Here's what to know about chronic venous insufficiency

The Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) and the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) could slow down the development of new drugs, according to a report from the Congressional Budget Office. These agencies play a key role in funding research and ensuring drug safety, so reducing their budgets might mean fewer breakthroughs and longer waits for life-saving treatments.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve ever taken a prescription drug or benefited from medical research, these cuts could hit close to home. The N.I.H. and F.D.A. are the backbone of drug development in the U.S.—slashing their funding doesn’t just affect scientists in labs; it could delay the next cancer treatment, vaccine, or breakthrough therapy that millions are waiting for. It’s a reminder that budget decisions aren’t just about numbers; they shape how quickly—or if—new medicines reach patients.

The FDA is taking another look at the warnings slapped on hormone therapy for menopause—warnings that, over the years, have scared many women away from a treatment that might actually ease their symptoms. The panel isn’t saying the warnings were wrong, but they’re questioning whether the risks were oversold, leaving some women to tough it out unnecessarily.

Editor’s Note: Menopause symptoms can be brutal—hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems—and hormone therapy used to be a go-to fix. Then, decades ago, studies linked it to higher risks of cancer and heart disease, leading to strict warnings. But medicine evolves, and newer research suggests the risks might not be as dire for many women. If the FDA softens these warnings, it could mean more options (and relief) for women who’ve been hesitant—or even unaware—that hormone therapy might be a safe choice for them. It’s not a green light for everyone, but it’s a sign that the conversation is finally catching up to the science.

Dr. Sharon Malone, a leading OBGYN, breaks down essential health priorities for women at every life stage—from fertility and bone density in younger years to preventative screenings later on. She joined TODAY to share practical advice, like what tests to prioritize in your 40s or how to build healthy habits early. It’s a no-nonsense guide tailored to women’s evolving needs.

Editor’s Note: Women’s health isn’t one-size-fits-all—it shifts with age, and many don’t get clear guidance until problems arise. This conversation cuts through the noise, offering actionable steps for each decade. Whether you’re in your 20s or 50s, it’s a reminder that small, informed choices now can pay off big later.

If you're one of the millions relying on Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans—aka Obamacare—brace yourself: insurers are pushing for steep premium hikes in 2026, with some customers facing jumps of over 20%. The blame falls on rising healthcare costs and recent federal policy tweaks, though the exact impact will vary by state and plan.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another insurance rate story—it’s about real people potentially getting priced out of coverage they depend on. The ACA marketplaces were designed to keep healthcare accessible, but if these increases stick, affordability takes a hit. It also puts pressure on policymakers to address the underlying issues driving costs up, from hospital prices to prescription drugs. For anyone buying their own insurance, it’s a heads-up to start planning (or protesting).

The NHS is rolling out an interactive tool that lets you check whether hospital waiting times in your area are improving or getting worse. It’s a straightforward way to see how your local healthcare system is performing—no jargon, just clear data.

Editor’s Note: Long waiting times have been a major pain point for NHS patients, so this tracker gives people a way to hold their local hospitals accountable. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about transparency in a system that affects millions. If waits are shrinking, that’s progress; if they’re not, it adds pressure for change. Either way, it puts power (and clarity) back in patients’ hands.