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Health

Latest stories, analysis, and insights from the world of health.

To catch colorectal cancer early, advocates push to make 'poop talk' OK

It's a very treatable form of cancer if caught early, yet younger adults rarely get screened. Patient advocates want more people to talk to their doctors about risk factors and number 2.

April 30, 20264 min
colorectal cancercancer screeningyoung adults

Women can wait years for an endometriosis diagnosis. New tech could change that

A new scan technique using specialized CT scans combined with a molecular tracer may help spot endometriosis earlier, potentially reducing the average nine-year wait for diagnosis that affects one in 10 women in the UK.

April 30, 20265 min
endometriosiswomen's healthmedical diagnosis

The Iraq vet redefining mindfulness, one bourbon at a time

Like many vets, it took Fred Minnick time to find the best way to cope with what he would learn was PTSD. For Minnick, sense and peace came with bourbon — and "taste mindfulness."

April 30, 20263 min
PTSDveteransIraq War

New obesity tool aims to predict risk of 18 serious complications

A new tool called OBSCORE promises to better define who's at risk for obesity complications, going beyond BMI to include family history, diet, and socioeconomic factors. The model aims to help identify who might benefit from GLP-1 drugs and other obesity treatments.

April 30, 20262 min
obesityBMIOBSCORE

The podcast telling the stories behind Ambien, Ozempic, EpiPens, and other game-changing drugs

'Drug Story' examines how blockbuster pharmaceuticals intersect with modern life, exploring the history and societal impact of over 3,000 drugs behind pharmacy counters.

April 25, 20262 min
podcastpharmaceuticalsdrug development

Fewer heat-related deaths in 2025 despite warmest summer

The UK recorded around 1,504 heat-associated deaths during summer 2025, roughly half the predicted 3,039, despite experiencing the warmest summer on record with four heatwaves and temperatures reaching nearly 36°C.

April 7, 20263 min
heatclimateUK weather

Disruption expected as six-day doctors' strike begins

Resident doctors in England begin their 15th strike in a long-running pay dispute, promising significant disruption to NHS services as they make up nearly half of the medical workforce.

April 7, 20264 min
doctorsNHSstrike

Study finds 70% of remediated Los Angeles yards still exceed lead limit

Even after one of the largest environmental remediation efforts in California history, dangerous levels of lead persist in residential neighborhoods surrounding a former battery smelter in Southeast Los Angeles, according to a new UC Irvine study.

April 7, 20264 min
lead contaminationenvironmental remediationpublic health

New plan aims to track microplastics in U.S. drinking water, EPA says

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to add microplastics and pharmaceutical residues to its list of priority pollutants, potentially leading to new research and regulations for drinking water safety.

April 6, 20262 min
microplasticsdrinking waterEPA

'Two weeks will make such a difference': UK first as NI brings in miscarriage leave

Northern Ireland becomes the first part of the UK where women and their partners are entitled to two weeks of paid leave following a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy, providing validation and time to process the loss together.

April 6, 20265 min
miscarriagebereavement leaveNorthern Ireland

Fewer heat-related deaths in 2025 despite warmest summer

The number of heat-related deaths recorded during summer 2025 - the UK's warmest - was much lower than expected at 1,504 deaths, roughly half the 3,039 predicted despite four heatwaves and record temperatures.

April 4, 20263 min
heatwavesUK weatherclimate change

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy: Expert-Approved Advice

Red light therapy is gaining popularity as a wellness tool, using red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity and support skin healing, muscle recovery, and hair regrowth. Experts explain the science behind the treatment and its range of potential health benefits.

April 3, 20265 min
red light therapyphotobiomodulationskin health

Medicare Advantage plans win extra $18.6 billion as feds cut star ratings measures

Trump administration changes will lead to more bonuses for Medicare insurers as CMS eliminates 11 quality measures that health insurers were previously graded on.

April 3, 20261 min
medicare advantagetrump administrationhealth insurance

Fewer heat-related deaths in 2025 despite warmest summer

Around 1,504 heat-associated deaths were reported in England during summer 2025 - roughly half the 3,039 predicted - despite it being the UK's warmest summer on record with four heatwaves and temperatures reaching nearly 38C.

April 3, 20263 min
climateheatwavesUK weather

Investigation into IVF clinics in northern Cyprus after UK families given wrong sperm

The government in northern Cyprus has launched an investigation after several British families reported receiving wrong sperm or egg donors during IVF procedures at local fertility clinics. The Ministry of Health said the cases were "taken into serious consideration" and they are investigating potential breaches of laws and regulations.

April 2, 20263 min
ivffertilitynorthern-cyprus

Dolly Parton Makes 'Transformational' Donation to Tennessee Children's Hospital

The East Tennessee Children's Hospital, now renamed the Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, received what the CEO calls a 'generational and transformational commitment' from the country music icon to support pediatric care in her home region.

April 2, 20263 min
Dolly Partonchildren's hospitalTennessee

Fewer heat-related deaths in 2025 despite warmest summer

The UK reported significantly fewer heat-related deaths during its warmest summer on record in 2025, thanks to health alerts and proactive measures.

April 2, 20263 min
heatwavesUKhealth

Doctors lose new jobs package as strike to go ahead

The UK government has canceled plans for 1,000 new doctor training posts in light of an impending six-day strike by the British Medical Association, which highlights ongoing disputes over pay and job shortages for resident doctors.

April 2, 20263 min
doctorsnhsbma

My daughter has childhood dementia and may not live past 16

Darren Scott shares the heartbreaking story of his daughter Sophia, who was diagnosed with childhood dementia at age four and struggles with the effects of Sanfilippo syndrome.

April 2, 20263 min
childhood dementiaSanfilippo syndromeDarren Scott

FDA Approves Eli Lilly's GLP-1 Pill for Weight Loss

The FDA has approved Foundayo, a new obesity pill by Eli Lilly, expanding options in the GLP-1 medication category for weight loss.

April 2, 20264 min
Eli LillyFDAGLP-1
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