The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Confessions of a Recovering Managed Care Executive

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 839 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics 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 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.

A Modest Disposal

The Fry Corner • 2457 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public 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.
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How the press manufactured consent for never-ending COVID reinfections

The Gauntlet • 3970 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  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.

Men and ovarian cancer – the bewildering billboard in New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 1298 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. A billboard for ovarian cancer featuring a young man has caused confusion about who can get this disease. People assumed it was promoting the idea that men can also have ovarian cancer, which led to a public debate.
  2. The health organization's wording may seem ambiguous, as it suggests that 'ovarian cancer can affect anyone'. This phrasing made many question why a man was the focus, when ovarian cancer primarily affects women.
  3. There is a concern that using unclear language regarding women's health issues risks overshadowing women's experiences and identities. The billboard didn’t directly mention women, leading to confusion about the message it was trying to convey.

Breaking echo chambers, white-label resources, and this month’s top science picks

Your Local Epidemiologist • 625 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. There’s growing investment in infrastructure to connect institutions, experts, and the public for better health communication. A new social-media program has launched with support from parent advocates.
  2. White-label scientific briefs are now available so people can share evidence with decision-makers under their own branding. The latest downloadable guide focuses on community water fluoridation.
  3. Five recent studies were highlighted, including a rise in parents refusing newborn vitamin K shots and notable oral GLP-1 trial results. These findings are being tracked because they could affect clinical choices and public health messaging.

The Drug Turning Philadelphia into a Zombieland

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 593 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Kensington Avenue is an open-air drug market that has shifted from heroin to fentanyl and then to animal tranquilizers, and now a new drug called medetomidine is appearing.
  2. Medetomidine is being mixed into fentanyl and other street drugs, intensifying harms and producing the extreme, 'zombifying' effects people describe.
  3. The area draws people chasing the strongest, cheapest highs, leaving families and the community grappling with a worsening public-health and safety crisis.

The FDA’s New “Transparency” Database

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The FDA launched AEMS to merge seven legacy adverse-event databases into a single, real-time searchable system that should improve access and save money.
  2. Adverse-event reports are early-warning signals, not proof of causation, and the data remain incomplete and noisy, so consolidation may help spot patterns but won’t fix underreporting or data quality issues on its own.
  3. True transparency depends on culture and response—making data visible is useful, but real openness requires that outside researchers can analyze the data freely and regulators honestly investigate and act on safety signals.

Once Praised by Nobel Laureates, EcoHealth Alliance Is Now Broke and Run by Wealthy Real-Estate Investor Stephen Shapiro, a Senior Advisor to the Atlantic Council

The DisInformation Chronicle • 710 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Peter Daszak, the former head of EcoHealth Alliance, is now unemployed and claims to be struggling financially after being debarred by the government. He is suing the organization while receiving funding from an anonymous donor.
  2. Stephen Shapiro, a wealthy real estate investor with no background in science, now leads EcoHealth Alliance. His leadership comes during a time when the nonprofit faces various investigations.
  3. Despite his claims of poverty, Daszak still seems to afford a comfortable lifestyle and recent travels, leading many to question his financial situation and the source of his donations.

Upcoming Podcast: What Should I Ask Virologist and Former CDC Director Robert Redfield?

The DisInformation Chronicle • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Public Health
  1. Former CDC director and virologist Robert Redfield will be the podcast guest to talk about his experiences with HIV and COVID, and to discuss his new book on infectious diseases and vaccines.
  2. Listeners are asked to submit questions in the comments, with paid subscribers encouraged to contribute so their questions can be asked on the show.
  3. The interview will be posted on the podcast’s YouTube channel and could attract wider media attention, so subscribing to the channel is recommended.

My promise to you

Your Local Epidemiologist • 6868 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based health information, not to add to the noise of social media. This platform is designed to help you make informed decisions for your health.
  2. Transparency is key, and it’s important to understand what the science says and what it means for you. It's okay to admit when we don’t know something and to clarify the difference between data and opinions.
  3. Public health is about people, not just statistics. Every issue will be approached with empathy to consider the real human impact behind the numbers.

Do Masks Work?

