Effective communication is critical in public health, yet common phrases may unintentionally come across as judgmental, undermining trust and collaboration. Experts highlight five overused expressions—such as “Why don’t you just…” and “Actually…”—that can alienate colleagues or community members by implying blame or condescension. Instead, communicators are encouraged to practice curiosity, e…

Across the globe — and increasingly in the U.S. — health professionals are turning to social prescribing as a powerful complement to traditional care. This approach connects patients to activities like group cycling, music, arts, and volunteering to improve physical and mental health. As detailed in Julia Hotz’s The Connection Cure, social prescriptions have helped patients lose weight, manage…

New CDC data reveals a troubling trend: more than 30% of U.S. adolescents—an estimated 8.4 million youth ages 12–17—were considered prediabetic in 2023. This places nearly 1 in 3 teens at elevated risk for serious health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The findings, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, highlight a growing public health cha…

Effective email communication is vital for public health messaging. Research shows that subject lines offering clear value, using short (4–6 words) and simple words, and written in sentence case significantly boost open rates. Including one relevant emoji and numerals—especially odd numbers—increases engagement further. Positive tones outperform neutral or negative ones, while avoiding questi…

A new poll from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation finds broad, bipartisan support for routine childhood vaccine requirements amid a multi-state measles outbreak. Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. adults (79%)—including 90% of Democrats, 68% of Republicans, and 72% of parents—agree vaccines should be required for school entry.   Safety concerns were less common a…

As extreme heat waves hit the East Coast, public health experts warn that individuals taking common antidepressants—particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil—may face increased risks of heat intolerance and dehydration. These medications can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation and sweating res…

The FDA has elevated a recent blueberry recall to a Class I—the agency’s highest risk level—after routine testing by Alma Pak International LLC detected listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects 400 boxes (30 pounds each) shipped to a single customer in North Carolina. Class I recalls signal a reasonable probability that use of the product could cause serious health consequences or death. Li…

A new study published in Nature reveals that air pollution, traditional herbal remedies, and environmental contaminants may be contributing to lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Researchers analyzed lung tumors from 871 never-smokers across 28 regions and discovered specific DNA mutation patterns tied to high pollution exposure—many similar to those caused by tobacco use. Participan…

Measles cases in the U.S. have surged to their highest level since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, driven largely by undervaccinated communities and a major outbreak in West Texas. In 2025 alone, over 1,277 confirmed cases have been reported, surpassing the previous record from 2019. Tragically, three unvaccinated individuals have died this year. Low vaccination rates—such as in…