Health Train Express

EATING DIRT IS HEALTHY FOR CHILDREN

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Thu, 28 May 2026 19:53:53 +0000

Finnish scientists trucked in real forest dirt and grass and laid it over the gravel at four daycare yards. They let the kids dig around in it for a month. The blood tests came back with changes the researchers hadn’t expected to see so fast or so clear.

The study was run at ten daycares in two Finnish cities with 75 kids aged three to five. Four of the yards got the forest treatment: about a tennis court worth of soil and grass laid over the gravel, plus planters and peat blocks the kids could dig and climb on. Three others stuck with their normal gravel yards. The last three were daycares where the kids were already visiting real forests every day. After one month, the variety of bacteria living on the kids’ skin shot up, and the kind that helps train the skin’s immune defenses jumped the most. Their gut bacteria started to look like the gut bacteria of the forest-visiting kids. Their blood showed more of the immune cells whose job is to keep the body from freaking out at harmless stuff like pollen and peanuts, and overall inflammation dropped. The kids on the plain gravel yards showed none of this. Childhood asthma in the US doubled between 1980 and 1995. Food allergies in kids jumped 50 percent between 1997 and 2011, then jumped another 50 percent between 2007 and 2021. And peanut allergies in one-year-olds tripled between 2001 and 2017. The Finnish researchers think one of the reasons is simple: kids today don’t get dirty enough. 37 percent of American preschoolers now spend an hour or less outside on a normal weekday. Their immune systems are getting trained in environments stripped of the bacteria humans have always lived around. Aki Sinkkonen, who led the study, put it in plain words: “It would be best if children could play in puddles and everyone could dig organic soil.” The Finnish government is now helping pay for daycares across the country to make the same changes.

Helen Miller MD, MBA, CEM and 89 others reacted

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"Peptides is the New Buzz Word for Health Care

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:11:27 +0000

Obesity: What It Is, Classes, Symptoms, Causes

Obesity: definition, causes, and prevention strategies | Eufic

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease characterized by an abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat that poses a significant risk to health. It is much more than a cosmetic concern; it is a progressive medical condition that can negatively affect nearly every organ system in the human body. Clinically, an adult is diagnosed with obesity when their Body Mass Index (BMI)—a standard measurement calculating weight relative to height—is 30 or higher. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

How Obesity is Measured and Classed

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorize weight status using standard adult BMI brackets: [5, 6, 7]

Healthy Weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9
Class 1 Obesity (Low-Risk): BMI between 30.0 and 34.9
Class 2 Obesity (Moderate-Risk): BMI between 35.0 and 39.9
Class 3 Obesity (Severe/Morbid): BMI of 40.0 or higher [7, 8]

While BMI is a useful, quick screening tool, medical experts at institutions like Yale Medicine look beyond the scale. They factor in an expanded waistline (abdominal fat) and weight-related biomarkers, as fat carried around the abdomen poses a significantly higher risk for metabolic disease than fat stored around the hips. [4, 9]

Core Causes

Obesity is a multi-factorial condition, meaning it is rarely caused by a single lifestyle factor. The major driving components include: [10, 11, 12, 13, 14]

Energy Imbalance: Consuming more calories through food and sugary drinks than the body burns via metabolic functions and daily physical movement.
Genetics and Biology: Inherited traits that govern your metabolic speed, how your brain signals hunger or fullness (satiety), and how efficiently your body stores fat.
Environment and Socioeconomics: Limited local access to affordable, nutrient-dense whole foods versus easy access to cheap, heavily processed, energy-dense foods.
Medications and Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions (like hypothyroidism) or prescription drugs (such as certain antidepressants and steroids) that can cause weight gain as a side effect.
Lifestyle Disruption: Chronic high stress, poor sleep quality, and a sedentary routine or urban design that limits walking. [1, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18]

Health Complications

Carrying excessive body fat functions as a core driver for many severe, long-term health problems: [19, 20]

Cardiovascular Disease: Elevates blood pressure and cholesterol levels, sharply increasing risks for heart attacks and strokes.
Type 2 Diabetes: Promotes insulin resistance, making it the leading risk factor for elevated blood sugar and its related nerve and organ damages.
Joint and Muscle Strain: Puts heavy mechanical pressure on bones and joints, commonly accelerating the breakdown of cartilage and causing osteoarthritis.
Respiratory Issues: Increases the presence of neck fat tissue that blocks airways during sleep, leading to obstructive sleep apnea.
Cancer Risks: Strongly associated with an increased likelihood of developing certain cancers, including colon, breast, kidney, and liver cancer. [1, 3, 9, 19, 21]

Prevention and Management

Because obesity is a progressive disease, early treatment is critical. The medical community recommends custom care strategies ranging from dietary adjustments to advanced medical interventions: [2, 9, 19, 22]

Lifestyle Modifications: Shifting toward a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while striving for at least 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise per week.
Behavioral Therapy: Working with therapists or support groups to identify psychological triggers for overeating and build healthier habits.
Prescription Medications: Utilizing FDA-approved medical weight-loss treatments (such as GLP-1 receptor agonists) under strict medical supervision to help regulate appetite and digestion.
Bariatric Procedures: Opting for endoscopic treatments or metabolic surgeries (like gastric bypass) for patients with severe obesity or related chronic illnesses to physically restrict food intake and alter metabolic signaling. [1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 17, 23]

If you are researching this for a specific reason, please let me know. I can provide more details on how BMI is calculated, elaborate on specific treatment options, or share insights on how obesity affects a specific organ system.

[1] https://www.who.int

[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org

[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org

[4] https://www.yalemedicine.org

[5] https://www.cdc.gov

[6] https://www.who.int

[7] https://en.wikipedia.org

[8] https://medlineplus.gov

[9] https://medlineplus.gov

[10] https://obesitymedicine.org

[11] https://www.cdc.gov

[12] https://www.pennmedicine.org

[13] https://theconversation.com

[14] https://www.pnas.org

[15] https://www.youtube.com

[16] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[17] https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

[18] https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[20] https://inbodyusa.com

[21] https://medlineplus.gov

[22] https://www.brownhealth.org

[23] https://www.youtube.com

Wegovy and Ozempic are breaking all records for weight loss. Of course, that would bring attention to it by the 40% of Americans who are categorized as obese in America.

Peptides for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know | Ro

Peptide Therapy: What Is It, Does It Work, and Is It Safe ...

Beginner's Guide to Peptide Therapy [2026]

Peptide Rx refers to prescription-only therapeutic peptides regulated by medical authorities for targeted health treatments. Unlike over-the-counter collagen supplements or unregulated research chemicals bought online, an "Rx" peptide must be evaluated and prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. Peptides themselves are short chains of amino acids that mimic the body's natural signaling molecules to trigger specific cellular responses, such as cellular repair, hormone regulation, or metabolic changes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Common Prescription Peptides (Peptide Rx)

The landscape of prescribed peptides ranges from life-saving classics to cutting-edge metabolic medications:

Insulin: The most widely utilized prescription peptide in history, vital for blood sugar control in diabetes management.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Heavily prescribed modern medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound). They mimic gut hormones to suppress appetite, slow digestion, and manage weight or diabetes.
Teriparatide: A synthetic parathyroid hormone approved by the FDA to treat osteoporosis by promoting new bone formation.
Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Compounds like Sermorelin or Tesamorelin, which are prescribed to stimulate the body's natural production of growth hormone for fat loss, muscle tone, or body composition.
Bremelanotide: An approved peptide used specifically to treat low sexual desire in premenopausal women. [1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14]

Why the "Rx" Matters: Safety vs. Risks

While the trend of "peptide therapy" has exploded in longevity and wellness clinics, getting a legitimate prescription is essential for several safety reasons: [1, 15, 16]

Regulated Quality: True prescription peptides undergo rigorous clinical trials and manufacturing oversight. Unregulated products sold online often carry incorrect dosing or hidden contaminants.
Targeted Screening: Because therapeutic peptides can have "pleiotropic" effects—meaning they activate multiple pathways at once—they can impact blood pressure, fatigue, or hormone levels.
Medical Oversight: Certain peptides (like those stimulating growth hormones) require professional tracking because they carry potential theoretical risks, such as accelerating the growth of existing tumors. A doctor can evaluate your medical history and run necessary blood panels. [1, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20]

If you are considering peptide therapy, it is vital to consult a healthcare provider rather than purchasing unregulated compounds online. [17, 20]

Are you looking into prescription peptides for a specific health goal, such as weight management, injury recovery, or anti-aging? Let me know so I can share more detailed information on relevant protocols.

