Health Journal Online

Category: Diseases & Conditions

  • 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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  • A Guide for Becoming a Medical Virtual Assistant

    A Guide for Becoming a Medical Virtual Assistant

    The healthcare industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and with it comes the growing demand for support professionals who can ease the administrative burden on medical practitioners. One of the most promising career paths in this domain is that of a medical virtual assistant. Whether you’re looking for a flexible remote job or transitioning from a traditional healthcare role, becoming a medical virtual assistant offers a fulfilling and practical way to contribute to patient care from behind the scenes. For more information about virtual medical assistants, please visit website here.

    This guide walks you through everything you need to know about becoming a medical virtual assistant—what it involves, the skills required, and how to succeed in this thriving field.

    Understanding the Role

    A medical virtual assistant is a remote professional who provides administrative, clerical, and at times clinical support to doctors, nurses, clinics, and hospitals. Unlike general virtual assistants, these professionals are specialized in healthcare and must understand medical terminology, documentation, and workflows.

    Typical tasks include:

    • Scheduling patient appointments
    • Managing emails and calendars for physicians
    • Handling billing and insurance claims
    • Transcribing medical notes
    • Responding to patient inquiries
    • Updating medical records

    Depending on the employer, duties may vary slightly, but the goal remains the same: to streamline healthcare operations and allow providers to focus more on patient care.

    Why Pursue This Career?

    1. High Demand in Healthcare

    Healthcare professionals are often overwhelmed with paperwork and administrative responsibilities. The shift toward more efficient and patient-centered services means healthcare providers are actively looking for dependable support staff who can work remotely. This has opened the door for individuals with organizational skills and a background in healthcare administration or customer service to find rewarding work as a medical virtual assistant.

    2. Flexibility and Independence

    Unlike traditional office roles, working as a medical virtual assistant offers a high degree of flexibility. You can work from home, manage your schedule, and take on clients from different parts of the country—or even the world. This makes it an excellent option for parents, caregivers, students, or anyone needing a more adaptable work-life balance.

    3. Opportunity for Growth

    The skills you acquire as a medical virtual assistant can lead to long-term career growth. Many professionals expand their services into medical billing, coding, patient advocacy, or health coaching. Some even go on to start their own virtual assistant businesses or agencies.

    Qualifications and Skills You Need

    While there’s no single path to becoming a medical virtual assistant, certain qualifications and competencies will significantly increase your chances of success.

    Educational Background

    Having a background in healthcare, medical administration, or related fields is highly beneficial. However, even those with general administrative experience can transition into this field with the right training.

    Consider the following options:

    • A degree or certificate in medical office administration
    • A medical assistant diploma
    • Coursework in anatomy, medical terminology, and healthcare systems

    Technical Skills

    Since the role is remote, a strong grasp of technology is essential. You should be comfortable using:

    • Electronic health record (EHR) systems
    • Scheduling and calendar apps
    • Email and communication platforms
    • Medical billing software
    • Word processing and spreadsheets

    Soft Skills

    To excel as a medical virtual assistant, you’ll also need to cultivate soft skills such as:

    • Attention to detail
    • Discretion and confidentiality (especially with patient data)
    • Time management
    • Excellent communication (both verbal and written)
    • Empathy and professionalism when dealing with patients

    Certification (Optional but Recommended)

    While certification is not mandatory, it can give you a competitive edge. Some programs specifically train individuals to become medical virtual assistants. Look for reputable training providers that offer coursework in HIPAA compliance, patient communication, and practice management.

    Steps to Becoming a Medical Virtual Assistant

    Now that you understand what’s involved, let’s break down the path to launching your career.

    1. Assess Your Experience and Interests

    Take stock of your current skills. Do you have a background in healthcare or customer service? Are you already familiar with EHR systems or scheduling software? Identify gaps in your knowledge and areas where you may need training.

    2. Get the Necessary Training

    If you’re new to the healthcare field, enroll in a training program that covers the basics of medical administration. These courses often include:

    • Medical terminology
    • HIPAA regulations
    • EHR system training
    • Insurance and billing basics

    Both short-term certificate programs and more comprehensive courses are available online and in person.

