National Center for Health Research

09/04/2026

Public Health Coalition to meet with Dr. John Powers and his leadership team at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

NIAID is NIH’s second-largest institute, and its work affects all Americans. The Institute recently released its strategic plan for 2026–2030, and we are VERY impressed by how comprehensive and patient-centered it is.

NIAID has faced criticism related to its role during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is time to look ahead and support the Institute’s dedication to research that helps protect the health of adults and children nationwide.

We thank Dr. Powers and his team for demonstrating the importance of independent scientific expertise focused on helping people with infectious diseases, immune-related diseases, and allergies.


Learn More https://www.niaid.nih.gov/

U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Republicans Energy & Commerce Committee Republicans U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Congressman Morgan Griffith Congresswoman Diana DeGette

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) conducts and supports research to understand, treat, and prevent infectious and allergic diseases.

09/03/2026

Should be promoted to young sports fans?

Energy drinks can increase blood pressure, disrupt sleep, and affect heart rhythm in children and teens. Frequent use has killed some teenagers. That's why we signed a petition with other doctors opposing the Big 12 college athletic conference’s new partnership with Monster Energy.

A study of young people who experienced sudden cardiac arrest or death shows that nearly 20% had consumed energy drinks regularly.

Putting energy drink branding on athletes, uniforms, fields, and courts sends the wrong message to young fans who look up to college athletes.

The Big Ten makes a fortune on their teams, and should find more appropriate sponsors.

Pressure comes on the heels of a new Monster Energy-Big 12 athletics partnership

09/02/2026

Nearly 300 National Park Service workers who help manage wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and search-and-rescue emergencies have been sent to Washington, D.C. Guess what they are doing there?

Their assignments were described by President Trump as beautifying Washington, D.C.: renovating a golf course, fixing the peeling Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and fixing decorative fountains.

That is not what the National Park Service emergency workers are for. Its workforce has been cut by nearly 25% since 2025, and the administration has proposed additional staffing reductions.

The Interior Department justifies the move, saying they weren't needed elsewhere. Meanwhile, people died at the Grand Canyon, wildfires polluted our air, and other national parks have had problems from overcrowding.

These workers save lives when severe weather, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and search-and-rescue emergencies occur.

Bottom line: Public safety should come before questionable "beautification projects."

Workers reassigned to D.C. previously worked for parks across the country, including in Alaska and California. Their duties have since included cleaning up the East Potomac golf course

08/31/2026

Here's the good news and bad news on newly approved . The FDA approved four updated COVID vaccines — but sharply limited who they are approved for. So why are medical experts taking a broader approach?

For the 2026–2027 season, the FDA generally limited approval to people 65 and older and younger adults and children with medical conditions that increase their chances of severe COVID.

But several major medical organizations are issuing their own recommendations rather than taking such a narrow approach. For example, the American College of Physicians says adults aged 18–64 who are not at higher risk of severe COVID may still consider getting vaccinated. Insurers have also pledged to cover recommended vaccines without cost-sharing through the end of 2027.

Here’s the disconnect: Medical experts are leaving room for people outside the FDA’s limited groups to get vaccinated, while the FDA has narrowed its approval. Whatever happened to the focus on "shared decision-making?"
Here's our question: Are the FDA’s limits based on the best medical evidence, or has politics influenced who the agency says should get a COVID vaccine?

We trust you to make an informed decision with your doctor. Do you agree?

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19vaccine/122809

Approvals come as the CDC's vaccine advisory panel remains in legal limbo

08/28/2026

Dolly Parton had a special way of bringing people together. When she got vaccinated, she turned her iconic song “Jolene” into “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine” and encouraged others to protect their health, too.
Her voice brought people together then, and her message about vaccination is even more important to share today.

08/28/2026

Are you using the right sunscreen — and enough of it?

Our updated Sunscreen 101 explains what sunscreen labels don’t always make obvious.

For most people, choose broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, compared with about 98% for SPF 50. A higher SPF does not mean you can use less sunscreen or stay in the sun longer.

And how much you use matters. An average-sized adult needs about one ounce — roughly a shot glass full — to cover exposed skin. Reapply at least every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Our article also explains what scientists know about sunscreen ingredients and how to protect children and adults from skin cancer.

Bottom line: Using sunscreen correctly matters more than chasing the highest SPF number.

08/27/2026

Should annual mammograms start at age 30?

Watch Dr. Diana Zuckerman explain why earlier isn’t always better when it comes to breast cancer screening.

08/26/2026

Did you hear that nearly 8 in 10 young adults (average age 23) have "cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome"? Here's why we think those headlines are VERY misleading. And why we think you should care if you are a young adult OR the parent or grandparent of a young adult.

The GOOD NEWS: It's a made-up name.
It's not really new, because it includes several early signs of potential health problems -- and that's not the same as an actual disease. It includes issues like being overweight, which we already knew was something to be concerned about.

THE BAD NEWS: Young adults will not live as long as their parents if they don't change their health habits.

Young adults who want to live long, healthy lives should start thinking about how to protect their heart health.

Bottom line: Even as teenagers and young adults, think of how your habits affect your health now and in the future, and try to eat more fruits and veggies, eat less junk food, drink less alcohol, and be physically active.

Read more:

FRIDAY, Aug. 21, 2026 (HealthDay News) — A surprising number of young adults have early signs of a metabolic disorder that could have a lasting impact on their

08/26/2026

Two unvaccinated people in Pennsylvania have died from measles — the state’s first measles-related deaths in 35 years.

Pennsylvania has reported 393 measles cases across 28 counties, and every confirmed case has occurred in someone who was not fully vaccinated. There have been 2,777 confirmed cases across the U.S. this year.

Measles is more than a rash that itches and looks bad. It can cause serious complications and death. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles.

And even a small outbreak can have a big cost. A recent outbreak of just 10 measles cases cost nearly $500,000 to contain as health officials worked to identify people who had been exposed in schools, medical offices, grocery stores, restaurants, and other public places.

Don’t be confused by conflicting opinions about childhood vaccines. The facts are clear: families need accurate information about the risks of measles and how well vaccination protects against it.

Bottom line: Measles is preventable, and the vaccine is safe. Parents need the facts so they can make informed decisions and protect their children.

08/25/2026

What happens when we stop studying how to prevent medical errors?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) funds research that helps make healthcare safer — from preventing hospital-acquired infections and medication errors to improving diagnoses and helping patients return home safely.

This research saves lives and saves money. For example, a hospital unit using an AHRQ safety program reduced C. diff infections— which causes diarrhea and colon inflammation — by 90% over the last 3 years!

But this summer, AHRQ grant cancellations suddenly stopped funding research that had previously been promised. Why stop life-saving research that had already been promised and started?