Pope Francis is scheduled to undergo intestinal surgery Wednesday at Rome's Gemelli hospital. The procedure is to treat a recurrent, painful and worsening constriction of the large intestine, and the Pope is expected to remain in the hospital for several days for recovery. This is the second time in two years that the Pope has had to undergo abdominal surgery, and the Vatican has asked for prayers for the Pope and his medical team.
Posts published in “Health”
Wildfires in eastern Canada are causing hazardous air quality conditions in the eastern United States, with cities such as New York City and Detroit having some of the worst air quality worldwide. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a radar-based analysis showing near-surface smoke over the U.S., and citizens are advised to limit their outdoor activities.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans due to an unprecedented spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults. The HRC has released a guidebook for action which includes information on discriminatory laws, “know your rights” information, and health and safety resources. The organization is calling on all Americans to take action and help ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.
A federal judge in Florida has temporarily blocked portions of a new law that bans transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers, allowing three transgender children to continue receiving treatment. The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed the lawsuit on behalf of the minors, and the court will continue to hear arguments in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a renewed warning about the Boppy Newborn Lounger, a popular baby pillow released in 2013, due to reports of 10 infant deaths since 2015. The Boppy Company recalled over 3 million loungers in 2021, but two more infants have died since then. The CPSC is urging consumers to stop using the product and is asking online marketplaces to crack down on any attempts to sell the pillows secondhand. Parents and caregivers are advised to contact the Boppy Company for a full refund and to use only products that meet the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed legislation banning gender-affirming care for minors, making Texas the most populous state to enact such a ban. This has been met with criticism from the LGBTQ community and their allies, as well as medical organizations, who argue that it will put transgender youth in danger. The American Civil Liberties Union has already announced plans to challenge the ban in court.
Churchill Downs Racetrack has announced the suspension of racing after 12 horse deaths occurred in one month, with no single factor or pattern identified as the cause. Races scheduled at Churchill Downs will be moved to Ellis Park, and the company is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their horses and jockeys. No statement has been released on when racing will resume at the track.
An 8-year-old migrant girl, Anadith Tanay Reyes Alvarez, died in Border Patrol custody in Texas on May 17th, sparking outrage among human rights activists. The CBP's internal investigation revealed that a nurse practitioner had denied requests to take the girl to the hospital despite her suffering from a chronic heart condition and a rare blood disorder. The CBP has committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all those in its custody and is conducting a full review of the circumstances surrounding the death.