    3. Prepare Your Work Environment

    As a remote worker, you’ll need a reliable setup. At a minimum, ensure you have:

    • A high-speed internet connection
    • A computer with updated software
    • A headset for communication
    • A secure and quiet workspace

    You’ll also need tools to manage your workload, such as task management apps and password managers.

    4. Build a Strong Resume and Portfolio

    Your resume should highlight relevant skills, even if they were gained in non-healthcare roles. Include your proficiency in software, communication abilities, and any certifications.

    If possible, create a small portfolio demonstrating:

    • Sample scheduling tasks
    • Mock transcription work
    • Examples of email correspondence or calendar management

    Even hypothetical examples can help showcase your abilities.

    5. Start Applying or Pitching Your Services

    You can look for employment opportunities through:

    • Job boards focused on remote work
    • Healthcare staffing agencies
    • Freelancing platforms
    • Direct outreach to clinics or physicians

    Some medical virtual assistants choose to work independently, offering services to private practices on a contract basis. Creating a professional website or LinkedIn profile can help establish credibility and attract potential clients.

    6. Keep Learning and Stay Compliant

    Healthcare regulations change frequently. To remain effective and trustworthy, you should stay current with compliance standards, especially regarding patient privacy. Participate in ongoing training, subscribe to healthcare newsletters, and consider joining professional groups for virtual assistants.

    Overcoming Common Challenges

    Like any career, working as a medical virtual assistant comes with its own set of challenges. The key is to anticipate and address them early on.

    Navigating HIPAA and Patient Privacy

    One of the most important aspects of your job is maintaining the confidentiality of patient information. Be prepared to undergo HIPAA training and set up secure systems for storing and transmitting data. Always follow best practices for data protection.

    Managing Time Zones and Availability

    If you’re working with clients in different regions, be mindful of time zone differences when scheduling appointments or handling tasks. Tools like time zone converters and scheduling platforms can help.

    Handling Emotional or Stressed Patients

    In some cases, you may need to speak directly with patients who are anxious or upset. A calm and empathetic tone, along with clear communication, can go a long way in creating a positive interaction.

    Tips for Long-Term Success

    To truly thrive as a medical virtual assistant, consider the following strategies:

    • Niche down: Focus on a specialty like dermatology, pediatrics, or mental health. This allows you to become an expert in a specific area and tailor your services accordingly.
    • Track your achievements: Keep records of the time you save clients, how you improve workflow efficiency, or positive feedback received. This can be useful for raising rates or expanding your business.
    • Network and collaborate: Join online forums, attend virtual healthcare events, and engage with others in the industry. Referrals and partnerships often stem from these connections.
    • Stay organized: Use calendars, task lists, and CRM tools to manage multiple clients and maintain high-quality service.
    • Set boundaries: While flexibility is a perk, it’s important to set working hours and stick to them. This helps prevent burnout and ensures consistency for clients.

    Final Thoughts

    A career as a medical virtual assistant is not only in demand—it’s impactful, flexible, and offers plenty of room for growth. If you’re detail-oriented, communicative, and interested in supporting healthcare providers, this path may be the perfect fit. With the right preparation and mindset, you can build a thriving career while playing a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem.

    Start by investing in your skills, creating a professional work environment, and seeking opportunities that align with your strengths with DocVA, LLC. The journey may require dedication, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are well worth it.

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  • Trump Revives ‘Mental Decline’ Concerns After Attempting to Leave Oval Office Before Signing Executive Order: ‘Is He OK?’

    Trump Revives ‘Mental Decline’ Concerns After Attempting to Leave Oval Office Before Signing Executive Order: ‘Is He OK?’

    President Donald Trump reignited concerns about a possible “mental decline” after attempting to leave the Oval Office without signing an executive order.

    Following a joint press conference with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday, Trump thanked the press and began to exit. In a clip circulating on X, someone can be heard asking him to sign the order before leaving.

