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Promoting Health Connections, 203 E Lewis Street, Madera, CA (2025)

09/21/2023

📣 Attention everyone! 📣

Get ready for some crucial updates on the countdown to the shutdown in the new episode of KFF Health News' "What the Health?" podcast. Hosted by the esteemed Julie Rovner, this episode tackles the risks faced by federal programs and the potential for a government shutdown.

Julie leads a panel discussion with influential experts, including Alice Miranda Ollstein from Politico, Rachel Cohrs from Stat News, and Tami Luhby from CNN. Together, they explore the impact of spending disputes, challenges in healthcare legislation, and the ongoing abortion debate.

Important takeaways from this episode include the rising probability of a government shutdown, the difficulties in passing healthcare bills, and the involvement of key politicians in controversial issues. Don't miss the panelists' recommendations for extra reading on various health policy topics!

To catch this episode and stay informed, check out the full blog post here ➡️ [Link to the blog post: "Countdown to Shutdown"](https://californiahealthline.org/news/podcast/what-the-health-315-countdown-to-shutdown-september-21-2023/).

For more enlightening content, remember to subscribe to KFF Health News' "What the Health?" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or your preferred podcast platform.

This informative article was brought to you by KFF Health News, a distinguished national newsroom dedicated to providing in-depth journalism on health issues. They are an integral part of KFF, your trusted independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Congress appears to be careening toward a government shutdown, as a small band of House conservatives vow to block any funding for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 unless they win deeper cuts to health and other domestic programs. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump continues to roil the GOP....

09/18/2023

📣 Update: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Injects Presidential Politics Into the Covid Vaccine Debate

In a recent virtual roundtable, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and a group of covid vaccine skeptics discussed their concerns about the safety and efficacy of the updated covid vaccines. They advised against vaccination for those under 65, raising doubts without evidence. DeSantis proclaimed Florida as the first state to provide guidance based on truth, not federal edicts. This blog post explores the implications of DeSantis' stance and the criticism he faces from public health experts.

Read the full article here: [Link to the blog post](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/florida-governor-ron-desantis-presidential-politics-covid-vaccine-debate/)

📰 This article was produced by KFF Health News (formerly Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Learn more about KFF, an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

✅ Feel free to share and republish this content.

Losing ground in the Republican primary, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and his top medical advisers dismissed the recent federal recommendation that almost everyone get an updated covid shot.

09/11/2023

📣CDC Faces Dilemma Over Recommending New Covid Booster for All 🌐

Did you know that the federal government is preparing to recommend a new Covid-19 booster shot? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is weighing the benefits of updated vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, changed his mind and now supports recommending the vaccine for all Americans above 6 months of age.

However, not all vaccine experts agree. Some argue that the shot should only be recommended for older, sick, and immunocompromised individuals. The question of who will benefit most is uncertain, given the complexity of the population's exposure to various vaccines, boosters, and different virus strains.

The issue is further complicated by the cost of the booster shot. Pfizer and Moderna are charging up to $130 per shot, which has drawn criticism. The concern over financial barriers that prevent vulnerable groups from accessing the vaccine is a pressing issue. The federal government is required by law to cover childhood vaccines recommended by the CDC, ensuring access for all.

Despite the ongoing debates, it's essential to consider the safety and potential benefits of the vaccine. Proponents argue that even the small benefit of taking the vaccine outweighs the risks. It may provide a boost in protection for a few months, particularly for healthy individuals who come into contact with vulnerable populations.

To read the full article and stay informed on the latest developments, click the link below. Stay safe and make the best choices for your health!

🔗 Read more: [CDC Faces Dilemma Over Recommending New Covid Booster for All](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/cdc-faces-dilemma-over-recommending-new-covid-booster-for-all/)

[Disclaimer: This article was produced by KFF Health News, a trusted source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.]

Chances are, if you aren’t older, chronically ill, or obese, you don’t need a forthcoming covid vaccine to stay out of the hospital. But it probably wouldn’t hurt.

09/08/2023

📢 Sleep Safely: A Guide to Ensuring Your Baby's Safety While Sleeping 🌙

Did you know that accidental suffocation and strangulation are still persistent risks for infants? Despite decades of public information campaigns, many parents are unaware of the dangers associated with soft bedding, plush toys, and co-sleeping with their babies.

In our latest blog post, we share the heart-wrenching story of Samuel Hanke, a pediatric cardiologist in Cincinnati, who tragically lost his son, Charlie, to accidental asphyxiation while co-sleeping. We delve into the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation, shedding light on the importance of safe sleep practices.

