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Category: Diseases & Conditions

  • Many Are Not ‘Eligible for the Military’

    Many Are Not ‘Eligible for the Military’

    In a new interview, U.S. Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz insisted it is American parents’ “patriotic duty” to feed their kids vegetables so that they may one day be “eligible for the military.”

    Dr. Oz went on Fox News Friday and shared how parents can do better right now.

    “You win the battle for health in your kitchen, your living room, your bedroom,” Dr. Oz started. “Number one: Get those kids outside and playing. They need an hour a day of some activity,” he added only about 15% of kids get one hour of activity a day, though the range is closer to about 20% to 28%.

    The CMS director’s second point was that children need to eat “real food” for a bizarre reason.

    “You heard Secretary Kennedy talk about 70% of the food being ultra-processed,” Dr. Oz recalled. “Just give [kids] food that comes out of the ground. Look at the way it looks when you eat it; real food that you can recognize.”

    He reiterated at least an hour of activity and healthy food will “make a dramatic difference and will help this country.”

    “It’s also your patriotic duty because less than a quarter of kids are eligible for the military because they’ve got underlying health issues,” Dr. Oz added.


    Dr. Oz’s push for Americans to stay healthy in order to be eligible to serve comes after President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have repeatedly boasted about a “record-breaking surge” in military enlistment.

    During his Middle East tour, Trump boasted that, following years of a recruiting shortage, “enlistments in the U.S. armed forces are now the highest in 30 years because there is such an incredible spirit in the United States of America.” The boost was happening before the president took office, however, according to reporting by CBS News.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • ‘Has to Be Something on the Outside’

    ‘Has to Be Something on the Outside’

    President Donald Trump suggested Thursday that the rise in autism rates in the United States may be caused by artificial or external factors, reigniting fears among medical professionals that the White House is lending credence to widely debunked conspiracy theories.

    “It was 1 in 10,000, now it’s 1 in 31. I think that’s just a terrible thing,” Trump said while hosting the White House’s Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) commission. “It has to be something on the outside. It has to be artificially induced, it has to be.”

    A recent CDC report found that autism prevalence in the US has increased from 1 in 36 children to 1 in 31.

    It’s unclear what study Trump meant to reference with the “1 in 10,000” statistic. The CDC does not cite autism prevalence prior to the year 2000 — when autism presented in “1 in 150” children — due to changes in diagnostics.

    Researchers note that the rise in autism prevalence is partially due to changes in diagnostic criteria and advances in screening methods.

    You will find more infographics at Statista


    The comments come alongside the release of a controversial report authored under the supervision of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The 69-page document urges further scrutiny of childhood vaccines, food additives, and pesticides — without providing scientific evidence connecting them to diseases like autism, ADHD, or obesity.

    While Trump did not specifically address vaccines, Kennedy’s long history of vaccine skepticism has often tied immunizations to autism, despite such claims being repeatedly debunked by scientific studies.

    The report also includes multiple comparisons to European dietary standards and criticizes the American food supply for being overly reliant on artificial dyes and additives, which Trump echoed, referencing the recent US initiative encouraging food companies to begin phasing out eight common food dyes.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • GOP Lawmaker Refuses to Read Their Own ‘Tanning Bed Tax Break’ Out Loud for Democrat in Congressional Hearing

    GOP Lawmaker Refuses to Read Their Own ‘Tanning Bed Tax Break’ Out Loud for Democrat in Congressional Hearing

    A Democratic lawmaker challenged Republicans on Capitol Hill over a provision in their sweeping budget bill that repeals the federal excise tax on indoor tanning services.

    When asked to read the line item during a public hearing Tuesday, Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) refused.


    “So that the American public knows what this bill does… Would you please read page 901, line 20?” New Mexico Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez asked Smith.

    “I think it’d be better if you read it,” Smith responded.

    “Oh, he doesn’t want to read it. This is in their bill. They don’t want to read a line from their own bill,” she said, as the back-and-forth continued. “This is amazing.”

    Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) eventually read the provision aloud: “Section 11106: Repeal of excise tax on indoor tanning services.”

    Leger Fernandez contrasted the provision incentivizing tanning bed-ownership with funding cuts to vital services in a critique of GOP priorities. “So if you have a tanning bed, you get a little bit of a tax break,” she said. “And if you need a hospital bed in rural America, I’m sorry, you’re out of luck.”

