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Tag: preventing

Voters Put Preventing Maternal Deaths at the Top of Their Health Agenda, and Federal Data Show 649 Women Died in 2024

Asked to name their top two priorities for policymakers on maternal health, registered voters put preventing maternal deaths first, at 32 percent, ahead of early care and intervention during pregnancy at 22 percent.

The survey, released July 30 by the advocacy organization Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America and conducted by KAConsulting, polled 1,001 registered voters nationwide between July 12 and 16, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Because it was commissioned by an organization advocating for maternal health policy, its framing and question wording reflect that purpose, and the findings should be read as advocacy polling rather than independent research.

What makes the result worth reporting is that federal surveillance data exist to check it against. Opinion tells you what people want addressed. Vital statistics tell you what is actually happening.

The Federal Numbers Behind the Priority

The National Center for Health Statistics published final 2024 maternal mortality data in March. In 2024, 649 women died from maternal causes in the United States, compared with 669 the year before. The rate was 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, which NCHS described as not significantly lower than the 2023 rate of 18.6.

That word matters. The apparent decline is within the range of statistical noise. NCHS notes that maternal mortality rates fluctuate year to year because the absolute number of events is relatively small, and because accuracy in recording maternal deaths on death certificates remains an ongoing data-quality problem the agency is still working on.

The disparities are larger than the year-to-year movement. For Black non-Hispanic women, the 2024 rate was 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, three times the rate of 14.2 for white non-Hispanic women. Changes from 2023 to 2024 across racial groups were not statistically significant.

Age is the other major gradient. Women 40 and older had a maternal mortality rate of 62.3 per 100,000, nearly five times the rate of 13.7 among women younger than 25. Women aged 25 to 39 fell at 16.5.

Two Different Federal Counts, and Only One Measures Preventability

Readers encountering different maternal death figures are usually seeing two separate systems, and the distinction matters for the question the poll asked.

The NCHS figures above count maternal deaths, defined internationally as deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy from causes related to pregnancy. That is a vital statistics count drawn from death certificates.

A second system, Maternal Mortality Review Committees, examines pregnancy-related deaths, which include deaths up to one full year after the end of pregnancy. These committees are multidisciplinary panels that review individual cases in detail, and they are the only source that assigns preventability determinations and issues recommendations. CDC funds this work through the ERASE MM program, which supports committees across most states and territories.

That second system is what the poll’s language about “preventing” maternal deaths actually maps onto. A vital statistics count establishes how many women died. A review committee establishes whether the death could have been avoided and what would have changed the outcome. Congress reauthorized the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act in February 2026 through 2030, with $113.5 million appropriated to the account funding this work.

Where the Poll and the Data Line Up

Several of the specific policies voters endorsed correspond to problems the surveillance data identify.

Eighty-eight percent of respondents supported expanding specialty care and telehealth for women with high-risk pregnancies in rural and underserved communities. Access to risk-appropriate care is a recurring theme in review committee findings, and rural obstetric unit closures have lengthened travel distances for delivery in many states.

Eighty-seven percent supported a whole-health approach including maternal mental health, nutrition, and chronic disease management. That aligns with the extended one-year window review committees use, since deaths in the later postpartum period frequently involve mental health conditions, substance use, and cardiovascular disease rather than delivery complications.

Across 15 policy proposals tested, 13 drew support from at least 80 percent of respondents, all 15 drew at least 72 percent, and 79 percent said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate supporting them. Fifty-five percent held an unfavorable view of the U.S. health care system overall, and 51 percent viewed it unfavorably specifically on care for women.

One figure in the poll should be handled carefully. Seventy-two percent said they were more likely to support reforms after being told maternal mortality and morbidity cost the economy $165 billion in 2020. Questions that present a fact before asking for a response measure persuasion, not baseline opinion, and should not be reported as if they measured the latter.

What Patients and Families Can Do with This

Nothing in polling changes an individual’s risk. What does change outcomes is recognizing warning signs and being heard when reporting them.

CDC’s Hear Her campaign identifies urgent maternal warning signs that warrant immediate care during pregnancy and for a full year afterward. They include severe headache that will not go away, changes in vision, trouble breathing, chest pain or a racing heart, severe belly pain, a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, extreme swelling of hands or face, thoughts of harming oneself or the baby, and heavy bleeding.