Uncharted Territories • 5149 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The debate around mask efficacy is contentious and the science is complex.
  2. Properly worn masks can reduce infection rates, especially when used in community settings.
  3. Some studies in the meta-analysis may have been weighted inaccurately, resulting in misleading conclusions.

England's ongoing Covid wave and new Long Covid research

Independent SAGE continues • 359 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. England is experiencing a new wave of Covid-19, which has been ongoing and affecting many people's lives and plans.
  2. Recent research shows that being vaccinated significantly lowers the risk of developing Long Covid, but it's still a concern for a large number of people.
  3. Even with a lower chance of Long Covid now, frequent Covid waves mean that many people continue to suffer from long-term symptoms and disruption in their daily lives.

Declassified Documents Link U.S. Bioweapons Program to Lyme Disease Outbreak

Who is Robert Malone • 27 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Declassified records and witness accounts show large-scale military arthropod programs and outdoor testing, including releases and tracking of hundreds of thousands of ticks and alleged operational deployments of infected ticks.
  2. Crucial scientific findings about co-infections (the so‑called “Swiss Agent”) were suppressed for decades, which may have hidden contributors to persistent Lyme illness and hampered treatment and research.
  3. Convergent genomic, environmental, operational, and behavioral evidence casts doubt on a purely natural origin of the Lyme epidemic and underscores the need for full declassification, independent investigation, and stronger transparency and oversight.

Is the current Covid wave in England peaking?

Independent SAGE continues • 439 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Covid cases in England might be peaking now, as recent hospital admissions have been flat. This wave is bigger than last May's but lower than previous peaks.
  2. The KP.3 variant is currently dominant in England. While it can evade some immunity, it doesn't seem to cause more severe illness.
  3. Improving indoor air quality and monitoring wastewater for viruses could help manage Covid and other infections. The government needs a better plan for future pandemics, including research on Long Covid.

Medicare Advantage Insurers Hurt You Because Their Profits Depend On It

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 739 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Many seniors using Medicare Advantage plans face serious obstacles, like having limited access to doctors. This can lead to long travel times and difficulties in getting proper care.
  2. These plans often require a lot of extra steps to approve treatments, causing frustrating delays for patients in need of immediate attention. It can take weeks or months to get the care they need.
  3. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare can be tricky and risky. Many people may find they can’t get the additional coverage they need after becoming sick, thus leaving them stuck in a difficult situation.

Celebrating Medicare’s 59th Birthday Amidst Troubling Trends

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Medicare has helped millions of seniors access health care since it started 59 years ago. It was created to ensure older people could get medical services without going broke.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans, run by private companies, often cause more problems than they solve. They can lead to higher costs and less access to care for seniors.
  3. Big health insurers are getting extra money from the government through Medicare Advantage, which is hurting the traditional Medicare system. Regulators are now starting to pay attention and could help protect this important program.

What’s the plan for fall vaccines? If you're confused, you're not alone.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2119 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. This year, there is a lot of confusion around fall vaccines because key decisions that usually happen aren't taking place. Experts are worried this could affect how easily people can get vaccinated.
  2. The FDA hasn't made clear recommendations for the Covid-19 vaccine, and this could limit who gets access. Many people might have a harder time getting the vaccine than in previous years.
  3. Although some vaccines are ready, there's still uncertainty about who will be eligible and whether insurers will cover the costs for everyone. Staying informed and advocating for yourself and others is important.

How China's Preparing for the Next Pandemic

ChinaTalk • 385 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. China has shifted from emergency reaction to building a centralized, legally codified pandemic readiness system, with new laws that strengthen national surveillance, early reporting, and interagency coordination.
  2. The reforms increase clarity and give central authorities more power. Many rules remain vague and protections for early reporters are weak, so local officials and doctors may still hesitate to raise alarms.
  3. China still lacks robust governance of dual-use biotechnology and lab safety. At the same time it funds and promotes international health projects while limiting data sharing and outside scrutiny.

