The latest on Trump’s tax cut bill
As the Senate prepares to vote on Trump’s tax cut bill, the outcome remains uncertain. With 11.8 million people at risk of losing health insurance over the next decade under Senate Republicans’ version of the bill, the stakes are high. Stay updated on the latest developments by checking out STAT’s home page for real-time updates. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to D.C. Diagnosis for in-depth analysis and insights.
HHS will continue funding cancer prevention & tracking
After a period of uncertainty, state workers have received confirmation that federal funding for key cancer prevention and tracking programs will continue. The National Program of Cancer Registries, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program play vital roles in collecting data on cancer cases and improving prevention efforts. This news comes as a relief to public health workers, although some details are still unclear. Read more about the impact of this crucial funding.
Older adults are waiting even longer in EDs
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals concerning trends for older adults in emergency departments. The study found that the percentage of older adults waiting longer than eight hours in the ED has increased from 12% in 2017 to 20% in 2024. Delays in admissions for older patients have also risen, with 36% of admissions taking more than three hours in 2024. These delays not only harm patients but also contribute to overcrowding in emergency departments. More research is needed to understand the underlying causes of these delays and address systemic healthcare challenges.
The complexity of age, chronic disease, and inflammation
Inflammation is a hot topic in health and wellness, but a new study published in Nature Aging suggests that the relationship between inflammation, age, and chronic disease is more complex than previously thought. The study found that people in non-industrialized societies experience less age-related chronic inflammation compared to those in industrialized societies. This discovery challenges the conventional wisdom around inflammation and aging, opening up new possibilities for interventions in the aging process. Understanding how inflammation varies across different populations could lead to innovative approaches to health and wellness.
What we’re reading
– Why can’t Americans sleep? The Atlantic explores the impact of insomnia on health and the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in managing sleep disorders.
– Wired reports on the potential for acetaminophen tablets to be made from PET, a recyclable plastic material.
– STAT investigates the evidence behind medical devices deemed ‘breakthrough’ by the FDA.
– KFF Health News shares the story of a Texas boy who needed a measles vaccine that cost $1,400, highlighting the challenges of accessing essential healthcare.
– The Boston Globe examines the fallout from Trump’s battle with Harvard and its implications beyond the city of Boston.
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