Discover the shocking statistics surrounding these issues and learn about the essential guidelines for ensuring your baby's safety during sleep. From placing your baby on their back to avoiding blankets and stuffed animals in the crib, we provide practical tips that can make all the difference.

To read more about this important topic and gain valuable insights into creating a safe sleep environment for your little one, click the link below:

[Link to the blog post: Sin mantas peluches ni en brazos de sus padres: cómo hacer que los bebés duerman seguros](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/sin-mantas-peluches-ni-en-brazos-de-sus-padres-como-hacer-que-los-bebes-duerman-seguros/)

Let's work together to ensure the well-being and safety of our precious babies during their most vulnerable moments. Share this post with all the parents in your life so that we can collectively promote safe sleep practices.

Algunas advertencias claras: los bebés no deben dormir con mantas, peluches o protectores que puedan provocar asfixia o estrangulamiento. Tampoco en brazos de los padres.

09/08/2023

📣 Attention all! 📣

We have important news regarding the proposed cuts in the CDC budget, specifically targeting a major HIV program launched by former President Donald Trump. House Republicans are pushing a spending bill that would cut $1.6 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which amounts to one-sixth of the agency's budget. These cuts would not only eliminate the agency's share of the Trump HIV plan but also impact other important funding channels for HIV programs.

These proposed reductions are concerning to public health officials, who fear the potential harm to the agency's ability to tackle public health crises effectively. Former CDC officials have voiced their worries, highlighting the politicization of public health and the detrimental impact it could have.

It's important to note that this proposal has not yet cleared Congress, and a budget fight is on the horizon. However, the potential cuts underscore the need to protect the agency's interests in a polarized political landscape.

To learn more about this critical issue, please read the full article at: [Link to the article](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/cdc-budget-house-appropriations-hiv-epidemic-program-cuts/)

Stay informed, stay engaged, and let's work together to support public health initiatives!

Republicans in Congress have proposed substantial cuts to the budget of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, taking aim at one of former President Donald Trump’s major health programs: a push to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S.

09/07/2023

📣 KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Welcome Back Congress. Now Get to Work. 🏛️

This week, Congress returns from its August recess with a packed agenda and little time to spare. As the fiscal year comes to a close on Sept. 30, lawmakers must tackle the annual appropriations bills and address the need for a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown.

In addition, Medicare has announced the first 10 drugs to be negotiated under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. However, the process and its implementation remain uncertain due to ongoing lawsuits filed by drugmakers and other groups.

Join Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, along with panelists Rachel Cohrs of Stat, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, as they discuss these pressing issues and more.

🗨️ Among the takeaways from this week's episode:
- Hard-line Republicans' refusal to support a temporary government spending bill could lead to a government shutdown, affecting health programs.
- House Republicans are falsely claiming that global HIV/AIDS funding promotes abortion, impeding efforts to extend the program's funding.
- The dysfunction of Congress is highlighted in the months-long blockade of military promotions by Senator Tommy Tuberville, which undermines military readiness.
- The Biden administration's new staffing requirements for nursing homes aim to address nursing shortages but face challenges in implementation.
- Abortion-related restrictions in Texas could impact patients seeking abortions, despite their dubious enforceability.

In addition, Julie Rovner interviews Meena Seshamani, leader of the federal Medicare program, to discuss the plan for negotiating drug prices. The episode also features recommendations from our panelists on notable health policy stories to read.

📖 Read the full blog post and listen to the episode here: [Link to the blog post](https://californiahealthline.org/news/podcast/what-the-health-313-congress-back-to-work-september-7-2023/)

🎧 Don't miss out! Subscribe to KFF Health News' "What the Health?" podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or your preferred platform.

KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is committed to delivering in-depth journalism on health issues. As one of the core operating programs at KFF, an independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism, we strive to provide informative and reliable insights.

Congress returns from its summer recess with a long list of tasks and only a few work days to get them done. On top of the annual spending bills needed to keep the government operating, on the list are bills to renew the global HIV/AIDS program, PEPFAR, and the community health centers program. Mean...

