The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Work Together

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 29 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Dr. Wayne Frederick shares how Howard University is assisting with the pandemic and planning for reopening, emphasizing the importance of unity and community support.
  2. Howard University is actively involved in COVID-19 response efforts in DC, including expanding hospital capacity and managing a testing facility to address the virus within vulnerable populations.
  3. A Fall 2020 Preparation Committee is working on various issues for reopening, prioritizing safety measures, testing, and flexibility in case social distancing policies continue.

Become the President and CEO of You (and Give Yourself a Signing Bonus)

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Lockdowns were initially implemented to reduce COVID cases, prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, and save lives. However, the lack of a clear plan and tools has led to economic, social, and emotional devastation.
  2. In order to navigate the risks of reentering public life, individuals are advised to become the President and CEO of themselves. This involves staying informed, having trusted advisors, understanding personal health risks, and assessing the public health situation of their state.
  3. Testing for COVID antibodies and the development of vaccines and treatments are crucial for safely reopening the economy and allowing people to resume normal activities without fear.

Know Where you’ve Been

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Contact tracing is crucial for controlling the spread of contagious diseases like COVID-19 by identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed.
  2. Implementing effective contact tracing faces challenges like technological coordination, privacy concerns, and the need for large numbers of trained personnel.
  3. Technology, like apps being developed by Apple and Google, could play a key role in contact tracing efforts by facilitating anonymous tracking of potential exposures.

Completely Uncensored on Substack

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. You can find uncensored analysis on Substack by Chris Masterjohn, PhD, as platforms like Youtube and Instagram are heavily censoring.
  2. Chris Masterjohn uses his Substack to discuss scientific topics in a calm and helpful manner, serving as a public intellectual during challenging times.
  3. His Substack, named 'The Analytical Calm in the Eye of the COVID Data Storm', focuses on harnessing the power of nutrients and is supported by reader subscriptions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Small Blood Clots May Be at The Root of the COVID-19 Hypoxemia

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. COVID-19 patients may experience severe lack of oxygen due to small blood clots in the lungs
  2. Mechanical ventilation may not always be necessary for COVID-19 patients as their lung function can be preserved but still experience low oxygen levels
  3. Inflammatory reactions in the lungs of COVID-19 patients might lead to increased blood clot formation, impacting oxygen delivery

Denmark Came For Your Sugar and Trans Fats, Now They Are Coming For Your Saturated Fat. When They Come for You, Will There Be Any Macronutrient Left to Object on Your Behalf?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 11
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Denmark has implemented taxes on trans fats, sugary junk food, and now saturated fats, leading to a debate on the government's role in regulating our diets.
  2. Traditional societies show a mix of collectivist ideals and individualistic freedoms when it comes to food choices and societal structure.
  3. As governments consider taxes on specific food components, such as saturated fats, it sparks discussions on personal responsibility, experimentation, and the influence of politics over science in dietary regulations.

Vaccine Hesitancy May Be Unfortunate, But It's Hardly Unreasonable

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Vaccine hesitancy is driven by valid reasons like rapid vaccine development, use of new technologies, shifting efficacy claims, and evolving recommendations.
  2. Skepticism towards authorities and public health guidance is fueled by issues like conflicts of interest, data suppression, and inconsistency in messaging.
  3. Most vaccine-hesitant individuals are not staunchly against vaccines but are more concerned with mandates, passport requirements, and coercive pandemic containment measures.

How India Fights COVID With AI

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 16 May 21
🕹 Technology Public Health
  1. India is using artificial intelligence to help manage and fight COVID-19. This technology helps in tracking the spread of the virus and predicting outbreaks.
  2. A conference is being held to empower women in AI, featuring data scientists and professionals from various fields. This event promotes collaboration and growth among women in technology.
  3. Subscribers can get discounts on conference passes, making it more accessible for people to join and learn about advancements in AI. It encourages more participation from the community.

The Food Supply Chain through Vaclav Smil's Growth

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 30 Aug 21
🍲 Food & Drink Public Health
  1. Obesity rates have skyrocketed since 1960, almost like it's a booming stock. This growing problem might be linked to how our food system feeds us unhealthy options.
  2. Advances in farming, like better corn yields, have greatly increased our food supply. But this is closely tied to the rise of junk food and processed products that contribute to obesity.
  3. Large-scale farming is taking over small farms, affecting food quality and sustainability. Local farms offer a healthier alternative, but they remain a tiny part of our food landscape.

Sadiq Khan's Third Term: Transforming London into a Zero-Carbon Capital

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health
  1. Sadiq Khan wants to make London a zero-carbon city by 2030. This means cutting pollution and making the city cleaner for everyone.
  2. The plan includes building more affordable homes and providing free meals for young children. These steps aim to create a fairer city for all residents.
  3. London is part of a global movement to reduce emissions and improve air quality. This collaboration encourages cities to share ideas and work together for a healthier planet.

Never underestimate the power of a woman

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health
  1. Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' made people really think about how human actions hurt the environment. It taught us that our health is connected to the planet's health.
  2. Carson faced strong pushback from chemical companies when she raised concerns about pesticides like DDT harming wildlife and humans. They tried to discredit her, but her message was important.
  3. Her work played a big role in starting the environmental movement, leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and the ban on DDT.

