by Michele Late
Insurance Costs May Shape Survival for Cancer Survivors
Patients with high-deductible plans are more likely to die … Discrimination stress may shorten lives for Black Americans … and more.
Wildfire Smoke During Pregnancy Linked to Autism
Autism link strongest when moms exposed to more smoke … Cigarette butts contaminate waterways with microplastics … Hairdressers and hysterectomies … and more.
2025 Was Rife With Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters
The costliest disasters were hailstorms, tornadoes and high winds … Chemicals used in plastics linked to higher death risks … Black, Hispanic children more likely to live in poverty … and more.
Women, People Of Color In Health Care Earn Much Less Than White Men
Women make up most of U.S. health care workforce, but salaries lag…food preservatives can raise risks for cancer, diabetes…infant deaths higher among U.S.-born mothers than immigrant moms…and more
Heavy Health Costs Common for Americans
Many Americans skip health care because of costs … Heart health and “forever chemicals” … Prescription use fell along with Medicaid access … and more.
As Costs Rise, More Americans See Health Care System in Crisis
Study finds support for government role in health care … Firefighter gear may endanger health … and more.
Health Insurance Costs Rising Faster Than Workers’ Wages
Insurance premiums surging as hospital costs soar…study links ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water to pregnancy risks…raising Medicare eligibility to age 67 would leave half a million adults uninsured…and more
Global Plastic Waste Rising Faster Than Systems Can Manage
Plastic waste risks include heart disease, cancer and asthma … Physician practices are paid less to treat Black, Hispanic patients … Wildfire smoke worsens … and more.
Millions of Rural Americans Lack Access to Primary Care
Growing shortage of providers drives rural patients to emergency rooms … Americans’ anxiety over health care costs hits new high … and more.
More Women Sought Sterilization After Fall of Roe v. Wade
Fear of losing control over reproductive decisions spurs more women to have tubal ligations … Disadvantaged U.S. children more likely to die after surgery … and more.
Federal Policy Changes, Economy Stressing US Workers
More than half of US workers feel job security pressure…preventable health crises costing large numbers of US lives…mental health declining for mothers of children, teens…and more
Stronger Hurricanes to Cause More Damage
Texas faces worst potential hurricane losses…most Americans support measles vaccines…microplastics in chicken nuggets, other processed foods can harm mental health
Deaths, Illnesses From Wildfire Smoke Mount Worldwide
A billion people worldwide had ‘significant’ indoor exposure to wildfire air pollution…abortion restrictions increase women’s mental distress…nurses exposed to disinfectants face higher risk of cardiovascular disease…and more
More Climate Disasters are Harming Mental Health
Depression, anxiety, PTSD intensify after climate disasters…millions could lose federal health care under signup changes…personal care products expose women of color to formaldehyde…and more
Trump’s Public Health Leaders Undermine Trust for Some
Americans split on how politics affects public health…low-water incidents can increase illnesses…more than half of US counties lack air-quality monitoring…and more
Measles Could Surge Without More Vaccinations
A once-eliminated disease could infect thousands…Half of Americans breathe unhealthy air…Job burnout remains high for health workers since pandemic…And more.
Texas Ranks Highest for Harmful Chemicals in Water
Unsafe drinking water linked to disinfectants … Arsenic in rice could rise with climate change … Mattresses may expose kids to harmful chemicals … and more.
Hospitals, patients face threats to emergency care
Low payments, high demand put hospital EDs at risk … patients fare worse at hospitals serving Black communities …microplastics from Texas bays polluting Gulf … and more