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Fast Company
an hour ago
- Fast Company
The healthcare crisis none of us can afford
Millions of individuals and families across the U.S. are trapped in a vicious cycle. Financial concerns like inflation and housing costs are harming their mental health, and the rising cost of healthcare—another major concern for households—is preventing them from getting the care they need. That makes all of their health problems worse, and the cycle keeps spinning faster and faster. That was the key insight from our recent survey on mental and financial health we conducted with Talker Research. About 70% of U.S. adults said their financial anxiety is at an all-time high, and 20% reported a decline in their mental health over the past year. If that weren't alarming enough, roughly 30% of people said their mental health had been negatively impacted by the cost of healthcare, or by the difficulty of accessing healthcare for themselves or a loved one. Most discouraging, despite the evident need, only 14% of people were currently seeing a therapist or psychiatrist. The top reason people cited for not getting help? Affordability, by a wide margin. Costs are rising This tangle of financial anxiety, cost-related access barriers and deteriorating mental health are a crisis in the making for all of us. When people forgo needed care or medications due to cost—as 36% of Americans recently have—their physical and mental health problems tend to get worse, which makes them more likely to end up in the emergency room or a hospital bed. This cycle is an especially acute problem in the commercial insurance market, which largely comprises employers providing health benefits to America's workforce (158 million people). Thanks in part to surging hospital prices, per-capita healthcare spending has shot up faster in the commercial market than in Medicare or Medicaid—and the cost trend is only getting steeper. Cumulative growth in per capita spending by insurance type since 2008 Employee benefits Rising costs are trickling down to individuals and families through higher premiums and copays, even though employers, to their credit, have absorbed most of the increases in recent years. In fact, in an effort to support their workforce and rein in costs, many employers have upped their investment in a wide range of health benefits—often at little or no cost to employees—to close gaps in care and guide their people toward high-quality, cost-effective support. These benefits range from mental health apps, platforms for telehealth and chronic condition management, navigation services, and much, much more. While some of these offerings do help individuals get healthier and generate cost savings, it's clear they haven't done enough to reverse the broader affordability trend. How come? Engagement is one problem. Too few employees are aware of their benefits, enroll in them, or stick with them long enough to impact their health or financial outcomes. Employee engagement is always an uphill battle, and the lack of integration in healthcare only makes it harder. Mental, physical, and financial health can't be addressed in isolation, as the recent survey findings show. But most tools and services aren't connected, making it nearly impossible for individuals to experience a seamless journey that supports all of their healthcare needs. A bigger, related problem is the fee-for-service payment model. Engagement alone—getting people to use more services—won't improve outcomes if the care isn't timely or high quality. In the commercial market, a shift toward value-based care and contracting is helping employers, employees, and healthcare partners align incentives to drive better clinical and financial results for everyone. What people really need, what they're missing most, is personalized, all-in-one healthcare that provides integrated medical and mental health support, care coordination, benefits guidance, and help with billing and claims, all of it connected by empathetic humans who are looking out for the whole person. Mind, body, wallet. Taking care of any one of these dimensions of health—and bringing down costs for everyone—requires taking care of all three. Owen Tripp is cofounder and CEO of Included Health. The early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Probiotics for kids: A parent's guide to safety, information and the best options
