Public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline in vaccination rates. Surveys show the percentage of Americans who believe vaccines are unsafe has nearly doubled since 2021 as social media users falsely claim approved vaccines cause autism, cancer or infertility. Monica Wang, associate professor of community health at Boston University, said falsehoods spread faster than the truth, with damaging results. .
It is the time of year again where it seems many Arizonans are getting sick. State data show flu and RSV cases are on the rise in the Grand Canyon State, along with other respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. Danielle Sebbens, associate director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Arizona State University, said medical professionals have started to use the term "tripledemic" to describe the severity of this year s flu season, with all three viruses hitting Arizona simultaneously. .
As the General Assembly session begins, AARP Virginia is calling on lawmakers to tackle key reforms. In particular, they re looking to establish a prescription drug affordability board. In recent years, prescription drug prices have risen much higher than the rate of inflation. .
A program has launched in New Mexico to help farmers and ranchers experiencing mental-health issues that could lead to suicide. Workload, debt, production costs those are just some of the reasons farmers and ranchers experience mental-health challenges. The "Here to Help New Mexico" program aims to boost health and wellness resources available in agricultural communities. .
Truckers and other commercial drivers see a lot while crisscrossing Indiana, which is why they are partnering with law enforcement this week to raise awareness about human trafficking. The partnerships make sense, as more than a million trucks pass through the "Crossroads of America" every day. When the big rigs stop at interstate inspection stations, drivers receive educational handouts about human trafficking. .