Disease X: World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting To Release Followup PSYOP-19 "Pandemic"

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 2731 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The World Economic Forum is planning a follow-up 'pandemic' at their annual meeting.
  2. Disease X was preplanned by the WHO, showing a pattern with previous global health crises.
  3. Access to repurposed drugs like Ivermectin and Fenbendazole is seen as a threat to those behind the 'pandemics.'

The Next Million Fentanyl Deaths are on You, New Hampshire

Unsafe • 2594 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Fentanyl crisis misdirected blame towards China instead of addressing real sources like Mexico.
  2. International efforts have reduced China's involvement in fentanyl trade, but the issue persists from other countries like India.
  3. Blaming China for fentanyl deaths deflects focus from tackling problems closer to home, like Mexican cartel activities.

What I’m learning from MAHA

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3091 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. It's important to work with trusted voices in the community to make health information easier to understand. By collaborating, we can create better resources that respect people's choices.
  2. People want to have control over their health decisions, but they also need guidance. Public health should support individual choice while promoting community health.
  3. Public health is all about protecting people, not making profits like big companies. We need to clarify this to build trust and show how we can help communities thrive.

Flu still hanging on

Force of Infection • 61 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Influenza activity remains stubbornly high across much of the country, driven by the South and Midwest. Young children have the highest outpatient ILI rates, and Flu B is rising as Flu A wanes.
  2. Norovirus test positivity has reached season highs, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, while RSV activity is holding steady. COVID-19 activity and hospitalizations are relatively low and declining.
  3. Numerous food recalls affect many products and stores, so check your pantry, and public health concerns include a large measles resurgence tied to low vaccination and an avian flu outbreak in Pennsylvania poultry.

Food Safety News and Resources | March

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🍲 Food & Drink Public Health
  1. Several unusual and large recalls occurred: frozen grated coconut was recalled for confirmed Hepatitis A contamination, and U.S. producers expanded a recall to about 37 million pounds of frozen meals after glass was found in carrots.
  2. International risk guidance changed: the FAO/WHO panel recommends lowering the reference dose for gluten from 5 mg to 4 mg for risk assessments, while 'gluten-free' labeling remains defined as 20 mg/kg or less.
  3. Food safety threats and capacity concerns are rising: dietary PFAS—especially from freshwater fish, shellfish, eggs and milk—often exceed safety thresholds, and U.S. food agencies have lost many staff, which could weaken oversight and response.

The Climate Beat Goes On

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1786 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health
  1. The DOE and EPA reports reflect differing perspectives on climate change. The DOE report highlights some overlooked issues in climate science, while the EPA document focuses more on legal arguments.
  2. There are areas of agreement between the DOE and IPCC reports, but there are also differences in emphasis. Some scientists feel certain important topics are not given enough attention in mainstream assessments.
  3. The idea of 'mainstream' science can sometimes be used to dismiss valid scientific views. Healthy scientific discussions should involve debate and challenge instead of gatekeeping.

The Press Is Beginning to Take Notice of How Health Insurers Are Raiding The Medicare Trust Fund

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1019 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Health insurers are overcharging Medicare by about 22%, costing taxpayers a lot more than if seniors received care directly from traditional Medicare.
  2. Recent reports highlight how private Medicare Advantage plans have historically not saved money and often result in higher overall costs for the program.
  3. The media is beginning to spotlight the negative impacts of Medicare Advantage, leading to more scrutiny and awareness about how these plans operate.

Notes on Camp

The Crucial Years • 2321 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Sending kids to camp is a big step for both children and parents. It teaches kids independence and gives parents a chance to feel proud when their kids adapt well.
  2. Well-run camps and societies both balance opportunities with risks. We need to manage these risks wisely to keep everyone safe and thriving.
  3. Current government actions often prioritize wealth for a few over safety for many, particularly in handling climate risks. It's important to hold leaders accountable for their choices.

When Government Decides What You Can Read (Part 1)

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The White House ran a sustained, well-documented campaign pressuring major tech platforms to remove or downrank COVID‑related content, and that campaign was executed day-to-day by political digital operatives who targeted scientists and conservative commentators.
  2. A British nonprofit, the Center for Countering Digital Hate, provided target lists used by the administration, meaning a foreign partisan organization helped shape which American voices were flagged for suppression.
  3. Lower courts found likely government coercion, but the Supreme Court dismissed the case on standing, leaving the central First Amendment question unresolved and showing how procedural rulings can prevent accountability for executive actions.