    In a more pointed jab, she alluded to President Donald Trump. “There are certain elected officials who appear to have a certain orange hue about them,” she quipped, “maybe they want to make sure tanning beds get a little bit of special credit.”

    “Really, we are prioritizing tanning beds over hospital beds in rural America,” Leger Fernandez emphasized.

    The tanning bed tax, originally enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, was intended to both raise revenue and discourage use of ultraviolet tanning services due to health risks.

    The exchange underscored ongoing Democratic criticism that the Republican-led bill favors narrow interests and tax breaks for the wealthy over essential services like rural health care.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • How Robyn Bordes is Reshaping the Aesthetic Industry and Revolutionizing PR for Medical Practices

    How Robyn Bordes is Reshaping the Aesthetic Industry and Revolutionizing PR for Medical Practices

    Behind every successful medical practice or aesthetic clinic making waves in the industry, there’s often a powerhouse working tirelessly behind the scenes. For almost two decades, that powerhouse has been Robyn Bordes, CEO of Illumination PR. Known for her innovative approach to healthcare public relations, Robyn has earned her reputation as the go-to expert for aesthetic clinics and medical groups looking to grow, scale, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

    From managing over 40+ doctors nationwide to helping aesthetic practices achieve multi-million-dollar valuations and sales to venture capital firms, Robyn’s work is transforming the way healthcare professionals approach branding, growth, and long-term success.

    Elevating the Aesthetic Industry

    The aesthetic industry is one of the fastest-growing segments in healthcare, with patients seeking more than just medical expertise—they’re searching for trust, transparency, and a brand that resonates. Robyn Bordes recognized this shift early on and built Illumination PR to help aesthetic clinics thrive in this environment.

    Robyn’s strategy goes beyond traditional PR. She and her team focus on building authentic stories around the clinics they represent, spotlighting their expertise and highlighting the patient experience. This approach has helped countless aesthetic practices stand out in a crowded market and attract the attention of strategic buyers, venture capital firms, and group practices.

    “It’s not just about getting press,” Robyn explains. “It’s about creating a brand that patients trust and investors value. When you can do both, you unlock incredible opportunities for growth.”

    One of Illumination PR’s standout achievements was working with an aesthetic practice that was looking to scale. Through strategic media placements, digital branding, and patient engagement strategies, Robyn helped the practice grow its revenue significantly, ultimately leading to a multi-million-dollar sale to a venture capital firm.

    Managing 40+ Doctors Nationwide

    While Robyn’s work in the aesthetic space is impressive, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Illumination PR also manages public relations for more than 40 doctors in medical groups across the country, providing tailored solutions for each practice’s unique needs.

    “Managing PR for a single doctor is one thing, but managing it for a group of 40-plus doctors spread across the nation is an entirely different challenge,” Robyn says. “It requires a deep understanding of healthcare, communication, and the ability to adapt to each doctor’s individual goals.”

    Robyn’s team handles everything from building personal brands for individual physicians to creating unified marketing strategies for entire medical groups. Their work ensures that each doctor’s expertise is highlighted while maintaining a cohesive message for the group as a whole.

    This approach has led to measurable results, including increased patient retention, improved online reputations, and a stronger presence in the healthcare community.

    The Power of Strategic Storytelling

    At the heart of Robyn’s success is her ability to tell powerful stories. Whether she’s working with an aesthetic clinic preparing for a sale or a medical group looking to attract new patients, Robyn focuses on crafting narratives that resonate with audiences.

    “Patients want to know the story behind their doctor,” Robyn explains. “They want to understand why you do what you do and what makes you different. That’s what builds trust.”

    This emphasis on storytelling has been a game-changer for Robyn’s clients. By showcasing the human side of healthcare, she helps doctors connect with their patients on a deeper level, leading to stronger relationships and long-term loyalty.

    Creating Value for Venture Capital Firms

    Robyn’s knack for creating value doesn’t just benefit her clients—it also catches the attention of venture capital firms and group practices looking for investment opportunities.

    Her ability to position aesthetic clinics as market leaders has led to several high-profile sales, including multi-million-dollar deals that have redefined the financial futures of her clients. These successes aren’t just about numbers—they’re about creating sustainable growth and ensuring that practices are well-positioned for long-term success under new ownership.

