Over 14M children estimated not to have received single vaccine in 2024: UN

A panel of experts advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking another look at the safety warnings tied to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. The therapy, which helps ease symptoms like hot flashes, has been controversial for years due to links to increased risks of breast cancer and heart disease. Now, new research and evolving medical perspectives might lead to updated guidelines—potentially refining who should use HRT and for how long.

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know has grappled with menopause symptoms, this story matters. The FDA’s reassessment could shift how doctors prescribe hormone therapy, balancing real risks against the relief it provides. It’s part of an ongoing conversation about how women’s health issues are studied—and sometimes misunderstood. Changes here could mean clearer, more personalized advice for millions.

The latest health care market roundup dives into updates on big pharma players like Novartis and Johnson & Johnson, giving investors and industry watchers a snapshot of how these companies are performing and what trends might be shaping the sector. Think of it as a quick pulse check on who’s up, who’s down, and why it matters.

Editor’s Note: Whether you’re tracking stocks, work in health care, or just want to stay informed about the companies behind major drugs and treatments, this kind of update helps connect the dots between corporate moves and real-world impact. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes insight that keeps professionals—and curious readers—in the loop.

Big pharma players Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer are shaking things up by offering their blockbuster blood thinner Eliquis directly to patients—no insurance middleman—at a lower cash price. This move comes after talks with the Trump administration, suggesting a push to sidestep traditional drug pricing hurdles.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve ever winced at pharmacy prices, this could be a game-changer. Cutting out insurers might mean real savings for some patients, especially those paying out of pocket. But it also raises questions: Will this model pressure insurers to lower costs, or is it just a workaround for a broken system? Either way, it’s a sign that drug pricing—a hot-button issue—is ripe for disruption.

A grieving mother in Los Angeles is pushing for a new California law that would require student IDs to include a crisis hotline specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. Her teenage son died by suicide, and she’s now advocating for better mental health support after the Trump administration removed an LGBTQ+ option from the national suicide prevention lifeline.

Editor’s Note: This story hits hard because it’s about a parent turning personal tragedy into action—trying to prevent other families from suffering the same loss. It also highlights how policy decisions (like cutting specialized crisis services) can have real, life-or-death consequences for vulnerable groups. If passed, this small change—a number on a student ID—could be a lifeline for struggling LGBTQ+ teens.

A reader struggling with memory loss writes to therapist Lori Gottlieb, concerned that their spouse isn't responding with enough understanding. Gottlieb’s advice likely explores how to bridge this emotional gap—both for the person experiencing cognitive changes and their partner navigating this challenge together.

Editor’s Note: Memory issues don’t just affect the individual—they ripple into relationships, often testing patience and empathy. This column taps into a quiet but common struggle: how to ask for (and offer) support when something as fundamental as recall starts to slip. It’s a reminder that compassion is a two-way street, even in the messiest moments.