[1] https://www.goodrx.com

[2] https://relivehealth.com

[3] https://ivhub.com

[4] https://www.pbs.org

[5] https://www.safemedication.com

[6] https://www.plasticsurgery.org

[7] https://agerejuvenation.com

[8] https://www.ama-assn.org

[9] https://ro.co

[10] https://www.frischortho.com

[11] https://renewinthealth.org

[12] https://riteaid.com

[13] https://relivehealth.com

[14] https://javanwellness.com

[15] https://conciergemdla.com

[16] https://www.humanauthealth.com

[17] https://www.youtube.com

[18] https://www.youtube.com

[19] https://prenuvo.com

[20] https://burickcenter.com

Rural leaders grow skeptical of $50B transformation funds -

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:30:53 +0000

When Congress packaged $50 billion for rural healthcare inside HR 1, it offered a number large enough to generate headlines and excitement. But the distribution of funds, planned over five years, has raised questions.

The Rural Health Transformation Program arrived during a challenging period. Last year, at least 15 rural hospitals closed and hundreds more are at risk of doing so this year. At the time, critical access hospitals considered a 4% operating margin a stretch goal, and where the loss of Medicaid funding, state directed payments, and ACA subsidies are all hitting simultaneously.

The money was welcomed. The mandate attached to it is generating considerably more skepticism due to the lack of standard federal guidance for states administering the funds.

“Each state is translating how to implement this Rural Health Transformation fund,” Sommer Kleweno Walley, associate vice president of medical affairs at the University of Washington and CEO of Harborview Medical Center, both based in Seattle, said during a panel discussion at Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting in April. “I’m very much worried that it’s not going to be transformative in nature. There are so many hospitals that are in so much trouble from a stability standpoint. I’m not sure it’s going to do what it’s trying to do because they can’t transform right now when they can’t pay the payroll.”

Transformation requires stability to build from and most rural hospitals are in the black. Across conversations with rural health leaders this at the conference, a consistent concern emerged: The hospitals most in need of the fund’s dollars are the least positioned to access them, because the transformation the program envisions — alternative payment models, value-based care contracts, digital infrastructure — assumes organizational capacity that financially distressed rural providers don’t have.

Medicaid cuts also unveiled as part of the HR 1 legislation last year will hit rural healthcare facilities hard, as many rural communities have a high percentage of people on government payers.

“I feel like it was kind of a cherry that was put out there,” Ms. Kleweno Walley said. “Put the cherry on top of a healthcare bill, and now there’s not good oversight of it.”

One in 3 rural hospitals is at risk of closure right now, and many don’t have an immediate lifeline to keep operations running. Leaders are used to thin margins, but they’re nervous about the future and searching for additional revenue streams.

“The reality is that the rural transformation fund does not make up for the loss of state directed payments, MCO taxes and provider taxes,” said Stephen Parodi, MD, executive vice president of external affairs, communications and brand at The Permanente Federation and The Permanente Medical Group. “We’re talking about orders of magnitude of billions of dollars of cuts. I’m extremely worried about the rural safety net in this country writ large.”

If hospitals can’t make payments, their closures have a ripple effect on the community; patients lose close access to care and employees lose their jobs. Rural hospitals are often an economic force in their communities but don’t have the funding sources to withstand upcoming cuts.

“In a state where we’ve got a footprint, we’re seeing significant risk for hospital closures regardless of what this rural transformation fund’s about,” Dr. Parodi said. “There’s no way the states can make that up. There’s a bunch of advocacy that’s going to need to occur from the healthcare industry and that needs to come from multiple sectors, whether you’re talking about plans, hospitals or provider groups.”

One of the biggest challenges for rural healthcare is tackling the digital divide. There are areas of the country without strong internet access and bandwidth to connect people virtually to their healthcare providers. Hospitals are operating on aging EHR systems and unable to make routine updates, let alone incorporate advanced AI into their operations.

“A lot of the things in rural healthcare rely on technology, but when you get into rural areas, the technology is not available,” said Craig Glover, EdD, president and CEO of Family Health Centers in Charleston, W.Va. “I live in Charleston, the capital city. I have gig internet to my house, but if I get in my car and drive 15 or 20 minutes, I’ll get to some places where my cellphone doesn’t work. I would like to see policies around building the technology infrastructure in rural areas so that we can take advantage of some of those things. “

Van Loskoski, CEO of Stevens County Hospital in Toccoa, Ga., said the state is using about one-quarter of the funds in a single year to provide technical support to move providers to an alternative payment model. Other states are taking different routes, prioritizing certain projects to build for the future or upgrading technology.

But there’s also no guarantee that the funds go to rural hospitals or health centers.

“There’s a big opportunity there, but there’s also a big opportunity for assistance to be missed,” Mr. Loskoski said. “Make no mistake; it is not called the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program. It’s called the Rural Health Transformation Program, and that means, in title and intention, that pool of funds is intended to change the way that healthcare is delivered in rural areas.”

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Rural leaders grow skeptical of $50B transformation funds - Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:29:36 +0000

Cedars-Sinai gives clinicians enterprise access to OpenEvidence. Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai has deployed the OpenEvidence systemwide, giving clinicians access to patient-specific medical literature within its EHR. The clinical reference tool links peer-reviewed evidence to patient data — including prior procedures, medications, allergies and comorbidities — to support diagnosis and treatment decisions. Cedars-Sinai also plans to integrate its own care pathways and protocols into the platform, according to a May 20 news release. The integration gives clinicians “a more complete and actionable understanding at the moment of care,” Cedars-Sinai Chief Health Informatics Officer Shaun Miller, MD, said in the release. The deal follows a similar partnership announced March 31 between OpenEvidence and New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System, which the AI company described as its first enterprise deal with a health system. OpenEvidence raised $250 million at a $12 billion valuation in January, up from $1 billion just over a year prior. The platform, which is free for physicians and trained solely on medical journals and data, says it was used by roughly 65% of U.S. physicians across nearly 27 million clinical encounters in April, according to NBC News. At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance

3D Printed Trachea

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:29:16 +0000

A woman in her fifties survived thyroid cancer. Then lost part of her windpipe to the surgery that saved her. Breathing became a daily struggle. Traditional repairs are complex, often fail, and she faced the prospect of ongoing airway issues with no good long-term fix. In August 2023, a Korean team tried something different.They took her own cells, ran them through a 3D bioprinter, and built a trachea designed for her body—layer by layer—so her immune system would treat it as its own.

Six months later:
↳ The airway held its shape
↳ New blood vessels had formed
↳ No immunosuppressants required
↳ Natural breathing restored

Professor Nam In-cheol, who led the surgery after a decade of research, put it simply: "I feel rewarded to be able to provide new hope for treatment to patients suffering from intractable airway diseases." This is still one patient. Durability, repeatability, and long-term safety need more data.

But the shift is real. Donor transplants depend on scarce tissue and lifelong drugs. This approach uses the patient's own cells plus a scaffold that lets the body heal around it.

If this scales:
1 patient shows it can be done.
10 patients show it holds up.
100 patients could change how we treat organ damage after cancer.
We've spent decades fighting rejection. The better play is building parts the body accepts from day one.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only.

Sources: Science Focus, ExtremeTech, 3DPrint.com https://lnkd.in/eRjpgHRR

1,043 reactions

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Doctors urge caution regarding elective MRI in new editorial

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:35:13 +0000

According to leading radiologists, elective MRI screenings are not recommended and can do more harm than good. In a new editorial in JAMA, experts from the University of Michigan Health and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health outline the downsides of these increasingly popular scans.

Three years after a warning that evidence did not support such elective screenings, the commercial popularity of whole-body MRI has only increased—despite a lack of endorsements from relevant professional organizations.

This most recent opinion piece cites a total of over 100,000 elective MRI customers to date, as offerings from major hospital systems and specialized companies proliferate.

Alongside co-author Scott B. Reeder, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of Radiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Michigan Medicine radiologist Matthew Davenport, M.D., MBA, outlines why these screenings can be harmful, in addition to being expensive.

Downsides of detection

One of the points made in this latest JAMA editorial is counterintuitive for many patients: Detecting certain cancers early is not always beneficial. Many slow-progressing diseases can resemble each other on an MRI scan, requiring further diagnostic procedures, such as surgery, which contain their own risks.

Even when not dealing with false positives, however, types of cancer—and the benefits of early, aggressive interventions—vary greatly.

"Although established, evidence-based screening saves lives, not all screening improves health," Davenport said.

"In one study attempting to demonstrate the benefit of ovarian cancer screening, 212 women in the screening group were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Compared to the group that did not get screened, however, there was no mortality benefit. Additionally, more than 1,000 patients underwent unnecessary surgery."

The authors observe that many incidentally detected cancers and cancers detected by screening of low-risk patients are slow-moving, and mortality is often not improved from their early detection. And the more aggressive cancers progress so quickly that MRI screening provides no measurable benefit.

Common extant cancer screening programs, like colonoscopies for patients over 45, were only arrived at after carefully studying the risks and benefits for the most affected populations.

A psychological cost. While the desire to undergo elective screening may stem from a patient's anxieties, an MRI may only worsen these fears.

