Is paracetamol your go-to for everything from headaches to fever? You might want to think twice. New research reveals that regular use of this common painkiller in older adults could increase the risk of gastrointestinal, heart, and kidney complications.
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is commonly used on its own to treat moderate to severe pain or combined with other ingredients in medicines for allergies, colds, and flu. While it is often taken without much thought due to its easy availability, it is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in a single day. If you are taking multiple products that contain acetaminophen, it can be difficult to track the total amount you are consuming. Previous studies have shown that long-term use of paracetamol may lead to serious kidney damage.
A recent study published in Arthritis Care and Research explored the long-term health effects of using paracetamol to manage chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis. The findings suggest that frequent use of this common pain reliever may be linked to several serious complications, such as peptic ulcers, heart failure, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
“Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended as the first line drug treatment for osteoarthritis by many treatment guidelines, especially in older people who are at higher risk of drug-related complications,” said Professor Weiya Zhang, the researcher who led the study in a news release.
The researchers analyzed the health records of over 180,000 adults aged 65 and older who had been repeatedly prescribed paracetamol—defined as two or more prescriptions within a six-month period. This group’s health outcomes were then compared to those of approximately 400,000 adults of the same age who had never received repeated paracetamol prescriptions.
The study found that repeated use of paracetamol increased the risk of peptic ulcer bleeding by 24%, uncomplicated peptic ulcers by 20%, lower gastrointestinal bleeding by 36%, heart failure by 9%, hypertension by 7%, and chronic kidney disease by 19%.
“Whilst further research is now needed to confirm our findings, given its minimal pain-relief effect, the use of paracetamol as a first line pain killer for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered,” Professor Zhang added.
A 20-year-old UCLA student has filed a lawsuit against several California doctors, claiming she was misdiagnosed with gender dysphoria at age 12 and “fast-tracked onto a conveyor belt” of irreversible gender transition treatments.
Kaya Clementine Breen accused the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles of misdiagnosing her with gender dysphoria, a condition that leads to distress when the gender identity does not match the sex assigned at birth, NBC News reported.
Breen was sexually abused while she was young, which later led to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. At just 11 years old, she began struggling with the idea of growing into a woman, believing life might be easier as a boy. Seeking help, she confided in her school counselor, who told her she was transgender and directed her to the hospital where she received the diagnosis and transition care.
At just 12 years old, Breen was prescribed puberty blockers, followed by cross-sex hormones from ages 13 to 19. At 14, she underwent a double mastectomy to remove her breasts, a series of treatments she now claims were rushed and life-altering.
Earlier this year, Breen began dialectical behavior therapy, a form of talk therapy aimed at helping individuals manage intense emotions. It was during these sessions that she started questioning her original diagnosis.
Breen claimed that if she had received “real, genuine therapy first, instead of gender-specific therapy,” things would have been different. This realization prompted her to file a lawsuit against multiple California healthcare providers and hospitals involved in her diagnosis and treatment.
“This case is about a team of purported health care providers who collectively decided that a vulnerable girl struggling with complex mental health struggles and suffering from multiple instances of sexual abuse should be prescribed a series of life-altering puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, ultimately, receive a double mastectomy at the age of 14,” the lawsuit said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles told NBC News that the treatment at the center is “patient- and family-centered, following guidelines from professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and Endocrine Society.”
“We do not comment on pending litigation; and out of respect for patient privacy and in compliance with state and federal laws, we do not comment on specific patients and/or their treatment,” the spokesperson reportedly said.
In a groundbreaking move to combat rising healthcare costs, New YorkGovernor Kathy Hochul signed a law mandating health insurers cover EpiPens as they surge in price.
The cost of EpiPens has soared by 600% since 2007, with a two-pack now exceeding $600, 13 WHAM reported.
These devices, essential for treating anaphylaxis, have a short shelf life of about 12 months, forcing users to pay annually.
These rising costs have left many individuals rationing expired devices or delaying necessary prescriptions.
The new legislation, S.7114-A/A.6425-A, requires New York health insurers to cover at least two medically necessary epinephrine auto-injectors per patient and limit out-of-pocket costs to $100 annually.
