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EVERYTHING
Do You *Really* Want RFK Jr. In Charge of Health Agencies?
What: The head of Donald Trump’s transition team was on CNN last night, and he spent a lot time praising RFK Jr.’s debunked theories that childhood vaccines cause autism. He also didn’t dispel the idea that they would give control of all public health agencies, from HHS to FDA to CDC, to RFK Jr. to lead should Trump win the White House a second time.
Key line: “The question of whether a link exists between childhood vaccines and autism has been exhaustively studied; none has been found to exist. The idea of putting a crackpot conspiracist in charge of America’s federal health agencies is almost too bleak to contemplate. But what’s most fascinating about this particular interview is Lutnick’s tone of childlike wonder; the vibe of: Kaitlan, you’re not going to believe this. We’re all learning the most REMARKABLE new things from RFK. Keep in mind that Lutnick is supposed to be one of the grownups in the room.”
Source: The Bulwark
OBGYN Pain Goes Beyond IUDs
What: USA Today talks to women who have gone to social media to have their pain and symptoms taken seriously for gynecological conditions. This piece goes beyond IUDs and shares the stories of women who have had fibroids removed without pain medication or endometriosis symptoms ignored for years.
Key line: “Sitting alone in an examination room, dressed only in a hospital gown, Kerry Schwartz awaited a gynecological biopsy to have a fibroid removed. She had not been briefed on what to expect for the procedure beyond a short email — there was no phone call or paperwork. When the nurse practitioner entered the room, his first question was, ‘Have you taken any pain medication?’ She said no, and he warned her: ‘It’s going to be a little uncomfortable.’ During the procedure, her body went into shock. ‘I kept telling them, ‘Oh my God, I’m in so much pain. I can’t do this,’’ she says. ‘They would go ahead and say, ‘Just breathe. We’re almost done.’’”
Source: USA Today
ABORTION ACCESS
What to Watch on Election Night
What: Jessica Valenti’s Abortion, Every Day has a detailed cheat sheet on all the abortion-related amendments and ballot measures getting a vote in ten different states on Election Day. Not only does it explain what the measures will do, it also details opposition talking points and polling.
Key line: “Abortion, Every Day will update results live on election night—bookmark this page for the latest.”
Source: Abortion, Every Day
The Truth About Later Abortions
What: The New York Times digs into the truth of late term abortions, and how they rarely happen. Reporter Kate Zernike combs through the data to explain why most late term abortions happen (hint: it’s fetal anomalies and not convenience.)
Key line: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 94 percent of abortions happen before the end of the first trimester, at or before 13 weeks. Less than 1 percent happen after 21 weeks (in the fifth month). That percentage has actually declined over the last decade, as tests now detect pregnancy earlier, and more women use abortion pills in the early weeks.”
Source: New York Times
MENOPAUSE
Lack of Sleep Due to Apnea Tied to Dementia
What: An analysis of over 18,000 adults found that signs of sleep apnea are correlated with a higher chance of having dementia, especially among women. One theory is that women with sleep apnea may have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease and insomnia, both of which can hurt cognitive functioning.
Key line: “’Estrogen starts to decline as women transition to menopause, which can impact their brains,’ said co-author Galit Levi Dunietz, Ph.D., M.P.H., an associate professor in the University of Michigan Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep Medicine. ‘During that time, they are more prone to memory, sleep and mood changes that may lead to cognitive decline. Sleep apnea increases significantly post-menopause yet remains underdiagnosed. We need more epidemiologic studies to better understand how sleep disorders in women impact their cognitive health.’”
Source: Michigan Medicine
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