Health Fitness

RFK Jr. accuses ousted CDC director of lying about pressure to preapprove vaccine recommendations

Washington — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday denied that he pressured the ousted director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to preapprove vaccination recommendations from a panel he overhauled before her firing.  Susan Monarez was fired from the position less than a month after her Senate confirmation. […]

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Extended interview: Dr. Sanjay Gupta

In this web exclusive, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and chief medical correspondent for CNN, talks with “Sunday Morning” host Jane Pauley about his new book, “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life.” He discusses pain, which he calls “the most mysterious of all human sensations,” and about the misconceptions […]

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Young children diagnosed with ADHD are often prescribed medication too quickly, study finds

A new study released Friday found that young children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, are often prescribed medication too quickly.  The study, led by Stanford Medicine and published in JAMA Network Open, examined the health records of nearly 10,000 preschool-aged children ages 3 to 5 between 2016 and 2023 who were diagnosed with ADHD. […]

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Senior CDC officials resign after Monarez ouster, cite concerns over scientific independence

Four senior officials with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced their resignations in recent days, citing what they described as growing political interference in the agency’s scientific work, particularly regarding vaccines. Two of those — Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC’s Chief Science and Medical Officer, and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who led the […]

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Sen. Cassidy calls for vaccine advisory meeting to be postponed amid CDC departures

Washington — Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, called on the Department of Health and Human Services Thursday to “indefinitely postpone” its vaccine advisory committee meeting next month amid a slew of departures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “If the meeting […]

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During times of great loss, Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas offer hope | KD Sunday Spotlight

Nowadays, more people know a doula is a non-medical professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support during childbirth, but what about if the baby’s development or birth doesn’t go as planned? Well, there’s a non-profit providing that kind of support, for free, through the Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas. Jennifer Stampfel said she received help from […]

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Mississippi declares public health emergency over rising infant deaths. Here’s what to know

KFF analystsMississippi health officials have declared a public health emergency after releasing data showing the state’s infant mortality rate has risen to its highest level in more than a decade.  In Mississippi, 9.7 infants died for every 1,000 live births in 2024, nearly double the most recent national average of 5.6 deaths per 1,000, according to […]

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Investigation finds failures in organ transplant system: “17 to 20 people a day die on the wait list”

More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant. But only slightly more than half of them are expected to receive an organ within five years.   Now, a congressional investigation is raising serious questions about whether non-profit groups meant to secure organs for transplants from deceased donors are doing […]

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Fentanyl test strips are sweeping college campuses. Our testing found they may not detect laced fake prescription pills.

(Editor’s Note: This story is not about fentanyl addiction, which is a separate serious issue. This story is for people who would never intentionally take fentanyl, and their families and their kids’ friends. Sharing this story could save a life.) Fentanyl test strips used to be illegal in California. Now, state law requires them on […]

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Skin-cleansing soaps, foams, lotion recalled over possible “serious and life-threatening infections”

A U.S. company that makes health care products is recalling four over-the-counter skin cleansers and an anti-itch lotion it says could lead to “serious and life-threatening infections.”  New Jersey-based DermaRite Industries announced on Friday that it was voluntarily recalling the health care products due to the fact that they may cause a microbial contamination known as […]

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Deion Sanders reveals bladder cancer diagnosis but says he’s considered “cancer free” after treatment

Head Colorado Buffaloes football Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders revealed his bladder cancer diagnosis for the first time on Monday morning. He appeared with his medical team, including representatives from CU Anschutz and UCHealth, to discuss his outlook and that he is considered “cancer-free.” Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders speaks about his journey beating […]

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UnitedHealth says it’s under federal investigation for civil fraud

UnitedHealth under federal investigation for Medicare payments UnitedHealth under federal investigation for Medicare payments 00:38 Shares of UnitedHealth Group slipped Thursday after the health care giant said it was under a Department of Justice investigation. The company said it has started complying with both criminal and civil requests from federal investigators and it was cooperating […]

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Ex-Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to shut off plane’s engines mid-flight relives “most consequential three seconds of my life”

An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot indicted for trying to shut off a passenger jet’s engines mid-flight in 2023 recalled the scary moment he slipped out of reality after eating “magic mushrooms.” Former airline captain Joseph Emerson said he takes full responsibility for the night in October 2023 that changed his life.  “I had no intention […]

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Key programs for older adults who struggle with social isolation could be at risk from Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”

New Orleans — While they’re not related, Dorothy Williams provides 90-year-old Lars Williams with something critically important: companionship. For almost 20 years, Dorothy Williams has volunteered with the Senior Companion Program in New Orleans, Louisiana, warding off loneliness in the homes of elderly residents who live alone.  Without the company she provides Lars, Dorothy said […]

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From cops on K-8 campuses to California sharing your DNA, how things really work inside the State Capitol.

