Stories tagged with Health, curated through a biblical lens.
A detransitioner has testified before lawmakers, sharing the story of a childhood spent believing that gender transition would heal deep pain. The testimony adds to a growing chorus of voices challenging the medicalization of gender dysphoria in minors.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. has placed the NIH director in charge of the CDC as well, consolidating control over America's top two health agencies under a single leader. The move is part of a broader reorganization that has alarmed public health experts while energizing supporters of Kennedy's health reform agenda.
Playing Tetris has been found to reduce traumatic flashbacks in healthcare workers, according to new research. The study suggests the simple puzzle game may serve as a low-cost intervention for PTSD symptoms by disrupting the brain's ability to consolidate traumatic visual memories.
New blood tests for Alzheimer's disease could transform early detection and treatment of the devastating condition. The tests, which can identify biomarkers years before symptoms appear, offer hope for earlier intervention and better outcomes for the millions of Americans at risk.
A Mississippi health system has been forced to shut down all 35 of its clinics across the state after a ransomware attack launched Thursday. The cyberattack has disrupted patient care and highlights the growing vulnerability of healthcare infrastructure to malicious actors.
Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi has revealed a cancer diagnosis and is asking fans for their prayers. The reality TV personality shared the news as she begins treatment, drawing an outpouring of support from fans and fellow cast members.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
— James 5:16
When a public figure asks for prayers in the face of illness, it's a powerful reminder that prayer remains our most direct connection to the God who heals.
The Make America Healthy Again movement is fracturing after Trump signed an executive order protecting the herbicide glyphosate from regulation. MAHA supporters who backed RFK Jr.'s health crusade are calling the movement a 'sham' after Kennedy appeared to support the order, turning on the very constituency that championed his appointment as HHS Secretary.
New research has found that adolescent cannabis use is linked to a doubled risk of developing psychotic and bipolar disorders later in life. The findings add to a growing body of evidence raising concerns about marijuana's impact on developing brains, even as legalization continues to spread across the United States.
Scientists have developed a universal nasal spray vaccine that provides protection against the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and allergies in a single treatment. If confirmed in human trials, the breakthrough could transform respiratory disease prevention by targeting the nasal passages where most airborne infections begin.
Olympic freestyle skier Nick Goepper is candid about his battle with depression that followed two previous Winter Games appearances, revealing the hidden mental health toll of elite competition. Now competing in his fourth Olympics at Milan Cortina, Goepper describes how faith and vulnerability helped him rediscover joy in the sport that once brought him to his darkest moments.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
— Psalm 34:18
Goepper's story of depression and recovery is a powerful witness that brokenness is not the end. The psalm's promise that God draws especially near to the crushed in spirit offers hope to anyone who has struggled silently under the weight of expectation.
A detransitioner shares their harrowing personal account of childhood gender transition, describing how the hormones and surgeries they received were presented as carefully considered and lifesaving — yet the risks were substantial. The testimony adds a powerful voice to the growing debate over pediatric gender medicine.
Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi has announced she has been diagnosed with cancer. The reality TV personality shared the news with fans as an outpouring of support and prayers followed the announcement.
A major study of over 463,000 adolescents found that past-year cannabis use during adolescence was associated with a significantly higher risk of developing psychotic disorders (doubled), bipolar disorder (doubled), and elevated rates of depression and anxiety. The findings come as cannabis legalization expands and teen access increases, raising urgent questions about public health messaging.
In a controversial move, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has placed the current NIH director in charge of the CDC as well, creating an unusual dual leadership role over the nation's two most prominent health agencies. The decision has renewed criticism of the director's lack of institutional leadership experience and raises questions about the administration's approach to public health infrastructure.
A large-scale study published in Nature Communications has found that the recombinant zoster (shingles) vaccine is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing dementia. The findings add to growing evidence that viral infections and the immune system play a role in neurodegenerative diseases, and suggest that a widely available vaccine could have unexpected benefits for brain health in aging populations.
