The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

We Just Felt Like It

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The Washington Post reported misleading information about a Florida law, suggesting serious negative implications for minority health.
  2. A Minnesota lawmaker had an angry outburst in the House, demonstrating strong support for controversial medical treatments for kids.
  3. There have been protests in Germany regarding insufficient funding for Long Covid, and a teacher faced backlash for sharing LGBTQ-themed content in the classroom.

The Enemy is Us on Health Policy

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Many Americans see health care as a gift, not a product, which makes it hard to talk about costs. Doctors want to be paid, but they don't want to think of themselves as selling their services.
  2. There are certain cultural attitudes that shape the way our health care system works today. These attitudes include the reluctance to view health care as a commodity.
  3. People often ignore other ways resources can be used when it comes to health care. This can create issues in how we manage and think about health care policies.

219 | What Changed in Food Safety This Year |

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Public Health
  1. Big shifts happened in food safety this year — especially staff and resource cuts in the U.S. — while many countries tightened rules on packaging, food-contact materials and traceability, and serious incidents like heat-and-eat Listeria outbreaks and a radioactive shrimp recall show risks still persist.
  2. A wide range of emerging hazards are being tracked globally, from new pathogens and plant toxins to climate-driven mycotoxin changes; one notable rising foodborne threat is Trypanosoma cruzi, which can cause severe illness when contaminated juices or foods are consumed.
  3. Food fraud remains a major problem: honey adulteration has become so tangled that rice syrup is being sold as a honey alternative, and organised crime is relabelling expired products at scale, highlighting the need for better traceability and enforcement.

Book Review: "KILLED TO ORDER"

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Public Health
  1. The Chinese Communist Party runs a systematic forced organ-harvesting industry that targets prisoners of conscience (including Falun Gong, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and others) and supplies matched organs on demand, according to multiple survivor accounts and investigations.
  2. This atrocity is rooted in the CCP’s totalitarian system that treats people as resources, turns hospitals and law enforcement into instruments of repression, and co-opts Western institutions and elites to normalize or profit from the practice.
  3. Stopping it requires urgent action: laws banning organ tourism, international accountability and prosecutions, and renewed moral clarity across politics, medicine, and civil society to prevent further complicity and protect human rights.

Top Links 562 Global shipping and Trump trade. UK stagnation. H5N1 in North America and Nehru's legacy.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Global shipping is seeing a big surge, but this comes with challenges like trade wars. It's important to watch how these two trends affect the economy.
  2. The UK is facing stagnation, which means there isn't much growth happening. This could affect jobs and opportunities for people in the country.
  3. H5N1, an avian flu, is now in North America. It's crucial to stay informed on this as it can impact health and the poultry industry.
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A Substack update, MDs reinforcing failure and ill news about sugar (a clever study!)

Unsettled Science • 516 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Medical schools might not be teaching the right nutrition information. It's important to examine if the problem lies in what is taught, not just how much is taught.
  2. New research suggests that reducing sugar in the diets of young children can lower their risk of diabetes and high blood pressure later in life. This raises serious questions about how we view sugar in our diets.
  3. Physicians should be more open about the uncertainties surrounding nutrition advice. Understanding that there's still much to learn can help doctors connect better with their patients.

In a World Without Medicine, These Plants Could Save Your Life

OK Doomer • 340 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Plants can be powerful for health, especially when medicine isn't available. They can help fight infections and offer protection against illnesses.
  2. Some plant compounds are effective, like star anise, which works similarly to certain medications. Always check with a doctor before using them, especially if you're on other meds.
  3. Current events like vaccine delays remind us to look into natural alternatives. Researching these plant-based options can prepare us for uncertain times.

YLE Event Tuesday (December 10)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 485 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. There is a webinar on December 10 about communicating health in today's divided environment. It will be helpful for anyone interested in public health.
  2. Kyle McGowan, a former CDC Chief of Staff, will join the discussion to share useful strategies. This could provide valuable insights for health professionals.
  3. The event is free for subscribers and will include a live question-and-answer session. If you can't attend, a recording will be available afterward.

