with immunity lasting up to 10 years.
  2. Adults up to age 45 can also receive the HPV vaccine, even if they have a history of HPV infection, abnormal Pap tests, or genital warts.
  3. Recent research suggests that even a single dose of the HPV vaccine may offer significant protection against HPV infection, especially if administered at a younger age.

Five Things To Do When You Get COVID

Are You Okay? • 1377 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Vaccination and past infections help lower the risk of severe COVID outcomes.
  2. Getting COVID is not a moral failure; it's important to not shame oneself.
  3. When sick with COVID, consider testing, stay home, treat symptoms, and know that recovering from COVID 'naturally' boosts your immune system.

A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.

News from Those Nerdy Girls • 786 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Winter respiratory illness season is approaching, and there is a significant surge in COVID cases.
  2. COVID is more deadly than the flu, with more Americans dying of COVID compared to flu.
  3. The updated COVID vaccine is effective and worth getting, providing strong protection against infection and severe outcomes.

Welcome To Your Colonoscopy.....AGAIN

Culture Study • 4552 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Getting a colonoscopy is important, even at a younger age if there's a family history or other risk factors.
  2. Colonoscopies are crucial, especially for Black individuals who are more at risk of colorectal cancer.
  3. Preparing for a colonoscopy involves strict dietary restrictions, consuming prep solutions, and being mindful of the timing and scheduling for the procedure.

Fentanyl Is Killing American Kids. Most Don’t Even Know They’re Taking It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4655 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Fentanyl, a potent and deadly drug, is causing a significant number of deaths among teenagers and young adults, often unknowingly consumed through counterfeit pills.
  2. Drug dealers are lacing various substances like pills, cocaine, and meth with fentanyl to increase their profits, leading to a rise in fatal overdoses.
  3. Children and teens need to be educated about the dangers of counterfeit drugs, as these fake pills can look identical to real medications, making it crucial to only take medications from doctors or pharmacists.

Polygenic Risk Scores: Ready for Prime Time?

Ground Truths • 3980 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Polygenic risk scores can provide valuable information on high genetic risk for diseases like heart disease and cancer, beyond traditional clinical risk factors.
  2. The use of polygenic risk scores is advancing thanks to efforts like the eMERGE consortium, incorporating multi-ancestry data and rigorous validation.
  3. Actionable polygenic risk scores have the potential to reduce health disparities and enhance preventive strategies in medical practice.

Could Used Coffee Grounds Protect Brain Cells?

Ladyparts • 479 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. A new study suggests that a substance from used coffee grounds could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
  2. Current neurodegenerative disease research often focuses on drugs for symptoms after diagnosis, rather than preventing degeneration of brain cells.
  3. Research at the University of Texas at El Paso found that compounds in coffee grounds might protect brain neurons from degeneration.

Friday Q&A: answering your COVID questions

Are You Okay? • 539 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Public health experts suggest waiting 6 months after either a vaccine dose or infection to get a COVID booster.
  2. Fit-tested masks may only protect against exposure for a couple of hours; staying away from infected individuals while prioritizing sleep, good food, exercise, and outdoor time are key.
  3. For vulnerable family members, especially those with autoimmune diseases or elderly, balancing social interactions and precautions remains a challenge despite vaccinations and boosters.

Update on Locally Acquired Malaria in the United States - July 12th, 2023

LIL Science • 491 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Locally acquired cases of malaria have been diagnosed in Florida and Texas for the first time since 2003.
  2. Transmission of malaria within the United States is very rare, with efforts focused on increasing vector control in affected areas.
  3. Taking preventive measures like controlling mosquitos at home and seeking medical care if symptoms develop is advised in areas where malaria has been detected.

Friday Q&A: COVID, flu & RSV - oh my!

Are You Okay? • 479 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. The latest COVID sub-variant, EG.5, is becoming a dominant strain in the U.S., but it doesn't seem to be more contagious or cause more serious disease than prior variants.
  2. Vaccines still offer good protection against serious disease from EG.5, and the new booster expected at the end of September should provide good coverage against severe outcomes from this variant.
  3. To protect yourself this fall/winter, it's advised to get vaccinated, care for underlying health issues, prioritize sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and have regular check-ups with your doctor.

Friday Q&A: All About Blood Clots🩸

Are You Okay? • 419 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Virchow's Triad describes major factors contributing to blood clot formation: Stasis of Blood Flow, Endothelial Injury, and Hypercoagulability.
  2. Thrombosis can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes, and it can occur in both veins and arteries.
  3. Risk factors for developing thrombosis can be acquired or inherited, and they vary between venous and arterial thrombosis.

Friday Q&A: Long COVID

Are You Okay? • 639 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. COVID can have long-lasting effects on some people, leading to a range of symptoms that vary in severity and duration.
  2. Understanding long COVID requires detailed data and nuanced discussions, not sweeping generalizations.
  3. Prevention through vaccination and exploring potential treatments like Metformin can help reduce the risk of long COVID.

Return of the mask?

Logging the World • 358 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention
  1. Masks may help reduce COVID spread, but their impact could be limited. Calls for widespread mask-wearing may not significantly alter infection rates and could be less effective than expected.
  2. Clarity in messaging is crucial. Different perspectives within organizations like Independent SAGE can lead to confusion in public health recommendations. Consistent and clear communication is essential for effective response.
  3. Temporary return to mask-wearing might not have a significant long-term impact. Adherence to such measures could be short-lived and may not prevent exponential growth unless sustained over time.