The authors cite a 30% chance that something uncertain shows up on the scan, which can exacerbate worries and lead to additional anxiety associated with the risks and costs of diagnostic surgery.

"These nonspecific findings can cause emotional harm as you wait for a more specific diagnosis," Davenport said. "But that specific diagnosis may not come for many years, if ever. This process can profoundly affect self-image. You begin to view yourself as a patient with a problem, even if what was detected ultimately proves benign or very low risk."

The authors emphasize that in addition to the above harms, there exists no evidence that elective MRI extends or improves a person's quality of life.

Doctors urge caution regarding elective MRI in new editorial

California lawmakers rush $25 million to hospitals without knowing who qualifies

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:31:10 +0000

California lawmakers rush $25 million to hospitals without knowing who qualifies

By Yue Stella Yu and Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters

The emergency room at Madera Community Hospital on March 18, 2025. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

A $25 million grant to cash-strapped hospitals became law less than a week after it was introduced — so fast that it caught some hospitals, their advocates, and even some lawmakers, off guard.

It also left a litany of unanswered questions: who came up with the narrow criteria, how many hospitals would qualify and whether the funding will be enough to prevent hospital closures in the near term.

Assembly Bill 108, signed into law last week, will provide grants to public and nonprofit hospitals that meet several criteria, including having less than 10 days of cash on hand and having more than half of their patients on government-funded insurance programs or uninsured. The goal is to tide eligible hospitals over until July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, said Sen. John Laird, a Santa Cruz Democrat who chairs the Senate Budget Committee and championed the funding bill.

The measure, put in print on May 4, flew through both legislative chambers in just three days before Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it within hours. By Monday, the program was up and running and hospitals had just a week to apply. The Department of Health Care Access and Information will announce recipients May 26.

“It is a rare occurrence for bills to go from the starting block to the finish line in just a few days,” said veteran lobbyist and Capitol watcher Chris Micheli, who said the speed reflects the urgent need of hospitals and a consensus among leaders.

Hospital leaders interested in applying said they were pleased the Legislature acted so quickly, though some are scrambling to meet the application deadline after learning about it just a week ago.

Laird told CalMatters that he knows of two to three hospitals that will likely qualify but declined to name them, arguing that doing so could scare off vendors and hospital staff.

When pressed, he acknowledged that potential recipients include Watsonville Community Hospital in his own district.

“This bill comes at a completely inopportune time in the budget process, and the time was not dictated by us,” Laird said during a budget hearing last Tuesday. “It was dictated by a few hospitals going under.”

The criteria are so narrow and the bill moved in such an “expedited fashion” that it seems tailored to the needs of a specific hospital, said Assembly Budget Committee Vice Chair David Tangipa, a Fresno Republican, who voted for the bill nonetheless.

“It says 10 days. Why not put it at 30 days?” he said. “They needed to make sure that even though it appears to be a general fund that all of these other hospitals could apply for, that probably only one hospital met all of those qualifications.”

Neither Laird nor the finance department staff was able to explain how they came up with the criteria, including why they picked 10 days — instead of any other number — of cash on hand to indicate a dire enough financial situation. Hospital administrators said the typical goal is at least 90 days of cash on hand.

The ambiguity frustrated some state lawmakers, who repeatedly pressed for clarity during the budget hearing. Sen. Chris Cabaldon, a Napa Democrat, called the lack of answers “profoundly disturbing.”

“It’s been one long ‘I said what I said’ hearing,” he said. Still, he voted for it.

Others lamented that the criteria, especially the 10-day threshold, should have been expanded to allow more hospitals to compete for the funding.

“Right now, it’s far too narrow, and really by this time the hospital has gone over the cliff,” Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a Los Angeles Democrat, told CalMatters in an interview. She, too, voted for it. “We want to figure out who's standing on the cliff, who's a few feet from the cliffs, who's a mile from the cliff.”

The $25 million grant comes as hospitals across California, particularly in rural areas, say they are at risk of dropping services or shutting their doors due to rising labor costs and federal Medi-Cal funding cuts.

The funding woes sparked calls for renewed funding for the state’s Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which in 2023 gave 16 financially distressed hospitals nearly $300 million. Of those, 15 have asked for more time to repay the debt, and nine of them have also applied for loan forgiveness, according to the California Health Facilities Financing Authority.

The California Hospital Association, which represents nearly 400 hospitals, is sponsoring a bill to put another $300 million into the loan program. Senate Democrats proposed $200 million in funding in mid-April but have not specified if the dollars would be a loan or a grant.

Newsom proposed up to $50 million toward hospitals in “immediate and significant financial distress” in 2026-27 in his budget revision Thursday.

A few hospitals plan to apply

Watsonville Community Hospital, which has publicly shared its financial struggles, reported having 8 days of cash on hand in the last quarter of 2025, according to the most recent financial records collected by the state. The hospital received an $8.3 million state loan in 2023 as part of the distressed hospital program lawmakers passed that year. When asked about the hospital, Laird said the hospital is “quite likely” to be eligible.

“This is critically important for the hospital as we navigate fiscal challenges brought on by funding delays and cutbacks at the federal level,” hospital spokesperson Jennifer Murray said in an email.

State Sen. John Laird at the state Capitol in Sacramento, on Jan. 22, 2026. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Hospitals in the Central Valley and rural Southern California also could benefit from the grant, according to Laird.

Madera Community Hospital told CalMatters it intends to apply for a slice of the grant money. The hospital reopened its doors in March 2025 after closing at the start of 2023. American Advanced Management, the company that took over the hospital, received $57 million from the state to reopen it. State data show the hospital ended 2025 with two days of cash on hand.

Delays in reimbursements and low patient volume in its outpatient clinics are contributing to Madera Community’s slower-than-expected recovery, said Matthew Beehler, a spokesperson for the hospital. He said Madera Community is still working on contracting with some insurers and is not yet receiving funds from the Hospital Quality Assurance Fee, a state-federal supplemental payment program for hospitals that serve a high number of Medi-Cal and uninsured patients. State data show that in 2022, before the hospital closed, it relied on more than $16 million in supplemental payments.

The $57 million from the state, Beehler said, helped cover the hospital’s first six months of operations. Beyond that, American Advanced Management has covered the shortfalls.

“I think that we are headed towards the path of real sustainability for the hospital,” Beehler said. “It just takes time to have all that sort of reach its state of equilibrium.”

In the Eastern Sierra, Dr. Kevin Flanigan, CEO of the Southern Inyo Healthcare District, said he, too, plans to apply for the state’s emergency grant. He said his hospital needs about $1 million to get through 2026. However, he does not know if his hospital will qualify given the 10 days of cash on hand criteria. He said Southern Inyo’s cash balance fluctuates anywhere between 18 to 20 days of cash to 8 to 10 days — grim in either case.

If his hospital doesn’t qualify for a grant? “Then God willing, we find money elsewhere. If not, we begin the process of closing certain things,” Flanigan said. Southern Inyo is a small hospital, with only four acute care beds, 30 skilled nursing beds and an outpatient clinic; there isn’t much to cut from, he said.

“We are clearly one of the most precarious hospitals in the state.”

Unanswered questions

Laird told CalMatters he is confident the $25 million will be enough to save hospitals facing the most imminent threat of closure.

But it’s unclear how he and the finance department arrived at the dollar amount. Department of Finance spokesperson H.D. Palmer said the figure represents the administration’s “best assessment of potential funding needs” and is partly based on the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which gave 16 hospitals an average of $19 million each to keep them afloat for several years.

Laird said the amount was based on the number of hospitals legislators “informally” think would be eligible. Whatever is left untapped by June 30 would revert back to the state, he said, and legislators could add more funding if it runs out.

“It is what we think is necessary now,” Laird said.

The Department of Health Care Access and Information collects and publishes financial data from hospitals quarterly, but that data lags. Which hospitals qualify for the grant will depend largely on their self-reported finances as of April 15, the department said.

Many state lawmakers want more answers, too. Sen. Shannon Grove, a Bakersfield Republican, grilled finance department staff over the bill details.

“How long is this lifeline going to last? Is it even going to save the people who are in the 10-day timeframe?” she asked.

“That is the intent,” said Lupe Manriquez of the Department of Finance.

“I know it’s the intent. Is it going to save them?” Grove pressed.

“That’s the goal,” Manriquez answered.

Cabaldon told the staff he wouldn’t even bother asking about the criteria because “I already know what the answer is going to be.”

“It is incumbent on this committee to be able to have real answers to the questions that are posed about the why and the evidence,” Cabaldon said. “We are not having a conversation. We are asking questions of fulfilling our constitutional role in this process and getting zero answers.”

Palmer called the heat on his staff “undignified sniping and sarcasm,” noting that the bill originated from the same legislative chamber that’s now questioning it.

“They asked for our assistance in the expedited consideration of the bill outside of the regular budget process — and we complied and cooperated,” Palmer said in an email. “If members were either unable or unwilling to do some basic homework on their own bill that they wanted to be put on a fast track, then that’s a question that’s better posed to them — not us.”

