Health Journal Online

Author: admin

  • How can I find a genetics professional in my area?: MedlinePlus Genetics

    How can I find a genetics professional in my area?: MedlinePlus Genetics

    To find a genetics professional in your community, you may wish to ask your doctor for a referral. If you have health insurance, you can also contact your insurance company to find a medical geneticist or genetic counselor in your area who participates in your plan.

    Several organizations have tips for finding a healthcare professional:

    • The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a service of the National Institutes of Health, provides information in particular genetic and rare conditions.From the National Institutes of Health

    • The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance provides advice on finding and choosing a clinic. Although this advice is written for adults with tuberous sclerosis, much of it applies to people with any chronic health condition.

    Additional resources for locating a genetics professional in your community are available online:

    If you have a health condition that has not been diagnosed, you may be interested in the Undiagnosed Diseases Network. They have information about how to apply for this multicenter research study.

    Source link

  • Wing Chun Online

    Wing Chun Online

    Product Name: Wing Chun Online

    Click here to get Wing Chun Online at discounted price while it’s still available…

    All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors.

    Wing Chun Online is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked.

    (more…)

  • Trump Mocked After Push to Make ‘Mexican Coke’ American

    Trump Mocked After Push to Make ‘Mexican Coke’ American

    President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he has persuaded Coca-Cola to use cane sugar in Coke sold in the United States, making the product more like the brand’s popular Mexican import.

    “I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!”

    The announcement comes amid the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. The campaign, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has targeted food companies with pressure to eliminate artificial ingredients and additives.

    Standard Coca-Cola sold in the U.S. is typically sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, while cane sugar is used in Coke sold in countries like Mexico—leading many American fans to seek out “Mexican Coke” for its taste.

    “Does he know this is called Mexican Coke?” an X user asked, while multiple users exclaimed, “Make Mexican Coke Great Again!”

    Other slogans included “Make Coke Mexican Again,” “Make Mexican Coke American Again,” and “Make American Coke Mexican Again.”



    One user pondered, “So now that Trump says it do we rename it ‘American Coke?’”

    “Trump’s ongoing madness has sparked a movement to make Mexican Coke all-American?” asked another.

    “You can buy ‘Mexican’ coke from any big box retail location in the US and have been able to for years,” noted one user, who implied Trump had been played. “They made him think this was because of him.”

    Some critics suggested the announcement was a distraction from more serious issues, including renewed public pressure on the administration to release information from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

    “I swear to God if Mexican Coke makes you all forget about Epstein I’m going to lose it,” wrote one user.



    Others joked about rumored drug use among First and former First Family members, adding frustrated-reaction GIFs below comments like, “Hunter Biden realizing Mexican Coke is trending because of Coca-Cola and not cocaine,” or “Don Jr. finding out Mexican Coke is made by Coca-Cola and not the cartel.”



    Trump’s supporters praised the move as part of a broader effort to reform the US food system, and even critics agree that the imported Coke made with cane sugar does in fact taste better.

    Coca-Cola has yet to comment on the announcement and no details have been released regarding a timeline for the proposed change nor which products it may apply to.

    Originally published on Latin Times

    Source link

  • Maximize Muscle Growth: The Ultimate Guide to Protein Intake and Nutrition (Target keywords: protein intake, muscle growth, nutrition)

    Maximize Muscle Growth: The Ultimate Guide to Protein Intake and Nutrition (Target keywords: protein intake, muscle growth, nutrition)

    She’s always been fascinated by the world of fitness and muscle growth, and one thing she’s learned is that protein intake is crucial for achieving those gains. When it comes to maximizing muscle growth, having a solid understanding of nutrition is essential. It’s not just about consuming enough protein, but also about ensuring that overall nutrition is on point. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of protein intake and nutrition, providing readers with a comprehensive guide on how to fuel their bodies for optimal muscle growth.

    Understanding the Importance of Protein Intake

    He knows that protein is often referred to as the building block of muscle tissue, and for good reason. Protein provides the necessary amino acids that muscles need to grow and repair themselves. When it comes to muscle growth, protein intake is critical. Without sufficient protein, muscles won’t have the necessary tools to rebuild and grow, making it challenging to achieve those gains. Generally, it’s recommended that individuals seeking to maximize muscle growth consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.

