Your dose of health news

MorningMed is the best way to keep up with the world of health and medicine through curated round-ups, useful insights and other practical resources.

The recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in college admissions has raised concerns about its impact on diversity in medical and nursing schools. Experts worry that eliminating the consideration of race in admissions processes will lead to fewer Black and Latino students entering medical professions, exacerbating health disparities among people of color. Research shows that increasing the representation of underrepresented backgrounds in the medical field improves healthcare access and outcomes in underserved communities. The ruling has sparked debates about the future of diversity in professional institutions and its implications for equitable healthcare.

Extreme heat in Texas during the night is not only uncomfortable, but it also poses health risks and can impact people's well-being. High nighttime temperatures can prevent individuals from getting adequate rest, leading to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. It can also worsen existing health conditions and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. Efforts to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, such as improving access to cooling centers and implementing heat prevention strategies, are crucial to safeguarding public health in the face of rising temperatures.

Tick and mosquito season during the summer poses an increased risk of vector-borne diseases. The number of "mosquito days" has increased in many locations in the U.S., and experts have observed tick populations expanding beyond rural areas and into cities. The CDC has issued alerts about locally acquired cases of malaria in Florida and Texas, and the risk of contracting West Nile virus and Lyme disease remains significant. Taking precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating stagnant water can help reduce the risk of tick and mosquito-borne diseases.

President Joe Biden has started using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to manage his sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing starts and stops during sleep. The use of the CPAP machine was revealed after visible imprints from the mask were seen on the president's face. Sleep apnea affects approximately 30 million people in the U.S., but many cases go undiagnosed. The condition can lead to drowsiness and increased risk of heart attacks if left untreated. Biden's history with sleep apnea has been disclosed since 2008, and he used the CPAP machine on Tuesday night.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given the green light for Pfizer and GSK to distribute their respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines to older adults in the United States. This marks the first availability of RSV vaccines in the country. The shots are expected to be rolled out in the fall, prior to the winter RSV season. RSV can cause severe illness in older adults, with up to 10,000 deaths annually in people aged 65 and older. The FDA approved Pfizer's and GSK's vaccines based on clinical trials showing significant reductions in the risk of symptomatic and severe illness.

From book bans to blueberries, here are some of the state laws taking effect July 1.

July 1st marks the start of a new fiscal year for many states across the country, meaning that recently passed laws will take into effect as July begins. Below are some summaries of many new laws that are now effective across these United States:

• Florida: Floridians can carry weapons without a permit. A new law eliminates the requirement for residents of Florida to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. This makes Florida the 26th state to pass some form of "permitless carry" legislation.
• California: It is now easier to sue the firearms industry. A bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom allows residents, local governments, and the state attorney general to sue firearm retailers in civil court. Additionally, firearm dealers in California are required to establish protocols to prevent gun sales to traffickers and individuals prohibited from possessing firearms.
• Kansas: Restrictions on transgender people. A new law in Kansas prohibits transgender individuals from using restrooms, locker rooms, domestic violence shelters, and rape crisis centers that align with their gender identities. The law states that distinctions between the sexes should be considered substantially related to ensuring health, safety, and privacy in these spaces.
• Kansas: Restrictions on transgender people. A new law in Kansas prohibits transgender individuals from using restrooms, locker rooms, domestic violence shelters, and rape crisis centers that align with their gender identities. The law states that distinctions between the sexes should be considered substantially related to ensuring health, safety, and privacy in these spaces.
• Florida: Ban on classroom instruction on STIs and periods before sixth grade. A new law in Florida prohibits instruction on menstruation, human sexuality, and sexually transmitted infections in public schools before sixth grade. This expands on a previous measure known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, which banned classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity across all grades in public schools.
• Minnesota: Near-complete ban on no-knock warrants. Governor Tim Walz signed a law that imposes a near-complete ban on noknock warrants in Minnesota. Exceptions to the ban are allowed only when the search cannot be conducted while the premises are unoccupied or if occupants pose an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to the officers executing the warrant.
• Virginia: Fentanyl classified as a "weapon of terrorism." Starting Saturday, fentanyl is officially classified as a "weapon of terrorism" in Virginia. The law also increases penalties for manufacturers or distributors of drugs that include fentanyl.

Healthcare personalization is a rapidly evolving field that is being driven by technological advancements and data analytics. With the increasing availability of electronic health records, wearables, remote patient monitoring, and telemedicine, healthcare providers have access to vast amounts of data that can be analyzed to create personalized treatment plans for patients. In this blog post, we will explore in more detail the various aspects of healthcare personalization and their implications for the future of healthcare.

Pedestrian deaths hit a 41-year high. Reckless driving and bigger cars may be to blame.

The U.S. saw the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1981, with 7,508 people killed by vehicles in 2021, according to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Experts highlight several factors contributing to this trend, which has led to a "crisis" in pedestrian safety, highlighting the need for greater attention to the safety of pedestrians on the roads.