The one-year window is the part most often missed. Postpartum visits frequently stop at six weeks, while a substantial share of pregnancy-related deaths occur later. Anyone who gave birth within the past year and develops these symptoms should say so explicitly when seeking care, because clinicians who do not know about a recent pregnancy may not consider pregnancy-related causes.

Practical steps include identifying the nearest hospital with obstetric capability before delivery, particularly in rural areas, and asking about postpartum Medicaid coverage, which most states have extended to 12 months. Patients whose symptoms are dismissed can ask for the concern to be documented in the chart, request a second opinion, or contact the hospital’s patient advocate.

What happens next is a data question. NCHS publishes provisional maternal mortality estimates on a rolling basis and final annual figures with roughly a 15-month lag, meaning 2025 final data are not yet available. Whether the flat trend of the past two years turns into a genuine decline will not be answerable for at least another year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the poll find? Registered voters named preventing maternal deaths their top maternal health priority for policymakers at 32 percent, followed by early care and intervention during pregnancy at 22 percent.

Who conducted it? KAConsulting for Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America, an advocacy organization. It surveyed 1,001 registered voters July 12 to 16, 2026, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

How many women die from maternal causes? Federal data recorded 649 maternal deaths in 2024, a rate of 17.9 per 100,000 live births, which NCHS said was not significantly different from 2023.

How large are the racial disparities? Black non-Hispanic women had a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024, three times the rate of 14.2 among white non-Hispanic women.

Why do different maternal death numbers circulate? Vital statistics count deaths within 42 days of pregnancy. Maternal Mortality Review Committees examine pregnancy-related deaths up to one year afterward and assess preventability.

What warning signs require immediate care? Severe persistent headache, vision changes, trouble breathing, chest pain, severe belly pain, fever of 100.4 or higher, extreme swelling, heavy bleeding, or thoughts of self-harm during pregnancy and for a year after.

How long does postpartum risk last? Up to a full year. Anyone who gave birth in the past 12 months should tell clinicians about the pregnancy when seeking care for new symptoms.

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August 2, 2026
Preventing Hair Loss and Promoting Hair Growth

In every grade school class photo, I seem to have a mess of tousled hair on my head. No matter how much my mom tried to tame my hair, it was a little unruly. (I sported the windblown look without even trying.) Later came my metalhead phase, with headbangable hair down to the middle of my back. Sadly, though, like many of the men in my family, it started to thin, then disappear. Studies show that by age 50, approximately half of men and women will experience hair loss. Why do some lose their hair and others don’t? How can we preserve the looks of our locks?

What Causes Hair Loss?

As I discuss in my video Supplements for Hair Growth, we don’t lose our hair by washing or brushing it too much––two of the many myths out there. The majority of hair loss with age is genetic for both women and men. Based on twin studies, the heritability of baldness in men is 79%, meaning about 80% of the differences in hair loss between men is genetically determined, but that leaves some wiggle room.

Look at identical twins, for instance: Identical twin sisters with the same DNA had different amounts of hair loss, thanks to increased stress, increased smoking, having more children, or having a history of high blood pressure or cancer.

Indeed, smoking can contribute to the development of both male and female pattern baldness because the genotoxic compounds in cigarettes may damage the DNA in our hair follicles and cause microvascular poisoning in their base.

Other toxic agents associated with hair loss include mercury; it seems to concentrate about 250-fold in growing scalp hair. William Shakespeare may have started losing his hair due to mercury poisoning from syphilis treatment. Thankfully, doctors don’t give their patients mercury anymore. These days, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out, mercury mainly enters the body through seafood consumption.

Consider this: A woman went to her physician, concerned about her hair loss. Blood tests indicated elevated mercury levels, which makes sense as her diet was high in tuna. When she stopped eating tuna, her mercury levels fell and her hair started to grow back within two months. After seven months on a fish-free diet, her hair completely regrew. Doctors should consider screening for mercury toxicity when they see hair loss.

How to Prevent Hair Loss

In addition to not smoking, managing our stress, and avoiding seafood, is there anything else we can do to prevent hair loss?

