The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

The open argument must be fed: The peculiar case of Fox News and the pleasant smoke

The End(s) of Argument • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Open arguments drive much of our discourse, with events and information being interpreted as evidence to support or challenge ongoing debates.
  2. Arguments are not just about proving something true, but about enhancing or undermining the reasonableness of a position.
  3. Today's discourse often focuses on open-ended arguments where new events or information are used as evidence, shaping how we view and interpret the world.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 18

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

IT'S JUST SPIN: UnitedHealth Group touts out-of-pocket savings that patients will never see.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Only a small percentage of UnitedHealth policyholders will actually benefit from announced out-of-pocket savings, making the impact very limited.
  2. The company's marketing creates a misleading impression that many will save money, but most won't qualify for these benefits.
  3. UnitedHealth seems more focused on boosting profits and shareholder returns than on genuinely helping patients with affordable medications.

On the awful Catch-22 the media and public health face over Covid jabs

Unreported Truths • 76 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Many people now believe that mRNA Covid shots are not safe or effective. This has led to a significant drop in the number of people getting vaccinated, even in areas that previously supported vaccinations.
  2. Public health officials and media outlets are still trying to promote the Covid vaccines as if they are widely accepted. This disconnect is causing more distrust among the public toward health authorities.
  3. There is a growing realization that mistakes were made in how the Covid vaccines were marketed. Acknowledging these errors is important for restoring trust in health institutions and science.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Russian soldiers in Ukraine are not getting proper support from their leaders, leading to their demoralization. Many have expressed disbelief over what they were told about the war versus the harsh reality they are living.
  2. There is a growing debate about the effectiveness and purpose of higher education, especially with tough courses like organic chemistry. This leads to questions about whether universities should adapt to better serve pre-med students or stick to traditional liberal arts education.
  3. Recent studies confirm that COVID vaccines can affect menstrual cycles, which raises discussions about how health authorities communicated this information. It's important to acknowledge and investigate all potential effects of medical treatments without dismissing concerns.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Endless Cycle Of Insanity Continues: Mask Mandates Are Back Again

Unmasked • 75 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Mask mandates are returning in some areas, like California, as winter approaches. This has happened repeatedly since 2020.
  2. There is a belief that these mask mandates have failed to prevent illness in the past. Many are questioning why they are being reinstated again.
  3. Some people feel that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the mask policies and the studies supporting them. This creates confusion about their actual effectiveness.

The OKC Thunder Championship is Gen Z's Non Drinking Moment

House of Strauss • 23 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Public Health
  1. Gen Z is drinking less than previous generations, and this trend is gaining more attention. Many studies show that younger people are opting out of drinking alcohol.
  2. The recent Oklahoma City Thunder championship victory was a significant moment, showcasing how this generation celebrates in different ways. It symbolized a cultural shift towards more wholesome experiences.
  3. This decline in drinking among youth might be subtle and not always visible, but it reflects a larger change in societal norms and preferences. It shows that fun can happen without alcohol.

Anatomy of a Wrap-Up Smear

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Wrap-up smears are a tactic where false information is leaked to the media, which then amplifies it, making it seem more legitimate. This can damage reputations without real proof.
  2. Vaccines have limitations, like the fact that even fully vaccinated people can still get infected. This is important to understand when discussing vaccine effectiveness.
  3. Sometimes, interviews can be misleading, as they're set up to discuss one topic but end up focusing on something negative instead. It's crucial to be aware of this when engaging with the media.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 11

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

These two helped get us into the health care mess we're in. Maybe they can help get us out.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. High-deductible health plans make people avoid necessary care because they can't afford the out-of-pocket costs. This leads many to skip doctor visits and medications.
  2. Many Americans with insurance are still facing financial struggles, often leading to medical debt and even bankruptcy. This happens because their insurance doesn't cover enough of their medical expenses.
  3. Healthcare executives need to rethink their strategies. The current focus on 'consumerism' has created serious problems for patients, pushing many to choose between essential care and basic living expenses.