Key takeaways

• Reckless driving habits increased during the pandemic due to open roads and fewer law enforcement officers, and these dangerous driving trends have persisted even as road congestion has returned. Speeding and distracted driving, including phone use, have played a role in pedestrian deaths.
  
  
• The size of vehicles, with SUVs and trucks becoming more prevalent, also contributes to the likelihood of pedestrian fatalities. The design of urban and suburban roads, particularly in areas with historical underinvestment, creates hazardous conditions for pedestrians, including a lack of sidewalks and crosswalks.

By the digits

• 7,508 people killed by vehicles in the United States last year.
  
  
• 77%: Pedestrian deaths have shot up 77% since 2010, according to the report, which was based on state government data.
  
  
• 20: Last year, about 20 people a day were killed walking in the street.
  
  
• 3,522 people were killed by distracted driving in 2021.
  
  
• 8%: In 2021, drivers were speeding in 8% of pedestrian deaths — up from 6% to 7% pre-pandemic, according to the GHSA.
  
  
• 57%: SUVs made up 3% of the vehicles made in the model year 1983, according to a report provided to NBC News by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. By 2022, the share had risen to 57%.
  
  
• 120%: Over the past decade, the number of SUV crashes that led to pedestrian deaths climbed 120%, compared to a 26% increase in crashes involving passenger cars, according to the GHSA report.
  
  
• 69%: The GHSA report found that 69% of pedestrian fatalities happened on roads without sidewalks in 2021, compared to 59% in 2017.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

A 20-year-old man comes to the office at the request of his family for an examination 1 day after a motor vehicle accident for which he was at fault. The patient was arrested for the third time after police discovered he had been driving under the influence of alcohol. He has been your patient since early adolescence, and he has a history of truancy, shoplifting, and two attempts to run away from home. He dropped out of high school in his senior year. He was fired from his most recent job because he threatened a coworker with a hammer. He has been unemployed for the past 8 months, and as a result he has many unpaid debts. He seems unconcerned about his current difficulties and has no plans for seeking employment or paying his debts. Despite these facts, you find the patient charming and interactive, and he conveys a sincere intention to change his behavior.

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A study published in the medical journal JAMA reveals that the number of maternal deaths within a year after pregnancy in the United States more than doubled between 1999 and 2019, with the highest mortality rates among Black women. The study estimated that there were 1,210 maternal deaths in 2019 compared to 505 in 1999. The analysis of state-by-state data showed that Black women had the highest maternal mortality rates in some Northeast states, challenging the notion that Southern states consistently have the worst rates. The most common causes of death included mental health conditions, excessive bleeding, cardiac and coronary conditions, infections, blood clots, and pregnancy-related high blood pressure. The researchers anticipate a continued increase in maternal mortality rates across all populations in the coming years.

Iron deficiency is often missed in young women and girls due to a lack of routine screening by doctors. A new study published in JAMA found that almost 40% of American teenage girls and young women have low levels of iron, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and concentration problems. Symptoms of iron deficiency can be subtle and easily dismissed as being related to other issues. Heavy menstrual bleeding is a risk factor for iron deficiency, but even women with normal bleeding can experience depleted iron stores. It is important for doctors to test not just for anemia but also for the level of ferritin, a blood protein that indicates stored iron. Eating iron-rich foods and considering iron supplementation can help maintain healthy iron levels.

A new study has found that fluctuating blood lipid levels, particularly total cholesterol, within a five-year period may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's disease-related dementia later in life. The study examined nearly 11,700 adults and found that those with the most variability in their total cholesterol levels had a 19% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Fluctuating triglyceride levels were also associated with a 23% higher risk. The findings highlight the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight management, and limited alcohol consumption are recommended, along with consulting a healthcare provider for further guidance.

A new study suggests that being overweight, as defined by the body mass index (BMI), may not be directly associated with an increase in early death when considered separately from other health issues. The study found that BMI alone is a poor indicator of mortality risk and health risk and should be supplemented with other measures such as waist circumference, other measures of adiposity, and weight trajectory. However, experts caution that the study has limitations, and that BMI is just one factor to consider when assessing health. Observational studies cannot establish causation, and other outcomes such as quality of life and the development of comorbidities were not examined. The study also found that fluctuations in BMI levels were associated with increased mortality risk, except for adults older than age 65. The study highlights the need for further research and comprehensive health assessments that consider multiple factors beyond BMI. Waist circumference, as a measure of abdominal obesity, has been linked to increased mortality risk and should be considered alongside BMI in health assessments. The American Medical Association and American Heart Association have recommended using multiple measures beyond BMI to evaluate an individual's health.

Thank you for reading! More next week,

My best wishes for a productive and idea-filled week ahead. Thanks for your ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the patients we all serve. Please send any news, comments, suggestions and ideas to hello@morningmed.email.

Quiz answer: The correct answer is A) "Antisocial personality disorder"

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