How long a lifeline?

But throwing money at hospitals to keep them afloat is not the answer, some lawmakers argued.

“We can’t just keep giving $25 million handouts over 10 days where a hospital is looking to close,” Smallwood-Cuevas said, noting that President Donald Trump’s H.R. 1, which sharply reduces federal spending on Medicaid, could devastate hospitals.

“What is the state doing to identify and support vulnerable safety net hospitals before they reach the point of fiscal crisis? That is an answer I want to hear.”

Some hospital administrators also called for longer-term solutions. Katherine Burnworth, board president of the Imperial Valley Healthcare District, which oversees Imperial County’s two hospitals, told CalMatters that while she appreciates state action, $25 million statewide “is a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of the problem.”

“That may help a small number of hospitals avoid a near-term emergency, but it does not address the ongoing instability that communities like ours live with year after year,” Burnworth said.

While acknowledging the importance of emergency grants, Republicans on the committee argued that California has shortchanged hospitals’ Medi-Cal reimbursements. The California Hospital Association estimates that hospitals are reimbursed 74 cents for each dollar they spend on Medi-Cal patients. Hospitals that see a high share of Medi-Cal patients do get supplemental payments to help offset some of the gaps in reimbursement.

The GOP lawmakers also said that some state regulations, such as a minimum wage hike for health care workers and the requirement that all hospitals comply with new seismic safety requirements by 2030, will burden hospitals with high costs.

“We are throwing Band-Aids on everything, when really we need to just get together and fix the issues of what are the unfunded state mandates that are on our hospitals right now,” Tangipa said.

This article was originally published on CalMatters and was republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.

Medications for Memory, Cognition & Dementia-Related Behaviors | alz.org

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Thu, 14 May 2026 01:43:56 +0000

Medications for Memory, Cognition and Dementia-Related Behaviors

Alzheimer's is a growing public health crisis, with over 7 million Americans living with the disease in 2026, costing an estimated $\$409$ billion (1/2 trillion) Public health strategies focus on promoting brain health, increasing early detection, supporting caregivers, and managing risk factors like hypertension and physical inactivity to improve quality of life and reduce the projected impact. [1, 2, 3]

Key Public Health Aspects of Alzheimer's

Prevalence & Impact: Alzheimer's is a leading cause of death and disability. By 2050, cases are expected to rise to nearly 13 million, with costs approaching $\$1$ trillion. It disproportionately affects women, who make up nearly two-thirds of cases, and minority populations, with older Black Americans about twice as likely to have the disease as white Americans.
Risk Reduction: About 45% of dementia cases are potentially preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. Public health initiatives promote "brain health" to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Caregiver Support: Nearly 13 million caregivers provide over 19 billion hours of unpaid care, often experiencing worsening health. Public health aims to connect caregivers with resources and support services.
Early Detection & Treatment: Over half of adults reporting cognitive decline haven't consulted a professional. Public health strategies aim to improve patient-physician communication and access to new, disease-modifying treatments.
Key Frameworks: The CDC works with partners on the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Public Health Road Map series to provide actionable steps for state and local public health agencies. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Core Public Health Objectives

Educate the Public: Increase awareness of risk reduction and early warning signs.
Ensure Equity: Address disparities in prevalence and care among different racial and ethnic communities.
Support Professionals: Train the workforce in dementia care and detection. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer 's.gov provide comprehensive resources for professionals and the public. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Background:

ALZ is a significant public health problem. It creates a socioeconomic effect for families and society. It affects Medicare expenses significantly, providing support for at-home care and long-term care.

Memory Care Facilities

A memory care facility is a specialized, secure, long-term residential care setting designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These facilities provide 24-hour, specialized care, including help with daily tasks, medication management, and structured, memory-enhancing activities in a secure environment. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Features and Benefits

Specialized Staff: Caregivers are trained to manage dementia-related behaviors, including memory loss, confusion, and anxiety.
Secure Environment: To prevent wandering, a common symptom of dementia, these units often have locked exits, secured outdoor areas, and wander-prevention technologies.
Structured Activities: Programs are tailored for cognitive stimulation and social interaction, such as music therapy, art therapy, and routine-based activities to ease stress.
Design and Safety: The layout is intentionally designed to be easy for residents to navigate, reducing confusion.
Caregiver Support: By taking over the responsibility for safety and daily management, these facilities offer peace of mind for families. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

When to Consider Memory Care
Memory care is suitable when a person with dementia can no longer be safely managed at home. Indicators include increased safety risks (such as falls), wandering, behavioral challenges that exceed in-home care capabilities, or a need for high-level medical support. [1, 2, 3]

Differences from Other Care Types
While they are similar to assisted living, memory care units differ in that they provide higher levels of security and staff specializing specifically in cognitive impairment. These facilities are sometimes offered in dedicated, separate wings of nursing homes or as stand-alone, secure buildings. [1]

Alzheimer's is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually the ability to perform simple daily tasks. As the most common cause of dementia (accounting for 60-80% of cases), it involves abnormal brain deposits—amyloid plaques and tau tangles—that kill neurons and cause brain shrinkage. [1, 2, 3]

Key Aspects of Alzheimer's Disease:

Symptoms: Early signs often include forgetting recent events or conversations. As it progresses, it leads to severe memory loss, confusion, behavior changes, difficulty speaking or walking, and loss of independence.
Causes & Risk Factors: While not a normal part of aging, the greatest risk factor is age, with most patients over 65. It is caused by brain cell death, likely driven by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Progression: It is a degenerative disease that worsens over time, typically lasting for several years, eventually requiring full-time care.

Diagnosis & Treatment: There is no single cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and, in some cases, slow progression. Diagnosis involves memory tests, brain imaging (MRI/CT/PET scans), and medical history reviews.

Difference from Dementia: Dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive decline; Alzheimer's is the specific, most common type of disease causing that decline. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Alzheimer's disease

2026 Grants available.

n 2026, Alzheimer's research funding is heavily supported by the Alzheimer's Association, which offers multiple grant programs for investigators. Key 2026 opportunities include the Alzheimer's Disease Strategic Fund (VCID-UMD) (Letters of Intent due June 15, 2026) and Tau Pipeline Enabling Program (T-PEP) (Letters of Intent due May 28, 2026). Federal funding is also strong, with the FY26 budget securing a

million increase for NIH Alzheimer's research.

Key Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Grant Deadlines (LOI/Application)

Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG): Up to
for up to 3 years.
Alzheimer's Disease Strategic Fund (VCID-UMD): Focused on vascular contributions, up to
. LOI due June 15, 2026; Full Application due Sept. 14, 2026.
Tau Pipeline Enabling Program V (T-PEP): LOI due May 28, 2026; Full Application due Aug. 14, 2026.
Capacity Building in International Dementia Research (CBIDR): LOI due June 3, 2026; Full Application due Sept. 2, 2026.
Health Services Research in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (HSR-ADRD): LOI due May 6, 2026; Full Application due July 22, 2026.
Zenith Fellows Awards: For established investigators, with a
million program funding pool.

Federal and Other 2026 Funding Opportunities

Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP) FY26: New funding includes Transforming Care, Diagnosis, and Research Awards, with pre-applications due June 22, 2026.
StARS Dementia Care Innovation Grants: Up to
for state-level dementia services, with full proposals due May 21, 2026.
Accelerating Drug Discovery for FTD (Alzforum): Letter of Intent due May 11, 2026, with an average award of
.

Key 2026 Funding Trends

Total Federal Investment: Over
billion for dementia research in FY2026.
BOLD Infrastructure Act:
A million allocated to the CDC for Alzheimer's infrastructure.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit pre-submission inquiries to the Alzheimer's Association to evaluate project eligibility.