A new study links air pollution directly to Alzheimer's disease risk, with stronger associations found in stroke survivors. Meanwhile, blood tests detecting proteins involved in the disease could revolutionize early detection and make treatment possible before symptoms appear.
Scientists warn of lasting environmental damage from a major sewage spill into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. While drinking water hasn't been contaminated, the ecological impact to river life could be severe.
Cambridge University researchers found that Tetris gameplay helps reduce traumatic flashbacks for frontline healthcare workers. The study adds to growing evidence that the visual-spatial demands of the classic puzzle game can disrupt the formation of intrusive memories after traumatic experiences.
Scientists at Stanford have developed a universal vaccine formula delivered intranasally that provides broad protection against a wide range of respiratory viruses, bacteria, and even allergens. The vaccine provides protection in the lungs of mice for several months, representing a potential breakthrough in respiratory disease prevention.
A new lawsuit from 'AI Injury Attorneys' alleges that ChatGPT told a college student he was 'meant for greatness' and called him 'an oracle' before the student experienced a psychotic break. The suit targets the chatbot's design itself, arguing that the AI's tendency to validate and encourage users can have dangerous psychological consequences for vulnerable individuals.
Trump's executive order declaring the weedkiller glyphosate a 'national defense priority' has fractured his Make America Healthy Again coalition. MAHA mothers who supported Trump based on RFK Jr.'s promises to address food safety and chemical exposure feel betrayed, with some saying 'women feel like they were lied to.' Kennedy has defended the order, but the backlash is growing as midterm elections approach.
A scheduled meeting of the CDC's independent vaccine advisory committee has been postponed amid efforts by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reshape federal vaccine policy. The delay raises concerns among public health experts about potential disruptions to routine immunization recommendations that protect millions of Americans.
Rising measles cases are forcing universities to rethink their vaccine strategies as the disease — once considered eradicated in the US — stages a comeback. With no standard approach to vaccine requirements, schools face a patchwork of state laws and growing skepticism. The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced new measures as outbreaks spread.
Stanford researchers have developed a breakthrough injectable treatment that can reprogram cells to regenerate damaged tissue, potentially allowing the body to regrow cartilage and other structures. The technology could transform treatment of joint injuries and degenerative conditions.
Scientists have created a three-dimensional 'heart-on-a-chip' that mimics the beating of a real heart, potentially providing a breakthrough in fighting cardiovascular disease — the world's leading cause of death. The technology could accelerate drug testing and reduce reliance on animal trials.
NYU Langone Health in Manhattan announced it will permanently end its transgender treatment program for children, citing the 'current regulatory environment' under the Trump administration. The decision reflects a broader trend of institutions pulling back from pediatric gender medicine amid increased government scrutiny.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration and current NIH director, will temporarily serve as acting CDC director following the departure of Jim O'Neill. The move continues HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s reshaping of health agency leadership.
The Food and Drug Administration reversed course on its surprise rejection of Moderna's mRNA-based influenza vaccine, agreeing to consider the company's application just a week after initially refusing it. Reports indicate the Trump administration's vaccine policy chief had overruled FDA scientists to initially reject the shot, raising questions about political interference in public health decisions.
A study finds that people who underwent one specific form of brain training in the 1990s were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the following two decades, suggesting lasting cognitive benefits from targeted mental exercises.
Former body positivity influencer Gabriella Lascano describes her journey from championing the community to becoming a pariah, telling the New York Times how the movement became radicalized and left her feeling brainwashed.
At least ten backcountry skiers remain missing after a massive avalanche swept through Castle Peak near Lake Tahoe as powerful winter storms dumped over 30 inches of snow on the Sierra Nevada, creating extremely dangerous conditions for search and rescue crews racing against time and worsening weather.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
— Psalm 121:1-2
As rescuers search the treacherous Sierra slopes, this ancient psalm of ascent reminds us where our ultimate help originates—from the God who made the very mountains now burying the lost.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will face a jury in a landmark trial testing whether social media companies bear legal responsibility for platform design features that plaintiffs say worsened mental health crises in young people—a case that could reshape the entire tech industry's liability landscape.