UCSF has match day outdoors & plans on contact tracing... in 2024

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 132 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Population immunity to COVID-19 is high, making large outdoor gatherings unnecessary. Holding events outdoors may not significantly impact transmission and could be inconvenient.
  2. There is little evidence to support the need for contact tracing in 2024. The effectiveness of contact tracing for the virus is questionable.
  3. Medical school policies may sometimes prioritize perceived safety over rational decision-making, potentially impacting student experiences and learning.

Outbreak Outlook - October 7

Force of Infection • 73 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Flu activity is low across the country, especially among young children. Only a small percentage of doctor visits are for flu-like symptoms.
  2. Covid-19 cases are on the decline, with fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations in many regions. Wastewater data shows a calming trend in most areas.
  3. Norovirus cases are rising, particularly in the Southern region, with test positivity increasing. It's important to stay updated on food recalls related to health risks.

No Amnesty for Crimes Against Humanity

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 03 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Ignoring the truth about COVID and the harm inflicted is not acceptable - no amnesty for crimes against humanity.
  2. People in positions of power who enabled destructive actions during the pandemic should be held accountable, not forgiven.
  3. Calls for amnesty for COVID-related actions are seen as hypocritical and evoke strong reactions of anger and the refusal to forgive.

Mayo Clinic Suspends A Doctor Who Commented in NYTimes About Testosterone's impact when Trans-athletes compete in Women's sports

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 230 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Mayo Clinic suspended a doctor for comments on transgender athletes in women's sports, violating academic freedom.
  2. Academics should have the freedom to express their views in media without censorship.
  3. Universities should prioritize the free exchange of ideas over financial gain.

There's Finally A Plan To Stop Public Health From COVID Tyranny

Unmasked • 69 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The media played a big role in promoting strict COVID measures like masks and lockdowns, which affected people's freedoms. They often focused on one side of the story and spread misinformation.
  2. Public health officials seriously influenced the response to the pandemic, sometimes ignoring new evidence in favor of their existing beliefs and practices. This led to many damaging decisions during the crisis.
  3. There's now a plan to limit the power of public health authorities and prevent extreme measures from happening again. The hope is to create a more balanced and informed approach in the future.

Where Did The Jetsons Hide Their Drug Addicts?

Code and Context • 2 HN points • 29 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. New technologies like self-driving cars can feel amazing, but they sometimes ignore real problems like homelessness. This contrast shows that while we celebrate innovation, we can't forget about those who are struggling.
  2. Programs like Universal Basic Income (UBI) can help people in need find financial stability. Supporting education and job training can also create better opportunities for those affected by all these changes.
  3. It's important for tech companies to create solutions that help solve social issues. By investing in projects that assist vulnerable communities, we can build a future that includes everyone.

Did Republicans die more during the pandemic bc they didn't get the vax?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 209 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. A recent paper suggests that Republicans were more likely to die during the pandemic due to not getting vaccinated.
  2. The paper had flaws in its methodology and did not consider factors like age, BMI, and vaccination status.
  3. Criticism of Republicans for not getting vaccinated highlights a double standard in how different groups are treated in research and society.

Activists Continue to Murder Left-Wing Thought

I Might Be Wrong • 61 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. There's a claim that some academic sources prove there's no competitive advantage for trans women in sports, but these sources might not be as strong as they seem. It's important to be cautious about where such information comes from.
  2. Many people feel distrustful of institutions like government and media because they sometimes spread confusing or contradictory information. This can make it hard for people to know what to believe.
  3. Activists are often trying to push their point of view, but if others in power repeat these views without evidence, it can further hurt the credibility of institutions and confuse the public even more.

What Is the U.S. Surgeon General Saying About Social Media?

The Analog Family • 59 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that social media poses serious risks to kids and teens, stating it may harm their development and mental health. Parents should be aware of these risks and consider moderating their children's use of social media.
  2. Kids and teens are still developing and may struggle with issues like peer pressure and identity formation. Excessive social media use can lead to problems like anxiety, low self-esteem, and disrupted sleep.
  3. The advisory offers practical advice for families, like creating tech-free zones and fostering in-person friendships. It's important for everyone to find a balance between online and offline activities.