The Sky Did Not Fall After CDC Ended Routine Recommendation for Five Vaccines

Injecting Freedom • 93 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. CDC removed five childhood vaccines (Hep B, rotavirus, MenACWY, Hep A, and influenza) from its routine schedule and shifted them into "high risk" or "shared clinical decision‑making" categories.
  2. HHS emphasized personal autonomy and informed consent, warned against coercion, and called for better, more transparent science—including placebo‑controlled trials—while acknowledging that vaccine adverse events can occur months or years later.
  3. The vaccines remain available and are generally still covered by insurance, and some advocates are urging further changes to classify other vaccines (like DTaP, Tdap, and IPV) as non‑routine because they don’t fully stop transmission.

Odd bedfellows: Moving with MAHA from conversation to collaboration

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2004 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Collaboration between public health experts and grassroots movements is powerful. By working together, they can tackle important health issues that directly affect communities.
  2. Addressing health problems can involve simple, effective solutions like providing grocery access to low-income patients. This approach shows how public health can be practical and impactful.
  3. Building trust and relationships is key in public health. It's important to listen to local voices and work with those who have firsthand experience with health challenges.

The roundup, and an open thread

The Watch • 479 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The administration is reshaping institutions and using power for private gain, from monetized pardons and family windfalls to renaming federal bodies and pushing aggressive foreign and immigration actions.
  2. Checks on power and the rule of law are eroding as courts and agencies enable partisan maps and politicized probes while serious misconduct and wrongful convictions keep coming to light.
  3. Public health and vulnerable people are at risk as vaccine policy and prison protections are rolled back, and global child deaths are projected to rise after decades of decline.

URGENT: Poll, reader thread, and podcast discussion today on what the ouster of Vinay Prasad means for the FDA and the future of medical reform in the United States

Unreported Truths • 24 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The U.S. spends about $5 trillion a year on healthcare but still has poor outcomes, which has helped fuel the grassroots MAHA movement focused on personal responsibility and questioning the medical establishment.
  2. Political answers are unclear: Democrats mostly push more government-funded coverage that could raise costs, while Republicans lack a unified reform plan and many policymakers are tied to industry interests.
  3. The ouster of Vinay Prasad from the FDA feels like a pivotal setback for aggressive medical reform, suggesting big pharma influence remains strong as promised changes to drug advertising and other reforms stall.

Covid, 4 years on

Ground Truths • 15003 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The global excess mortality due to Covid has reached about 30 million lost lives, impacting life expectancy in 204 countries. Long Covid continues to affect tens of millions worldwide.
  2. Vaccination rates and political affiliation have shown stark differences in Covid death rates, with data indicating the protective benefits of boosters for older individuals.
  3. New variants of SARS-CoV-2, like BA.2.87.1, are being monitored for mutations, with the current consensus suggesting it is less immune-evasive. Vaccines have shown major protection against cardiovascular outcomes.

Flu goes on and on

Force of Infection • 80 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Flu activity remains high and isn’t declining yet; young children and people aged 5–24 are seeing the most clinic visits, and hospitalizations are elevated though slowly improving.
  2. RSV and norovirus activity are elevated — RSV hospitalizations are very high among infants and toddlers, and norovirus is circulating widely and spreads quickly in close quarters.
  3. Multiple food recalls and outbreaks are ongoing, including a Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa capsules that involves an extensively drug‑resistant strain; throw out affected products and clean anything that touched them.

Covid-19 vaccines, what just happened at the FDA, and why it matters

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3078 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The FDA has changed Covid-19 vaccine guidelines, now recommending them only for people over 65 or those with chronic conditions. This means younger, healthy adults might not get access to vaccines soon.
  2. Normally, big health decisions follow a clear process involving many experts and public discussions. But this recent change was made by just a few appointed officials without involving the usual expert groups.
  3. Many believe this new approach is worrying because it skips the detailed, evidence-based discussions that are important for public health decisions.