From cops called on elementary school kids for behavioral issues to the state storing and sharing your DNA without permission, we showed you how our CBS News California investigations have lawmakers pushing for change. Now, we’re giving you a glimpse into how things really work inside the California State Capitol.  The Capitol doesn’t generally work […]

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Back surgery saved him from paralysis. Then the bills arrived: over $650,000. CBS News series “Medical Price Roulette”

No one really knows what anything costs in health care — and too many people are getting surprise medical bills for thousands of dollars. In a new series, “Medical Price Roulette,” CBS News will explore the reasons, and we’re collaborating with journalists at ClearHealthCosts to bring transparency to health care markets.   Frank Esposito says it […]

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Breast cancer survivor fights with insurance company over annual diagnostic mammograms ordered by the doctor

Mammograms can save lives, but CBS News has learned in some cases, insurance companies are refusing to cover them — even for breast cancer survivors. We first looked into this in October for our series, Medical Price Roulette, a collaboration with Clear Health Costs. After that story aired, we heard from hundreds of women who […]

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U.S. citizen billed $1.7 million by government for life-saving burn treatment: “Completely hopeless”

An American citizen found himself with a hefty medical bill totaling nearly $2 million from the U.S. government, after he spent seven months at a Texas military hospital recovering from life-threatening injuries. “I never expected, never in my life to live through something like this,” Puerto Rican resident Alexis Hernandez told CBS News’ Anna Werner. […]

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Former NFL player Corey Parchman’s book addresses male infertility: “I felt like I was being the weakest link on the team”

Former NFL player Corey Parchman appeared on “CBS Mornings” Wednesday to discuss his new book “IVF Playbook for Men,” sharing his personal experience with infertility and advocating for greater awareness of male fertility issues. Parchman, now a real estate developer, wrote the book after struggling to find resources for men going through infertility treatments. At […]

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Saving money vs. saving lives

Saving money vs. saving lives – CBS News Watch CBS News Scientists conducting medical research are facing an existential crisis: Layoffs and budget cuts pushed by President Trump that, they say, jeopardize finding a cure for cancer. They tell “Sunday Morning” senior contributor Ted Koppel that what was once an issue receiving strong bipartisan support […]

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“When is cancer political?” Medical researchers, patients decry Trump admin’s layoffs, budget cuts

They might easily be mistaken for Congressional staffers, reluctant to face the day, but these are among the most accomplished cancer specialists in the country, meeting with Representatives, Senators and staff. Among them: Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee, deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, from up the road in Baltimore; and Dr. George Weiner, […]

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RFK Jr.’s halt to U.S. funding for Gavi vaccine alliance a “travesty and a nightmare,” experts warn

Johannesburg — Every four years, representatives to the global alliance of governments, pharmaceutical makers, United Nations agencies and philanthropic organizations known as Gavi, which helps get vaccines to people who need them, meet to lock in new funding pledges. Just as this year’s meeting in Brussels was drawing to a close on Wednesday, U.S. Health Secretary […]

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AstroAI recalls minifridges over fire hazard that caused $360,000 in property damages

AstroAI is recalling 249,100 minifridges on Wednesday over fire and burn hazards after two of the compact refrigerators caught fire, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage.  The personal refrigerators’ electrical switch can short circuit, posing fire and burn risks, according to a notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC has […]

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GOP wants people up to age 64 to work for food stamps and Medicaid. Some experts say it won’t work.