On the deep crisis in American medicine - and the broad societal anger and cynicism it is driving

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Healthcare costs in America are extremely high, and many people struggle to pay bills despite spending so much on health services.
  2. The quality of American healthcare outcomes is lagging behind other countries, with lower life expectancy and other health issues.
  3. Many people feel distrustful and frustrated with the healthcare system, believing it often prioritizes profit over patient care.

Pfizer's Delayed Myocarditis Study

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Pfizer's study on myocarditis in kids is facing challenges with enrollment, making it hard to gather enough participants. This means the study could take longer to finish than expected.
  2. The lengthy five-year follow-up in the study is needed to thoroughly check for any long-term health effects. This is important for understanding the consequences of myocarditis better.
  3. There's no solid evidence that Pfizer is hiding data or being unethical; the delays seem to be due to the difficulty of conducting a rigorous study.

The Grace of Dr. Jay

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

Blowing smoke: how tobacco companies flattered the medical profession

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Tobacco companies targeted the medical profession to promote smoking, using endorsements from doctors to sway public opinion.
  2. The tobacco industry used tactics like associating cigarettes with respected figures like physicians to boost sales, despite later evidence linking smoking to serious health issues like lung cancer.
  3. The rise of e-cigarettes created a new revenue stream for the tobacco industry, which continues to target emerging markets and adapt advertising strategies to fit current events like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Death Is The Consequence of The Void

The Drug Users Bible • 19 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Governments should provide drug safety information because it can save lives. When they treat users as criminals, it creates a lack of important information.
  2. A project called the Drug Users Bible provides harm reduction information for drug users. This resource has been made available for free and has already been widely downloaded.
  3. Everyone can help by sharing safety information and resources within their communities. If officials won't help, we can step up and support each other.

More New Information Says COVID Came From Gain Of Function Research In Wuhan Lab

Unmasked • 52 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Gain of function research in Wuhan might have played a role in the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of research involves modifying viruses to understand their effects.
  2. Anthony Fauci was involved in supporting this risky research, which has led to questions about accountability. His actions have been under scrutiny regarding the origins of COVID-19.
  3. Recent reports suggest that important findings about COVID's origins were not shared with top officials in the U.S. government. This lack of communication raises concerns about transparency and decision-making.

Tony Fauci may join Hunter Biden in getting a presidential pardon

Unreported Truths • 57 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. There are discussions about granting Dr. Fauci a pardon similar to Hunter Biden's. Many people think this could hurt public trust in health officials.
  2. Fauci is being scrutinized for his involvement with risky coronavirus research. Some believe he might have misled Congress about it.
  3. If a pardon stops investigations into Fauci, it could lead to more distrust in public health decisions made during the pandemic. People want transparency and clarity about what happened.

Sperm problems aren’t depressing fertility rates. Well, not directly.

Sex and the State • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Sperm problems aren't the main reason for lower fertility rates. People are choosing to have fewer kids rather than being unable to have them.
  2. Many young people are having less sex and this might lead to fewer unexpected pregnancies. This could be related to issues like sperm quality and health.
  3. It's easy to oversimplify why people do or don't want kids. Understanding people's true feelings about family is more complicated than it seems.

"Make America Healthy Again" is a Dumb, Rich Guy's Idea of Public Health

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. American health issues stem from capitalism, not just personal choices or corporations. This system often prioritizes profit over people's health, leading to serious public health crises.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health campaign promises are vague and do not address the fundamental issues behind America's health problems. Instead, they seem designed to raise money rather than provide real solutions.
  3. Critics argue that Kennedy's brand of anti-corporate rhetoric is disingenuous. They point out his connections to the very industries he claims to oppose, suggesting that real change needs to come from collective action rather than relying on wealthy individuals.