    “I’ll sign that, yeah,” Trump replied before turning around to sign the executive order, which aims to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Americans.



    The incident added to mounting concerns over a series of recent missteps by the president. He previously insisted a photoshopped image of Kilmar Abrego Garcia was real, confused Harvard with Harlem, and misstated the date the Philadelphia Eagles visited the White House.

    Monday’s flub left some social media users once again questioning Trump’s mental aptitude.

    “No talks of mental decline?” one X user wondered. President Joe Biden’s mental and physical fitness was a frequent target of criticism from MAGA supporters, who used it as a rallying point in efforts to push for his removal from office.



    “His brain is broken,” a second added.

    “Is he ok,” another social media user wondered.



    “Again? This isn’t the first time,” one user declared. Trump previously exited without signing executive orders in 2017 during his first term, and, most recently, on April 2, also referred to by Trump as “Liberation Day.”


    Several social media users also labeled the president “Dementia Don,” a nickname given to the president by his critics, similar to Trump supporters’ nickname for Biden, “Sleepy Joe.”

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • California Father Battling Lung Cancer Denied Coverage for ‘Last Option’ Treatment, Family Says

    California Father Battling Lung Cancer Denied Coverage for ‘Last Option’ Treatment, Family Says

    A California man battling stage 4 lung cancer was denied insurance coverage for a potentially life-saving double lung transplant just as he was preparing to fly to Chicago for the procedure, his family says.

    Deron Wells, a 59-year-old husband and father of three, had been medically approved for a rare clinical trial lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine in Illinois, according to ABC 7.

    Cigna, his insurer, had initially signed off on the necessary procedures and transport from UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, where he had been receiving care. But on the day of his scheduled transfer, Cigna reversed course, denying coverage for both the transplant and the out-of-state medical transfer.

    “The last option we have is for us to take him to Northwestern, period. I hope Cigna really understands the seriousness of the situation. We’re not just a number. We are talking about his life,” Janet Savarimuthu, the man’s wife, told the outlet.

    Lung transplants are not typically considered standard treatment for cancer, which Cigna cited in its statement defending the denial, claiming their coverage guidelines are based on national clinical standards.

    Wells’ family and friends launched an appeal and a public campaign in an effort to pressure the insurer to reconsider. A response to the appeal is expected by Thursday.

    The man’s GoFundMe has raised more than $37,000 as of Friday morning.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • ‘Trusting Idiots is Even Worse’

    ‘Trusting Idiots is Even Worse’

    U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. condemned messaging to “trust the experts” in an interview, describing the adage as “a function of totalitarianism and religion,” leading to a slew of backlash online.

    “Above all, we are going to get rid of the taboos about challenging orthodox[ies]. It’s about challenging consensus.” Kennedy said in a Thursday interview with Fox News.



    “Your whole industry was telling the public for years, ‘Trust the experts,’” he continued. “‘Trust the experts’ is not a function of science or democracy. It’s a function of totalitarianism and religion.”

    The remark, meant to bolster his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, was immediately mocked and criticized across social media.


    “This is actually a dumb f***ing thing to say,” wrote one commenter. “Yes, I trust the experts. Government telling you not to trust the experts is totalitarianism.”

    Other critics pointed out the dangers of dismissing expertise in favor of anti-establishment populism. “Blind trust is never a good idea,” an X user said, “but if someone is an expert in something like law, or medicine, or flying a plane, their knowledge and opinions are of a lot of value.”

    The same user, along with others, drew parallels between Kennedy’s rhetoric and the manipulation tactics of authoritarian regimes. “It’s primarily a totalitarian authoritarian move to discredit experts, so people can be manipulated with false information,” they added.


    Others noted the irony in Kennedy accusing science of resembling religion, while amassing a fiercely loyal following. “Totalitarianism is achieved when a group of folks refuse to [vaccinate], or decide to drink raw milk… because they ‘follow’ you,” a user accused. “There is no ‘questioning’ going on.”

    “It’s not about trust, all the research is there for all to see and examine,” argued another.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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