Health

The Biden Administration's EPA has determined that formaldehyde, present in car emissions and hair relaxers, poses an 'unreasonable risk' to public health. The Trump administration is anticipated to contest this assessment, potentially reversing environmental protections and adversely affecting urban Black and Brown communities.

The American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update reveals that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes contributing to the increase in cardiovascular disease and mortality rates.

President Donald Trump has revoked a Biden administration directive on prescription drugs, potentially increasing drug costs for millions of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, while also reversing measures aimed at simplifying Medicaid enrollment and obtaining insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Altadena, California, has been significantly impacted by the Eaton Fire, resulting in over 7,000 structures being damaged or destroyed and numerous residents displaced, including the Syms family, who have lost their home and many of their possessions.

The FDA has prohibited red dye No. 3 in food, beverages, and ingested drugs, following advocacy groups' petition citing cancer links in animals.

Alisia McCullough's book "Reclaiming the Black Body — Nourishing the Home Within" examines the effects of racism, stress, and anti-Black racism on the physical and mental health of Black women and femmes, advocating for culturally competent mental health care providers.

Full-body deodorants are gaining traction, incorporating powdery components for sweat absorption and fragrances to mask odor. Some formulations include antimicrobial agents to combat odor-causing bacteria. Experts, however, advise caution, noting potential skin irritation and questioning their necessity.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has implemented new rules barring unpaid medical debts from credit reports, enhancing the financial standing of millions pursuing credit cards, mortgages, or auto loans.

Overdose deaths among Black men aged 55 and older have surged nearly fivefold from 2015 to 2023, while the overall drug overdose rate for whites has declined, underscoring the disparities in healthcare access and treatment for Black communities.

Alishia McCullough's new book, "Reclaiming The Black Body, Nourishing the Home Within", examines the effects of racism on Black individuals' food and body image, and how systemic anti-Blackness in healthcare has led to eating disorders within the Black community.