We can make sure we don’t have scurvy, severe vitamin C deficiency. We’ve known for centuries that scurvy can cause hair loss, but once we have enough vitamin C so our gums aren’t bleeding, there are no data correlating vitamin C levels and hair loss. So, make sure you have a certain baseline sufficiency.

Foods for Our Hair

What about foods for hair loss? What role might diet play in the treatment of hair loss?

As I discuss in my video Food for Hair Growth, population studies have found that male pattern baldness is associated with poor sleeping habits and the consumption of meat and junk food, whereas protective associations were found for the consumption of raw vegetables, fresh herbs, and soy milk. Drinking soy beverages on a weekly basis was associated with 62% lower odds of moderate to severe hair loss, raising the possibility that there may be compounds in plants that may be protective.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of compounds in hot peppers and soy found significantly higher promotion of hair growth, and the doses used were reasonable: 6 milligrams of capsaicin a day and 75 milligrams of isoflavones. How does that translate into actual food? We can get 6 milligrams of capsaicin in just a quarter of a fresh jalapeño pepper a day and 75 milligrams of isoflavones eating just three-quarter cup of tempeh or soybeans.

Researchers also investigated pumpkin seeds and hair loss. For a few months, 76 men with male pattern baldness received 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil a day hidden in capsules (the equivalent of eating about two and a half pumpkin seeds a day) or took placebo capsules. After 24 weeks of treatment, self-rated improvement and satisfaction scores in the pumpkin group were higher, and they objectively had more hair—a 40% increase in hair counts, compared to only 10% in the placebo group. In the pumpkin group, 95% remained either unchanged or improved, whereas in the control group, more than 90% remained unchanged or worsened. Given such a pronounced effect, there was concern about sexual side effects, but researchers looked before and after at an index of erectile dysfunction and found no evidence of adverse effects.

The Best Vitamin for Hair Growth?

The most common ingredient in top-selling hair loss products is vitamin B7, also known as biotin. Biotin deﬁciency causes hair loss, but there are no evidence-based data that supplementing biotin promotes hair growth. And severe biotin deﬁciency in healthy individuals eating a normal diet has never been reported. However, if you eat raw egg whites, you can acquire a biotin deﬁciency, since there are compounds that attach to biotin and prevent it from being absorbed. Other than rare deficiency syndromes, though, it’s a myth that biotin supplements increase hair growth.

Can we just adopt the attitude that it can’t hurt, so we might as well see if it helps? No, because there is a lack of regulatory oversight of the supplement industry and, in the case of biotin, interference with lab tests. Many dietary supplements promoted for hair health contain biotin levels up to 650 times the recommended daily intake of biotin. And excess biotin in the blood can play haywire on a bunch of different blood tests, including thyroid function, other hormone tests (including pregnancy), and the test performed to determine if you’ve had a heart attack––so it could potentially even be life or death.

Do Hair Growth Pills Really Work?

What about drugs? We only have good evidence for efficacy for the two drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: finasteride, sold as Propecia, and minoxidil, sold as Rogaine. It’s considered a myth that all the patented hair-loss supplements on the market will increase hair growth. And they may actually be more expensive, with over-the-counter supplement regimens costing up to more than $1,000 a year, whereas the drugs may cost only $100 to $300 a year. As I discuss in my video Pills for Hair Growth, the drugs can help, but they can also cause side effects. Propecia can diminish libido, cause sexual disfunction, and have been associated with impotence, testicular pain, and breast enlargement, while the topical Minoxidil can cause itching, for example.

How do they work (if they work at all)? Androgens are the principal drivers of hair growth in both men and women. Testosterone is the primary androgen circulating in the blood, and it can be converted to dihydrotestosterone, which is even more powerful, by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. That’s the enzyme that is blocked by Propecia, so it inhibits the souping up of testosterone. This is why pre-menopausal women are not supposed to take it, since it could feminize male fetuses, whereas for men, it has sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction, which can affect men for years even after stopping the medication and may even be permanent. Indeed, up to 20% of people reporting persistent sexual dysfunction for six or more years after stopping the drug, suggesting the possibility that it may never go away.

