Hello, November! This month, Scorpios everywhere are ready to shine. Let’s talk about some important changes happening right now.
First off, we’re seeing big shifts with SNAP benefits. For the first time, payments didn’t go out as scheduled on November 1. Federal judges have ordered the USDA to release the funds, but families are feeling the stress of uncertainty. Calls to 211, a national helpline, have surged by 97% this year, according to researchers at Washington University. Not all 42 million beneficiaries receive their payments at the same time, so the delays impact many households.
Now, on to healthcare. It’s open enrollment for Obamacare, and over 20 million families are shopping for insurance. Unfortunately, premiums are set to jump by around 30%. These price increases assume that lawmakers won’t extend tax credits, which adds to the anxiety. Many families may find themselves paying more next year.
Vaccine data is also hard to come by due to a government shutdown. My pharmacist noted that more people seem to be getting vaccinated this year, although national vaccination data is unavailable. This uncertainty makes it tough to track flu and COVID trends.
Interestingly, while flu cases haven’t surged yet, RSV numbers are on the rise. Searches for RSV are increasing, especially in states like Florida and Montana. We usually see more RSV cases by this time, but it seems there’s a lull in respiratory illnesses overall. Viral patterns are influenced by many factors, including weather and human behavior, making predictions tricky. So, for now, enjoy this quiet period!
In brighter news, obesity rates among U.S. adults continue to decline, according to recent Gallup poll data. This drop is partly attributed to the rise in popularity of GLP-1 medications, though accessibility remains a concern due to high costs.
Throughout these changes, communities have stepped up to support one another, especially regarding SNAP gaps. Social media is filled with donation campaigns, and schools are hosting food drives. As Fred Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” They are out there, making a difference.
As we explore health information, AI tools are becoming an everyday resource. Many of you are using them to find health advice. We’re planning discussions about how these tools operate and which questions to ask. Understanding when to trust AI responses is also key, and we’ll dig deeper into this topic soon.
That’s a wrap for this week! Hang in there, and take care of yourselves.
Love, your local epidemiologist.