The Republican’s “big beautiful” budget package would add new work requirements for millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid and food stamps. Tying federal aid in exchange for work is “common sense,” according to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said it would encourage people to get jobs. While the food stamp program already has a work requirement, the GOP […]

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CDC official overseeing COVID hospitalization data resigns after RFK Jr.’s vaccine orders

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official who led the agency’s network to study hospitalization trends from infectious diseases like COVID-19 has resigned in protest following Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s orders to change the agency’s vaccine recommendations and the committee that makes them. Dr. Fiona Havers’ last day at […]

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RFK Jr. taps allies and COVID vaccine critics among picks for CDC advisory panel. Here’s who’s on the list.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday he’s naming eight new advisers to serve on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine recommendations committee, after firing the committee’s entire previous roster of 17 advisers.  “All of these individuals are committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense. They have each […]

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Q&A: Melinda Gates – CBS News

Q&A: Melinda Gates – CBS News Watch CBS News The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has spent tens of billions of dollars to fund improvements in global public health. Melinda Gates sits down with Jane Pauley to discuss her long-held commitment to science and data, and how it is vital to combating hunger, maternal and […]

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BowFlex adjustable dumbbells recalled after more than 100 dislodging injuries

BowFlex is recalling millions of units of its adjustable dumbbells because their weight plates can dislodge and cause injury to users.  The recall comes after over 100 reports of injuries including concussions, abrasions, broken toes or contusions, according to the CPSC.  The dumbbells are popular because of their versatility: They allow users to lift dumbbells […]

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Michael J. Fox: Parkinson’s “sucks”

Michael J. Fox: Parkinson’s “sucks” – CBS News Watch CBS News The Emmy-winning actor talks with Jane Pauley about how, at age 29, he received his diagnosis of Parkinson’s, and how the Michael J. Fox Foundation has raised hundreds of millions of dollars and helped launch an online study to aid researchers in developing vastly-improved […]

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At risk: mothers and childbirth

At risk: mothers and childbirth – CBS News Watch CBS News The United States is the only industrialized country where the rates of maternal deaths have increased, rather than decreased. And “near deaths” are on the rise: 60,000 a year across the country. Erin Moriarty of “48 Hours” talks to young woman who have a […]

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Winning hearts and minds over vaccines

Winning hearts and minds over vaccines – CBS News Watch CBS News The World Health Organization listed vaccine hesitancy — when parents delay or withhold vaccines for their children — as one of the Top 10 health risks for 2019. Now, with more than 700 confirmed cases of measles in 23 states, public health officials […]

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CDC now says kids “may receive” COVID-19 vaccines, replacing broad recommendation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says that kids with no underlying health conditions “may receive” COVID-19 vaccines, dropping a broad recommendation for all children to get vaccinated against the virus.  Updates to the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule were published late Thursday, following an announcement earlier this week by Health and Human Services […]

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Over 100,000 kitchen faucets sold on Amazon recalled due to harmful levels of lead exposure

Maintaining the safety of our food Maintaining the safety of our food 07:51 More than 100,000 kitchen faucets have been recalled because they could lead to dangerous levels of lead exposure according to three separate notices posted Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Three different faucets models, manufactured in China and sold under the […]

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Health expert calls Trump’s medical research cuts “reckless destruction”

Health expert calls Trump’s medical research cuts “reckless destruction” – CBS News Watch CBS News Dr. Timothy Johnson, longtime network TV medical reporter and founding editor of the Harvard Medical School Health Letter, says that by cutting more than $1.8 billion in grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Trump administration risks destroying U.S. […]

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Health expert calls Trump’s medical research cuts “reckless destruction”

Health expert calls Trump’s medical research cuts “reckless destruction” Health expert calls Trump’s medical research cuts “reckless destruction” 02:25 The National Institutes of Health is the world’s largest source of funding for medical research. It has also undergone huge budget cuts in recent weeks imposed by the Trump administration, which prompts thoughts from Dr. Timothy […]

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RFK Jr. releases “MAHA” report on childhood chronic disease. Here’s what to know.

The White House’s “Make America Healthy Again” or “MAHA” commission, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has published its first report on what it says are four leading drivers of childhood chronic disease.  “The report is the product of a consensual process, and it represents a collaborative effort of all […]

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Texas lawmakers advance bill to clarify medical exceptions under restrictive abortion law

Texas lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday to clarify medical exceptions under one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the U.S., putting the GOP-backed proposal on the brink of reaching Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. The changes would not expand abortion access in Texas or list specific medical exceptions under the state’s near-total ban, which took effect […]

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Who can get updated COVID vaccines this fall? FDA will OK for high-risk groups, calls for new clinical trials

The Food and Drug Administration says it has decided to continue approving COVID-19 vaccine updates for seniors and others at higher risk of severe disease, but will require vaccine makers to conduct major new clinical trials before approving them for wider use. The decision means many Americans without underlying conditions may not have access to […]

