Cervical screening changes set to start in Jersey

Norma Swenson, a pioneering co-author of Our Bodies, Ourselves—the groundbreaking book that demystified women’s health and empowered generations—has passed away at 93. A fierce advocate for natural childbirth and bodily autonomy, she helped transform a grassroots project into a global phenomenon that challenged taboos and gave women the tools to take control of their health.

Eli Lilly is expanding access to higher doses of its weight-loss drug Zepbound, making the 12.5 mg and 15 mg options available for direct purchase on its website at $499 per month. This move targets self-paying patients who may struggle to secure prescriptions or insurance coverage for these doses.

Editor’s Note: For people relying on Zepbound for weight management, this could mean easier access to stronger doses without jumping through insurance hoops—but the steep out-of-pocket cost ($500/month) keeps it out of reach for many. It’s a mixed bag: more convenience for some, yet another example of how pricey these buzzy meds remain.

A fresh AP-NORC poll reveals that a majority of Americans believe programs like Medicaid and food stamps aren’t getting enough funding—contrary to the GOP’s push to slash spending on these safety nets. In short, the public isn’t buying the argument that these programs are overfunded.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another partisan spat—it highlights a clear disconnect between what lawmakers are prioritizing and what voters actually want. With rising living costs and economic uncertainty, cuts to these programs could hit vulnerable households hard, and the poll suggests the political backlash might be sharper than some in Congress expect.

A mom who depends on SNAP (the federal food assistance program) to put meals on the table for her kids is worried about upcoming changes that could slash benefits for millions. The program might tighten rules on what groceries can be bought, reduce monthly funds, or even kick some families off entirely—leaving many unsure how they'll manage.

Editor’s Note: SNAP isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a lifeline for real families. If benefits shrink, more parents will face impossible choices between rent, medicine, or feeding their kids. This isn’t just about budgets; it’s about hunger creeping back into households that were barely staying afloat.

This piece dives into the latest chatter around health care stocks, spotlighting companies like Regis Healthcare and CSPC Pharmaceutical. Think of it as a quick pulse check on how these players are faring in the market—whether they’re catching investor interest or facing headwinds.

Editor’s Note: For anyone keeping tabs on health care investments, this roundup offers a snapshot of which companies are making waves (or ripples) in the sector. It’s not about groundbreaking news, but more like catching up on the watercooler talk of the financial world—useful for investors or anyone curious about where health care money is flowing.