Types of Grants | Alzheimer's Association
Table_title: Active Alzheimer's Association Grants Table_content: header: | Grant Name | Important Dates | row: | Grant Name: Alzh...
Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG)
Each AARG award total is limited to $200,000 (direct and indirect costs) for up to three years (Awards should be a minimum 2 years...
Alzheimer's Association
ALZ-RWD Research Grant l Alzheimer's Association
* Summary. Pre-submission inquiries are welcome at any time and will be reviewed by the Alzheimer's Association with appropriate e...
Alzheimer's Association

Show all

Federal funding for Alzheimer’s research in 2026 reached an estimated $3.9 billion, largely driven by NIH appropriations, supporting studies on disease mechanisms, early diagnosis, and treatments. Major opportunities include NIA small research grants, NIA-supported "New Investigator" awards, and Alzheimer's Association strategic grants focusing on vascular contributions and tau therapies. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Federal and National Funding Sources (2026):

National Institute on Aging (NIA/NIH): As the primary federal funding body, the NIA releases various funding opportunity announcements (FOAs). Active grants often focus on AD/ADRD (Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias) prevention and treatment, with key deadlines in February, June, and October.
Small Research Grant Program (R03): Supported by the NIA, this program offers two-year grants totaling $200,000 for innovative, pilot studies.
New Investigator Award Program (NIAP): Collaborates with the Alzheimer's Association to provide $135,000 in direct costs to early-career researchers. [1, 2, 3]

Key Alzheimer’s Association Grants (2026):

Alzheimer's Disease Strategic Fund (VCID-UMD): Focuses on vascular contributions to cognitive impairment; LOI due June 15, 2026.
Tau Pipeline Enabling Program (T-PEP): Targets tau-based drug therapies; LOI deadline May 28, 2026.
Health Services Research (HSR-ADRD): Focuses on care improvements; LOI deadline May 6, 2026. [1]

Other Funding Opportunities:

Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF): Funds academic centers and biotech for, particularly, drug discovery.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Provides state-level Alzheimer's program funding for research. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The Healthy Brain Initiative

Prospective applicants should monitor the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts and the Alzheimer’s Association website for the most current Requests for Applications (RFAs). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Medications for Memory, Cognition & Dementia-Related Behaviors | alz.org

Killed to Order: Inside China’s Organ Harvesting

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Wed, 06 May 2026 01:39:50 +0000

Killed to Order: Inside China’s Organ Harvesting

They key to organ tourism in China is their methodology to obtain organ tissues. Americans and patients from many countreis who can afford 100,000 to 400,000 dollars can buy an organ in China.

Listen to Jan Jekielek discuss what he learned in China.

China has history of 'black communities' who are ostracized for various reasons. It began with communism which seized land from landowners, who were considered 'black citizens'. Many were imprisoned and forced to 'donate body parts'. This has been passed down to present prisoners who are forced to have blood drawn for compatibility typing. In many cases people were killed to donate rare organs such as a heart. In some cases a single kidney could be obtained from a living donor.

ORGANS FOR TRANSPLANT

HEART TRANSPLANT

How does the heart transplant waiting list work? (In the United States)

A heart transplant requires a heart donation from an individual who is declared brain dead and on a ventilator. Most transplant candidates wait for some length of time because there are more people in need of a transplant than there are deceased donors. Transplant candidates are placed on the national transplant waiting list. Unlike many waiting lists, the national transplant waiting list does not work on a first-come, first-served basis. When a donor heart becomes available, transplant candidates are matched based on three factors: medical urgency, distance from the donor hospital and pediatric status. Blood type, body size and other medical information are key factors in the matching process for all organs. United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) manages the national transplant waiting list, matching donors to recipients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Patients are often ready at a moment’s notice to receive their donor heart. Transplant must occur within 4 to 6 hours after the donor heart is recovered. Following surgery, many recipients are on their feet within a couple of days and released from the hospital in 10 to 14 days. Learn more about the heart transplant process here.

In China there was a group called Falun Gong who practiced a Zen-like spiritual practice.They emphsized health and wellness, and in some cases volunteered organ donation. The Falun Gong were outlawed in 1999.The minority group the Uyghurs were also subject to these procedures

The present status

China has banned harvesting organs from executed prisoners since January 1st, 2015[1], making voluntary donation the only legitimate venue for organ transplant. It is a critical move to settle all the controversies about China's organ transplant process by making a loud and strong statement worldwide that the Chinese government respects human rights and is streamlining its organ transplant process to conform with internationally accepted standards on organ transplantation. This regulation removes one major obstacle of organ transplant in China; however, China still faces the other major obstacle of critical organ shortage.

VSRF Live #226 - Killed to Order: Inside China’s Organ Harvesting

CMS’ Medicare provider directory released Social Security numbers: Washington Post

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Tue, 05 May 2026 17:06:12 +0000

By: Elizabeth Casolo

Friday, May 1st, 2026

A publicly accessible database powering CMS’ Medicare Advantage provider directory exposed Social Security numbers of healthcare providers, The Washington Post reported April 30.

The Post downloaded the database and found dozens of provider Social Security numbers. The database had been accessible for multiple weeks, at least.

A CMS spokesperson told Becker’s “the issue stems from incorrect entries of provider or provider-representative-supplied information in the wrong places.” CMS did not reply to Becker’s questions regarding how many providers had exposed Social Security numbers and how long the information had been available.

The Post flagged the issue to health officials on April 28. CMS said it promptly addressed the issue and is reinforcing safeguards.

Last year, the publication identified errors in the directory, such as duplicative addresses and contradictory information regarding providers’ network status. In November, two Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, questioning the directory’s “rushed launch.”

The initial Medicare directory was the first phase of a broader push for a national provider directory, which is scheduled to beta-launch in full later this year.

CMS’ Medicare provider directory released Social Security numbers: Washington Post

JMIR Aging - Effects of Digital-Based Exercise Interventions on Concerns About Falling, Falls Efficacy, and Physical Performance Among Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:50:58 +0000

Background:Falls are prevalent and serious health problems among older adults. Concerns about falling and reduced falls efficacy are common fall-related psychological impairments, representing 2 distinct emotional and cognitive constructs, respectively. The impact of digital-based exercise interventions on these specific constructs remains unclear.

Objective:This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize current evidence on digital-based exercise interventions for concerns about falling and falls efficacy among older adults, with a specific focus on determining their differential effects on emotional and cognitive constructs and evaluating their impact on physical performance.

Methods:The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and Wanfang databases were systematically searched from their inception dates to May 2025. We searched for published randomized controlled trials on the effects of digital-based interventions on the fear of falling, concerns about falling, and falls efficacy among older adults. The study followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and was performed using Stata 17.0 software (StataCorp LLC).

Results:Eighteen studies involving 2435 participants were included. Meta-analyses revealed significant effects of digital-based exercise interventions on falls efficacy (standardized mean difference 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.90; P<.001), balance function (mean difference [MD] 4.03, 95% CI 2.57-5.49; P<.001), functional mobility (MD −1.65, 95% CI −2.52 to −0.77; P<.001), and physical function (MD 0.57, 95% CI 0.12-1.02; P=.006) among older adults. However, digital-based exercise interventions had no significant effect on concerns about falling, which is the emotional construct related to falls (standardized MD −0.12, 95% CI −0.28 to 0.05; P>.05).

Conclusions:The meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of digital-based exercise interventions on fall-related psychological impairments among older adults and revealed that the effects differed across the constructs. These findings suggest that digital-based exercise interventions have potential benefits for improving falls efficacy and physical performance among older adults compared with controls. However, the effect of digital-based exercise interventions on concerns about falling, which is the emotional construct related to falls, remains uncertain among older adults.

JMIR Aging 2026;9:e87070

doi:10.2196/87070

Keywords

digital-based (1); meta-analysis (466); older adults (831); concerns about falling (1); falls efficacy (1)

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JMIR Aging - Effects of Digital-Based Exercise Interventions on Concerns About Falling, Falls Efficacy, and Physical Performance Among Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

FDA announces recall on insulin pump pods after leaks cause 29 serious injuries

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Mon, 04 May 2026 13:35:00 +0000

A recall on insulin pump pods has been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class I recall, the agency's most serious type after 29 serious injuries were reported.

To date, there have been no deaths associated with the defective devices, manufactured by Massachusetts-based Insulet. However, certain lots of the Omnipod 5—used in an automated insulin delivery system for those with Type 1 diabetes—will need to be removed from where they are used or sold in order to prevent any potential fatalities.

The insulin pump system, known for its invisible tubing unlike other wearable models on the market, uses a proprietary set of patches to administer insulin into the body as glucose levels change in diabetic patients throughout the day.
Omnipod 5, when functioning as intended, should correct insulin levels in the body every five minutes.

The issue with the recalled lot, according to Insulet which first announced the recall in a letter to known customers on March 12, stems from a manufacturing defect on the pods. Internal tubes within the devices that insulin flows through may contain small tears, leading to leaks that could cause an underdelivery of insulin.

As a result, patients may not receive the proper dose from the pump, leaving them with higher-than-expected blood sugar levels. This could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition that could cause patients to become delirious or unresponsive, putting others at risk if the patient is driving a car or operating heavy machinery.

Diabetic ketoacidosis requires immediate medical attention to mitigate.

Worse yet, the tears in the pods could cause the insulin pumps to enter a state of Automated Delivery Restriction, due to it not registering an underdose of insulin being delivered. This could happen without warning or alert, leaving the patient unaware that they received a lower-than-necessary dose of treatment.

While there is an alarm that is supposed to trigger if insulin enters the pod, that is reportedly not always happening.

The only solution, according to Insulet and the FDA, is to find a replacement for the defective pods. That starts with identifying those deemed defective.

What is being recalled?

The above image shows the packing for the Omnipod 5. The following is how the units with the potential leaky tears can be spotted.

Unique Device Identifier: 10385083000527
Click here for a full List of Affected Product

Next steps

Defective pods must not be used. If a patient does not have replacements, they should seek alternatives from their medical provider.