The Exquisite Corpse of American Politics

OK Doomer • 153 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. People in politics often focus only on their own issues, ignoring the bigger picture. This can create a fragmented approach that doesn't help anyone solve the real problems.
  2. Many groups argue over how to label issues instead of working together to address them. Real progress comes from recognizing how interconnected our struggles are.
  3. Understanding the complexities of politics means realizing that focusing solely on one issue can harm others. It's important to support each other across different causes to truly make change.

Rocking Hawaii - Making a Difference

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The tour was a multi-island speaking series advocating for medical freedom and opposing the governor’s emergency powers and the West Coast Health Alliance’s aggressive vaccine schedule for children.
  2. Local volunteers and community support were overwhelming, filling venues, providing meals and housing, and making the whole tour possible.
  3. The trip mixed hard work and camaraderie with scenic downtime (volcanoes, hot springs, whale watching), but also highlighted safety risks for public speakers after a verbal harassment incident.

What medicos really think about masks

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Many people agree that masks might not be effective, but they're too afraid to speak out. They often feel pressure from others to go along with the masking rules.
  2. Some staff at medical offices may have private doubts about masks, but they tend to keep those opinions to themselves.
  3. People often want to fit in or avoid conflict, even if they have their own reservations about masking requirements.

Advancing Health Obsequity

Bastiat's Window • 294 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Advocating for health equity can sometimes hinder open discourse in the medical field.
  2. Scientific inquiry can be stifled by overcomplicated and rigid language guidelines.
  3. Encouraging individualized patient care and broad scientific exploration is essential for progress in healthcare.

The weather is nice so we have to freak out about heatwaves now

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health
  1. Currently, even though the weather is nice, many people are still worried about heatwaves and climate change. It seems like there's always something to worry about, regardless of the actual conditions.
  2. In Germany, the current temperatures aren't as extreme as some predictions suggest, but the media is still making a big deal out of potential heat. Often, it's not the heat itself that's dangerous, but how suddenly it increases.
  3. Instead of banning fun summer activities, a better solution for helping vulnerable people during heatwaves would be to provide air conditioning. It's important to focus on practical solutions rather than creating fear around the nice weather.

Did Draconian Lockdowns Kill More People Than Covid?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 32 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The harsh, society-wide lockdowns did a lot of harm — they deepened poverty, delayed or blocked medical care, worsened mental and physical health, and likely caused many non-COVID deaths, with some open-society places showing lower excess mortality.
  2. Big claims about how many lives were saved by lockdowns or vaccines are often based on weak models, hidden data, or unrealistic assumptions, so those headline numbers should be treated as highly uncertain.
  3. You can’t cleanly separate virus deaths from deaths caused by pandemic policies, and global excess-death estimates run into the tens of millions, which argues for a new pandemic playbook and tighter oversight of risky research.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #149

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 168 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. A new HIV prevention drug called Yeztugo was approved by the FDA. It only needs two shots a year and is very effective at keeping people virus-free.
  2. Lilly is buying Verve Therapeutics to create one-time gene editing treatments for high cholesterol. This could help many people without needing daily medication.
  3. Waymo is planning to test its self-driving cars in New York City. They're aiming to eventually offer robotaxi services in the busy city.

How Trump’s Big Bad Bill Will Kill Americans

Can We Still Govern? • 139 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Americans have a lower life expectancy compared to other wealthy countries, largely due to health policy and social inequalities. This means many people suffer from poor health and die younger than they should.
  2. The Big Bad Bill will cut essential health coverage for millions of Americans, leading to increased deaths and worsening health for those most in need. It will mainly impact low-income individuals and rural communities who rely on Medicaid and food assistance.
  3. Emergency services and community health care will be strained as funding is reduced. This will make it harder for people to access care, leading to worse health outcomes for everyone.

Alter.systems AI is Refreshingly Different

Who is Robert Malone • 21 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Robert Malone is described as an early pioneer of mRNA vaccine technology who later became a vocal critic of how those vaccines were developed and deployed.
  2. His public warnings led to censorship and controversy, but he embraced the role of a dissenter, grew a large independent following, and gained positions like a CDC vaccine panel seat and an adjunct professorship.
  3. The piece praises Alter.systems as a new chat AI that claims to avoid institutional bias and censorship, recommending it as a freer alternative to mainstream models.