    The Role of Nutrition in Muscle Growth

    She’s aware that nutrition plays a vital role in muscle growth, and it’s not just about protein intake. A well-balanced diet that includes a mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein is essential for providing the body with the necessary energy and nutrients to support muscle growth. Carbohydrates, for example, provide the energy needed for intense workouts, while healthy fats support hormone production and overall health. Aiming to consume a balanced diet that includes a mix of whole foods, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, is vital for supporting muscle growth.

    Macronutrient Breakdown for Optimal Muscle Growth

    He recommends that to maximize muscle growth, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of macronutrient breakdown. Generally, a diet that consists of 25-30% protein, 40-50% carbohydrates, and 25-30% healthy fats is recommended. Of course, this can vary depending on individual needs and goals, but as a general guideline, it provides a solid foundation for supporting muscle growth. Additionally, ensuring that overall calorie intake is sufficient to support muscle growth is crucial. A calorie surplus, which means consuming more calories than the body burns, is necessary for providing the energy needed to build new muscle tissue.

    The Benefits of Meal Frequency and Timing

    She knows that meal frequency and timing can also play a role in supporting muscle growth. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help keep the body in a positive nitrogen balance, which is essential for muscle growth. Additionally, consuming a meal or snack that includes protein and carbohydrates within 30-60 minutes after a workout can help promote muscle recovery and growth. This is often referred to as the "anabolic window," and it’s a critical period for providing the body with the necessary nutrients to support muscle growth.

    Supplementation and Protein Intake

    He’s aware that supplementation can also play a role in supporting muscle growth. Protein supplements, such as whey protein or casein protein, can be a convenient way to increase protein intake, especially for those who struggle to consume enough protein through whole foods. Additionally, other supplements like creatine and HMB can help support muscle growth by providing additional energy and reducing muscle damage. However, it’s essential to note that supplements should not replace a healthy diet, but rather complement it.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid in Protein Intake and Nutrition

    She’s seen that one of the most common mistakes individuals make when it comes to protein intake and nutrition is not consuming enough protein. This can lead to muscle loss and a lack of progress in muscle growth. Another common mistake is not eating enough overall calories, which can lead to a lack of energy and a decrease in muscle mass. Additionally, not consuming enough healthy fats can lead to hormone imbalances and a lack of overall health. By avoiding these common mistakes, individuals can ensure they’re providing their bodies with the necessary tools to support muscle growth.

    Creating a Personalized Nutrition Plan

    He recommends that to maximize muscle growth, it’s essential to create a personalized nutrition plan. This involves taking into account individual needs and goals, such as daily protein intake, calorie needs, and macronutrient breakdown. Working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can be helpful in creating a personalized plan that takes into account individual needs and goals. Additionally, using online resources or nutrition planning tools can also be helpful in creating a personalized plan.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, maximizing muscle growth requires a solid understanding of protein intake and nutrition. By consuming enough protein, overall calories, and a balanced mix of macronutrients, individuals can provide their bodies with the necessary tools to support muscle growth. Additionally, meal frequency and timing, supplementation, and avoiding common mistakes can also play a role in supporting muscle growth. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, individuals can create a personalized nutrition plan that supports their muscle growth goals.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How much protein do I need to consume daily to support muscle growth?
    A: Generally, it’s recommended to consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.

    Q: What’s the best source of protein for muscle growth?
    A: The best source of protein for muscle growth includes lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and plant-based options like legumes and tofu.

    Q: Do I need to consume supplements to support muscle growth?
    A: While supplements can be helpful, they should not replace a healthy diet. Consuming enough protein and overall calories through whole foods is essential for supporting muscle growth.

    Q: How often should I eat to support muscle growth?
    A: Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help keep the body in a positive nitrogen balance, which is essential for muscle growth.