All products must be checked to see if they match the recall information above, including those currently being worn by patients.

In a letter sent to known Omnipod 5 customers in March, Insulet provided a form to return unused products and request replacements. Since that time, the list of defective units has been expanded to include those with expiration dates that have passed, so it’s important to check the above link for the full list of affected products.

Those with questions are advised to contact Insulet at 1-800-641-2049. The company said its service line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more details, read the full FDA recall notice by clicking here.

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FDA announces recall on insulin pump pods after leaks cause 29 serious injuries

Elon Musk Honey in the Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Sun, 03 May 2026 13:40:41 +0000

According to the FDA a reeent report from the FDA

Emerging research suggests consuming one tablespoon of honey daily may act as a natural, neuroprotective strategy to prevent or slow dementia and Alzheimer’s progression. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, honey combats neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, with some studies showing significantly lower dementia incidence in users.

Key Findings on Honey and Cognitive Health

Preventive Potential: A 5-year study of 2,893 individuals aged 65+ in the Middle East found that 1 tablespoon of daily honey was associated with a roughly 80% lower incidence of developing dementia.
Mechanisms of Action: Honey enhances the brain's cholinergic system, improves circulation, reduces amyloid-beta plaque accumulation, and decreases oxidative stress.
Recommended Types: Studies indicate that specific regional honeys, particularly Tualang honey, Thyme honey, and Manuka honey, are high in polyphenols and neuroprotective properties.
Limitations: Most evidence stems from animal studies (rats) or limited human pilot studies, with limited large-scale human clinical trials.

Proposed Protocol (Based on Research Findings)

Dosage: One tablespoon (roughly 20-30 grams) of raw, high-quality honey daily.
Timing: Daily, consistently, for long-term preventive benefits.
Considerations: While honey is natural, it is high in sugar, so individuals with diabetes or metabolic issues should consult a doctor.

Disclaimer: Honey is a complementary approach for cognitive health, not a cure for dementia. It should be used alongside standard medical care.

Polyamine, a Hope for Spinal cord Injuries

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:23:00 +0000

She was told it was impossible.

For 30 years nobody funded her research. Nobody believed in what she was studying. She was a Brazilian biologist working alone on a question that the medical world had already given up on.

What if the spinal cord could heal itself?

Her name is Dr. Tatiana Coelho de Sampaio.

And she never stopped asking.

She discovered a protein called laminin. The same substance that guides our neurons as we grow in the womb. She figured out how to polymerize it. How to make it more powerful. How to inject it into a broken spinal cord and give damaged neurons a road to grow back on.

Paralyzed rats walked again.

Dogs with chronic spinal cord injuries regained movement.

Then came the human study.

Eight patients. Complete spinal cord injuries. A single injection within 72 hours of trauma.

Every single survivor regained voluntary motor control below the level of their lesion.

Every. Single. One.

I have spent decades in the operating room. I have sat with patients and families after the kind of injuries that change everything in an instant. I know what it feels like to deliver news that leaves no room for hope.

This leaves room for hope.

It is still experimental. Clinical trials are just beginning. Dr. Sampaio herself calls it a promise. Not yet a proven cure.

But this is how medicine changes forever.

Does polylaminin work?

Polymerized laminin promoted axonal regeneration and functional recovery in rats and dogs. Eight people treated with laminin demonstrated voluntary motor contraction. Brazil has authorized a phase 1 human study.Feb 26, 2026

Regeneration of spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major topic of biomedical research. Laminin is an extracellular matrix protein implicated in neural development and regeneration, but despite that, there are no reports of exogenous laminin contributing to improve the outcome of experimental SCI. Here we investigated whether a biomimetic polymer of laminin assembled on pH acidification, henceforth called polylaminin, could be used to treat SCI in rats. Acute local injection of polylaminin, but not of nonpolymerized laminin, improved motor function after thoracic compression, partial or complete transection. In the latter case, the BBB score for open field locomotion 8 wk after lesion increased from 4.2 ± 0.48 to 8.8 ± 1.14 in animals treated with polylaminin of human origin. Accordingly, neurons retrogradely labeled from the sublesion stump were detected in the spinal cord and brain stem, indicating regrowth of short and long fibers across a complete transection. Polylaminin also played an unsuspected anti-inflammatory role, which underlies the early onset of its positive effects on locomotion from the first week after treatment. The beneficial effects of polylaminin were not observed in animals treated with the nonpolymerized protein or vehicle only. We propose that polylaminin is a promising therapeutic agent to treat human SCI.

One person. One question. Thirty years of not giving up.

Save this. Share it with someone who needs to believe that what was broken can be rebuilt.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stefano-sinicropi_regenerativemedicine-spinalcordinjury-neuroscience-ugcPost-7452097955488153600-ikk9?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAAAqTbwBl7WHwBdULQ1iB1ThcCkr32EMVjE

Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics, including ibogaine, for mental health treatment - CBS News

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:17:00 +0000

President Trump has signed an executive order to ease research restrictions on psychedelics, including the drug ibogaine, which is used in some countries to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

Health officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and podcaster Joe Rogan joined Mr. Trump in the Oval Office for the signing Saturday.

Mr. Trump said the order will "dramatically accelerate access to new medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs," which he said have shown "life-changing potential."

Mr. Trump said that the federal government will make a $50 million research investment into psychedelic research. He said the federal government was also opening a pathway for ibogaine to be administered to "desperately ill patients" under the Food and Drug Administration's Right To Try rule.

"Everybody is so strongly in favor of this. It's for a lot of people, but it's for our veterans in particular," Mr. Trump said, highlighting veteran suicide rates.

"If these turn out to be as good as people are saying it's going to have a tremendous impact on this country and in other countries too," Mr. Trump added.

Food and Drug Administration commissioner Marty Makary said that three psychedelics would be added to the National Priority Voucher pilot program, which is a pathway meant to dramatically reduce review times for drug and biological products that align with U.S. national health priorities. The FDA will also begin the process to allow for researchers to conduct human trials into ibogaine's use, he said.

"This is an unmet public health need and there are potentially promising treatments," Makary said. "That's why there is a sense of urgency around this."

CBS News first reported that Mr. Trump was expected to sign the order earlier this week.

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring compound found in a shrub native to Africa. It has been used to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and brain trauma. Researchers say ibogaine could eventually fill a gap in addiction treatment, particularly for opioid dependence, but more large-scale clinical trials are needed before it can be considered safe or effective for any condition.

Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who served in Mr. Trump's first administration, said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that early studies into ibogaine and other psychedelics have shown "potential for rapid improvements in symptoms and functioning in treatment-resistant cases" of people with mental health illnesses.

The order maintains full FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration oversight, Adams said, and does not legalize or reclassify psychedelics.

The scientific evidence behind the drug so far consists mostly of small observational studies and open-label trials. Only one double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial has been completed. More advanced trials have been started recently, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill approving $50 million for research last year. It is unclear how the federal government will help facilitate further research. Sources told CBS News that strategies were still being hammered out in internal discussions this week.

As a Schedule I substance, ibogaine is currently grouped by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside substances including heroin and ecstacy. Americans have traveled to unregulated clinics, often in Mexico or the Caribbean, to take the drug. Studies show that ibogaine can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, which can be fatal. A 2023 review of 24 studies including 705 people called the risk of death from heart problems "worrying," and showed that at least 27 people have died after taking ibogaine.

Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics, including ibogaine, for mental health treatment - CBS News

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:12:00 +0000

American Coke differs from European Coke primarily by using high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a sweetener, whereas most European countries use cane sugar or beet sugar. This creates a sweeter, stickier, or slightly different flavor profile in the US, while European Coke is often perceived as having a "cleaner" sweetness.
Here are the key differences:
Sweetener: U.S. Coke relies on HFCS, which is cheaper and domestically produced, compared to sucrose in Europe.
Taste Profile: American Coke is generally described as sweeter and sometimes described as having a slightly metallic or vanilla aftertaste. European Coke is often considered to have a more distinct "tang" or "tea-like" flavour.
Ingredients/Production: While the core formula is similar, regional bottlers use local water and sweeteners, causing subtle variations.
Packaging and Sugar: Some eastern European countries may use fructose-glucose syrup, but Western Europe primarily uses white sugar.
This difference is aso. the same for Mexican Coke.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is primarily used in Coca-Cola within the United States, as the company shifted to this sweetener in 1984. Other countries using fructose-glucose syrup include some Eastern European nations such as Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria.
United States: Uses HFCS 55, which is a blend of fructose and glucose.
Eastern Europe: Some Central/Eastern European countries use fructose-glucose syrup.
Other Regions: While many nations (notably Mexico) use cane sugar (sucrose), some countries might use a mix of sweeteners based on cost and local sourcing.
Exceptions: "Mexican Coke" (popular in the US) is traditionally made with cane sugar rather than fructose.
Fructose is considered "toxic" when consumed in high amounts because it is metabolized primarily in the liver, where it triggers non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Unlike glucose, high fructose intake leads to rapid fat synthesis (lipogenesis), elevated uric acid (causing high blood pressure), and increased belly fat.
Fructose is considered "toxic" when consumed in high amounts because it is metabolized primarily in the liver, where it triggers non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Unlike glucose, high fructose intake leads to rapid fat synthesis (lipogenesis), elevated uric acid (causing high blood pressure), and increased belly fat.High-fructose corn syrup vs. cane sugar in foods: The cost of switching ingredients
Bulk high-fructose corn syrup cost about $0.35 per pound for 2025, only rising from $0.27 in 2015, and remaining fairly close to this price in the past few years, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In comparison, the price of refined white sugar is $1.01, which is up substantially from $0.61 in 2015.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump relayed that Coca-Cola agreed to use "real" cane sugar in Coke sold in the United States.
There are some serious economic concerns affecting American farmers. Farmers now receive a 5.6 billion dollar subsidy
Fructose can cause liver cirrhosis and fatty liver degeneration if consumed in large quantities.

