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…
Legionnaires’ disease after a hotel stay: Do you need antibiotics or testing?
If your hotel was linked to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, you usually don’t need preventive antibiotics. Watch for symptoms for about 2–14 days, and get care promptly if pneumonia-like illness starts.
CMS (July 14, 2026) on CHNV parole terminations: Medicaid/CHIP Oct. 1, 2026
A July 14, 2026 CMS/CMCS bulletin explains why DHS CHNV parole terminations can trigger Medicaid and/or CHIP eligibility re-determinations—what states must do before adverse action, and why Oct. 1, 2026 matters for payment of “full” benefits for certain noncitizens.
Recalled GreenWise Frozen Blueberries Linked to E. coli: What to Do
If you ate recalled GreenWise frozen whole blueberries or whole mixed berries sold at Publix, FDA and CDC say not to eat the product and to watch closely for E. coli symptoms. Severe diarrhea can rarely lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which…
When Can My Child Return to School After a Respiratory Virus? The 24-Hour Fever-Free Rule (and What to Do for 5 More Days)
If your child has respiratory-virus symptoms, stay home until symptoms are getting better overall and there’s been at least 24 hours with no fever—without fever-reducing medicine. Then, for the next 5 days, use added precautions (cleaner air, hygiene, and mask/distancing/testing as appropriate) to…
New Heart Failure Definition: What It Changes for Symptoms, Care
A new multi-society “Second Universal Definition of Heart Failure” updated June 29, 2026 aims to standardize how heart failure risk and staging are documented—especially earlier, prevention-focused “pre–heart failure” planning. For patients, the core message stays the same: treat new or severe symptoms as…
Intermittent metformin after gestational diabetes: what July 2026 data suggest
A July 2026 randomized non-inferiority trial found that intermittent, “as-needed” metformin plus lifestyle prevented type 2 diabetes about as well as continuous metformin over 3 years in postpartum people with prediabetes. The study also reported fewer vitamin B12 deficiencies with the intermittent approach—while…
Oral Cancer Screening: What Adults Should Ask at Every Dental Visit
“Feeling fine” doesn’t always mean the mouth is fine. Learn what oral cancer screening looks like at a routine dental visit, why biopsy/referral still matters, and what to ask—especially if you’re offered adjunct tools like cytology or vital staining.
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: $50/month eligibility and Part D cost rules
Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare begins a temporary “GLP-1 Bridge” for some people with Medicare Part D. Eligible beneficiaries can get certain weight-loss GLP-1 drugs for a predictable $50 copay per month through Dec. 31, 2027—through a pathway that doesn’t work like standard…
Prior Authorization Decision Deadlines for Medicare Advantage and Medicaid (2026)
Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans covered by CMS-0057-F must make prior authorization decisions faster—72 hours for urgent (expedited) requests and 7 calendar days for standard requests. CMS also requires more specific denial reasons, so patients and clinicians can respond…
Breast Biopsy Needle Shortage: What the FDA and ACR Say Patients Should Ask About
The FDA says interruptions in stereotactic breast biopsy needle supply are expected to continue through the end of Q1 2027. If your biopsy is delayed, use this checklist—based on FDA and ACR guidance—to ask about timing, prioritization, and backup options.
CDC Wastewater Update: How to Read COVID, Flu & RSV “Viral Activity Levels”
CDC’s weekly wastewater “viral activity levels” (very low, low, moderate, high, very high) help describe community virus activity for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Here’s what “very low” or “low” generally means—and the practical prevention steps families can keep doing.