    Q: What’s the importance of meal timing after a workout?
    A: Consuming a meal or snack that includes protein and carbohydrates within 30-60 minutes after a workout can help promote muscle recovery and growth.

    maximize-muscle-growth-the-ultimate-guide-to-protein-intake-and-nutrition-target-keywords-protein-intake-muscle-growth-nutrition

  • How are genetic conditions and genes named?: MedlinePlus Genetics

    How are genetic conditions and genes named?: MedlinePlus Genetics

    Naming genetic conditions

    Genetic conditions are not named in one standard way (unlike genes, which are given an official name and symbol by a formal committee). Doctors who treat families with a new, previously unknown disorder are often the first to propose a name for the condition. Later, healthcare professionals, researchers, people affected by the condition, and other interested individuals may come together to revise the name to improve its usefulness. Naming is important because it allows accurate and effective communication about particular conditions, which will ultimately improve care and help researchers find new approaches to treatment.

    Condition names are often derived from one or a combination of sources:                        

    Conditions named after a specific person are called eponyms. They can be in the possessive form (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) or in the nonpossessive form (e.g., Down syndrome).

    Naming genes

    The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) designates an official name and symbol (an abbreviation of the name) for each known human gene. The HGNC is a nonprofit organization funded by the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute and the UK’s Wellcome Trust. The Committee has named more than 19,000 of the estimated 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes in the human genome.

    During the research process, genes often acquire several alternate names and symbols from researchers investigating the same gene. To resolve this confusion, the HGNC assigns a unique name and symbol to each human gene, which allows effective organization of genes in large databanks, aiding the advancement of research. For specific information about how genes are named, refer to the HGNC’s Guidelines for Human Gene Nomenclature.

    Source link

  • Eating to Downregulate a Gene for Metastatic Cancer 

    Eating to Downregulate a Gene for Metastatic Cancer 

    Women with breast cancer should include the “liberal culinary use of cruciferous vegetables.”

    Both the Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study and the Women’s Health Initiative study showed that women randomized to a lower-fat diet enjoyed improved breast cancer survival. However, in the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living Study, women with breast cancer were also randomized to drop their fat intake down to 15 to 20 percent of calories, yet there was no difference in breast cancer relapse or death after seven years.

    Any time there’s an unexpected result, you must question whether the participants actually followed through with study instructions. For instance, if you randomized people to stop smoking and they ended up with the same lung cancer rates as those in the group who weren’t instructed to quit, one likely explanation is that the group told to stop smoking didn’t actually stop. In the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living Study, both the dietary intervention group and the control group started out at about 30 percent of calories from fat. Then, the diet group was told to lower their fat intake to 15 to 20 percent of calories. By the end of the study, they had in fact gone from 28.5 percent fat to 28.9 percent fat, as you can see below and at 1:16 in my video The Food That Can Downregulate a Metastatic Cancer Gene. They didn’t even reduce their fat intake. No wonder they didn’t experience any breast cancer benefit. 

    When you put together all the trials on the effect of lower-fat diets on breast cancer survival, even including that flawed study, you see a reduced risk of breast cancer relapse and a reduced risk of death. In conclusion, going on a low-fat diet after a breast cancer diagnosis “can improve breast cancer survival by reducing the risk of recurrence.” We may now know why: by targeting metastasis-initiating cancer cells through the fat receptor CD36.

    We know that the cancer-spreading receptor is upregulated by saturated fat. Is there anything in our diet that can downregulate it? Broccoli.

    Broccoli appears to decrease CD36 expression by as much as 35 percent (in mice). Of all fruits and vegetables, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli were the only ones associated with significantly less total risk of cancer and not just getting cancer in the first place, as you can see here and at 2:19 in my video.

    Those with bladder cancer who eat broccoli also appear to live longer than those who don’t, and those with lung cancer who eat more cruciferous veggies appear to survive longer, too.

    For example, as you can see below and at 2:45 in my video, one year out, about 75 percent of lung cancer patients eating more than one serving of cruciferous vegetables a day were still alive (the top line in red), whereas, by then, most who had been getting less than half a serving a day had already died from their cancer (the bottom line in green).

    Ovarian cancer, too. Intake of cruciferous vegetables “significantly favored survival,” whereas “a survival disadvantage was shown for meats.” Milk also appeared to double the risk of dying. Below and at 3:21 in my video are the survival graphs. Eight years out, about 40 percent of ovarian cancer patients who averaged meat or milk every day were deceased (the boldest line, on the bottom), compared to only about 20 percent who had meat or milk only a few times a week at most (the faintest line, on the top). 