    “When venture capital firms invest in a practice, they’re not just buying a business—they’re buying a brand, a reputation, and a promise of future growth,” Robyn explains. “Our job is to make sure those elements are in place and ready to scale.”

    What Sets Robyn Apart

    Robyn’s dedication to her clients is unmatched. She doesn’t just deliver PR campaigns—she becomes a partner in their growth. Her ability to navigate the complexities of healthcare, combined with her strategic mindset and relentless work ethic, makes her a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

    “She has an incredible ability to see the bigger picture while still focusing on the details that matter,” says one of her long-time clients, a physician who credits Robyn with helping his practice achieve record growth.

    Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration and a commitment to excellence. Robyn’s team of experts shares her vision, working tirelessly to ensure that every campaign delivers measurable results.

    The Future of Illumination PR

    As the aesthetic industry continues to grow and evolve, Robyn Bordes and Illumination PR are poised to remain at the forefront. Their work in helping practices scale, attract investment, and build lasting relationships with patients is setting new standards in healthcare public relations.

    For Robyn, the focus is always on creating value—whether that’s for patients, doctors, or investors. Her ability to combine strategic thinking with authentic storytelling has made Illumination PR the go-to partner for medical professionals looking to achieve their full potential.

    “The work we do isn’t just about PR—it’s about transformation,” Robyn says. “We help practices grow, connect, and thrive in ways they never thought possible. That’s what drives me every day.”

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  • UnitedHealth CEO Steps Down 6 Months After Brian Thompson Murder

    UnitedHealth CEO Steps Down 6 Months After Brian Thompson Murder

    The UnitedHealth CEO abruptly stepped down on Tuesday, six months after the CEO of UnitedHealth’s subsidiary UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was murdered.

    Andrew Witty cited “personal reasons” for stepping down from the top position. He was replaced by Stephen J. Hemsley, who previously served as the CEO from 2006 to 2017. Hemsley will continue to serve concurrently as chairman of UnitedHealth’s board of directors.

    “We are grateful for Andrew’s stewardship of UnitedHealth Group, especially during some of the most challenging times any company has ever faced,” Hemsley said in a press release. “The Board and I have greatly valued his leadership and compassion as chief executive and as a director and wish him and his family the best.”

    Additionally, the company stated it suspended its 2025 annual outlook to focus on “broadening to more types of benefit offerings than seen in the first quarter.” It added that “medical costs of many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries new to UnitedHealthcare remained higher than expected.” UnitedHealth’s outlook is expected to return in 2026.

    Thompson was fatally shot in New York on December 6, 2024. The shooter allegedly wrote “delay,” “deny” and “depose” on the bullets, seemingly in reference to a book criticizing policies for health insurance claims.

    Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested in Pennsylvania five days later and accused of murdering Thompson. He was indicted on 11 New York state charges and four federal charges, including first-degree murder, murder in furtherance of terrorism and stalking. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking the death penalty for Mangione’s federal charges.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • U.S. Halts Animal Imports From Mexico As Flesh-Eating New World Screwworm Sparks Alarm

    U.S. Halts Animal Imports From Mexico As Flesh-Eating New World Screwworm Sparks Alarm

    The New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that harms both cattle and humans and was once eradicated from the U.S. after more than three decades of effort, is raising new concerns amid an outbreak in Mexico. In response to the looming threat, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a halt on imports of cattle, bison, and horses through the southern border.

    The New World screwworm produces larvae that feed on the flesh and blood of livestock, pets, wildlife, birds, and, in some cases, humans, causing painful infestations that can lead to potentially fatal damage to their hosts. It was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966 after billions of dollars were spent on an operation that involved releasing hundreds of millions of sterile adult flies, which would mate with wild females and ultimately prevent them from laying viable eggs.

    The recent threat emerged after the maggot fly was detected on remote farms in Mexico with minimal cattle movement, reaching as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, about 700 miles from the U.S. border.

    “Due to the threat of New World Screwworm, I am announcing the suspension of live cattle, horse, & bison imports through U.S. southern border ports of entry effective immediately. The last time this devastating pest invaded America, it took 30 years for our cattle industry to recover. This cannot happen again,” the USDA Secretary, Brooke Rollins, announced in an X post.

    The first case of infestation in Mexico was reported to the U.S. in November 2024, following which the USDA shut down the border for live animal trade. Trade resumed in February 2025, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Mexican authorities put in place a thorough inspection and treatment process to safely manage animal movement and reduce the risk of New World screwworm.