[in case missed it] Data Science Weekly - Issue 334

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 20
🕹 Technology Public Health
  1. Robotics can have big dreams, like sending a rover to the Moon, but the journey to change the world is tough and full of failures.
  2. Understanding how a virus like SARS-CoV-2 spreads is crucial for preventing future outbreaks, and we might need to keep social distancing for a long time to avoid overwhelming hospitals.
  3. As AI grows, it's important to make sure these systems are explainable and trustworthy so that people can feel safe using them.

[in case you missed it] Data Science Weekly - Issue 331

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 20
🕹 Technology Public Health
  1. There's a big gender gap in the AI industry that needs to be addressed. This lack of diversity can lead to unfair AI systems that don't serve everyone equally.
  2. Remote work can be tough for data science teams. Challenges like communication and employee loneliness can affect productivity, making it important to find the right solutions.
  3. New data collection methods, like those used for tracking COVID-19, are changing how we respond to global challenges. Having accessible and detailed data can really help during pandemics or emergencies.

A link to my piece in The Nation – with some added context.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jul 21
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. America's health care system, based on employers, is failing and needs a change. The pandemic showed that this model is not working well for many people.
  2. There is a call for President Biden to deliver on his promises for health care reform, especially after the challenges revealed by the pandemic.
  3. A Medicare for All system could be better for both individuals and businesses, and it's important to think about new solutions for health care.

Pulling back the curtains on how Big Health is hurting Americans.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 21
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Big Health often puts profits before patients, leading to higher costs and less care. This can hurt people's access to necessary medical services.
  2. Many Americans struggle with healthcare bills, which can lead to financial stress and even bankruptcy. It's important for people to be aware of their rights and options.
  3. Transparency in healthcare is crucial. Knowing how much treatments really cost can help patients make better decisions about their health.

The Obedient Quango [The Rise & Fall Of Ephenidine]

The Drug Users Bible • 0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Ephenidine is a dissociative drug that has not been linked to any deaths or serious health issues. It has not been used or detected in the UK since 2017.
  2. The UK government has banned ephenidine despite the lack of evidence showing it poses a public health risk. This was mainly done to look tough on drugs in the media.
  3. Banning drugs with no medical use seems like a way for the government to make a statement, even when there's no real danger associated with them.

John Horgan Listened To Me But Then He Didn't. I Was Thrown Out Of The NDP.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 0 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. John Horgan took action to help the homeless during COVID by approving a policy to put them in hotel rooms. This move not only supported vulnerable people but also helped the hospitality industry.
  2. The CERT program was created to provide direct payments to Canadians, helping many survive the economic impacts of the pandemic. This program influenced further economic support for small businesses.
  3. Horgan faced backlash after implementing vaccine mandates, leading to a personal split with those who opposed them. This situation highlighted tensions around medical ethics and government policies during the pandemic.

American Heart Association

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The American Heart Association was created in 1924 to help people learn how to better take care of their hearts. They focus on funding medical research and spreading awareness about heart health.
  2. Working in front of a computer all day can impact our health, which is why it's important to take care of ourselves, especially during the holiday season.
  3. Eating healthy foods like Brussels sprouts can be enjoyable when cooked well. It’s a good idea to focus on our physical and mental health during the holidays.

Part Three. The Plandemic! Why Is Trump Attacking The US Center For Disease Control Or CDC?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. There are claims that early COVID-19 cases in the U.S. were misattributed to vaping, raising questions about the CDC's actions at the time.
  2. Some believe that COVID-19 was engineered as a bioweapon and that the focus on China is an attempt to deflect attention from U.S. involvement.
  3. There are concerns about attempts to cover up evidence linking Trump's administration to the creation and release of COVID-19, overshadowing other health crises like Fukushima radiation fallout.

When "Detecting Everything" Misses the Point

Nano Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Sensitivity and specificity are important for medical tests, but they don’t tell the whole story. While sensitivity checks for illness, specificity avoids falsely alarming healthy people, but we also need to consider how trustworthy those positive results are.
  2. Positive Predictive Value (PPV) is crucial because it determines how many positive test results are actually true. Even tests that seem great on paper can lead to many false alarms if the condition is rare in the tested population.
  3. New standards are needed for screening tests, especially since broad screening is becoming more common. Tests should not just catch many cases, but also provide real accuracy, avoiding unnecessary stress and procedures for patients.

53. Do all tick bites cause Lyme disease?

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Not all tick bites lead to Lyme disease. If you remove a tick within 48 to 72 hours, the chance of getting sick is very low.
  2. Lyme disease is mainly spread by certain ticks that can carry harmful bacteria. It's best to take precautions, especially in areas where ticks are common.
  3. Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a rash and flu-like feelings, but most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics if caught early.

Bug Out: An Interview with Laurie Garrett

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Routine use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animals and crops is the biggest driver of resistance and needs to be banned, because it spreads drug-resistant genes through the food chain and environment.
  2. Antibiotic resistance is already widespread and underreported; mobile plasmids and environmental contamination mean common infections are becoming harder or impossible to treat, raising the risk of large numbers of deaths and a return to pre-antibiotic harms.
  3. Stopping this requires urgent, coordinated global action—strong regulation, better surveillance, more research, and changes in farming and medical practice—because current political will and industry behavior are not enough.

Food Safety News and Resources | December

The Rotten Apple • 0 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Public Health
  1. US inspections of imported foods have dropped to their lowest levels in years, which could weaken oversight of overseas food safety.
  2. Peanut allergy rates in children are declining, likely because new guidance encourages introducing peanuts earlier in life.
  3. A revamped IFS Foreign Body Management guideline is now more operational and risk‑based, with practical checklists and greater focus on optical systems and plastics as detection priorities.