Why South Carolina’s measles outbreak matters after it’s over
South Carolina says its measles outbreak has ended, but the bigger lesson is about vulnerability. Here’s what that means for families, schools, and travelers.
Author: Brian “Weence” Bateman
Brian “Weence” Bateman is a health and medical writer who covers public health updates, healthcare policy, and medical developments affecting communities across the United States. He works closely with dentists and healthcare providers and focuses on making complex medical information clear, accurate, and useful for everyday readers.
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FDA’s updated ‘healthy’ label could change what shoppers buy
The FDA has updated the rules for the voluntary “healthy” claim on food packages. Some foods may newly qualify, while others that used to carry the claim may no longer do so. The label can be a useful shortcut, but shoppers still need to check serving size, added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and the ingredient list on the Nutrition Facts panel.
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Cervical cancer screening adds self-collection option for some adults
ACOG has updated its cervical cancer screening guidance to include a patient-collected sample option for high-risk HPV testing in some average-risk adults ages 30 to 65. The change may help people who have had trouble getting screened, but it does not replace follow-up care or every other screening approach.
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FDA early alerts are reaching device problems sooner
The FDA is using Early Alerts to warn the public faster about some potentially serious medical device problems. If a device, kit, or lot you use is named in a notice, the safest next step is to read the FDA and manufacturer instructions closely and follow the device-specific guidance.
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CDC’s updated respiratory-virus guidance: who should get flu, COVID and RSV shots now
CDC says some older adults and higher-risk adults should get a one-time RSV shot, COVID-19 vaccination for 2025–2026 is based on age and shared decision-making, and flu planning is already underway for the 2026–2027 season. For families, caregivers, schools, and workplaces, the practical message is simple: stay current, think about timing, and ask a trusted clinician what fits your age and risk.
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Do you need Lp(a) testing? New heart-risk guidance changes the conversation
The American Heart Association’s new dyslipidemia guidance puts lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), on more clinicians’ radar. For many adults, the test is meant to refine heart-risk assessment — not replace a standard cholesterol panel or by itself tell you whether you need treatment. That matters because Lp(a) is usually inherited, often does not cause symptoms, and is not checked on routine cholesterol tests. The new guidance says a one-time measurement may help identify people whose risk is higher than their usual LDL cholesterol result suggests.
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ACA Marketplace enrollment stayed high, but subsidy changes may raise costs
More than 23 million people selected or were automatically re-enrolled in ACA Marketplace coverage for 2026, according to CMS. But for many households, the end of enhanced pandemic-era savings on December 31, 2025, may mean higher monthly premiums even while enrollment remains strong.
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Bicillin L-A shortage continues, with CDC prioritizing pregnancy treatment
The Bicillin L-A shortage is still ongoing, and CDC says limited supplies should be preserved for pregnant patients whenever possible. Here’s what that means for syphilis treatment access, temporary alternatives, and what to do if a pharmacy cannot fill a prescription.
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Raw dairy E. coli outbreak gives families a clear food-safety warning
A multistate E. coli outbreak tied to raw cheddar cheese is a reminder that unpasteurized dairy can carry harmful germs. Families should check their refrigerators, follow recall guidance, and watch for warning signs of foodborne illness.
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FDA updates the meaning of ‘healthy’ on food labels
The FDA has updated when food packages can use the word “healthy.” That does not mean the claim tells the whole nutrition story — shoppers still need to check serving size, sodium, added sugars, and the full Nutrition Facts panel.
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CMS’s April 2026 drug prior authorization proposal could speed reviews
CMS has proposed a rule that would extend electronic prior authorization to certain drugs covered under a medical benefit. It would not take effect right away, and most patients would not feel the change until at least 2027 if the rule is finalized.
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FDA’s March 2026 device shortage update: what it may mean for care
The FDA’s March 13 update added two device categories, removed one, and extended several shortage timelines. Most patients will not be affected, but hospitals, clinics, and surgeons may need to adjust planning when a device on the list is part of a scheduled procedure.
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Measles surveillance in 2026: what the latest CDC data mean for families, schools, and workplaces
CDC’s 2026 measles surveillance shows the disease is still spreading in U.S. outbreaks, not just isolated cases. That matters for families, schools, and workplaces because measles spreads very easily indoors, and even small gaps in vaccination coverage can leave communities vulnerable. The latest national count is still changing as health departments investigate and report new cases. Here’s what the numbers show, why school vaccination levels matter, and what readers can do after a possible exposure.
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More U.S. children and adults can benefit from earlier diabetes screening
Diabetes can develop quietly, and prediabetes is common enough that many people may be at risk without realizing it. New CDC guidance also emphasizes earlier type 1 diabetes screening for some people with higher risk, including children.
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CMS’s April 1 hospital price transparency rule, explained
CMS began enforcing updated hospital price transparency requirements on April 1, 2026. The rule is meant to make hospital pricing files and shoppable-service estimates easier to find and more useful, but it does not guarantee a simple or lower bill.
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Self-collected HPV testing is now an option for some patients
New 2026 guidance adds self-collected high-risk HPV testing as a screening option for some average-risk adults ages 30 to 65. The change could make cervical cancer screening easier for people who face time, comfort, or access barriers, but clinics still need the right workflow and follow-up system in place.
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Many Older Adults With Dementia May Be Taking Higher-Risk Meds
A new JAMA study highlighted by NIH suggests many older adults with dementia are prescribed at least one brain- or nervous-system-active medication that may raise the chance of confusion, falls, or other problems. The finding does not mean these drugs should never be used, but it does show why medication review matters for families and caregivers.
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CMS proposal could speed drug prior authorization for patients
CMS has proposed a rule to move more drug prior authorization into electronic workflows and standardize how plans handle requests. If finalized, the change could make some pharmacy delays shorter and denials easier to track, but the rule is still only proposed.
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Children’s ibuprofen recall: what parents should do now
A nationwide recall of children’s ibuprofen bottles may sound alarming, but federal regulators say the chance of serious harm is remote. The practical next step is simple: check the bottle details against the FDA recall notice before using it again.
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Raw milk and raw cheese are back in the spotlight as E. coli grows
Federal health officials say a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese is still under investigation, and they are warning consumers not to eat recalled products. Here is what is known so far, why raw dairy can carry higher risk, and what families should do next.
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Why fiber helps you feel full — and how to add more without stomach upset
Fiber can help you feel satisfied after meals, support digestion, and lower the chance of constipation. The key is to add it slowly and drink enough fluids so your stomach has time to adjust.
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FDA’s updated “healthy” food label: what shoppers should know now
The FDA has updated the definition of “healthy” on food packages, and the new rule is meant to better match current nutrition guidance. For shoppers, the label can be a helpful shortcut — but it is not a stand-alone measure of whether a food fits your overall diet.
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