    The USDA announced that APHIS is deploying sterile flies by air and on the ground at key sites, focusing on southern Mexico and other parts of Central America.

    “The protection of our animals and the safety of our nation’s food supply is a national security issue of the utmost importance. Once we see increased surveillance and eradication efforts, and the positive results of those actions, we remain committed to opening the border for livestock trade. This is not about politics or punishment of Mexico, rather it is about food and animal safety,” Secretary Rollins said in a news release.

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  • Living Near This Popular Sports Facility May Triple Your Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease

    Living Near This Popular Sports Facility May Triple Your Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease

    Living next to a golf course may seem like a dream, with lush greens, peaceful surroundings, and an ambience of a luxury lifestyle. However, new research suggests that this idyllic setting could come with a hidden cost. Scientists have found that people living near golf courses may face an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

    Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination. Common symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and balance problems. While the exact cause is unknown, both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

    The latest study published in the journal JAMA Network Open reveals that people living within two miles of a golf course face nearly three times the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The risk is highest for residents in water service areas where golf courses are located in regions prone to groundwater contamination.

    This heightened risk is linked to the heavy use of pesticides on golf courses, which are applied in the U.S. at rates up to 15 times higher than in many European countries. These chemicals can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, raising serious concerns about the safety of local drinking water.

    For the study, researchers analyzed medical records from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, covering 27 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin between 1991 and 2015. They examined the relationship between living near golf courses and the risk of Parkinson’s disease, focusing on areas surrounding 139 golf courses.

    “We observed that the risk of developing PD was greatest for those living within 1 to 3 miles of a golf course and that the risk of PD generally decreased with increasing distance from a golf course. We also found that individuals getting their drinking water from water service areas with a golf course had nearly double the odds of PD compared with individuals getting drinking water from water service areas without a golf course,” the researchers wrote.

    The researchers found that while the risk of Parkinson’s disease remained steady for those living within three miles of a golf course, it decreased by 13% for every mile beyond that. Pesticides including organophosphates, chlorpyrifos, methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid (MCPP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), maneb, and organochlorines, which are known to be linked to Parkinson’s disease, are commonly used to treat golf courses.

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  • GOP Lawmaker Insists People Can ‘Keep Their Medicaid’ If They ‘Just Get a Job’

    GOP Lawmaker Insists People Can ‘Keep Their Medicaid’ If They ‘Just Get a Job’

    As the GOP works to complete its “big, beautiful bill,” Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) defended proposed work requirements for Medicaid recipients.


    House Republicans have been tasked with finding $880 billion in Medicaid savings over the next decade — a substantial hurdle for lawmakers beholden to voters, 76% of whom oppose cuts to Medicaid, according to a recent KFF poll. Rather than explicitly cutting services, the GOP is reportedly looking to save money with work requirements for “able-bodied adults” who receive Medicaid.

    “The person we’re taking it away from is the able-bodied adult with no children who refuses to work,” Crenshaw told FOX Business. “By the way, if they would just get a job, they could keep their Medicaid.”

    The proposal would require able-bodied adults to work or volunteer 20 hours each week to qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Crenshaw’s comments echo GOP messaging on the issue.

    “For some people, the best way to get back on your feet is to get off your ass,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) said in February.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson described the work requirement as a way to, “Return the dignity of work to young men who need to be at work instead of playing video games all day.”

    Housing Secretary Scott Turner also framed the reform as the restoration of dignity. “We’ve created welfare as a lifestyle in our country,” Turner said. “Able-bodied, able-minded people that are receiving HUD funding should go to work and restore dignity.”

    While the GOP insists work requirements are not benefit cuts, research has suggested otherwise.

    In Arkansas, where Medicaid work requirements were implemented between June 2018 and March 2019 before a federal court deemed the program unlawful, more than 18,000 people lost coverage. Among those who lost coverage, researchers found many had met the work requirements or would qualify for an exemption, but failed to navigate and comply with reporting requirements. The state saw an increase in uninsured adults and no significant changes in employment.

    Most adults with Medicaid (64%) are already working. Of those who aren’t employed, most would qualify for exemption from work requirements due to an illness or disability, caregiving responsibilities, or school attendance.

