The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

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Rethinking mental illness, sanity, and culture in light of the fact that the chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Grace Lee, is literally insane

uTobian • 8195 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental Illness Vaccines Public Health Pharma
  1. Psychopaths who fit in are more dangerous than the stereotypical crazy ones because they are harder to spot.
  2. The American public health establishment includes individuals who seem well-adjusted but are responsible for significant harm, like downplaying vaccine safety concerns.
  3. The public health system is run by individuals who are well-adjusted to an insane society, perpetuating harm while appearing normal.

The Dose (January 3)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1867 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Vaccination Nutrition Disease Prevention Epidemiology
  1. Winter is here, and respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID, and RSV are on the rise across the country. It's important to stay aware as health services could get overwhelmed.
  2. The new COVID-19 vaccine is showing good results, especially for older adults, helping to reduce hospital visits significantly. Keeping up with vaccinations can strengthen your immunity.
  3. Some Costco eggs may be contaminated with salmonella, so it's best to check your fridge and avoid those eggs to keep your family safe.

The "Deaths of Despair" narrative is wrong

Slow Boring • 7842 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Social Trends Policy Analysis Political implications Economic Factors
  1. The 'Deaths of Despair' narrative linking declining life expectancy to social and political trends like right-populist politics has fundamental statistical flaws.
  2. The increase in deaths of despair is mainly due to opioid overdoses and differences in pharmaceutical marketing laws between the US and Europe.
  3. Public health outcomes differing between states can be attributed to the implementation (or lack thereof) of paternalistic health policies.

What is the truth about alcohol consumption

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 235 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Public Health Lifestyle Substance Use
  1. Moderate alcohol consumption might not be as harmful as some studies suggest, but it's essential to consider various health impacts when deciding how much to drink.
  2. Understanding what and how much we drink can help manage health risks better. It's important to enjoy alcohol responsibly without overthinking it.
  3. More research is needed to understand the true effects of alcohol on health, and personal experiences and preferences should also play a role in drinking habits.

Pausing NIH study sections is going to be fine

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 157 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Research Policy Reform Government oversight
  1. Pausing NIH study sections can help bring necessary changes. It's a good opportunity to rethink how research funding is distributed.
  2. Current funding processes tend to support more conventional ideas rather than groundbreaking ones. There needs to be a push for more innovative and transformative research.
  3. If cuts happen in research funding, especially for less impactful areas, it could lead to better use of public dollars. We need to focus on research that truly makes a difference.
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How Zeynep Tufekci and Jeremy Howard Masked America

The New Normal • 7724 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Policy Making
  1. The Cochrane review concluded that masks had little to no impact on preventing COVID or flu.
  2. Zeynep Tufekci and Jeremy Howard played a decisive role in shifting CDC guidance and ushering in mask mandates across America.
  3. Zeynep's advocacy for masks and other COVID interventions, based on information from China, had significant influence despite lacking relevant expertise.

Global Warming and Air Pollution

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Air Pollution Climate Science Environmental Policy Public Health
  1. Recent studies suggest that global warming might not be solely caused by human activities. They're looking into how less air pollution could be affecting cloud cover and, in turn, the Earth's temperature.
  2. Scientists are unsure about why cloud cover is decreasing, which complicates predictions about climate change. It's clear that this area of research is still developing and not fully settled.
  3. The U.S. government has spent nearly half a trillion dollars on climate change initiatives. Many are now questioning if these efforts are based on outdated or incorrect science.

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 Public Health Government Accountability Pandemic Management Political Commentary
  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.

"Nothing Will Fundamentally Change."

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Health Policy Misinformation Debates
  1. RFK Jr. is being questioned about his ability to limit research on diseases and access to vaccines. His responses have been evasive and controversial.
  2. Democrats are very concerned about the impact of his misinformation on vaccination rates, especially among adolescents, which they say has led to tragic outcomes.
  3. There are doubts about RFK Jr.'s chances of confirmation, but the long-term effects of his potential power could still be serious for public health.

