Whooping cough is serious. Babies can get very sick and even die from it. So, why are there more cases of whooping cough lately? One big reason is that not enough people are getting the vaccine. Infants start getting it at two months old, then again at four months and six months. They get two more s
Ever wondered how small local health departments keep their staff motivated and informed during the Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation process? A study talked to 22 employees and partners from four departments serving populations under 50, 000. These departments used various strategies
Once a shining example, Tennessee's high childhood vaccination rates are now slipping. Parents like Jen Fisher in Franklin, Tennessee, are feeling the heat. Her 12-year-old son, Raleigh, has a weak immune system due to a congenital heart condition. Vaccines are his best protection against serious il
California's wildfires are burning fast and furious, especially in hard-to-reach areas like canyons. To slow them down, firefighters are dropping a hot-pink mixture from the sky. What's in it and is it safe? This pink stuff is a special fire suppressant that's mainly water mixed with fertilizer and
Drinking alcohol is deeply ingrained in Australian culture. About 77% of Australians consume it, often more than recommended limits. But did you know that alcohol can increase your risk of getting cancer? Oncologists have known this for years, but it's not something most people talk about. A big st
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a recent study shed light on the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and various cancers like cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal. With over 10 million women at risk of HPV-related cervical canc
Cigarette companies are introducing a new type of cigarette in the US that uses synthetic cooling agents. These cigarettes are meant to mimic the feeling of menthol cigarettes. Why is this a problem? Well, as some states and cities start to ban menthol cigarettes due to health concerns, these new sy
Imagine if your favorite medicine suddenly became hard to find or didn't work as well. Sounds far-fetched, right? But climate change could make this a reality. We often overlook how our changing climate affects the medicines we rely on. From how they're made and distributed to how they're used, clim
Almost 100 years after the end of Prohibition, the alcohol industry is facing a new challenge in the United States. In New Mexico, where alcohol-related deaths are the highest in the country, lawmakers are considering two proposals to change how alcohol is taxed. One plan suggests a flat 3% tax rate
Did you know that whooping cough had a record year in 2024? Over 32, 000 people got it, with a staggering 2, 000 cases in California alone. This isn't just scary, it's a clear sign that vaccination rates are dropping. Infants are especially at risk, with over 60 babies under 4 months hospitalized, a