The PLOS Biology journal editors claim vaccines don't cause autism and we should NOT do a proper study to find out if this is true or not

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The PLOS Biology editors state that vaccines don't cause autism and argue against further research, which some view as avoiding important questions.
  2. There has never been a thorough study that properly examines the link between vaccines and autism, raising concerns about the validity of existing studies.
  3. There are claims of hidden data and suppressed discussions in serious meetings, making it difficult for researchers to investigate this topic openly.

Outbreak Outlook - October 21

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

The $3.3M debate: Wilf fails to falsify KCOR's determination that the COVID vaccine caused net harm

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The KCOR method shows that getting more COVID vaccine doses is linked to higher mortality rates. This suggests that the vaccines might have caused more harm than good for some people.
  2. The evidence from the Czech Republic's data is strong and consistent, showing a clear difference in mortality rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The methodology used in the analysis has been checked and found reliable.
  3. The debate over the COVID vaccine's effects may not fully consider the data. It's important for judges and decision-makers to focus on the evidence rather than get confused by complex arguments.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 24

Force of Infection • 59 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Influenza-like illness is rising, especially in young children, as we approach the busy holiday season. It's expected to hit the national baseline soon.
  2. COVID-19 activity is currently low across the country, with minimal emergency department visits and hospitalizations remaining low.
  3. As Thanksgiving approaches, be cautious about norovirus transmission, especially when preparing food for others. It's best to avoid cooking for others for a few days after being sick.

Introduction & Blogging 2.0

KCKlatt’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The rise of social media has led to many influencers promoting diet and nutrition advice, sometimes based on questionable science.
  2. Blogging offers the chance to discuss complex scientific ideas in detail, something that social media platforms struggle to support.
  3. Becoming a nutrition expert involves navigating issues like scientific rigor and the hype in popular media, which can be discouraging but also drives the desire to share knowledge.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 211: Dr. Brian Hooker, PhD, Dr. Karl Jablonowski, PhD and Rick Jaffe, Esq.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 22 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Peer-reviewed research presented raises serious biological and neurological concerns about cumulative aluminum adjuvant exposure from vaccines in children.
  2. A preprint asserting increased mortality after 2-month infant vaccinations was removed by the platform’s advisory board, and the authors plan to republish the findings on an open-science platform, highlighting concerns about suppression of uncomfortable data.
  3. A newly filed federal RICO lawsuit accuses the American Academy of Pediatrics of financial conflicts and misleading vaccine safety claims, which could have major implications for pediatric policy and public trust.

URGENT: Cancer deaths rose in Japan in 2022 and 2023, post-mRNA Covid shots

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. In Japan, cancer deaths rose by about 12,000 more than expected in 2022 and 2023. This increase is small but considered statistically significant.
  2. Leukemia was the type of cancer that had the highest increase in deaths, showing an 8% rise each year. The timing of this rise coincided with the rollout of mRNA Covid vaccines.
  3. While researchers can't definitively link the rise in cancer deaths to the vaccines, they stressed the need for a thorough investigation due to the patterns observed.

Yet another leak reveals that Covid policies owe less to creepy conspiratorial globalists, than they do to the unbounded stupidity of our leaders, boring institutional dynamics and feedback effects

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 260 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
📰 News Public Health
  1. Lockdown policies were driven by the unbounded stupidity of leaders, not globalist conspiracies.
  2. Western governments used fear to ensure compliance with lockdown measures.
  3. Lockdown decisions were made based on practical and political limitations, rather than scientific reasoning.

On the World Economic Forum, "Preparing for Disease X," and the insufferable self-interested platitudinous jargon-laden fantasies of the globalised public-private idiots who aspire to run our lives

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 141 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Public Health
  1. There is no evidence of scientists engineering a specific pathogen for a second pandemic.
  2. Global technocratic class poses a significant threat through lacklustre decisions compared to hypothetical genocidal scientists.
  3. World Economic Forum held a panel on 'Preparing for Disease X' without significant epidemiological qualifications.