Artificial intelligence and mRNA vaccines are not going to cure cancer

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 156 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Medical Research Public Health Vaccines Technology
  1. Artificial intelligence and mRNA vaccines are not expected to cure cancer. Both technologies have limitations that make them less effective in treating this complex disease.
  2. Cancer therapeutic vaccines have been studied extensively, but only one has received FDA approval, and it shows only a slight benefit in survival. Overall, these vaccines often do not work as hoped.
  3. AI struggles to diagnose cancer accurately and often lacks the needed data to improve this. Simply detecting cancer is not enough; finding the right treatment for each specific case is much more complicated.

Now what for public health?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2790 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination policy Health Communication Health Misinformation Epidemiology
  1. We need to adapt to a new public health world because of unreliable leadership and misinformation. This means being more thoughtful in how we communicate and make decisions.
  2. Building bridges and finding common ground is essential for effective public health. Listening and showing empathy can help people trust the information provided.
  3. Fighting for the truth against falsehoods will be a major challenge. It's important to promote reliable sources of information to help individuals make informed health choices.

February 8, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Funding Government Efficiency Political Accountability Public Health
  1. The NIH has changed its funding policy, now limiting indirect costs to 15%, which could hurt research universities.
  2. States heavily reliant on federal grants, especially Republican states, might face large funding losses due to these new caps.
  3. Federal workers emphasize their significant roles in society, sharing personal stories that highlight their contributions to public safety and welfare.

173 | Mystery Poisonings Stalk Citizens | 14 Rules for Bad Quality Managers|

The Rotten Apple • 115 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Public Health Consumer Awareness Regulations
  1. There have been many mysterious food poisonings, especially in South Africa, affecting children. It's alarming and the actual causes are not clear yet.
  2. Illegal pesticides may be contaminating food sold in local shops, which is a big concern for public health. Experts and authorities are looking into how this is happening.
  3. Food safety regulations are being updated to better control who can sell food and how it's handled. This might help prevent future poisonings and boost food safety.

NIH study sections are broken

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 106 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Research Funding Public Health Scientific Integrity Policy Debate Health Disparities
  1. NIH study sections often fund unambitious science instead of groundbreaking research. This is a problem because many mediocre scientists are in charge, which doesn't help advance science.
  2. There's a heavy focus on diversity and inclusion in NIH grants, but much of it just repeats what we already know. Instead, we need better treatments for everyone, regardless of race or status.
  3. The review process for grants can discourage scientists from speaking out on important issues. This silence can lead to a lack of innovative ideas and solutions in research.

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 Public Health Vaccination FDA Regulations Chronic Conditions 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.

Pandemics Don't Wait. These Plants Could Save Your Life.

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Herbal Medicine Preventive Care Natural remedies Infectious Diseases
  1. Plants can help protect us from infections, especially during pandemics. They're a natural alternative when vaccines and treatments are hard to access.
  2. Some plant compounds work really well against illnesses, sometimes even as good as popular medications like Tamiflu.
  3. It's important to use these plant supplements correctly and talk to a doctor if you're already on medication. They are not meant for long-term use and should be taken when you might be exposed to illness.

We are likely at peak season

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1384 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infectious Diseases Health Policy
  1. Right now, many people are getting sick, and it seems like we are in the peak season for respiratory illnesses. The usual patterns we see are pretty much the same as before the pandemic.
  2. Flu cases are very high but appear to be slowing down. However, we might still face more waves of flu with different strains hitting later in the winter.
  3. Covid-19 cases are increasing, but they are lower than in past winters. Vaccination and past infections have helped build immunity, which is why this winter seems milder.

The UK Covid Inquiry First Report on Resilience and Preparedness

Independent SAGE continues • 479 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Government Policy Health Systems Crisis Management
  1. The UK Covid Inquiry found serious issues from the Covid-19 pandemic that show we aren't ready for the next outbreak. This means improvements are really needed.
  2. The report suggests 10 key changes to build a better response system for future pandemics. It's important these changes are made in a complete way, not just in bits and pieces.
  3. There is a looming threat of new diseases, like avian flu, crossing into humans. We need to prepare now because we don't know when the next pandemic will hit.