On the Origins of Type 1 Diabetes

Eat Shit and Prosper • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually starts early in life and is linked to specific genetic and environmental factors.
  2. The incidence of T1D is rising globally, but it varies greatly by location and doesn't correlate strongly with typical factors like income or race. Scientists suspect that certain infections, especially with bacteria like Legionella, might trigger the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.
  3. Research suggests that exposure to Legionella bacteria might confuse the immune system, leading it to attack the pancreas. This means that cleaning up contaminated water systems could be key in reducing new T1D cases.

A Revolution in Vaccine Regulation and Approval

Who is Robert Malone • 35 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The FDA has found that at least 10 children died after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, which raises serious safety concerns. This suggests that vaccine mandates may have caused more harm than good for young children.
  2. There is little reliable data showing that COVID-19 vaccines save lives in children, and the risks of vaccination may outweigh the benefits for this age group. The current situation calls for a reevaluation of vaccine approval processes and safety measures.
  3. The overall approach to vaccine regulation needs to change to prioritize evidence-based medicine. This includes better studies on vaccine safety and effectiveness, especially for young people, and being honest about the potential dangers of vaccines.

Revised HHS Childhood Vax Schedule Announced

Who is Robert Malone • 17 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The CDC narrowed universal childhood vaccine recommendations to a core set of consensus vaccines (about ten plus chickenpox) and reclassified others—like flu, rotavirus, RSV, hepatitis A, and some meningococcal vaccines—for high‑risk groups or shared clinical decision‑making to align more with peer nations.
  2. All vaccines will remain available and fully covered by ACA and federal programs so families won’t pay out of pocket, and the new schedule emphasizes flexibility and informed choice over broad mandates.
  3. The shift aims to rebuild public trust and strengthen safety evidence by reducing early‑life vaccine load where possible, promoting individualized decisions, and funding more rigorous trials and long‑term safety studies.

Yeast-based vaccines are a big deal for biosecurity

More is Different • 6 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🔬 Science Public Health
  1. Engineered baker's yeast that displays viral proteins can trigger protective antibody responses when eaten, showing edible vaccines are possible.
  2. Yeast vaccines can be produced and distributed quickly and locally—through brewing, dried chips, or feed—making decentralized pandemic and livestock responses feasible.
  3. Edible yeast vaccines may reduce needle-related hesitancy and lower some regulatory barriers, but they still face important challenges like oral tolerance, safety, and the need for proper clinical trials and regulatory clarity.

When Sterilization Was Dogma: Why the Eugenics Movement is Relevant Today

Bastiat's Window • 275 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
💾 History Public Health
  1. More than 70,000 Americans were victimized by America's eugenics movement, which peaked in the 1920s but lingered into the 2010s.
  2. Eugenics movement was supported by powerful people, based on the idea of improving the human species.
  3. Guard against destructive groupthink by fostering skepticism and questioning everything, to prevent falling prey to dangerous ideologies.

The Virtue of Diversity

David Friedman’s Substack • 431 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  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.

The Quest for Universal Flu Vaccines

Asimov Press • 354 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Current flu vaccines only work about 40% of the time and need to be updated every year. Scientists are trying to create a 'universal' flu vaccine that could offer better protection for a longer time.
  2. Viruses like the flu change quickly, which makes it hard for existing vaccines to keep up. Researchers are working on new methods to make vaccines that can recognize and fight many different strains of the virus.
  3. More than 200 new flu vaccine ideas are being tested, including ones that use nanoparticles or are delivered through the nose. The hope is to come up with a vaccine that can last several years and protect against various flu types.

How To Solve The So-Called "Obesity Epidemic" Today

Weight and Healthcare • 499 implied HN points • 21 Dec 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Stop talking about the 'obesity epidemic' as it is a concept that harms fat people and promotes weight stigma.
  2. The idea of an 'obesity epidemic' is not supported by accurate definitions and encourages harmful behavior towards fat individuals.
  3. Public health efforts should focus on increasing access, reducing barriers, and providing shame-free healthcare rather than perpetuating the 'obesity epidemic' narrative.

Vaccines, Amen - Book Launch Party!

Injecting Freedom • 48 implied HN points • 05 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The book launch party was a fun and lively event where many people gathered to celebrate.
  2. Rob Schneider shared important thoughts about government control and personal freedom regarding medical choices.
  3. An Air Force member's story highlights the struggle for rights in the face of vaccine mandates, inspiring others to stand up for their beliefs.