“For people with severe allergies, immediate access to an EpiPen device can mean the difference between life and death,” Hochul said. “When every second counts, the last thing New Yorkers should have to worry about is whether they can afford the medication they need to survive an anaphylactic reaction. By signing this bill, we are putting people over profit and giving New Yorkers peace of mind by ensuring equitable access to this lifesaving emergency treatment.”
The bill, effective January 1, 2026, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. It is the first of its kind in the U.S. and ensures equitable access to EpiPens for individuals with commercial health insurance.
Snoring in children might seem like an innocent quirk, but a California dentist warns it could signal a hidden health issue that if addressed early, could transform their well-being.
“Your child’s snoring isn’t just noise—it’s a signal. Snoring, bedwetting, mouth breathing, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty focusing aren’t just ‘childhood quirks’ or laziness. They’re signs of a bigger issue that could impact your child for life: sleep-disordered breathing,” Dr. Mark Burhenne a dentist in Sunnyvale, California cautions in a video on Instagram.
Dr. Burhenne is talking about a common sleep disorder called sleep apnea when breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It could be linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common condition where relaxed throat muscles block airflow to the lungs, or central sleep apnea (CSA), which occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to control breathing.
An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea affecting up to 1% to 5% of children across all age groups, from babies and toddlers to adolescents and teenagers.
Warning signs of sleep apnea in children include mouth breathing, loud snoring, pauses in breathing, coughing or choking during sleep, restless tossing and turning, night sweats, sleepwalking, and bedwetting.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to get checked with a healthcare provider who might conduct a sleep study to understand the sleep pattern. Untreated sleep apnea in children can lead to learning difficulties, behavioral problems, chronic fatigue, and even serious health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure, Dr. Burhenne warns.
However, the good news is that early intervention can make a world of difference. “This isn’t just about sleep—it’s about giving your child the best chance for a healthy, vibrant life. Parents, if your child snores, mouth-breathes, or struggles with fatigue, don’t ignore it,” he said.
Treatments like palate expansion can widen airways to improve breathing while encouraging nasal breathing helping children sleep better and feel more rested. Myofunctional therapy strengthens airway muscles for lasting health, and addressing enlarged tonsils or adenoids removes barriers to proper airflow, transforming a child’s quality of life, Dr. Burhenne explained.
“Every child deserves the gift of great sleep. As a dentist and a father and now grandfather, I have seen firsthand the life-changing difference these things make,” he added.
An alarmingly fewer number of children in the U.S. have received flu vaccinations in 2024, compared to last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Among those aged six months to 17 years, just 36% received a flu vaccine in 2024, down from 43% last year, The Hill reported.
This decline comes in the wake of a particularly deadly 2023-24 flu season, during which 205 pediatric flu deaths were officially reported.
“Not all children whose death was related to an influenza virus infection may have been tested for influenza,” the CDC wrote in a Nov. 22 memo. The organization estimates the true number of deaths was closer to 724.
While roughly 14% of parents said they still plan to “probably” obtain a flu vaccine for their children, CDC officials are concerned about the low vaccination rates heading into the winter months.
This year’s flu vaccines are designed to protect against three common virus strains: A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria.
The CDC emphasized the importance of flu shots in reducing severe illness and death, noting vaccine effectiveness has ranged from 19% to 60% over the past 15 years.
A Texas doctor was forced to delete their TikTok about helping undocumented immigrants get healthcare after the state’s governor threatened to defund a children’s hospital.
In the now-deleted video, Dr. Tony Pastor told viewers that they did not have to disclose their citizenship status to medical professionals when receiving care, as reported by Chron.
The viral TikTok came following Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order which requires public Texas hospitals receiving funding for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to report on health care for undocumented patients, as reported by the Austin-American Statesman.
In the deleted TikTok, Pastor, who works as a cardiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, said, “It has made all of us physicians and providers super uncomfortable.” He added, “No one has told us what people are going to do with this information,” as reported by HuffPost.
It is unclear whether Pastor took the video down by his own choice or if the hospital or Baylor College of Medicine, where he also works as an assistant professor, required him to. Texas Children’s Hospital declined to give a statement to Chron.
