Measles circulating in northeastern B.C. community, health officials warn

Esther Ngumbi reflects on her father’s defiance of societal expectations in Kenya, where educating daughters was often dismissed as unnecessary. Despite pressure, he insisted on schooling all four of his girls, framing it as a deliberate choice—not an obligation. His unwavering support became a lifelong gift, celebrated now on Father’s Day.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a personal tribute—it’s a snapshot of a broader struggle. In many communities, girls’ education is still undervalued, and Esther’s story highlights how one parent’s defiance can ripple across generations. It’s a reminder that progress often starts with stubborn acts of love.

RFK Jr., the Health Secretary, recently cleaned house by firing every member of a national vaccine advisory board—including Dr. Edwin Asturias, who’s now speaking out about it. NPR sat down with Asturias to get his take on the sudden shake-up, though the interview doesn’t dive deep into his specific criticisms just yet.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic drama—it’s a big deal because vaccine policy affects everyone. Firing an entire advisory board suggests a major shift in direction, and when experts like Asturias speak up, it raises questions about transparency and trust in public health decisions. Keep an ear out; this could signal bigger changes (or clashes) ahead.

A former FDA commissioner, Dr. David Kessler, is sharing his personal and professional insights on using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss. He acknowledges these medications are game-changers for obesity treatment but warns they’re not magic bullets—side effects and proper usage matter. His advice? Start slow, manage expectations, and pair them with lifestyle changes for lasting results.

Editor’s Note: With weight-loss drugs exploding in popularity, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype or dismiss them entirely. Kessler’s balanced take—rooted in science and his own experience—helps cut through the noise. For anyone considering these drugs, his tips offer a realistic roadmap to avoid pitfalls and maximize benefits. It’s a rare mix of authority and relatability on a hot-button health topic.

As more states loosen restrictions on marijuana, an unexpected demographic is turning to cannabis for relief: parents of children with autism. Many say it helps manage symptoms like severe anxiety or aggression when traditional treatments fall short, but medical professionals are warning about the lack of rigorous research and potential risks, especially for developing brains.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another story about legal weed—it’s about families in tough spots grasping for solutions. The growing interest highlights a gap in conventional autism therapies, but it also raises big questions. Without clear scientific backing, parents are left weighing hope against uncertainty, and doctors are stuck between empathy and caution. It’s a messy, emotional frontier in both medicine and drug policy.

A Virginia county has managed to cut its overdose deaths by half—a stunning success that’s caught the attention of health experts nationwide. The secret? Treating recovery as a community effort, not just an individual struggle. Officials from other states are now visiting to learn how they pulled it off.

Editor’s Note: Overdose deaths are a crisis everywhere, but this story shows that real progress is possible when communities rally together. It’s a rare bright spot in the opioid epidemic—and proof that local solutions can have a massive impact. Other towns might want to take notes.