09/07/2023

🔥🚒 Like a Russian Roulette: US Military Firefighters Grapple With Unknowns of PFAS Exposure 🔥🚒

Did you know that the firefighting foam used by US military firefighters for decades contained harmful PFAS chemicals? 😱 New federal research has even linked testicular cancer in service members to these "forever chemicals", raising concerns about their impact on the health of firefighters like Kurt Rhodes. 😔

Discover the alarming extent of PFAS contamination and the long-term health risks it poses to millions of people across the US. Scientists and public health experts share their insights and reveal the challenges faced by firefighters in understanding and interpreting blood test results for PFAS exposure. 💉

Read the eye-opening article here ➡️ [Link: https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/pfas-forever-chemicals-exposure-military-firefighters-unknowns/]

Stay informed about health issues that matter. For in-depth journalism on health policy research, polling, and more, visit KFF Health News (formerly known as Kaiser Health News). 📰

🔁 Republishing permitted. Learn more.

Federal research linking “forever chemicals” to testicular cancer confirms what U.S. military personnel long suspected. But as they seek testing for PFAS exposure, many wonder what to do with the results. There’s no medical treatment yet.

09/07/2023

🔹 Important Health Issues Discussed 🔸

Stay informed about the latest developments regarding Chagas disease, heat deaths, and doctor license fees. California Healthline has published three insightful articles that shed light on these concerning topics.

1️⃣ Chagas: The Silent Killer: Discover the increasing presence of Chagas disease in the U.S., with over 300,000 estimated cases. Despite its prevalence, many patients remain unaware of their infection. Learn about this parasitic disease primarily affecting rural Latin America and the efforts being made to combat it in the U.S. Read the original article by Paula Andalo: [Link to Article](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/chagas-disease-heat-deaths-doctor-license-fees/)

2️⃣ Link Between Drug Use and Heat Deaths: The rise in heat-related illness and deaths in the U.S. is a growing concern, particularly due to the impact of drug use and homelessness. Explore the data revealing the alarming number of heat-related deaths and the vulnerability of certain populations. Read the original article by Stephanie O’Neill Patison: [Link to Article](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/chagas-disease-heat-deaths-doctor-license-fees/)

3️⃣ Proposed Licensing Fee Hike for Doctors: The state of California is contemplating raising doctors' licensing fees to support the state's medical board. Gain insights into the significance of this proposal, its aim to improve the board's effectiveness, and considerations from patient advocates. Read the original article by Annie Sciacca: [Link to Article](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/chagas-disease-heat-deaths-doctor-license-fees/)

Take this opportunity to stay well-informed about these critical health topics that affect us all. California Healthline provides comprehensive, accurate reporting on important healthcare matters.

🔗 Follow the link to read the original articles and share them with your friends and family to spread awareness. Together, let's prioritize our health and be informed!

(This message can be republished for free. More details available.)

California Healthline ethnic media editor Paula Andalo appeared on Radio Bilingüe to explain why doctors want more done to combat Chagas disease. Contributor Stephanie O’Neill Patison reported an increase in heat-related deaths and a proposal to increase doctors’ licensing fees.

09/06/2023

📢 Cozy Images of Plush Toys and Blankets Counter Messaging on Safe Infant Sleep

Samuel Hanke, a pediatric cardiologist and father, shares a heart-wrenching story about the tragic loss of his baby boy to accidental suffocation. This devastating incident sheds light on the persisting problem of accidental infant deaths despite public awareness campaigns.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has declined over the years, but accidental suffocation or strangulation remains a major concern. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development launched the "Back to Sleep" campaign in the mid-1990s, which contributed to a significant reduction in unexpected infant deaths. However, the progress has plateaued since then.

Public health messages emphasize the importance of safe sleep practices, such as laying infants on their backs and avoiding blankets and stuffed toys in cribs. Unfortunately, these messages often contradict popular media depictions of peaceful babies surrounded by plush accessories. Parents may unknowingly overlook the risks associated with suffocation and strangulation.

To help address this issue, organizations like Charlie's Kids are working to educate parents about safe sleep practices. Additionally, community initiatives in Tarrant and Bexar counties are providing free bassinets and cribs to families in need.

It's crucial to start educating parents during pregnancy and continue the messaging after the child is born. Neighborhood conversations, ad campaigns on buses, and targeted outreach are some of the strategies being employed to ensure that parents receive the information they need to keep their babies safe.

To learn more about this important topic and the efforts being made to promote safe infant sleep, read the full blog post here: [Link to blog post](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/safe-infant-sleep-sids-suffocation-strangulation-messaging/)

Unsafe sleep environments are among the main reasons accidental suffocation or strangulation is a hard-to-solve public health problem.

09/05/2023

🔥 Workers Pay the Price While Congress and Employers Debate Need for Heat Regulations 🔥

High temperatures take a toll on workers like Carmen Garcia, a farmworker in California's San Joaquin Valley. Carmen and her husband experienced severe fatigue, nausea, and vomiting while toiling in the scorching garlic fields. Sadly, their story is not unique. Many workers face similar challenges without any federal standards to protect them.

