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President Joe Biden has chosen Dr. Mandy Cohen, the former health chief of North Carolina and the former secretary of the state's Department of Health and Human Services, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Cohen, who has a background in public health and experience in addressing health disparities, played a key role in the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her appointment comes at a critical time as the CDC works to rebound following COVID-19 and rebuild trust from the public.

Olympian Allyson Felix has spoken out about the death of fellow athlete Tori Bowie, calling it a wake-up call to address the disparities in Black maternal healthcare. Felix, who is also an advocate for maternal health, expressed concern over the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women in the United States . She highlighted the urgent need for improved access to quality healthcare, support, and resources for Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. Felix's remarks add to the ongoing conversation about racial disparities in maternal healthcare and the need for systemic changes to ensure better outcomes for Black mothers and their babies.

The Body Mass Index (BMI), a commonly used metric to assess body weight and health, has faced criticism from doctors and experts who argue that it is an imperfect measure of overall health. They argue that focusing solely on BMI can overlook important factors such as body composition and distribution of fat, which are more indicative of health risks. Additionally, BMI does not take into account individual variations in metabolism and genetics. Some experts suggest that incorporating other measures like waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood markers may provide a more comprehensive assessment of health. The debate around BMI highlights the need for a nuanced and personalized approach to health assessment that considers multiple factors beyond just weight and height.

The US Food and Drug Administration has recommended to COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to create a single-strain booster that would target Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. This monovalent vaccine will drop protections from the original strain and focus on the currently circulating strain that is considered the greatest threat to the American population. This strategy is in lockstep with the recommendations made by the World Health Organization as well.

A shortage of long-acting penicillin manufactured by Pfizer is causing concerns among healthcare providers and patients. The medication, which is commonly used to treat various bacterial infections, is in short supply due to manufacturing and supply chain issues. The shortage has prompted healthcare providers to ration the available supply and prioritize patients with the greatest need. Pfizer is working to address the shortage and increase production to meet the demand. In the meantime, healthcare providers are exploring alternative treatment options and working closely with patients to manage their conditions effectively.

Mayo Clinic accused of ‘placing academic freedom in jeopardy’ after suspending physician who criticized US agency during pandemic

Dozens of professors from prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, have written a letter to the Mayo Clinic protesting the suspension of Dr. Michael Joyner, a physician who publicly criticized a federal agency. Dr. Joyner expressed frustration with the National Institutes of Health's treatment guidelines for COVID-19, calling them a "wet blanket" that discouraged the use of convalescent plasma.

• The Mayo Clinic suspended Dr. Joyner for a week without pay and instructed him to stick to approved topics and prescribed messaging. The letter from the professors criticizes Mayo Clinic for jeopardizing academic freedom and tarnishing its reputation. The suspension has raised concerns about academic freedom and freedom of expression.
  
  
• The Mayo Clinic defended its actions, stating that Dr. Joyner was disciplined for unprofessional comments about the NIH's regulation of convalescent plasma and treating coworkers disrespectfully. The dispute has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between academic freedom, scientific integrity, and institutional control over public statements.

Dozens of professors from Harvard, Yale, Columbia and other universities wrote: “Placing academic freedom in jeopardy is certain to tarnish Mayo’s reputation among the many who have always thought of Mayo as a beacon of scientific integrity.”

Andrea Kalmanovitz, a Mayo spokesperson, said in a statement to CNN that: “Mayo disciplined Dr. Joyner for treating coworkers disrespectfully and for making unprofessional comments about the NIH’s regulation of convalescent plasma” and that the “Mayo Clinic supports academic freedom, as evidenced by the hundreds of interviews Mayo physicians, including Dr. Joyner, give each year.”

Wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, transforming how we monitor and manage our health. With the increasing popularity of smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearable devices, there has been a surge in interest in how these technologies can be used to improve healthcare outcomes. From mental health monitoring to treating physical conditions, here’s a more detailed look at how wearables are revolutionizing healthcare.

Rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are soaring, with no slow-down in sight

The rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are on the rise, and it's important to be aware of this concerning trend. NAFLD is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, not caused by alcohol consumption. Factors such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome contribute to the development of NAFLD. The increasing prevalence of these risk factors, including sedentary lifestyles and poor diet, has led to a surge in NAFLD cases. NAFLD can progress to more severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Early detection, lifestyle modifications, and proper management are crucial in preventing the progression of NAFLD and reducing associated health risks.

Key takeaways

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver disease in the U.S., and it is considered a silent disease because it has few or no symptoms, meaning most people with the disease are unaware of its presence. Most commonly, fatigue and discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen are leading symptoms.
  
  
• There's no medication approved to treat it, but fatty liver disease can be reversed with exercise and weight loss. NAFLD leads to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which leads to cell damage and inflammation of the liver and eventually cirrhosis. Keep an eye on new weight loss drugs such as Ozempic having an impact in reversing fatty liver disease resulting from metabolic factors.

By the digits

• 131% increase: An analysis of data from 32,726 adults who participated in that study revealed that overall, NAFLD rose from 16% in 1988 to 37% in 2018, an increase of 131%.
  
  
• 61% increase: Among Mexican Americans, the rate of NAFLD was 36% in 1988 and rose to 58% in 2018, an increase of 61%.
  
  
• 127% increase: Among African Americans, the rate was 11% in 1988, rising to 25% in 2018, for a 127% increase.
  
  
• 133% increase: Among white Americans, the rate in 1988 was 15%, which rose to 35% in 2018, for a whopping 133% increase.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

A 32-year-old man comes to the office because of a 10-day history of a red rash that has spread over his entire torso. He says the rash is not itchy or painful. He reports having a flu-like illness nearly 5 weeks ago, with associated headache, neck stiffness, muffled hearing, and a canker sore on his tongue. All of these symptoms have resolved without treatment. Additional medical history is unremarkable, and he takes no medications. BMI is 18 kg/m2. Vital signs are normal.

Specific additional history should be obtained to determine whether which of the following has occurred during the past 6 months?

A recent study involving over 7,000 men found no increased heart risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy used to treat “low T.” The study compared rates of heart attack and stroke between men who received testosterone therapy and those who did not, and no significant difference was observed. These findings provide reassurance that testosterone therapy is unlikely to pose a heightened risk of heart problems.

Scientists have created the first three-dimensional human embryo model using stem cells. The model, called an "embryoid," mimics the early stages of human development and can provide valuable insights into embryonic growth and diseases. This breakthrough could potentially lead to advancements in reproductive medicine, drug development, and the understanding of birth defects.

A new study suggests that taking a daily aspirin may increase the risk of developing anemia in some people. The research found that regular aspirin use was associated with a higher likelihood of anemia, a condition characterized by a low red blood cell count, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health problems. While aspirin has been widely used for its potential benefits in preventing heart disease and stroke, this study highlights the need for individualized considerations and discussions with healthcare providers when deciding on aspirin use, especially for individuals at higher risk of anemia.

A new study suggests that people of color may have a higher prevalence of food allergies compared to white individuals. The research found that Black, Asian, and Hispanic individuals were more likely to report having a food allergy than white individuals. The study also revealed disparities in access to healthcare and food allergy management among different racial and ethnic groups. These findings highlight the need for further research and interventions to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management of food allergies for all individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.

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 D) "Unprotected sexual intercourse"

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