After the November TikTok went viral, Abbott made a post to X appearing to threaten funding for the hospital Pastor works at.
Hey Texas Children’s Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine this doctor is putting your Medicaid & Medicare funding at risk. ou better think twice & have crystal clear records. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the Order. https://t.co/g11ot8genv
“Hey, Texas Children’s Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine this doctor is putting your Medicaid & Medicare funding at risk. You better think twice & have crystal clear records. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the order,” Abbott tweeted.
Texas Children’s Hospital said in a statement obtained by MedPage Today that it “fully supports Governor Abbott’s new executive order and is in full compliance.”
“While we recognize that individuals working at Texas Children’s hold their own personal views on many topics, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Texas Children’s Hospital,” the statement continued.
Following the governor’s tweet, Pastor made another TikTok. Text reading, “When the gov of Texas threatens you on X because he is mad you exercised freedom of speech,” plays over the video of Pastor while the song “Popular” from the movie “Wicked” plays in the background.
Pastor has not made any additional posts or comments surrounding the executive order.
Regular exercise is a well-known technique to boost memory, but can the benefits of working out today can last into the next day? Researchers suggest that taking a brisk walk today could enhance your memory by tomorrow.
Studies have shown that exercise can offer cognitive benefits shortly after a workout, but until recently, it was not clear how long these effects last. A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity reveals that moderate to vigorous physical activity on one day can improve your performance on memory tests the following day.
Another interesting finding was that limiting sitting time and getting at least six hours of sleep may be key factors for maximizing these cognitive benefits. More time spent being sedentary than usual was associated with poorer working memory the following day.
“Our findings suggest that the short-term memory benefits of physical activity may last longer than previously thought, possibly to the next day instead of just a few hours after exercise. Getting more sleep, particularly deep sleep, seems to add to this memory improvement,” said lead author Dr Mikaela Bloomberg in a news release.
“Moderate or vigorous activity means anything that gets your heart rate up – this could be brisk walking, dancing or walking up a few flights of stairs. It doesn’t have to be structured exercise,” Dr. Bloomberg said.
So how does exercise help with memory? When you exercise, it increases blood flow to your brain and triggers the release of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine which improves functions, such as focus and memory. These changes usually last for a few hours after you work out.
Studies have shown that some benefits of exercise, like mood improvement, can last up to 24 hours. In a previous study, researchers found that after intense exercise like high-intensity interval training cycling, brain activity in the hippocampus (a part of the brain important for memory) stayed more coordinated for up to 48 hours.
This prompted the researchers of the latest study to look at how long will memory boost from exercise lasts in a group of 76 men and women. The participants were aged 50 to 83. They wore activity trackers for eight days and took cognitive tests each day.
“This study provides evidence that the immediate cognitive benefits of exercise may last longer than we thought. It also suggests good sleep quality separately contributes to cognitive performance,” said co-author Professor Andrew Steptoe.
“This was a small study and so it needs to be replicated with a larger sample of participants before we can be certain about the results,” Dr Bloomberg added.
As the winter season sets in, coughs become more common. While some people may experience a persistent cough due to allergies, others might develop a cough from infections. It’s important to know when to manage a cough at home and when to seek professional care, as coughs linked to seasonal changes or irritants like dust and cold air may require different treatment than those caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Causes of cough:
Coughing is the body’s natural defense mechanism, clearing irritants like mucus, smoke, and allergens such as dust, mold, and pollen from the airways. It can be triggered by infections like the flu, COVID-19, or the common cold or due to lung health conditions such as asthma or COPD.
Severe coughs lasting for longer periods can sometimes be a sign of more severe conditions such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis.
A short-term cough from choking occurs when food or other obstructions block the airway, affecting breathing. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Types of cough:
Dry cough– A dry cough feels like a tickling sensation in the throat but doesn’t bring up any mucus. It occurs due to inflammation in the lungs. A dry cough that occurs at night may be caused by mucus dripping from the nose or sinuses, which can irritate the throat. These coughs can last for several weeks or until a cold or flu runs its course. Many people experience dry coughs for weeks after recovering from COVID-19. Acid refluxes can also trigger a dry cough.