Why I Despair

Disaffected Newsletter • 3397 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political divide Public Health Mental health Cultural Commentary
  1. Many people have strong beliefs about issues like immigration and health that seem crazy or bigoted to others. This creates a deep divide with real consequences for individuals and communities.
  2. There's a feeling of despair because even reasonable objections to these beliefs are not recognized. People feel isolated and powerless when their concerns are dismissed.
  3. The writer reflects on their own past beliefs and recognizes that those on the other side are not inherently evil or stupid. Understanding this helps to cope with the despair about the current state of society.

VAIDS RISING: If Official Data Claims COVID-19 Cases Are Decreasing Nationwide, Then Why Are Hospitals In Massachusetts On The Verge Of Collapse?

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3518 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Hospitals Vaccines Public Health Medical Misinformation
  1. Hospitals in Massachusetts are on the verge of collapse despite decreasing COVID-19 cases nationwide.
  2. The VAIDS epidemic is leading to overwhelming hospitalizations, with various hospitals struggling with patient overflow.
  3. It's suggested to avoid vaccines and use repurposed drugs and supplements to protect against illnesses like flu and RSV.

The Zionists Kill Doctors in Gaza and Silence Them Here (w/ Rupa Marya) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 156 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Health Policy International relations Public Health Activism
  1. Hospitals are supposed to be safe places during war, but the attacks on medical facilities in Gaza are a serious violation of international law. Medical workers and their facilities should always be protected.
  2. There is a troubling connection between the silencing of healthcare workers in the U.S. and the violence against them in Gaza. By keeping doctors quiet here, it allows for the continuation of harm abroad.
  3. The ongoing health crisis in Gaza, caused by lack of resources and intentional targeting, is creating a humanitarian disaster. Immediate aid and changes in policy are needed to support the health and life of Palestinian people.

Bill Gates Launches Global Tracking Tattoos

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3577 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Misinformation Global Health Biotechnology
  1. Bill Gates is involved in projects like global tracking tattoos and genetically modified mosquitoes.
  2. There are concerns raised about Bill Gates funding schemes that involve cutting down forests and deploying GMO Frankenmosquitos.
  3. There is skepticism and caution advised regarding Bill Gates' projects to control and monitor the population.

Evaluating a Sitting Senator's Healthcare Claims

Cremieux Recueil • 392 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Legislation Government Public Health Statistics
  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.

HWFO Reading List, December 2024

Handwaving Freakoutery • 418 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election insights 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.

President Trump Establishes a MAHA Commission

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Public Health Executive orders Child Health
  1. President Trump created a new commission, called the MAHA Commission, to look into America's health issues, especially childhood diseases.
  2. The goal is to figure out why chronic illnesses are rising and to come up with a plan to make kids healthier.
  3. Many people don't trust the healthcare system, and this commission aims to restore that trust while addressing the health crisis in America.

Do red and processed meats cause cancer?

Unsettled Science • 840 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Nutrition Cancer Public Health Research Health Policy
  1. The World Health Organization says processed meats cause cancer, but only one type of cancer has been linked directly to them, which is colorectal cancer.
  2. The IARC's decision was based on a small number of studies, which raises questions about how strong the evidence really is.
  3. Many people reacted strongly to the news, fearing that all red meats are dangerous, but the evidence used may not support that broad conclusion.

Open letter to the New Zealand Health Minister.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Healthcare policy Public Health Medical Ethics
  1. The open letter to New Zealand's Health Minister highlights worries about the new gender-affirming care guidelines, suggesting they lack solid evidence and consensus.
  2. It questions the credibility of organizations like WPATH and PATHA, pointing out conflicts of interest and potential political pressures affecting health guidelines.
  3. There's a call for greater caution in treating young people who identify as transgender, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices rather than 'treatment on demand.'

