Health News

Biden Moves To Remove Medical Debt From Credit Reports

The Biden administration has proposed regulations aimed at removing medical debt from Americans' credit scores. This initiative, if enacted, would offer significant relief to millions struggling with healthcare bills and fulfill a pledge to address the widespread issue of medical debt affecting an estimated 100 million people in the U.S.

The proposed regulations call for expanding protections, urging states to restrict hospital debt collection, and encouraging the retirement of medical debt by state and local governments. 💸

Despite recent voluntary actions by credit agencies to exclude some medical debt from credit reports, a significant number of people still face challenges due to substantial medical bills impacting their credit scores. The proposed changes would not only prevent future medical bills from affecting credit reports but also remove current medical debts, including dental bills. 

While some concerns have been raised about potential unintended consequences, such as upfront payment requirements by hospitals, advocates continue to push for comprehensive federal and state-level actions to address medical debt and protect consumers.

Health News

Juul Gets A Second Chance

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reversed its marketing ban on Juul products, a leading e-cigarette company, initially implemented in 2022 amid concerns over rising teenage vaping rates.

However, the FDA emphasized that this reversal does not constitute authorization for Juul's products and that a comprehensive review of their safety and public health impact is still pending.

Juul's products have remained available throughout the appeal process, and the company intends to collaborate with the FDA to pursue marketing authorization. This decision comes in response to evolving legal precedents and the FDA's evaluation of information provided by Juul during the application process.

Juul, founded in 2015, has positioned itself as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, but its high nicotine content and marketing strategies targeting youth have drawn criticism. The surge in teenage vaping has been attributed to factors like colorful packaging, diverse flavors, and youth-centric marketing campaigns. Despite the ban reversal, concerns remain about the health implications of e-cigarettes, including the potential leaching of harmful chemicals from e-liquid pods.

Notice anything interesting happening around 2015?

Health News

A New Alzheimer’s Drug Gets The Go Ahead

On Monday, a committee of FDA advisers unanimously endorsed the experimental Alzheimer's drug, donanemab. The drug has shown modest effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline in early-stage patients, but also poses safety risks like brain swelling and bleeding. Despite this, the committee deemed the potential benefits outweigh the risks, considering the severity of Alzheimer’s.

Donanemab targets amyloid protein accumulation in the brain, similar to other approved drugs like Leqembi and Aduhelm. Further research is needed to understand its long-term effects and whether continuing treatment after amyloid clearance is beneficial. Nonetheless, the possibility of even marginally slowing Alzheimer’s progression offers hope to patients and families.🤞

Journal Gists

Xylitol’s In A Sticky Situation

Clinical Question: Is there an association between xylitol consumption and cardiovascular disease risk?

Bottom Line: Evidence from metabolomics and mechanistic studies suggests an association between xylitol consumption and increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Xylitol, a commonly used low-calorie sweetener, was found to elevate circulating levels and enhance platelet reactivity and thrombosis potential. Further research is needed to investigate the cardiovascular safety of xylitol. Read more at EHJ.

Survodutide Serves Up Promising Results

Clinical Question: Is survodutide effective and safe for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with liver fibrosis?

Bottom Line: In a 48-week phase 2 trial, survodutide, a dual agonist of glucagon and GLP-1 receptors, was more effective than placebo in improving MASH without worsening fibrosis. Survodutide also significantly reduced liver fat content and improved fibrosis. However, it was associated with higher rates of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These promising results warrant further investigation in phase 3 trials. Read more at NEJM.

What in the world is going on?

⚓️ Russia's Warships Conduct Drills En Route to Cuba Amid Tensions. Russian warships conducted missile strike drills in the Atlantic as they head to Cuba, in an attempt to demonstrate Moscow's military prowess amid Ukraine-related tensions with the West. Armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, Russia is showcasing advanced weaponry capable of evading current anti-missile defenses. Their visit to Havana, marked by assurances of no nuclear weapons onboard, reflects the longstanding friendly relations between Russia and Cuba, while the U.S. continues to monitor these movements in the Caribbean. AP News has more.

🍌 Banana giant order to millions for financing Colombian paramilitaries. A U.S. court has found Chiquita Brands International liable for financing the Colombian paramilitary group, United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), and ordered the company to pay $38.3 million in damages to the families of eight victims killed by the AUC. The civil case was brought by the families after Chiquita admitted in 2007 to making payments exceeding $1.7 million to the AUC from 1997 to 2004, allegedly to protect its employees from violence. BBC has more.

🤝 Ceasefire talks continue as Hamas signals willingness amid Gaza tensions. Hamas indicated a "positive" response to a U.S. ceasefire plan for the Gaza conflict, suggesting openness to an agreement. However, Israel interpreted Hamas' response as a rejection, maintaining that Hamas had reiterated unmet demands. The U.S. plan includes a phased ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Despite mixed signals, U.S. officials find Hamas' comments a "hopeful sign" while waiting for conclusive commitments from Gaza's leadership. Read more at Reuters.

🏫 Iowa College Instructors Attacked During Teaching Trip to China. Four instructors from Cornell College, Iowa, were stabbed while on a teaching trip to China. The attack occurred in a public park in Jilin, with video footage showing injured instructors lying on the ground. The incident comes amid efforts to improve U.S.-China relations, raising concerns about safety for foreigners in China. Read more at NBC News.

In Case You Missed It…

🏀 WNBA viewership is up 3x compared to last season

🤖 Apple is embracing AI with its all-new Apple Intelligence

🌭 Legend Joey Chestnut banned from this years Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest over deal with vegan hot dogs

🐘 New study suggests every elephant has its own name

🚀 SpaceX’s Starship succesfully returns from space for first time.

What’s The Diagnosis? Let’s see if that loan money is paying off.

A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with acute onset of severe chest pain radiating to his back. The pain began suddenly and is described as tearing in nature. His past medical history is significant for hypertension and smoking. On physical examination, his blood pressure is 190/110 mmHg in the right arm and 160/90 mmHg in the left arm. A systolic murmur is heard at the aortic area.

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

a) Myocardial Infarction

b) Aortic Dissection

c) Pulmonary Embolism

d) Acute Pericarditis

e) Pneumothorax

Answer: uoᴉʇɔǝssᴉp ɔᴉʇɹo∀ (q

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