    Now, it could be that the fat and cholesterol in meat increased circulating estrogen levels, or it could be because of meat’s growth hormones or all its carcinogens. And galactose, the sugar naturally found in milk, may be directly toxic to the ovary. Dairy has all its hormones, too. However, the lowering of risk with broccoli and the increasing of risk with meat and dairy are also consistent with the CD36 mechanism of cancer spread.

    Researchers put it to the test in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who were given pulverized broccoli sprouts or a placebo. The average death rate was lower in the broccoli sprout group compared to the placebo group. After a month, 18 percent of the placebo group had died, but none in the broccoli group. By three months, another 25 percent of the placebo group had died, but still not a single death in the broccoli group. And by six months, 43 percent of the remaining patients in the placebo group were deceased, along with the first 25 percent of the broccoli group. Unfortunately, even though the capsules for both groups looked the same, “true blinding was not possible,” and the patients knew which group they were in “because the pulverized broccoli sprouts could be easily distinguished from the methylcellulose [placebo] through their characteristic smell and taste.” So, we can’t discount the placebo effect. What’s more, the study participants weren’t properly randomized “because many of the patients refused to participate unless they were placed into the [active] treatment group.” That’s understandable, but it makes for a less rigorous result. A little broccoli can’t hurt, though, and it may help. It’s the lack of downsides of broccoli consumption that leads to “Advising Women Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer” to include the “liberal culinary use of cruciferous vegetables,” for example.

    It’s the same for reducing saturated fat. The title of an editorial in a journal of the National Cancer Institute asked: “Is It Time to Give Breast Cancer Patients a Prescription for a Low-Fat Diet?” “Although counseling women to consume a healthy diet after breast cancer diagnosis is certainly warranted for general health, the existing data still fall a bit short of proving this will help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.” But what do we have to lose? After all, it’s still certainly warranted for general health.



    Source link

  • Doctor Who Spoke Out Against UnitedHealthcare Turns to GoFundMe After Insurance Companies ‘Retaliate’

    Doctor Who Spoke Out Against UnitedHealthcare Turns to GoFundMe After Insurance Companies ‘Retaliate’

    A Texas surgeon whose criticism of UnitedHealthcare’s coverage practices went viral is now seeking public support through GoFundMe after suffering financially from alleged retaliation by the insurance giant.

    @drelisabethpotter

    Let’s be real. I spoke out against a big insurance company and now I’m being punished for it. But l’m not giving up. It’s not in my blood. I heard you asking, and if you would like to help, l’ve started a gofundme (link in bio) where you can read the details and consider contributing. Just showing up and following means the world to me. I’ll keep it transparent so we can all see what medicine in the US is like in 2025 and hopefully build something better for all of us.

    ♬ original sound – Dr. Elisabeth Potter


    In January, Dr. Elisabeth Potter was interrupted mid-surgery by a UnitedHealthcare representative questioning the necessity of an overnight hospital stay for her patient undergoing a breast reconstruction operation. Potter shared the video on TikTok, highlighting what she described as the growing burden of insurance bureaucracy on patient care.

    In response, UnitedHealthcare reportedly sent Potter a legal letter demanding she delete the video and issue an apology—actions she says were intended to silence her. Instead, Potter posted the letter online as further evidence of her criticism.

    “The reality is, my practice is struggling immensely, and that has a lot to do with the fact that I spoke out,” Potter said in her latest TikTok update.

    Potter, who has spent over a decade providing advanced breast reconstruction in Austin, admitted she began to feel financial repercussions. UnitedHealthcare, she alleges, stopped working with her consultants and excluded her newly built outpatient surgery center from their coverage network. The out-of-network designation means Potter’s patients can see her through a hospital at a significantly higher cost, or pay higher out-of-network rates.

