Local Health Alerts
This Is Why Prescription Drugs Are So Expensive
High U.S. prescription drug costs are driven by a lack of price regulation, patent monopolies, and complex supply chain mechanics involving pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that incentivize high list prices. Infographics highlight that these factors, combined with extensive marketing spend over R&D, lead…
Long COVID Brain Fog: When to Ask About Cognitive Rehab (Trial Data + Next Steps)
If your “brain fog” symptoms have lasted 4+ weeks after COVID, U.S. guidance supports talking with a clinician about evaluation and support. A new randomized trial in JAMA Network Open found goal-focused cognitive rehab delivered by telehealth improved participants’ self-reported goal attainment, while…
Cetirizine Recall: Check Lots and Get Help for Anaphylaxis Symptoms
The FDA says four lots of cetirizine 5 mg tablets may be contaminated with ranitidine. Check your bottle’s NDC and lot number, and know the emergency signs of a serious allergic reaction—especially if you’ve had reactions to ranitidine.
No Surprises Act Update (July 2026): What CMS’ $15 IDR Fee Rules Mean
CMS’ mid-July 2026 notice clarifies the federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) administrative fee for certain No Surprises Act disputes. For disputes initiated on or after June 11, 2026, the federal IDR fee is $15 per party per dispute—plus practical steps if you receive…
FDA Recall: Baxter Cefazolin IV Bags With Cardboard Particles—Next Steps
FDA says Baxter is voluntarily recalling one lot of cefazolin in dextrose IV bags after cardboard-like particles were found in the solution. If you still have the product, stop using it and return it as instructed. If you received it during surgery, contact…
CDC Update: Overall Respiratory Illness Is Very Low, but PIV and Pertussis Are Up
CDC’s July 24, 2026 snapshot says overall acute respiratory illness needing care is very low—but it also flags elevated parainfluenza (PIV) activity and ongoing pertussis (whooping cough) circulation. Here are calm, practical steps families and schools can take now, plus when to seek…
FDA cleared an OTC CGM for kids: using glucose trends safely
On June 12, 2026, the FDA cleared the first over-the-counter (OTC) continuous glucose monitor for children (age 2+ who do not use insulin). Here’s how parents can use glucose trends around meals and activity responsibly—without overreacting to single readings or making unsafe medication…
GreenWise Frozen Blueberries Recall: E. coli Symptoms & When to Get Help
If you ate recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries (10 oz, lot 60401, best by Feb. 9, 2028), know when symptoms may start (often 3–4 days) and which signs—especially dehydration and HUS—mean you need medical help right away.
Long COVID Brain Fog Trial: Telehealth Goal Rehab Results
A new randomized trial tested a remote, individualized “goal-focused” cognitive rehab program for adults with long COVID–related cognitive impairment (often called “brain fog”). Participants reported better functional goal attainment after treatment, with benefits still seen at 6 months. But the trial did not…
Hospital Price Transparency Enforcement: What CMS Tracks—and What It Can’t Predict
CMS’s hospital price transparency enforcement is tied to updated 2026 requirements, and CMS publishes enforcement outcomes in a public dataset. Here’s how to read those warnings and penalty pathways—and how to use posted prices responsibly when estimating costs.
FDA Recall: Check Cetirizine Bottle for Ranitidine Cross-Contamination
FDA says four lots of cetirizine 5 mg tablets were recalled because of possible ranitidine cross-contamination. Check your lot number, stop if it matches, and call 911 for signs of anaphylaxis.
Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Recalled Lettuce: What Families Should Do
CDC, FDA, and state partners are investigating a Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce in 9 states. If your household ate the recalled shredded lettuce, here’s what to watch for and what to do now.