Pass on the Pills and Reach for a Fork

Given the side effects of the current drug options, I encourage you to incorporate hair-friendly foods in your daily routine.

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September 10, 2025
Beat the Heat: 10 Essential Tips for Preventing Dehydration During Exercise
As the weather heats up, many of us can’t wait to hit the great outdoors for a run, a bike ride, or a hike. However, it’s essential to remember that exercising in the heat can be a serious challenge for our bodies. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can creep up quickly, and the consequences can be severe. But fear not, dear exercisers! With these 10 essential tips for preventing dehydration during exercise, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the heat and stay safe while having a blast.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: A Pre-Exercise Must

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s hammer home the importance of hydration. Drinking plenty of water before exercise is crucial. Aim to drink at least 16-20 ounces (about 500ml) of water 2-3 hours before your workout. This allows your body to absorb the fluid, reducing the risk of dehydration during exercise.

Electrolytes: The Unsung Heroes

Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, play a vital role in regulating fluid balance in the body. During exercise, electrolytes are lost through sweat, which can lead to dehydration. To combat this, make sure to consume electrolyte-rich foods or supplements, especially if you’re engaging in high-intensity or long-duration activities. Coconut water, bananas, and avocados are all excellent sources of electrolytes.

The Progressive, Perilous Effects of Dehydration

Dehydration can start with mild symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. As dehydration worsens, the risks increase dramatically. Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Don’t wait until it’s too late – prevention is key!

Beat the Heat: 10 Essential Tips for Preventing Dehydration
1. Wear Light, Breathable Clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing allows for optimal airflow, keeping you cool and dry. Leave those heavy, dark colors for another day.
2. Stay in the Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). This simple trick can make a significant impact on your body temperature and hydration levels.
3. Take Frequent Breaks: If you’re exercising outdoors, take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate. This allows your body to recover and replenish fluids lost through sweat.
4. Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to take action: excessive thirst, dark urine, headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Stop immediately and rehydrate.
5. Stay Aerated: Avoid overexertion by pacing yourself and taking deep breaths. This will help regulate your breathing and prevent overheating.
6. Time It Right: Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm) and opt for early morning or late afternoon sessions instead.
7. Hydrate with Electrolyte-Rich Foods: In addition to water, consume electrolyte-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and dates to maintain a healthy balance of fluids and electrolytes.
8. Avoid Salty Snacks: While electrolytes are crucial, it’s essential to balance your intake with wholesome, low-sodium snacks like fruit, nuts, or energy bars to avoid overloading on sodium.
9. Listen to Your Body: If you’re feeling fatigued, dizzy, or experiencing headaches, it’s likely your body is asking for a break. Listen to your body and take a break, rehydrating and re-energizing before continuing.
10. Use Technology to Your Advantage: Wearable fitness trackers, smartwatches, or apps can monitor your vital signs, tracking heart rate, body temperature, and hydration levels, offering valuable insights to adjust your exercise routine and prevent dehydration.
Conclusion

Staying hydrated and prepared is the key to beating the heat and staying safe while exercising. By incorporating these 10 essential tips into your pre-exercise routine, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging weather conditions. Remember, prevention is key, and with the right mindset and strategies, you’ll be enjoying the great outdoors in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are some good sources of electrolytes for hydration?
A: Coconut water, bananas, avocados, and dates are all excellent sources of electrolytes.

Q: How often should I rehydrate during exercise?
A: Take frequent breaks to rehydrate, ideally every 15-20 minutes during intense or long-duration activities.

Q: Can I use sports drinks to rehydrate?
A: Yes, sports drinks can be helpful for high-intensity activities lasting over 60 minutes. Look for low-sodium, electrolyte-rich options.

Q: What are the warning signs of dehydration?
A: Thirst, dark urine, headaches, dizziness, and nausea are all signs of dehydration. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop and rehydrate ASAP.

Q: Can I exercise in the heat with a medical condition or taking medication?
A: Consult with your doctor or healthcare provider regarding any pre-existing conditions or medications. They will advise on safe exercise practices and heat-related precautions.

By following these simple, effective tips, you’ll be able to tackle the heat with confidence, staying hydrated and safe while enjoying your outdoor adventures. Happy trails!

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March 3, 2025