Lucian Leape, a pioneering doctor who transformed how hospitals prevent medical errors, has passed away at 94. His research exposed systemic flaws in healthcare—like medication mix-ups and surgical mistakes—and pushed for practical fixes, even when the medical field initially resisted. His work became the backbone of modern patient safety protocols, saving countless lives worldwide.

Editor’s Note: Leape’s legacy isn’t just about one man’s ideas—it’s about how stubbornness and science can collide to change an entire industry. Before his advocacy, hospitals often blamed individual nurses or doctors for errors. He proved the system itself was broken and needed redesigns like checklists and standardized procedures. Today, those reforms are everywhere, from operating rooms to pharmacies. His death is a reminder that progress often starts with someone willing to challenge the status quo, even when it’s uncomfortable.

With temperatures rising, this article breaks down how to spot the warning signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke—like dizziness, nausea, or confusion—and what steps to take to help someone in distress. It’s a practical guide for staying safe during heatwaves, emphasizing quick action to prevent serious harm.

Editor’s Note: As extreme heat becomes more common, knowing how to respond to heat-related illnesses could literally save a life. This isn’t just about hydration tips; it’s a clear, actionable primer for anyone who might encounter someone overheating at work, outdoors, or even at home. A little knowledge here goes a long way.

France just rolled out a ban on smoking in parks, beaches, and bus stops—part of a push to shield kids from secondhand smoke and normalize smoke-free public spaces. It’s a big step in the country’s ongoing crackdown on tobacco.

Editor’s Note: Smoking bans in outdoor spaces are still pretty rare worldwide, so France’s move signals a growing focus on curbing smoking’s broader societal impact—not just health risks for smokers themselves. If it works, other countries might follow suit, especially where outdoor smoking is deeply ingrained in culture. For parents, it’s one less worry about kids inhaling smoke while playing or waiting for the bus.

Think ticks are just a summer problem? Think again. Experts warn that these pesky, disease-carrying critters can latch onto you any time of year—especially after outdoor activities like hiking or gardening. While summer gets most of the attention (because, let’s face it, we’re all outside more then), staying vigilant year-round is key to avoiding infections like Lyme disease.

A new pilot program is rolling out in schools to teach kids—some as young as five—the basics of sun safety, like checking UV levels and properly applying sunscreen. The goal? To curb rising skin cancer rates by instilling good habits early.

Ever heard of a "margarita burn"? It’s not just a catchy name—it’s a real (and painful) skin reaction that happens when lime juice on your skin meets sunlight, causing a nasty rash or even blisters. Dr. David Kim, a dermatologist, dropped by TODAY to explain how to avoid this summer mishap, along with other skin-saving tips like handling sunburns and clogged pores. Basically, if you’re mixing cocktails or slicing limes by the pool, wash your hands before soaking up the rays.

When temperatures skyrocket, pushing yourself during workouts or sports can turn risky fast. Your body struggles to regulate heat, making overheating or heatstroke a real threat—so if you’re sweating it out in a heatwave, slow down, hydrate, and listen to your body.

Public health experts are sounding the alarm: as temperatures climb due to climate change, ticks are thriving and spreading, leading to more cases of Lyme disease and other lesser-known tick-borne illnesses. Warmer winters and longer warm seasons are giving these pests more time to multiply and expand their habitats—meaning more people are at risk.

France is cracking down on smoking in public spaces where kids hang out—parks, beaches, and pools are now totally off-limits for lighting up. The health minister framed it as a move to shield children from secondhand smoke and normalize smoke-free environments. Smokers will have to find new spots for their breaks.