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RFK Jr. told Congress no working scientists were fired, but these top NIH brain scientists are still facing job cuts

Some of the National Institutes of Health’s top brain scientists received layoff notices last month, weeks before Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified to Congress that no working scientists had been cut from his department. While the researchers were asked to continue working for a few more weeks in the labs […]

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U.S. drug overdose deaths dropped sharply in 2024, the largest one-year decline ever recorded

There were 30,000 fewer U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2024 than the year before — the largest one-year decline ever recorded. An estimated 80,000 people died from overdoses last year, according to provisional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Wednesday. That’s down 27% from 110,000 in 2023. Still, annual overdose deaths are higher […]

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Do COVID-19 tests still work after they expire? Here’s how to tell.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in the U.S., Americans are reviving a familiar precautionary measure: Screening for the virus using rapid at-home tests. Many people still have kits the government formerly provided to all households for free, especially as some schools and businesses again require tests. Yet different COVID-19 tests bear expiration dates on their packaging […]

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Practical ways to protect your mental health

Practical ways to protect your mental health – CBS News Watch CBS News During Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Sue Varma joins “CBS Mornings” to share strategies from her book “Practical Optimism” to help you check in with yourself. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. […]

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The growing impact of tick-borne illnesses

The growing impact of tick-borne illnesses – CBS News Watch CBS News CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss the growing impact of tick-borne illnesses and how to stay safe this summer. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now […]

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FDA’s top inspector abruptly retires

The Food and Drug Administration’s top official overseeing drug and food safety inspections told staff on Monday he has decided to leave the agency, and multiple federal health officials told CBS News it comes amid frustration from inspectors with the FDA’s new commissioner. Michael Rogers had worked for the FDA for more than three decades, […]

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National Institutes of Health lays off hundreds more staff, including at cancer research institute

The National Institutes of Health has laid off hundreds more staff, multiple current and laid-off employees of the health agency told CBS News, including at its cancer research institute. Around 200 employees began receiving layoff notices Friday evening, said three people who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The move surprised NIH officials, since the […]

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About 429,200 wireless portable phone chargers recalled after reports of fires and burns

About 429,200 Casely wireless portable phone chargers are being recalled after the company received 51 reports from consumers of the charger’s lithium-ion batteries overheating, expanding or catching fire while in use. Those reports include incidents of the power banks catching fire while being used by consumers to charge their phones, resulting in six minor burn […]

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SharkNinja recalls 1.8 million pressure cookers due to reports of second- and third-degree burns

SharkNinja is recalling 1.8 million pressure cookers due to 106 reports of burn injuries that have sparked more than two dozen lawsuits against the company, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday. About 50 of the reports cited second- or third-degree burns to consumers’ faces or bodies, the statement said. Third-degree burns, the most serious […]

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Transplant patients meet in person for the first time at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia

Transplant patients who are now part of each other had the opportunity to meet in person at a special introduction at Temple Hospital on Friday. Strangers with a special connection meet for the first time. Seventeen-year-old Evelyn Bautista, in white, now has one of Megan Bosack’s kidneys. “I feel good, I feel great,” said Bautista. […]

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Martinelli’s recalls 170,000 apple juice bottles over risk of toxic substance from fungi

Recalls for Martinelli apple juice, Mauna Loa macadamia nut products Recalls for Martinelli apple juice, Mauna Loa macadamia nut products 01:00 Martinelli’s is recalling more than 170,000 apple juice bottles because their contents may be contaminated by patulin, a toxic substance produced by some fungi.  The recall covers round glass 10-ounce bottles with white metal […]

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Health agencies “not creating an autism registry,” official says, contradicting NIH director

A Department of Health and Human Services official said Friday that the health department is not creating an autism registry, contradicting an announcement made days ago by the director of the National Institutes of Health describing his plans to study causes of autism.  “We are not creating an autism registry. The real-world data platform will […]

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Detroit-based organization leads fight for Black maternal health in Michigan

For Danielle Atkinson, motherhood didn’t just change her. It fueled a movement. During Black Maternal Health Week, a national campaign to raise awareness and improve outcomes for Black mothers, the Detroit-based organization Mothering Justice is spotlighting what happens when advocacy turns into action. “We’re not only calling for change, we’re creating it,” said Atkinson, founding […]