PREEMPT-ive Pardon for Fauci

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 356 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. A preemptive pardon for Fauci raises serious questions about its legality and ethics. It's unusual to pardon someone before they are even charged with a crime.
  2. Concerns exist that Fauci's actions may have contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigations have found troubling evidence regarding the research funded by his agency.
  3. The call for further investigation into Fauci's NIAID is essential for understanding the truth about the pandemic. Many believe that stopping these inquiries is like obstructing justice.

HWFO Reading List, December 2024

Handwaving Freakoutery • 418 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The idea of who is 'qualified' for jobs can differ greatly among people. Some argue that a person's personal motivations can make them more suited for certain roles, even if they lack traditional qualifications.
  2. Political appointments may often reflect a person's desire to address issues they personally experienced or care about, rather than following conventional career paths or qualifications.
  3. It's important to consider how personal experiences and motivations can shape the effectiveness of individuals in political positions, as they may drive them to achieve specific goals more passionately.

NZ Herald (at last!) publishes an article which questions the use of puberty blockers.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. An article in the NZ Herald challenges the use of puberty blockers, marking a shift in the media's approach to the topic. It highlights that previous articles may have had misleading information.
  2. Research and reviews from multiple countries, including New Zealand, question the safety and efficacy of puberty blockers for children. Some findings suggest serious health risks and a lack of improvement in mental health.
  3. There's concern about the increasing rates of puberty blocker prescriptions in New Zealand, as procedures and guidelines are becoming more accessible to children without extensive evaluations.

How China-Bashing Fuels the Fentanyl Crisis

Nonzero Newsletter • 496 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Fentanyl is causing a huge problem in the U.S., killing more people than several wars combined. It affects many lives, from kids to adults, and costs the economy a lot of money.
  2. China used to be the main source of fentanyl in the U.S., but after 2019, their role changed. Now, Mexican drug cartels make the drug using chemicals from China.
  3. Politicians are blaming China to gain votes, but the reality is more complex. A better understanding of the crisis is needed to solve it, rather than just pointing fingers at another country.

Covid Era Stories

Natural Selections • 10 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Public Health
  1. This is an open call for real, personal Covid‑era stories to preserve lived experience, with editors offering light help and authors able to use pseudonyms while organizers verify true identities behind the scenes.
  2. The Covid era is described as a time of fear, isolation, loss, and intense social and political polarization over masks, lockdowns, mandates, and vaccines.
  3. Selected pieces will be paid ($50–$200 depending on length), may require references for longer submissions, and the project stresses brevity, factual verification, and preserving memory.

Harassment against scientists is out of control

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1594 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Harassment against scientists, including stalking, bullying, and threats, has become a common and serious issue online and offline.
  2. Many scientists, both male and female, have reported experiencing harassment, threats, and emotional stress, particularly women in the field.
  3. The high levels of harassment and threats have led to many scientists withdrawing from social media and public engagement, creating a gap in scientific communication and community trust.

Evaluating a Sitting Senator's Healthcare Claims

Cremieux Recueil • 392 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Senator Chris Murphy made strong claims about healthcare causing deaths in the U.S. but lacked accurate data to back them up. It's important for public officials to use correct statistics when discussing serious issues.
  2. Many deaths in America are unrelated to insurance denials, especially for people over age 65 who are mostly covered by Medicare. This shows that the healthcare system isn't as profit-driven in these cases as Senator Murphy suggested.
  3. Studies have shown that expanding access to healthcare has only small effects on overall mortality. Claims about thousands of deaths caused by lack of care might be greatly exaggerated.

Doctors said "it was a matter of life or death." But their health insurer denied the claim.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Health insurance companies often deny crucial medical claims, even when doctors say treatment is a matter of life or death. This can leave patients in distress, struggling to access the care they desperately need.
  2. Many people don't know they have the right to challenge claim denials. Even if they do, insurers often make it difficult to win these appeals.
  3. Campaigns like Care Over Cost show that collective action can help patients get the care they deserve. By uniting and raising awareness, patients can hold insurers accountable and fight for their rights.