If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.
— Mark 9:42
As courts weigh whether social media platforms have harmed children, Christ's stern warning about those who cause young ones to stumble carries a weight that transcends any legal framework.
One of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history — more than 240 million gallons dumped into the Potomac River — has become a political flashpoint. President Trump pressured DC, Maryland, and Virginia officials to 'call politely' for federal help, while Maryland Gov. Wes Moore fired back demanding FEMA funds. The aging pipe that caused the spill may take months to repair, leaving ecological damage that could persist through most of 2026.
A major new review found that intermittent fasting may be no more effective than traditional calorie-restricted dieting for weight loss, challenging the popular diet trend's claims of superior results.
Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement to resolve thousands of US lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer. The settlement is one of the largest product liability deals in history.
A family is turning to faith and community support as their 13-year-old son battles kidney disease, desperately searching for a life-saving organ donor. 'We need help,' the family pleads as the teen's condition continues to decline.
Cocaine has made a dramatic global comeback, with production reaching record levels and having significant negative effects in the US and around the world. The boom comes as Colombia has agreed to an independent probe of rebel drug trade links, signaling the scale of the crisis across the Americas.
President Trump directed federal authorities and activated FEMA to address a massive wastewater spill in the Potomac River, calling local Democratic leaders 'incompetent.' The spill, which began January 19 when a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland collapsed, has discharged an estimated 300 million gallons of sewage into the iconic river — making it the largest such spill in U.S. history. The federal intervention comes nearly a month after the breach began and sets up a political clash between the administration and regional officials over responsibility for aging infrastructure.
Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.
— Ezekiel 47:9
Ezekiel's vision of a river that brings life wherever it flows is the opposite of what the Potomac has become. When a river that should sustain a capital city instead carries poison, it is a call to stewardship — and a reminder that restoration, both physical and spiritual, is God's business.
A Canadian case involving a husband suffering from caregiver burnout bringing his wife to be euthanized has sparked renewed debate about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). The woman had wavered about wanting euthanasia, highlighting concerns about consent and pressure. New York State legalized medical aid in dying this month, joining Canada and other jurisdictions. Christian ethicists argue there is a fundamental moral difference between killing people and allowing them to die naturally.
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
— Genesis 9:6
This verse underscores the sanctity of human life as bearing God's image, a foundational principle in Christian opposition to euthanasia. The distinction between natural death and active killing remains central to bioethical debates.
Internal Family Systems therapy has surged in popularity with many users reporting positive experiences, but the scientific evidence supporting it remains thin. IFS, which treats the mind as composed of multiple 'parts,' has no randomized controlled trials for psychiatric disorders. Critics warn the approach can be problematic for patients with eating disorders or trauma, potentially implanting false memories or causing psychological harm. While IFS may help some people develop self-compassion, experts caution that leading IFS figures promote questionable metaphysical beliefs, including literal demons, raising concerns about therapeutic practices lacking rigorous scientific validation.
New nutrition guidelines urge Americans to avoid highly-processed foods, but many people struggle to identify which carbohydrates are ultra-processed. Health experts have developed a simple test that even children can perform to determine whether common carbohydrate foods are ultra-processed. The guidance comes as growing research links ultra-processed foods to various health problems. The accessible testing method aims to help consumers make more informed dietary choices in an era of increasingly manufactured food products.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
Scripture reminds us that our dietary choices matter to God, encouraging us to steward our bodies wisely and make food decisions that honor our Creator.
The deadline to file claims in the $30 million settlement over 23andMe's data breach is rapidly approaching. Some eligible claimants may receive thousands of dollars in compensation. The breach exposed sensitive genetic and personal information, raising concerns about privacy protections in the growing DNA testing industry. The settlement represents one of the largest payouts related to genetic data security failures and highlights the risks consumers face when sharing intimate biological information with private companies.