Power trip: Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency over Bird Flu

The Dossier • 292 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Health Emergency Response Policy Media
  1. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California over Bird Flu. He is looking to strengthen monitoring and testing for it, even though there's been no significant risk to the public.
  2. The Bird Flu has not been shown to easily spread from birds to humans, which raises questions about the urgency of this emergency declaration.
  3. Some experts warn about potential human transmission due to untreated infections, but solid evidence for human-to-human spread is lacking.

BREAKING: American Cancer Society Projects Cancer Diagnoses To Exceed 2 Million Cases For First Time Ever In 2024

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3400 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Cancer Vaccines Natural remedies Public Health Medical Research
  1. American Cancer Society projects over 2 million cancer diagnoses for the first time in 2024
  2. Younger individuals are increasingly being diagnosed with colorectal cancer
  3. Discussion on alternative drugs like Ivermectin and Fenbendazole for potential cancer treatment

Confessions of a Recovering Managed Care Executive

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 839 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Public Health
  1. Working in managed care, the focus is often on lowering costs rather than ensuring quality care. This can make it hard for executives to feel good about their roles.
  2. A turning point in his career came when a doctor reminded him of the real people affected by profit-driven decisions. It made him reevaluate his path.
  3. Leaving the for-profit insurance world was tough financially, but it became the best career choice for him. He now helps doctors get fair contracts and values the work he does.

"The greatest fear among vaccinologists is the creation of a vaccine that is not only ineffective, but which exacerbates disease. Unfortunately, CoV vaccines have a history of enhancing disease..."

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3301 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Research Adverse Effects Public Health
  1. Vaccines have a history of enhancing disease, rather than just being ineffective.
  2. Research studies have shown severe side effects in animals from certain vaccines.
  3. The emergency authorization of vaccines bypassed normal trial processes, raising concerns.

The Virtue of Diversity

David Friedman’s Substack • 431 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Epidemiology Policy Analysis Scientific research
  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.

YLE milestone, Red Dye #3, air quality in LA, raw cat food, and more on alcohol.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1187 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Nutrition Epidemiology Environmental health Policy
  1. The FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3 from food and drugs because it was linked to cancer in lab animals. Even though it's mostly gone already, some products in stores still have it.
  2. Air quality can be misleading after wildfires. Just because the air is rated as 'healthy' doesn't mean it's safe, as many harmful pollutants might still be present.
  3. Moderate drinking might not be as safe as we thought. Recent reports suggest that even one drink a day could increase health risks, especially if there are other health issues involved.

A Modest Disposal

The Fry Corner • 2457 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug policy Public Health Substance Abuse Mental health
  1. Banning a specific drug could significantly improve the world. The idea is that removing this drug will bring about positive change for humanity.
  2. Many people have different experiences with drugs. Some have never tried anything, while others have tried many different kinds.
  3. There is a strong belief that finding solutions to drug-related issues can lead to happiness and fulfillment for society. A comprehensive plan may help tackle these challenges.

How the press manufactured consent for never-ending COVID reinfections

The Gauntlet • 3970 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Public Health Media influence Long Covid
  1. The press helped create a false narrative about the severity and implications of continuing COVID infections, downplaying risks and long-term effects.
  2. Misinformation and changing narratives from media outlets influenced public perception and acceptance of repeated COVID infections.
  3. The normalization of illness and demonization of preventive measures during the Biden administration has led to a lack of focus on community health and solidified a divide between 'vulnerable' and 'normal' populations.

22 Public Health Accomplishments in 2024

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1472 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Disease Prevention Health Education
  1. Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. dropped thanks to programs that provide treatment and education on overdose prevention. This is a big win after many years of rising deaths.
  2. There was a 2% decline in sexually transmitted infections, showing that efforts to control and educate about these diseases are making a difference.
  3. Cervical cancer deaths are decreasing among young women, likely due to the success of the HPV vaccine. This suggests that vaccination is successfully protecting future generations.