    @drelisabethpotter

    Last night, I got a late call from a breast surgeon here in Austin, TX. Her 22-year-old patient— just days away from a mastectomy—found out the plastic surgeon she had been seeing is out-of-network and her insurance doesn’t cover any out-of-network care. So now what? The breast surgeon called me and asked for a favor, knowing I take cases like this on, even if the payments are low…too low to cover the costs for me and my practice…because I think it’s the right thing to do. My team is doing everything we can to get her seen this week and to get her case approved. But here’s the thing: this isn’t a one-off. This is yet another example of how having insurance doesn’t mean you have access to care. These narrow networks are failing patients. This young woman has cancer now. She needs surgery now. And we don’t have the luxury of time to wait for policy change. The sad reality is I can’t afford to keep doing this for patients, even though I want to. We need a better system for patients and for the doctors trying to care for them. I believe we can fix this. But we need the help of the government. We need laws to change, and we don’t have the luxury of time.

    ♬ original sound – Dr. Elisabeth Potter


    “It’s difficult for me to believe that this isn’t retaliation,” Potter wrote in her GoFundMe appeal. “By refusing to allow my center to be in network, they damage my ability to run a profitable practice and pay back the money I borrowed.”

    Potter invested millions in the center to offer lower-cost, specialized care for breast cancer patients. But without insurance contracts, she says, the financial strain has pushed her to the brink of insolvency.

    Now, she’s asking the public to help her keep her practice open and continue advocating for reform in a system she calls stacked against patients and independent physicians. “I’m not afraid of the work ahead,” Potter said. “But I need help.”

    Originally published on Latin Times



    Source link

  • Human Growth Hormone Activator – Overall Health Supplement

    Human Growth Hormone Activator – Overall Health Supplement

    Product Name: Human Growth Hormone Activator – Overall Health Supplement

    Click here to get Human Growth Hormone Activator – Overall Health Supplement at discounted price while it’s still available…

    All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors.

    Human Growth Hormone Activator – Overall Health Supplement is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked.

    (more…)

  • An SOS Meditation to Unwind Anxiety

    An SOS Meditation to Unwind Anxiety

    In this week’s guided meditation, teacher and author Melli O’Brien offers a practice to unwind anxiety by connecting with a gentle and steady awareness when you are feeling stressed.

    Often the toughest part of experiencing anxiety is just the sense of being helplessly caught up in the thought loops that keep us feeling stuck and stressed. It’s tough to unwind anxiety, and we long for the kind of support that could actually help escape the tangle of those anxious webs. 

    In this week’s guided meditation, teacher and author Melli O’Brien offers a practice that uses gentle, steady awareness to help you find your calm center again when you’re feeling wound up with stress or anxiety.

    SOS Meditation to Unwind Anxiety

    Read and practice the guided meditation script below, pausing after each paragraph. Or listen to the audio practice.