The 40 Year Old Check List

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:51:00 +0000

Nobody hands you a brain health checklist when you turn 40.

Here's the checklist I wish every 40-year-old received:

Get your blood pressure checked and managed
↳ Hypertension in midlife is one of the strongest predictors of dementia later
↳ Target: below 130/80

Check your hearing
↳ Hearing loss is the #1 modifiable risk factor for dementia
↳ Get a baseline audiogram at 50, earlier if you notice changes

Check your vision
↳ Newly recognized risk factor as of 2024
↳ Untreated vision loss increases dementia risk by 47%

Check your vitamin D level
↳ Midlife levels predict brain health decades later
↳ 42% of adults are insufficient

Know your lipid numbers
↳ Not just total cholesterol. ApoB and LDL-C matter for brain health
↳ High LDL is now a Lancet Commission risk factor for dementia

Screen for sleep apnea if you snore
↳ Untreated sleep apnea accelerates cognitive decline
↳ Most cases are undiagnosed

Exercise 150+ minutes per week
↳ Include some vigorous activity
↳ Resistance training 2-3x per week

Stay socially connected
↳ Social isolation is an independent risk factor
↳ Loneliness physically changes brain structure

Manage stress and treat depression
↳ Both are modifiable risk factors
↳ Chronic cortisol is neurotoxic

Limit alcohol. Prioritize sleep.
↳ Every drink has a measurable effect on brain volume
↳ 7-8 hours of sleep activates your brain's waste clearance system

This isn't a wellness wish list. Every item on here is backed by the Lancet Commission's 2024 review of the evidence on dementia prevention.

45% of dementia cases may be preventable.

Prevention starts in midlife. Not at 70 when symptoms appear.

Print this. Share it with someone who just turned 40. Put it on your fridge.

Your future brain will thank you.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:22:00 +0000

Nearly 3 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries were forced to change plans for 2026 after insurers exited markets and terminated coverage. Rural seniors were hit hardest. This is not normal churn. It is structural disruption. As margins tighten and carriers retrench, the question is no longer about growth. It is about stability. What happens when private contracts underpinning half of Medicare can disappear in a single year.

#MedicareAdvantage#Medicare#HealthPolicy#SeniorHealth#InsuranceIndustry#MedicareSupplement#HealthcareReform#TheMedicareInsider

THE MEDICARE INSIDER BLOG.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/3-million-shock-when-medicare-advantage-pulls-rug-out-jamie-sarno-mue6e

You can order your own blood work now. Interpreting the results is another story April 14, 202610:58 AM ET

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:22:00 +0000

Lana McDonald, a 34-year-old teacher from Massachusetts, got an Oura Ring two years ago to track her sleep. When she got an email from Oura selling a set of blood tests for $99, she was intrigued. Her primary care physician had never ordered blood testing before.

The app took her to the website for Quest Diagnostics, where she got an appointment within the week. The results started coming in that same day.

Direct-to-consumer blood testing is a growing industry targeting health-conscious patients who want to order their own blood work for the price of a dinner out.

The space is becoming increasingly crowded: both by direct offerings from commercial laboratories such as Quest and Labcorp OnDemand, and by companies that partner with them to offer the testing. Recent blood-testing rollouts came from Oura, which has sold some 5.5 million of its smart rings and is aiming at that customer base, and from the wearable company Whoop.

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The telehealth platform Hims & Hers, with 2.5 million members, also released a product in late 2025. Meanwhile, the health care technology company Function Health, which offers testing to its hundreds of thousands of members, received a $2.5 billion valuation after a recent funding round.

This growing trend disrupts a long-standing paradigm in which your doctor tells you when you need a test, calls you with the results and offers a treatment plan. Instead, consumers like McDonald are taking the initiative to order tests and are left to interpret the results on their own.

"There's this idea that more information is better — that having access to information is empowerment," says Dr. Anna Wexler, an assistant professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. "That's kind of appealing to maybe more of the longevity, biohacker, someone who's interested in all their metrics."

But it also can leave patients to reckon with stressful information they don't know what to make of — and receive either a worrying result that may or may not require action, or a false reassurance of a clean bill of health.

What do the tests mean?

For McDonald, eight of her results were out of range, including "high" cholesterol levels and "low" hemoglobin. The results didn't come with any explanation. Puzzled, McDonald turned to Google to figure out what to make of them and what follow-up testing she might need. She decided to order a ferritin test, a measure of iron storage protein, directly from Quest. It was low.

McDonald's next steps were trickier. She downloaded the results from Quest's website and direct-messaged her own physician the results through a portal, who told her to set up an appointment. Then she waited two months until her doctor could see her.

As in McDonald's case, most patients will never hear from the clinicians contracted by the testing company who interpreted their results. Without the context of an ongoing patient-provider relationship, it's hard to contextualize lab values that are abnormal — or decide what to do next.

"Patients are getting outside testing done and bringing them to appointments asking us to interpret them for them," Dr. Jeffrey Linder, chief of general internal medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, said in an email.

Both Oura and Function Health use third-party clinician partners to interpret the tests and call patients with a critical result.

"It's essential for people to have an ongoing relationship with a health care provider," Dr. Ricky Bloomfield, chief medical officer at Oura, said in an email. Their blood test product is intended "to complement — not replace — that relationship."

But some see the use of physician partners as problematic.

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"The company that you actually order the test from may contract with the physician group, and so they'll say, 'We're just a platform that's connecting you to the physician. We're not responsible,'" says Wexler. "There's real questions of liability and accountability in this direct-to-consumer space."

To help explain labs and track health over time, Function rolled out an integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT Health. A press release from OpenAI emphasized that ChatGPT health is not designed to replace medical care.

ChatGPT Video

Given the ambiguity of interpreting results, Linder says this model may raise unnecessary fears.

"There's this unrealistic expectation that the only two outcomes are you're going to get a clean bill of health or you're going to find something that's going to kill you," said Linder. "It's so much more likely that you're going to find something indeterminate that's going to cause anxiety and that is actually not going to improve your health."

Appealing to the DIY patient

These tests offer patients something that the health care system struggles to provide: transparency in price.

Function Health offers a membership that includes twice-yearly blood testing and costs $365, with more than 160 biomarkers tested annually. According to Function Health, 40% of Function's members come from ZIP codes with median household incomes less than $95,000.

Hims & Hers offers twice-yearly testing for $499 a year, currently discounted to $349, with more than 130 biomarkers tested annually. Another direct-to-consumer company called Superpower advertises over 100 tests for $199.

"I think it comes completely as a response to frustration with the current state of our health care system: the lack of transparency in terms of cost, the difficulty of scheduling with a physician," says Wexler. "These tests: they provide convenience, they provide transparency in costs."

Many of these companies also offer access to tests that are not used commonly in general clinical practice.

Function Health, for example, offers additional add-on testing, including an extensive panel of brain health tests.

Dr. Mark Hyman, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Function Health, says he thinks this kind of testing is valuable because it can catch early signs of disease.

POINT OF ORDER

A winding journey

For McDonald, it took a few months to follow up on the testing she got through Oura. After she sent her doctor the results, he asked to repeat the testing through his own lab. This time it was free to her since it was covered by her insurance. The testing, which was also at a Quest lab, showed very similar results.

Her doctor diagnosed McDonald with anemia, though she wasn't experiencing symptoms, and started her on iron pills. She says he wasn't concerned about her cholesterol levels, but suggested lifestyle interventions all the same. They plan to repeat testing in two months.

Though she had a positive experience with Oura's testing, McDonald says she would not recommend the test to others:

"I figured I would just try it out, but I don't think it's worth it if you can order the same test for free if you have health insurance."