    The legislation aims at “restoring dignity” for the remaining 8% of adults on Medicaid who are not working due to retirement, an inability to find work, or undisclosed reasons. However, critics warn the reporting requirements could impact millions of recipients beyond the targeted group, particularly vulnerable populations who lack internet access or computer literacy.

    The House Budget Committee voted to reject the bill on Friday. While the committee is set to reconvene next week, it’s unclear if they will meet Speaker Johnson’s Memorial Day deadline to pass the bill to the Senate.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • Colorectal Cancer Before 50 Linked To Common, Often-Missed Condition Affecting Millions Of Americans

    Colorectal Cancer Before 50 Linked To Common, Often-Missed Condition Affecting Millions Of Americans

    Colorectal cancer cases are spiking, especially among younger adults, leaving scientists racing to uncover the hidden culprits behind this troubling trend. While poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors have long been in the spotlight, a new study reveals a surprising contributor, a condition that is both widespread and frequently missed.

    Researchers have identified a striking link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a silent condition that affects an estimated one in four people globally and millions of Americans, and a significantly increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed before the age of 50). Despite its prevalence, NAFLD often goes undetected in routine medical care and progresses without obvious symptoms.

    To understand the link between NAFLD and early-onset colorectal cancer, researchers conducted a large-scale, population-based cohort study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service involving over 4.6 million adults.

    The participants were between the ages of 20 and 49 who underwent routine health checkups in 2009, with health outcomes tracked through 2019. NAFLD was identified using a validated measure known as the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), with scores of 60 or higher indicating the presence of NAFLD.

    Participants were then grouped based on their FLI scores: those with NAFLD (FLI ≥ 60), borderline NAFLD (FLI between 30 and 59), and no NAFLD (FLI

    Researchers noted that individuals with NAFLD had a 24% higher risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer compared to those without fatty liver, while those in the borderline NAFLD category had a 12% increased risk.

    Interestingly, the study also found a dose–response relationship between the severity of fatty liver and cancer risk in cancers, in those located in the left colon and rectum. The association was particularly strong among males, younger individuals aged 20–29, and those without diabetes, highlighting the need for targeted early screening and liver health monitoring in these higher-risk populations.

    “These findings highlight the need for multifaceted preventive strategies, including lifestyle interventions and expanded screening for younger populations with NAFLD,” the researchers wrote in the study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

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  • ‘They’re Probably Hired to Do That’

    ‘They’re Probably Hired to Do That’

    Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) dismissed protests against proposed Medicaid cuts on Wednesday, suggesting demonstrators were “probably hired,” and brushed off their concerns as a “sugar high” from pandemic-era spending.

    “We’re doing everything we can to make Medicaid more efficient and preserve it for their future,” Marshall told reporters. “My guess is they’re probably hired to do that, to some extent as well.”


    The protestors gathered outside of the House Energy and Commerce Committee meeting at Capitol Hill on Tuesday, to protest potential reductions to Medicaid benefits as Republicans work toward a budget reconciliation bill. The peaceful demonstration led to dozens of arrests.

    Julie Farrar, an activist with disability rights organization ADAPT, told Politico that about 90 members of her group attended. She said they were “fighting literally for our survival right now.”

    “I just salute the House, they’re making progress,” Marshall said in defense of the committee. “This is tough work, it’s tough work up here. Everybody is on a sugar high the last four years because of COVID, and it’s hard to come off that sugar high.”

    The comments were quickly condemned on social media and by advocacy groups, who accused the senator of trivializing legitimate concerns and attempting to delegitimize grassroots activism.


    “Classic projection,” one X user said. “Republicans must be paying for every single crowd and rally they gather because when the left gathers it’s always assumed they are paid.”

    Others pointed out that Marshall’s remarks highlight a growing disconnect between lawmakers and the citizens affected by their policies.

    “This guy is so completely out of touch!” another wrote. “People who are financially struggling, and those who are disabled aren’t on a ‘sugar high.’”


    Marshall has previously called protestors “paid troublemakers,” an allegation that has also been made by President Donald Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk, despite a lack of evidence to support the claim.

    As the GOP scrambles to finalize the “big beautiful bill” promised to President Trump, Medicaid continues to be a political flashpoint, with Republican lawmakers pushing for cost-saving reforms and Democrats warning that the proposed changes could strip millions of Americans of essential care.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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