Once a niche topic, gut health has seen a surge in interest over the past few years, and as a parent, you're likely always on the lookout for ways to support your child's health. With science surrounding the gut microbiome regularly in the news, the role that probiotics play when it comes to kids' overall health has been getting increased attention. But with varying health claims and new formulations constantly hitting the market, many parents are left wondering: Do kids really need probiotics? Are they safe? And how do you find the best probiotic for your kid? Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut's ecosystem, known as the microbiome. This balance of gut bacteria can impact everything from digestion to immune function — it may even influence brain health and behavior, especially in kids with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder. So it's no surprise that probiotic use among American children has nearly tripled over the past two decades. As a pediatric registered dietitian, I know how important a healthy, balanced gut is for growing kids. And with nearly 1 in 4 kids struggling with ongoing tummy troubles, it's important for parents to know what treatment options are out there and which ones can truly help their little ones feel better. To get the facts about probiotics for kids, I consulted three pediatric experts, reviewed the latest research and surveyed the current probiotic market. So let's dive into when probiotics might be safe and helpful for kids, how to introduce these supplements safely and what to look for when choosing one. I also rounded up three of the best probiotic supplements for kids as a starting point to chat with your child's pediatrician about. Table of contents Are probiotics safe for kids? When probiotics may be helpful When not to give your child probiotics What to consider when choosing a probiotic for kids Best probiotic for kids FAQs Meet our experts A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Are probiotics safe for kids? The short answer: Yes. Probiotics are well-studied and generally safe for healthy children. While some kids may experience side effects like bloating, gas, nausea, constipation or a mild rash, these symptoms are usually mild and temporary. Still, this doesn't mean that probiotic supplements are always necessary or without risk. "The goal is for most children to receive probiotics naturally through foods such as yogurt, kefir and fermented vegetables. However, certain conditions affect the gut microbiome in such a way that a probiotic supplement may be helpful in reestablishing the good bacteria in the intestines," says Rinarani Sanghavi, board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center. As with other dietary supplements, probiotics aren't evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety, quality or efficacy. For this reason, it's important to talk with your child's pediatrician to help choose a kids' probiotic that is well-researched and high quality. (back to top) When probiotics may be helpful When choosing probiotics for children, it's important to look for strains that have been specifically studied in pediatric populations. Because research in children is more limited than in adults, experts tend to recommend probiotics for a narrower range of conditions than what you might see promoted on social media or for adult use. Here are some reasons your pediatrician might suggest a probiotic: After antibiotics "The most useful time to consider probiotics is in the context of taking antibiotics," says Jonathan Miller, board-certified pediatrician and division chief of Primary Care at Nemours Children's Health. He adds, "When we take antibiotics to treat an infection, the antibiotics can kill both the infection and the good bacteria in the body," which is why probiotics are often used to help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria. While research is ongoing, a slightly older review published in the Cochrane Library found that the probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii were both effective for restoring healthy digestion and improving stool consistency in kids who experienced diarrhea while taking antibiotics. Gastrointestinal infections The pediatricians we spoke with noted that probiotic supplements may be helpful for kids with gastrointestinal infections. These conditions, like gastroenteritis and C. difficile, can "upset the balance of the good bacteria in a child's intestines," says Miller. In addition to helping manage digestive symptoms, a 2021 review published in the journal Nutrients found probiotics may also reduce the risk of certain digestive infections, particularly in children with certain conditions that place added stress on the gut, like cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or certain types of cancer. While the findings are promising, more robust studies are needed to determine the most effective strains and dosages. Infant colic For infants with colic, board-certified pediatrician Jene Marie Tesoriero recommends talking to your pediatrician about whether a probiotic might be helpful. While research is limited, a 2021 review in Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics concluded that certain probiotic strains — particularly Limosilactobacillus reuteri — may help reduce crying in breastfed infants with infantile colic. However, as another review points out, there isn't enough evidence to determine whether these benefits apply to formula-fed or combination-fed babies — and even among breastfed infants, effectiveness can vary from baby to baby. It's also critical to note that probiotics may not be safe for preterm infants and should not be given to any infant without approval from a pediatrician. ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Probiotics for kids with ADHD or ASD is an emerging area of research. While larger, long-term studies are needed, a 2024 review reported that GG supplementation was associated with improvements in emotional, physical and social functioning in school-age children with ADHD. Additional strains — including L. Paracasei 37, L. Planetarium 128, L. reuteri DSM 17938 and bifidobacterium longum — have also shown potential benefits for children with ADHD or ASD, according to another review. Similarly, a 2025 review published in Nutrition Reviews found that probiotics may be helpful for improving social functioning, GI symptoms and gut health in kids with ASD. However, the authors caution that current evidence is not yet strong enough to support specific recommendations regarding strains or dosages. (back to top) When not to give your child probiotics Probiotic supplements may be helpful for some kids, but they aren't always necessary. And in some cases, these products may do more harm than good. Unless under the supervision of a health care professional, Sanghavi recommends avoiding giving probiotic supplements to: premature infants children with immature or compromised immune systems children with severe gut illnesses, such as acute pancreatitis children with a long-term IV line If you're unsure whether probiotics are safe for your child, it's always a good idea to ask your pediatrician. (back to top) What to consider when choosing a probiotic for kids "There are thousands of strains of probiotics, and a pediatrician can best help guide you with the best strain to use for your child's condition," says Sanghavi. Here are a few things to go over with your pediatrician as you decide which probiotic might be the right fit for your child: Appropriate strain(s): There is no one-size-fits-all probiotic — different strains support different symptoms and conditions. Choose a probiotic with strains that have been well-studied in children for the specific issue you're hoping to manage. Colony-forming units (CFUs): CFUs are a measure of the number of live, viable beneficial bacteria or yeast present in a supplement. There's no official guideline for how many CFUs to look for in a kids' probiotic supplement. Commonly studied doses in kids range from 1 to 10 billion CFUs, but your pediatrician can guide you on specific recommendations. Brand quality: To ensure you're choosing a high-quality probiotic, make sure probiotic strains are clearly labeled on the bottle and opt for products that are third-party tested for label accuracy by organizations like NSF or United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Choose an age-appropriate form: Just as with any medication or supplement, it's important to find a form your child will actually take. For babies, that might mean flavorless drops you can mix into a bottle. For toddlers and kids who struggle to swallow pills, look for powders you can stir into foods or kid-friendly chewables. (back to top) Best probiotic for kids If your kiddo is struggling with tummy troubles or frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation, your first plan of action should be to talk with a pediatrician or registered dietitian. They'll likely recommend making changes to your child's diet, which may include encouraging probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir. Depending on the situation, a probiotic supplement may be a safe and appropriate next step. Here are three probiotic supplements for kids to talk to your pediatrician about: (back to top) FAQs Do kids need probiotics? Probiotics can be an incredibly effective way to improve your kid's gut health, especially after a round of antibiotics or if there is an underlying digestive issue. However, not every kid needs a probiotic supplement. Most healthy kids can support gut health through eating a variety of high-fiber and probiotic-rich foods. Always speak to your child's pediatrician for guidance on when supplementation might be appropriate. What time of day should kids take probiotics? There is no "right" time to take probiotics. Current research shows no difference in a probiotic's effectiveness based on time of day or if eaten with meals. What matters more is taking it consistently and choosing the appropriate strain and dose. How can you tell if a probiotic is helping your child? For children experiencing tummy troubles or irregular bowel habits, signs that a probiotic is working may include more consistent stools or a noticeable decrease in the severity or duration of symptoms. While acute issues like diarrhea can improve within a few days, it often takes several weeks to notice meaningful effects. That's why tracking symptoms before and during probiotic use is helpful — keeping a simple log can make it easier to identify meaningful changes over time. What are some of the best probiotic foods for kids? According to Sandhavi, the best way for most healthy kids to get probiotics is through foods like yogurt, kefir and fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi. (back to top) Meet our experts Rinarani Sanghavi, MD, board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist Jene Marie Tesoriero, MD, board-certified pediatrician Jonathan Miller, MD, board-certified pediatrician (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.


Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
Prime Healthcare Achieves National Recognition for Exemplary Social Responsibility by Lown Institute
ONTARIO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 30, 2025-- Prime Healthcare has been recognized as a national leader in hospital social responsibility, with 46 of its hospitals earning 'A' grades on the 2025-26 Lown Institute Hospitals Index. Among more than 3,500 hospitals evaluated nationwide, Prime hospitals stood out for their exceptional performance in health equity, patient outcomes and value of care—key measures that reflect a hospital's impact on the communities it serves. Eight Prime hospitals earned top ranks in their states across various domains, including health equity, patient safety and community impact: The Lown Institute Hospitals Index is an independent national ranking that evaluates hospitals on more than 50 metrics across equity, value and outcomes—factors often overlooked in traditional hospital ratings. 'Hospitals are facing unprecedented political and financial challenges,' said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. 'In this uncertain environment, it's more important than ever to support the socially responsible hospitals who are delivering high-quality care to all in their community.' Prime Healthcare continues to strengthen its mission to save and improve hospitals through measurable results. The system's strong showing across the Index reflects focused investments in care quality, physician leadership and a commitment to serving vulnerable and underserved populations. 'Social responsibility and health equity are not just goals—they are a reflection of our purpose as a healthcare organization,' said Sunny Bhatia, MD, President and Corporate Chief Medical Officer of Prime Healthcare. 'It is a profound responsibility and honor to care for our communities, and I commend our caregivers for the compassion, excellence and integrity they bring to every patient encounter.' Sixteen of the hospitals recognized this year are not-for-profit facilities supported by the Prime Healthcare Foundation, reinforcing the Foundation's mission to expand access and advance health equity in underserved communities. 'We are proud of the extraordinary physicians and staff at our Foundation hospitals who bring our mission to life each day,' said Kavitha Bhatia, MD, President and Chair of the Prime Healthcare Foundation. 'Their unwavering commitment to compassionate, high-quality care ensures that dignity, respect and equity remain central to every patient experience. This recognition is a testament to their leadership and dedication.' Four Prime Healthcare hospitals earned a spot on the prestigious Lown Institute Honor Roll, receiving straight 'A' grades across all measured categories, including Social Responsibility, Health Equity, Value of Care and Patient Outcomes: The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to combine metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes for more than 2,700 acute care and 800 critical access hospitals nationwide, offering a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners. In the sixth annual rankings, the 2025-26 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on over 50 measures including novel metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity, and avoidance of overuse. Data sources include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms, among others. Full methodology can be found on the Lown Index website. The full list of the 46 Prime Healthcare/Prime Healthcare Foundation 2025-26 Lown Institute Hospitals Index awardees is as follows: Centinela Hospital Medical Center, Inglewood, CA; Chino Valley Medical Center; Chino, CA; Coshocton Regional Medical Center, Coshocton, OH; Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX; Dallas Regional Medical Center, Mesquite, TX; Desert Valley Hospital, Victorville, CA; East Liverpool City Hospital, East Liverpool, OH; Encino Hospital Medical Center, Encino, CA; Garden City Hospital, Garden City, MI; Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center, Garden Grove, CA; Harlingen Medical Center, Harlingen, TX; Huntington Beach Hospital, Huntington Beach, CA; Knapp Medical Center, Weslaco, TX; La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, La Palma, CA; Lake Huron Medical Center, Port Huron, MI; Landmark Medical Center, Woonsocket, RI; Lehigh Regional Medical Center, Lehigh Acres, FL; Lower Bucks Hospital, Bristol, PA; Mercy Medical Center, Aurora, IL; Mission Regional Medical Center, Mission, TX; Monroe Hospital, Bloomington, IN; Montclair Hospital Medical Center, Montclair, CA; North Vista Hospital, North Las Vegas, NV; Paradise Valley Hospital, National City, CA; Providence Medical Center, Kansas City, KS; Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Riverview Regional Medical Center, Gadsden AL; Roxborough Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Saint Clare's Denville, Denville, NJ; Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL; Saint Joseph Hospital, Elgin, IL; Saint Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, IL; Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital, Chicago, IL; Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, Reno, NV; Saint Michael's Medical Center, Newark, NJ; San Dimas Community Hospital, San Dimas, CA; Shasta Regional Medical Center, Redding, CA; Sherman Oaks Hospital, Sherman Oaks, CA; Southern Regional Medical Center, Riverdale, GA; St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood, CA; St. Joseph Medical Center, Kansas City, MO; St. Mary's General Hospital, Passaic, NJ; St. Mary's Hospital, Kankakee, IL; St. Mary's Medical Center, Kansas City, MO; Suburban Community Hospital, Norristown, PA; West Anaheim Medical Center, Anaheim, CA. About Prime Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 51 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 14 states, providing over 2.5 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation's leading health systems, with nearly 57,000 employees and physicians. Eighteen of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation's '100 Top Hospitals' 72 times and is one of Healthgrades most awarded health systems in the nation for patient safety. To learn more, please visit Facebook: Instagram: View source version on CONTACT: Mark Reece [email protected] (916) 303-6440 KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MANAGED CARE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PHILANTHROPY CONSUMER HOSPITALS DEI (DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION) FOUNDATION OTHER CONSUMER HUMAN RESOURCES PRACTICE MANAGEMENT RELIGION HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) SOURCE: Prime Healthcare Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/30/2025 05:45 PM/DISC: 07/30/2025 05:46 PM