Hot weather: How to sleep in the heat

A new Republican-backed proposal could require parents like this mom—who cares for her disabled adult son full-time—to prove they’re employed to keep their Medicaid benefits. Supporters argue it’s about fiscal responsibility and encouraging work, but critics say it unfairly targets vulnerable families already stretched thin.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s about real people. For caregivers, especially those tending to disabled family members, proving "work" outside the home isn’t always realistic. The debate touches on deeper questions: What counts as work? And who gets left behind when policies prioritize employment over caregiving?

Katie Van Tornhout from Indiana shares the devastating loss of her 37-day-old daughter, Callie, to whooping cough—a preventable disease. Through tears, she describes the unimaginable grief of losing a child to an illness that vaccines can stop. Whooping cough (pertussis) is especially dangerous for infants too young to be fully immunized, and Callie’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the stakes.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a wake-up call. Whooping cough outbreaks still happen, and vulnerable babies pay the price when vaccination rates slip. Callie’s story cuts through the noise, forcing us to confront how easily preventable diseases can turn deadly. It’s a gut punch, but one that might save other families from the same pain.

Turns out, that nagging idea that inflammation is just an inevitable side effect of aging might not hold up. A fresh study challenges the conventional wisdom, pointing the finger at environmental factors—like pollution or lifestyle—rather than just the ticking clock.

Editor’s Note: If this research pans out, it could flip how we think about staying healthy as we age. Instead of shrugging off aches and fatigue as "just part of getting older," we might focus more on fixing what’s around us—cleaner air, better diets, less stress. That’s a game-changer for longevity and quality of life.

This piece rounds up the latest chatter in the health care sector, spotlighting companies like Innovent Biologics and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. Think of it as a quick snapshot of who’s making moves, who’s under pressure, and what analysts are buzzing about—all without diving too deep into the weeds.

Editor’s Note: If you’re keeping an eye on health care stocks or just curious about industry trends, this gives you a no-nonsense overview of where things stand. It’s not about groundbreaking news, but more like catching up on the watercooler talk of the financial world—useful for investors or anyone tracking the pulse of the sector.

The federal government is considering whether it can penalize hospitals by removing them from the Medicaid program if they continue offering gender-affirming surgeries to minors. Mehmet Oz, a key health official, is spearheading this push to restrict such treatments for young people.

Editor’s Note: This move signals a tightening of federal oversight on gender-affirming care for minors, which could limit access for families relying on Medicaid. It’s part of a broader national debate over youth medical transitions, with real consequences for hospitals and patients alike. If enforced, some providers may stop offering these services altogether to avoid losing critical Medicaid funding.