As GLP-1 weight-loss drug usage has more than doubled since 2024, a concerning psychological side effect is emerging: extreme apathy. Clinical psychologist Dr. Sera Lavelle reports patients experiencing a 'missing spark,' losing interest in previously loved activities without clinical depression. The drugs may dampen dopamine and motivation-seeking behavior beyond just food cravings, affecting gambling, shopping, and even positive life experiences. While GLP-1s offer hope for those struggling with obesity and binge eating, experts warn about the nuanced mental health impacts that extend far beyond appetite suppression.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
— Proverbs 4:23
God's instruction to guard our hearts reminds us that pharmaceutical solutions, while potentially helpful, can never substitute for the fullness of life found in purposeful engagement with God's design for human flourishing.
A landmark California trial has begun against Meta and YouTube, with attorney Mark Lanier arguing that these tech giants deliberately built addiction machines targeting children. Fitness expert Jillian Michaels characterizes social media platforms as 'digital drugs' that exploit young users. The case examines whether Big Tech companies designed their algorithms to create compulsive usage patterns among minors, raising questions about corporate responsibility and child safety in the digital age.
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
— 1 Corinthians 6:12
Paul's warning about not being enslaved by anything speaks directly to the issue of algorithmic addiction, reminding us that true freedom requires guarding our minds and hearts against forces that seek to control our attention and desires.
Airborne health workers in Lesotho continue to bring medical care to isolated mountain communities despite ongoing budget cuts that threaten the program's future. The flying doctors use small aircraft to reach remote villages that are otherwise inaccessible, providing essential health services to underserved populations. The program has become a lifeline for communities with no other access to medical professionals.
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
— Matthew 25:36
These medical workers embody Christ's call to visit the sick, traveling to extraordinary lengths to serve those who cannot reach help on their own.
Grammy-nominated singer Montell Jordan and his wife Kristin have opened up about his battle with prostate cancer, crediting God with his healing and recovery. The couple, now serving as pastors, discussed how the health crisis deepened their faith and strengthened their marriage ahead of National Marriage Week. Jordan, best known for his 1995 hit 'This Is How We Do It,' has spoken publicly about redefining success through his Christian faith.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.
— Psalm 103:2-3
Jordan's testimony of God's healing in his cancer battle echoes David's psalm of gratitude, reminding believers to remember the Lord's faithfulness in times of physical and spiritual trial.
The death of actor James Van Der Beek from colon cancer has renewed attention on rising rates of colorectal cancer among younger adults. Medical experts are reconsidering screening guidelines as cases increasingly appear in people under the traditional recommended screening age of 45. Doctors urge individuals with symptoms or family history to discuss earlier colonoscopy screening with their healthcare providers.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation making New York the 13th jurisdiction in the United States to legalize physician-assisted suicide. The law allows terminally ill patients with a prognosis of six months or less to request life-ending medication. The decision has reignited debate about the sanctity of life, patient autonomy, and the role of medical professionals in end-of-life care.
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
— Psalm 31:15
The legalization of assisted suicide raises profound questions about who holds authority over the timing of death, a matter the psalmist entrusted entirely to God's sovereign hand.
Despite their opposing views on other public health issues, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA Commissioner David Kessler have formed an unlikely alliance to combat America's chronic disease crisis by targeting the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) loophole that allows companies to flood the market with ultraprocessed foods without rigorous government oversight. Former FDA head David Kessler warns "Over the last 40 years, the United States has been exposed to something that our biology was never intended to handle..."
Editor's Note
Eat real food.
A Chicago teenager who had publicly advocated for her father's release after he was detained by immigration officials last fall has died after battling a rare form of cancer. The girl's case drew national attention as she pleaded for her father to be at her side during treatment. The story puts a deeply personal face on the immigration enforcement debate.
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
— Psalm 34:18