The US is planning to relax Covid-19 testing restrictions for travelers from China on Friday, following a surge in cases and lack of transparency from Chinese officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had previously announced a requirement for travelers to prove they had tested negative for the virus before flying to the US from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. This decision is part of an effort to protect US citizens from the spread of the virus, though it is unclear if the US will continue to require negative tests in the future.
Posts published in “Health”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the state will be cutting ties with Walgreens after the company announced it would not sell abortion pills in 20 states. This decision has been met with criticism from Democrats, who argue that it will limit access to abortion services for women in those states. Walgreens has not yet commented on the decision by California to cut ties with the company.
President Joe Biden has proposed a budget that would raise taxes on high earners and make some drugs and mental health visits cheaper for Medicare beneficiaries. The budget also seeks to prevent the tax that supports Medicare from being used for other purposes, in order to ensure the program is adequately funded and can continue to provide quality care.
Danielle Miller, a 32-year-old Miami social media influencer, has pleaded guilty to five federal charges related to a $1.5 million COVID relief fraud scheme. She used stolen identities and fake business names to access pandemic-related financial assistance, which she then used to fund her own personal expenses. Miller faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, as well as restitution to the victims.
A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology has found that bempedoic acid, an alternative to statins, can significantly lower cholesterol and the risk of heart attacks without the severe side effects associated with statins. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that bempedoic acid reduced LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 18.9% with no serious side effects, and may be a viable option for patients who cannot or will not take statins.
Walgreens has announced that it will not sell abortion pills in states where attorneys general object to its distribution, despite the legality of the method in those states. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters arguing it is necessary to protect health and safety, and opponents arguing it is a violation of the right to access safe and legal abortion. The decision's impact on access to abortion in affected states remains to be seen.
A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Texas A&M conducted air monitoring to test for chemical contamination after a train derailment and chemical fire in East Palestine, Ohio. The researchers found levels of acrolein that could pose longer-term concern and have urged the EPA to continue to monitor the area and provide resources to the community. They hope their findings will help to ensure the safety of the residents.
The World Obesity Federation has released a report projecting that 51% of the global population will be living with overweight and obesity by 2035. The report states that the rates are predicted to double among boys and more than double among girls, and are rising more rapidly among children than adults. The World Obesity Federation is calling on governments and policymakers to take action to prevent the situation from worsening, including introducing policies to reduce the consumption of unhealthy food and promoting physical activity.