President Joe Biden tasked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with developing heat regulation rules, but this process could take over a decade. Without bipartisan support, relief may be delayed for years, leaving workers vulnerable.

To address this urgent issue, OSHA will begin meetings with small-business owners on Sept. 7 to discuss proposals, including actions employers should take when temperatures reach 90 degrees. However, trade organizations representing business owners argue that regulations are burdensome and lack sufficient data.

Congresswoman Judy Chu and other representatives are pushing for legislation to expedite OSHA's rule-making process. The bill, named after Asunción Valdivia, a farmworker who tragically died of heatstroke, aims to protect workers in various industries.

OSHA acknowledges that its current data on heat-related illnesses and fatalities is likely an underestimate. In truth, injuries and deaths caused by heat are not always recorded or attributed to work-related conditions. The toll of heat on both indoor and outdoor workers must be better understood to create effective regulations.

Heat-related illnesses not only harm workers but also cost businesses and the economy. Lost productivity and healthcare expenses add up, as temperatures affect work efficiency and lead to worker absences. Protecting workers is not only ethically responsible but also makes economic sense.

States like California, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington have already implemented regulations mandating access to water, rest, and shade for outdoor workers. These rules have shown positive results, with fewer injuries reported during extreme heat.

With the climate crisis intensifying and longer periods of extreme heat becoming more frequent, it is vital for Congress to pass legislation enabling OSHA to swiftly issue life-saving standards.

Learn more about the need for heat regulations and the impact on workers' health in our latest blog post: [Link to Blog Post]

🔗 [Read the Full Article Here]:

Studies suggest official numbers vastly underestimate heat-related injuries and illness on the job. To institute protections, the government must calculate their cost — and the cost of inaction.

09/01/2023

🌡️ When Temps Rise So Do Medical Risks - Should Doctors and Nurses Talk More About Heat? 🌡️

As temperatures climb, so do the risks to our health. A pilot program by Climate Central and Harvard University's Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment is reminding medical clinicians across seven states to pay closer attention to vulnerable patients during hotter days. The alerts are triggered when local temperatures reach specific thresholds, prompting doctors to engage with high-risk groups such as outdoor workers, older adults, and those with heart, kidney, or diabetes conditions.

Read this thought-provoking article to learn more about how medical professionals are being equipped to protect patients from heat-related complications. Heatwaves have already become the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., making proactive communication essential.

➡️ Discover the full article here: [Link to Blog Post: When Temps Rise So Do Medical Risks](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/when-temps-rise-so-do-medical-risks-should-doctors-and-nurses-talk-more-about-heat/)

This article is brought to you by KFF Health News - your trusted source for in-depth journalism on health issues. Be informed and safeguard your well-being.

🔒 Struggling to keep cool during heatwaves? Learn from doctors and nurses about steps you can take to protect yourself from the heat and stay healthy. Check out the article now! 🔒

Use our content: This story can be republished for free (details).

The medical dangers of heat are real. But people often ignore public heat alerts or don’t realize how vulnerable they are. A new alert system prompts clinicians to talk about heat with patien…

09/01/2023

📢 Update: Activist Misuses Federal Data to Make False Claim That Covid Vaccines Killed 676,000

According to anti-vaccine activist Steve Kirsch's recent blog post, he claimed that covid-19 vaccines have caused the deaths of 676,000 Americans. However, his claims have been debunked by fact-checkers, including PolitiFact.

Kirsch based his argument on data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a federal database. However, it's important to note that VAERS includes unverified reports, and it cannot determine whether a vaccine caused a specific death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA reiterated that there is no evidence of vaccines causing significant deaths, except for nine cases related to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) following the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is no longer administered in the U.S.

VAERS provides useful data for researchers but does not provide enough information to establish a causal link between vaccines and adverse events. It's crucial to rely on verified and accurate sources when evaluating vaccine-related information.

To read more about the false claims and the response from health authorities, click the link below ⬇️

[Read the full blog post here](https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/activist-misuses-federal-data-to-make-false-claim-that-covid-vaccines-killed-676000/)

This article was produced by KFF Health News, a leading national newsroom that focuses on in-depth health journalism. To find out more about KFF and their research, polling, and journalism on health policy, visit their website.

[Please note that republishing details are available for this story.]

Anti-vaccine tech entrepreneur Steve Kirsch, whose wild assertions have been repeatedly debunked, wrongly attributes deaths following vaccination to the vaccines themselves. The Centers for Disease…

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