    1. If you’re playing this meditation, chances are that something has you feeling a bit stressed or anxious or the body and mind are feeling really tense or wound up. I’m here to support you in finding your center again and helping you to ground in a gentle and steady awareness.
    2. Make sure that you are sitting comfortably. Even if the mind is very busy or the body’s really tense right now, we’re still taking the time to settle. You might even like to lie down on the ground or on a lounge chair or a bed. When you’re ready, allow the eyes to gently close, if that feels okay for you, knowing that you have this time and space just for yourself.
    3. Remember, you don’t have to try to figure anything out or mentally fix anything. There’s nothing you really need to worry about during this time, and there’s no problem to solve. You’ve given yourself this time for meditation, so give yourself full permission to let go of everything else for a while and simply be present, grounding yourself in the here and now and following these instructions as best you can.
    4. Start by letting go of any agenda to get rid of stress or anxiety, or actually to get rid of any part of your experience. Instead, we’re going to practice relaxing with this moment just as it is, and making peace with it.
    5. Take some deeper, slower, and fuller breaths into the belly. As you breathe in, allow the belly to swell a little like a balloon. As you breathe out, allow the belly to soften and subside. Again, long steady and smooth breath in, filling the belly. And then a long, steady, smooth breath out. If anything about this practice feels uncomfortable for you, you can feel free to just let the breath be natural. If there’s any sense of strain or gasping for air, then you can make the breath much more gentle, much more subtle. You might even like to place a hand or both hands on the belly, so you can really feel that rising and falling sensation. Focus on the feeling of the breath in the belly and allowing the movement of the breath to soothe you and settle you. You’re doing great.
    6. As you continue breathing into the belly like this, see if you can get a sense of softening and relaxing a little more with each and every exhale. Let tension begin to melt and soften in the body. Really surrender the weight of your body into gravity, knowing that the ground beneath you is more than able to take your weight and support you and that it’s safe to let go and relax the tension into the here and now.
    7. At the top of this next inhale, if it feels okay for you, hold the breath for a count of three. So breathe in and hold for 1, 2, 3, and then let the breath go. Continue on like that, holding the breath in for the count of 3, and then letting it go. If that doesn’t feel right for any reason, then just continue as before.
    8. Now, after the next exhale, let go of controlling the breath at all. Let the body settle back into its own natural rhythm of breathing, but continue to focus on that rising and falling sensation of the breath in the belly. Again, you can place a hand or both hands there and just feel the hands rising and falling. That’s it. 
    9. As you follow the breath, if at any point you get lost in thought again, it’s not a problem. Each time you’re drawn by a distraction, mentally note to yourself, Just thinking. Then guide your focus back into the breath, feeling the rising and falling of the belly. Ride the waves of breath moment by moment, letting everything else go, resting here in the present moment and breathing, giving yourself this time to rejuvenate, to tap into inner strength. Notice how the body is being rocked and cradled by the flowing sensations of the breath moment by moment.
    10. Remember, distraction is normal. You can return as many times as you need to, settling into the breath, letting yourself soften into the present moment. Continue practicing like this. 
    11. As this practice begins to draw to a close, take another deep, slow, full breath in, and let it go. Two more in the same way, so breathing in…and breathing out. One more time breathing in, this time rolling the shoulders up toward the ears a little on the inhale. As you exhale, relax the shoulders down. Then begin to wriggle your fingers and your toes. Open your eyes, looking around the room, taking in the colors and the shapes all around you.
    12. As you prepare now to go about the rest of your day, make an intention now to take this more centered energy with you into the rest of your day. Thank you for your practice. Go gently with yourself today. And as always, let’s go out there and be kind, be brave, and be the change we want to see.



    Source link

  • Amazon Removes Series on Healthcare Industry After UnitedHealth Called It ‘Defamatory’

    Amazon Removes Series on Healthcare Industry After UnitedHealth Called It ‘Defamatory’

    A documentary series criticizing the United States healthcare industry was removed from Amazon’s video-streaming platforms earlier this year after it was denounced by UnitedHealth for allegedly being “defamatory”.

    The docuseries, developed by Wisconsin filmmaker Mary Strause, was removed from the platform after a law firm employed by UnitedHealth sent a letter to Amazon advocating for the series to be removed, stating that it defamed the health care company.

    The video was removed from both Amazon and Vimeo’s platforms as a result of UnitedHealth’s legal efforts. Furthermore, their actions resulted in The Guardian postponing the publishing of an article investigating the company after they sued the media organization over another article which they alleged was defamatory.

    This is the latest indication of a more aggressive campaign adopted by UnitedHealth to silence its detractors, according to The New York Times. The company has begun targeting media that criticize them in any way, shape or form, arguing that such criticism would encourage violence against their employees after the shooting of CEO Brian Thompson last year.

    This new campaign is indicative of an increased willingness of companies to levy legal repercussions against critics and detractors. Observers have noted that similar campaigns have been on the rise since the Trump administration assumed power.

    “Some version of this has been going on for a long, long time,” said Lee Levine, a retired First Amendment lawyer who has defended news outlets, including The New York Times. However, “the incidence of it has increased,” he indicated.

    UnitedHealth has recently experienced adverse effects from negative press, which is likely a factor motivating their new approach. They are actively dealing with multiple federal criminal and civil investigations, including investigations into supposed Medicare fraud and antitrust violations, according to The Wall Street Journal.

    “Negative publicity may adversely affect our stock price, damage our reputation and expose us to unexpected or unwarranted regulatory scrutiny,” UnitedHealth noted in its most recent annual report.

    Originally published on Latin Times

    Source link