To get relief from a dry cough, using lozenges or cough suppressants can help soothe the throat. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier may also provide some comfort. If the dry cough is due to asthma, or acid reflux issues, you might need to consult a doctor and get the appropriate medications. However, if coughing is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, bluish lips, or confusion, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
Wet cough- A wet cough, also known as a productive cough, occurs when mucus builds up in the airways. It can be caused by lung conditions like COPD or bacterial and viral infections. Wet coughs accompanied by wheezing may also signal a more serious health issue, such as congestive heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood throughout the body.
The use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications may help clear the phlegm from the airways. For children, the use of saline nasal drops and honey may help relieve the symptoms. However, if a wet cough persists for more than three weeks, it’s best to consult a doctor.
Paroxysmal cough- It is characterized by intermittent attacks of violent, uncontrollable coughing leading to pain and difficulty in breathing. Such bouts of severe cough can occur with pertussis or whooping cough. Other common causes are asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
Reducing exposure to possible triggers of asthma and COPD can help relieve symptoms. If the cough is caused by pertussis, treatment with antibiotics is necessary. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment lead to better outcomes.
Croup cough- Croup occurs when the upper airway becomes inflamed in young children due to a viral infection. This type of cough is characterized by a distinctive barking sound. Other signs of croup in children include difficulty breathing, making high-pitched noises during inhalation, and rapid breathing. In severe cases, the child’s skin may become pale or even bluish, indicating a more serious condition.
Taking medications for fever, using a humidifier, and staying hydrated can help relieve mild symptoms. However, if symptoms are severe or last longer than 3 to 5 days, seek immediate medical attention. Warning signs include noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds, trouble swallowing or drooling, unusual tiredness or restlessness, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or a blue or gray tint around the nose, mouth, or fingernails.
Fat deposition around the waistline is often considered a risk factor for those with diabetes. But does a smaller waistline always indicate better health? Researchers have found that, in some cases, a larger waist circumference might actually help reduce mortality risk for people with diabetes.
After examining survival data of around 6,600 U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with diabetes, researchers of a recent study found that the relationship between waist circumference and the risk of death is not linear. This means the risk changes in a more complex pattern, depending on factors like gender.
For women with diabetes, the link between waist size and risk of death follows a U-shape, with the lowest risk at about 42 inches (107 cm), much higher than what is usually considered healthy. However, for each extra centimeter above this, the risk of death increased by 4%, and for each centimeter below, the risk increased by 3%.
In men, the curve is J-shaped, with the lowest risk of death at about 35 inches (89cm). The risk increases by 6% for each centimeter below this threshold and 3% for each centimeter above it. The findings were published in Chronic Metabolic Disease.
However, according to current clinical guidelines, a waist circumference of 35 inches (88 cm) is considered central obesity for women, while for men, it’s 40 inches (102 cm).
The researchers hence believe that their findings suggest a phenomenon called the “obesity paradox.” The concept refers to the idea that, in some cases, being overweight or having a higher body fat percentage than normal might offer some protective benefits.
However, the findings do not mean that having a larger waistline is always better, and the researchers do not suggest all diabetic patients gain weight around the waistline. It is important to note that the study only focused on how the waistline affects mortality risk in diabetes patients without considering other health outcomes. Also, since the study is observational it has not established a cause-and-effect relationship between waist circumference and risk of death.
“Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms rather than promoting preconceived notions about an optimal waist circumference,” the researchers wrote.
Users have taken to social media platforms such as Reddit and X to share horror stories relating to UnitedHealthcare, including situations in which people were left with massive bills or even denied care.
One user took to Reddit to share how one of their patients was denied neurosurgery for chronic migraines.
“Just had a letter sent denying my patient who has chronic migraines from an enlarging meningioma + neuritis. They asked me to monitor for expansion. It’s literally expanding you f—ing piece of dog sh-t… it has nothing to do with the fact that they are 64 and will be Medicare’s problem next year, right?” wrote the user.
The user continued to talk about how they agreed to perform the surgery on their patient for free, and got a free anesthesia service for them as well.
