Top Health Headlines You Need to Know: Key Stories from the Last 24 Hours

I caught a movie last night, and when I stepped outside, I learned two big pieces of news. First, Vinay Prasad announced his exit from the FDA. Then, the Trump administration decided to block NIH from granting research funds. Here’s more on what’s happening.

First, let’s talk about SNAP-Ed. This program helps people learn to eat healthier instead of just telling them what to do. It’s a companion to SNAP benefits, designed to support those struggling with food security. Though SNAP-Ed has shown promising results aligned with the MAHA movement focused on nutrition, it’s facing cuts this year as part of the federal budget. The House Committee on Agriculture called it a “waste” because they claim it hasn’t made a significant difference in participants’ health. However, many public health experts disagree, highlighting the program’s value in teaching healthy habits.

Regarding substance use trends, a new federal survey shows that fewer Americans are drinking excessively and smoking tobacco. However, marijuana use is rising. The data revealed that about 48.4 million people—almost 17% of the U.S. population—reported a substance use disorder in the past year. Alcohol still ranks as the most common issue, despite the decline in binge drinking.

On another front, the FDA has proposed adding 7-OH, a compound from kratom, to the most restricted category of substances, joining drugs like heroin and ecstasy. Kratom is from Southeast Asia and has gained popularity in the U.S. as a pain-relief option, but it remains largely unregulated. The FDA clarified it’s not targeting kratom itself but specifically products high in 7-OH.

In a recent discussion with prominent nutrition scientist Kevin Hall, he shared candid thoughts about food policies. Hall criticized the reluctance to study claims linking food dyes to ADHD, emphasizing that science needs to lead the conversation about food safety and regulation. He also opened up about his own dietary choices, offering an inside look at how nutritionists think.

On the global health front, recent research published in The Lancet revealed that up to 60% of liver cancer cases are preventable by managing risk factors like hepatitis and alcohol use. This analysis is crucial, as liver cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The study predicts shifts in what contributes to liver cancer, with alcohol and fatty liver conditions rising.

In tech and health, Karandeep Singh, an influential voice in health AI, weighed in on Trump’s recent executive order regarding AI. He highlighted that the order oversimplifies complex issues, ignoring the challenges that prompted changes in AI algorithms. Singh argues that addressing genuine problems in health requires a more nuanced approach.

In closing, the health landscape is changing rapidly, from policy decisions that impact nutrition education to shifting trends in substance use and technological regulations. Keeping informed about these developments is crucial for everyone.



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