"The more you understand earlier on in your trajectory of health, you can create predictive models of where you are headed. That's the future of medicine. It's highly predictive: early diagnostics, ongoing tracking to see where you're at, and the longitudinal data," says Hyman.

Testing for Alzheimers and other Neurodegenerative Diseases

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:09:00 +0000

https://x.com/TheHillEvents/status/2040804775369846969?s=20

Instantaneous early diagnosis allow for planning.

Does your Surgeon Count his Cases? Why ?

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:32:00 +0000

Your surgeon has a number.

They may not tell you what it is.

But it exists.

It is the number of surgeries they need to do each month to hit their productivity target. The number that keeps their administrator happy. The number that justifies their salary or their partnership share or their bonus.

When you walk into their office with knee pain, you are not just a patient. You are a potential case. A potential number.

If your surgeon is three cases short this month, the recommendation might tilt toward surgery. If they are ahead, maybe they mention physical therapy first. You will never know which version of the conversation you got.

This is not because surgeons are bad people. Most are not. It is because the system creates pressure. And pressure shapes decisions in ways people do not even realize.

The surgeon who needs to hit 20 cases this month is not thinking "I should operate on this person to make my quota." They are thinking "this patient probably needs surgery." The bias is unconscious. The incentive is invisible. But it is there.

I do not have a number.

Nobody is tracking my cases. Nobody is comparing my productivity to a benchmark. Nobody is pressuring me to operate more.

When I tell you that you do not need surgery, it is because you do not need surgery. When I tell you that you do, it is because you do. The recommendation comes from the exam and the imaging and your goals. Not from a spreadsheet.

That is what independence gives you.

A surgeon who is not keeping score.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thomas-myers-md-b962a451_your-surgeon-has-a-number-they-may-not-activity-7440725085826646017-c006?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAAAqTbwBl7WHwBdULQ1iB1ThcCkr32EMVjE

3 D printed Middle Ear Ossicles

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:31:00 +0000

A little known African Otolaryngologist. Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, Head of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Pretoria, performed the world's first middle ear transplant using 3D-printed titanium bones. March 2019. Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

He hadn't heard his daughter's voice in years. Then a South African surgeon did what no one had done before. Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, Head of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Pretoria, performed the world's first middle ear transplant using 3D-printed titanium bones. March 2019. Steve Biko Academic Hospital. The patient was a 40-year-old man. A car accident had destroyed the three tiny bones that transmit sound — the hammer, anvil, and stirrup. For years, silence. After surgery, Thabo Moshiliwa heard immediately. Think about that. Not weeks of recovery. Not gradual improvement. Instant sound transmission. His first words: he could hear clearly again. The innovation that made it possible: ↳ Custom 3D-printed titanium ossicles — sized precisely for each patient ↳ Endoscopic surgery — minimally invasive, 90 minutes ↳ Reduced risk of facial nerve damage compared to traditional methods ↳ Faster recovery, less trauma A second patient that same week: born without fully formed middle ear bones. Congenital. Had never heard normally. The same implants worked. What stopped me: This wasn't developed in a billion-dollar lab in Boston or Zurich. It happened at a public hospital in Pretoria. Hundreds of inquiries have come from around the world since. Patients who had been told nothing could be done. The Multiplication Effect: 1 successful transplant = proof the method works 10 hospitals adopting 3D-printed ossicles = regional access to hearing restoration 100 countries with this capability = conductive hearing loss becomes treatable everywhere At scale = we stop asking who can afford to hear and start asking how we missed this for so long The shift isn't just surgical. It's about where innovation comes from — and who it reaches. What's one medical innovation you've seen come from a place no one expected, and why do you think geography still dictates who gets access to breakthrough care? Sources: University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital This is not a sponsored post. Please note: This is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always check with a healthcare professional.

Periodic Therapeutic Phlebotomy Mitigates Systemic Aging Phenotypes by Promoting Bone Marrow Function - Cai - 2026 - Aging Cell - Wiley Online Library

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:08:00 +0000

Leach's may have worked...

Aging is the primary risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, making the identification of safe and effective anti-aging strategies a critical focus in biomedical research. Heterochronic parabiosis by blood exchange shows that the exchange interaction between young and old plasma can exert anti-aging effects through exchange of bloodborne factors. However, the limited plasma source greatly affects clinical translation. Here, we demonstrate that periodic therapeutic phlebotomy in D-galactose-induced aging models exerts significant and comprehensive anti-aging effects, which is reflected by a notable improvement in aging-associated behavioral deficits and neurogenesis, a significant decrease in the level of circulating senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, and an obvious mitigation of aging-associated structural degradation and molecular alterations within the muscle, bone, liver, kidney, and nervous systems. Mechanistically, periodic therapeutic phlebotomy induces bone marrow microenvironment restoration through functional rescue of mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells, thereby reestablishing balanced hematopoietic homeostasis. This hematopoietic revitalization subsequently drives systemic improvements in peripheral blood composition and function. In conclusion, our work provides preliminary evidence suggesting that periodic therapeutic phlebotomy exerts anti-aging effects by restoring bone marrow function and mitigating aging phenotypes, subsequently driving peripheral blood functional restoration. Given its technical simplicity and safety profile, this periodic therapeutic phlebotomy strategy will hold potential to pave the way for clinical translation.

Periodic Therapeutic Phlebotomy Mitigates Systemic Aging Phenotypes by Promoting Bone Marrow Function - Cai - 2026 - Aging Cell - Wiley Online Library

Health care is on hold for some older adults as they wait for Medicare

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:57:00 +0000

Waiting for Medicare: Steeper costs push some adults to delay care

AI Generated by USA TODAY

The end of expanded ACA subsidies has caused many adults in their 50s and early 60s to face sharply higher premiums, prompting them to delay essential medical procedures until they qualify for Medicare, which experts warn could increase health risks and future public costs.

John Galvin, 64, delayed a colonoscopy until turning 65 because his monthly Obamacare premium rose to $2,460 and his deductible was $2,700.

People with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level (about $86,560 for a two‑person family) lost the pandemic‑era subsidies at the end of December 2025.

Adults ages 50‑64 make up roughly half of ACA enrollees, and many are seeing premium increases of up to threefold, sometimes amounting to a quarter of their income.

AARP reports that the ACA cut the uninsured rate for the 50‑64 age group in half and provided a safety net for those without employer coverage.

Jessica Schubel warned that delayed care will create pent‑up demand, forcing Medicare to spend significantly more when these individuals enroll at 65.

Health care is on hold for some older adults as they wait for Medicare

Cyberattack against Stryker highlights potential impacts of Iran war on healthcare industry

noreply@blogger.com (Gary M. Levin) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:19:00 +0000

HEALTHCARE IS ON A WAR SETTING WITH IRAN

The cyberattack against medtech company Stryker isn’t quite like other major cybersecurity events we’ve seen in the healthcare industry in recent years. This attack is part of Iran’s response against the US to the war in the Middle East.

On March 11, an Iran-linked threat actor called Handala (suspected by Israeli cybersecurity experts to be tied to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security) disrupted Stryker’s internal Microsoft network, the company shared in a statement, prompting the company to initiate a cybersecurity “response plan” and an internal investigation, per a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

But crucially, this could be also a sign of more to come within this war, cybersecurity experts have said.

“You can’t look at this cyberattack in a vacuum. It’s direct retaliation tied to the broader conflict with Iran,” Erik Pupo, director of commercial health IT advisory at tech consultancy Guidehouse, told us via email.

Stryker has maintained since the attack that its medical and surgical devices have not been impacted and there has been no sign of malware or ransomware that could impact USB flash drives for related products. Its 56,000 global employees were encouraged to keep company-issued devices turned off and disconnected from networks.

“Incidents like the recent attack on Stryker are a reminder that cyber conflict increasingly mirrors geopolitical tensions, where disruption is used as a signal of reach and capability, not just immediate impact,” Michael Smith, field chief technology officer at digital security company DigiCert, told Healthcare Brew via email.

Cyberattack against Stryker highlights potential impacts of Iran war on healthcare industry

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NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

The 40 Year Old Check List

You can order your own blood work now. Interpreting the results is another story April 14, 202610:58 AM ET

It's Been a Minute

Is tech making us too obsessed with our bodies?

What do the tests mean?

Living Better

ChatGPT might give you bad medical advice, studies warn

Appealing to the DIY patient

A winding journey

Testing for Alzheimers and other Neurodegenerative Diseases

Does your Surgeon Count his Cases? Why ?

3 D printed Middle Ear Ossicles

Periodic Therapeutic Phlebotomy Mitigates Systemic Aging Phenotypes by Promoting Bone Marrow Function - Cai - 2026 - Aging Cell - Wiley Online Library

Health care is on hold for some older adults as they wait for Medicare

Waiting for Medicare: Steeper costs push some adults to delay care

AI Generated by USA TODAY

Cyberattack against Stryker highlights potential impacts of Iran war on healthcare industry