Another user on Reddit shared a story of how they were charged $275,000 for the death of their mother after her insurance was denied for no coverage posthumously.
“I got an early Christmas gift from the hospital where my mom passed 10 months ago. She aspirated while in the hospital for cancer treatment, they did CPR – no pulse and called to tell me she passed, she came back for a few hours but was unconscious of course, then passed again. (Fun fact – she had a DNR. They missed it.)” wrote the user.
“Since they sat on submitting it to her insurance, it was denied for no coverage…. because she was now deceased. Makes sense,” they continued. “So I got this nice little bill. Called the billing department to tell them to shove it. They ask if I want to pay the balance today. Then they tell me ‘we’ll’ go to collections if not.”
Many of these instances and stories have resulted in users ridiculing the late CEO and celebrating his death after they or a close loved one was negatively impacted by their UHC insurance.
Such ridicule made its way to the replies of a post made by Thompson on LinkedIn.
“We work every day to find ways to make #healthcare more affordable, including reducing the cost of life-saving prescription drugs,” Thompson wrote.
One user responded to Thompson’s post with a personal experience of his own relating to UHC.
“Hey Brian. I just spent an hour on the phone battling to get information for my wife with stage 4 cancer. She’s a 45-year-old mother of 4 with an abnormal EGFR gene. I’d love to share my experience with you,” he wrote.
“This message is an example of hypocrisy at its finest. You are denying claims for people who need it,” wrote another user.
Another user chimed in to share how they were charged $20,000 for care as their wife’s pregnancy progressed. They talked about how their employer switched them over to UHC when their wife was already eight months pregnant.
“Just after our baby was born (mid Jan), we filed for reimbursement. To our shock, UHC denied our claim, initially alleging we had failed to notify them. Determined to resolve the issue, we provided evidence of our communication with their representatives, and stating the fact that we got the form posted from UHC to our address. After much back and forth, UHC admitted they were notified but then claimed they never received the form(We posted it back via USPS),” they wrote.
“We turned to the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) for help, hoping for a fair resolution. Sadly, they sided with UHC, stating there was no ‘proof’ of their agreement. Left without options, we faced a $20,000 bill, which went to collections,” they continued.
One X user shared how UHC denied hip replacement procedures as “pre-existing conditions’, pointing out how this was in violation of the law.
“So now, @UHC is just blatantly breaking the law by denying a hip replacement as a ‘pre-existing condition.’ He was never seen for his hip prior to seeing me and never diagnosed with arthritis so they just lied. Appeal filed and also denied. This has to stop,” they wrote.
So now, @UHC is just blatantly breaking the law by denying a hip replacement as a “pre-existing condition.”
He was never seen for his hip prior to seeing me and never diagnosed with arthritis so they just lied.
— Very General Orthopaedist (@generalorthomd) June 26, 2024
One woman shared the outrageous cost of her son’s life saving medication even with insurance.
“My 9 year old son needs a medication that even when approved will cost us $9800 a month. I don’t know whether it’s the insurance company’s or the pharma company’s fault, but either way what am I supposed to do as a parent for a medically necessary medication?” she wrote.
My 9 year old son needs a medication that even when approved will cost us $9800 a month. I don’t know whether it’s the insurance company’s or the pharma company’s fault, but either way what am I supposed to do as a parent for a medically necessary medication?
Another X user shared the story of how his son with cerebral palsy was denied a wheelchair to assist with mobility as UHC determined that the additional features that the user requested for the wheelchair were unnecessary.
“TBT to when@UHC#UnitedHealthcare repeatedly denied my son’s wheelchair,” they wrote.
Many users shared stories where medical supplies or procedures were denied for patients undergoing palliative care. One such story includes a patient with ALS who was denied a saline nebulizer solution.
“Had UHC refuse the saline nebulizer solution I ordered for an ALS patient on palliative care. Had to waste 45 minutes both with an online form then a call to get it approved so the poor patient could thin their secretions enough to help them suction… it would have cost under twenty dollars for the thirty saline neb vials I ordered,” shared a Reddit user.
Horror stories of unaffordable and poor healthcare continue to flood social media in the wake of the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s death.
