Smile Pleasant Hill ,
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CDC’s Latest H5 Bird Flu Update: What’s Known, What’s Not, and Why Person-to-Person Spread Still Matters
H5 bird flu continues to affect U.S. poultry and dairy herds, with a limited number of human cases linked to animal exposure. Here’s what the CDC says about current risk, symptoms to watch for, and why experts remain focused on preventing person-to-person spread.
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500+ Hospitals Got Price-Transparency Warnings. What Patients Should Know
Federal officials have warned more than 500 hospitals since April as CMS enforces updated 2026 price-transparency rules. The posted data may help with planned care shopping, but it still is not the same as your personal out-of-pocket cost.
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Should you ask for a one-time Lp(a) cholesterol test?
A March 2026 heart guideline says adults should have lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), measured at least once as part of cardiovascular risk assessment. That does not mean everyone needs urgent testing, but it does give many adults a reason to ask whether this separate blood test has ever been done.
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Sacramento, CA Dental Health Campaigns: Community Efforts to Improve Oral Health
This article outlines the dental health campaigns active in Sacramento, California, showing how local clinics, schools, nonprofits, and city programs collaborate to prevent dental disease through education, screenings, and access to affordable care. It describes practical services such as free or low-cost screenings, fluoride varnish programs for children, school-based outreach, and care navigation to help residents connect with dentists. The key value for patients and caregivers is clear: reliable information, easier access to preventive and treatment services, and actionable steps to maintain oral health. For those seeking trustworthy health information, the piece also highlights resources and opportunities to participate in community efforts to improve Sacramento’s oral-health outcomes.