Outdoor access is essential for public health, study says
Why it matters: The findings from a recent study out of Oregon State highlight how access to parks, greenways and tree-lined streets — an area where Portland excels — buffered Americans' mental health during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By the numbers: Researchers found that 68% of respondents said "near-home" activities like walking or gardening constituted their most frequent outdoor diversions.
And walking alone accounted for 57% of all outdoor recreation.
Zoom in: That highlights the importance of access to green spaces, of which Portland has many.
A recent analysis from the Trust for Public Land (TPL) found that 89% of Portland residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
Yes, but: Researchers also found that the pandemic sharply reduced outdoor recreation among adults, particularly among minorities and people worried about their finances.
The TPL analysis also found Portlanders in neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of people of color have access to 62% less park space than residents of white neighborhoods.
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CNBC
8 minutes ago
- CNBC
Healthy Returns: Medicare, Medicaid will reportedly pilot covering obesity drugs – a potential win for drugmakers
For once, the Trump administration may be giving some drugmakers a reason to celebrate. The Trump administration is planning to experiment with covering costly weight loss drugs under Medicare and Medicaid, the Washington Post reported on Friday. That plan could expand access to millions of Americans with obesity who can't currently afford Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound, blockbuster GLP-1 drugs that cost around $1,000 per month before insurance. In a statement to CNBC about the plan, the Department of Health and Human Services said all drug coverages undergo a "cost-benefit review." The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services "does not comment on potential models or coverage," the department added. The reported plan – if it ultimately takes effect – would be a huge win for Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and many Americans. Spotty insurance coverage of obesity drugs remains the biggest barrier to access for patients – and it's choking broader uptake and revenue growth for the two pharmaceutical giants. Many health plans, including Medicare, cover GLP-1s for treatment of diabetes, but not obesity. Medicaid coverage of obesity drugs is limited and varies by state, according to health policy research organization KFF. But it's important to remember that this plan isn't exactly new. In November, the Biden administration proposed having Medicare and Medicaid cover obesity treatments, which would have extended access to roughly 3.4 million Medicare beneficiaries and about 4 million Medicaid recipients. The proposal was controversial at the time, as it would cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade, a congressional analysis found. The Trump administration dropped that proposal in April, but said it could reconsider coverage of those drugs in the future. Let's get into what the newest reported iteration of the plan looks like. Under the Trump administration's reported pilot plan, state Medicaid programs and Medicare Part D plans would be able to voluntarily choose to cover Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound for patients for "weight management" purposes. That's according to several Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services documents obtained by the Post. The plan is expected to start in April 2026 for Medicaid and January 2027 for Medicare plans, the Post reported. It's unclear how exactly the plan will play out, Jared Holz, Mizuho health care equity strategist, said in a note to clients on Friday. Holz said he expects the government to put some coverage parameters in place related to factors like age, body weight, body mass index and other comorbidities, or coexisting chronic health conditions. He also said the pricing of the drugs will be a "major consideration." Holz said he expects the government to pay less than the current list prices of drugs. But having that coverage would expand access and could help drive higher sales volumes, he noted. Another factor to consider is how much the government is willing to crack down on so-called compounding pharmacies, which are allowed in rare cases to sell cheaper, unapproved versions of GLP-1s. The pharmaceutical industry fiercely opposes those knock-off GLP-1s, as their safety and efficacy aren't vetted by regulators and they are, in some cases, illegally sold at scale. Holz said the industry's complaints to the government about compounded GLP-1s have so far "not been met with a widespread shut-down." But overall, Holz said the Trump administration's reported willingness to consider covering obesity drugs is "a slight positive as far as industry sentiment." It's definitely a breath of fresh air for Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and other drugmakers – including Amgen, Roche, AstraZeneca and Pfizer – that are hoping to bring their own obesity drugs to market. The last six months have been anything but smooth for the broader industry: The Trump administration has ratcheted up calls for drugmakers to lower U.S. drug prices, overhauled federal health agencies and could impose sweeping tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the country any day now. We'll keep watching to see whether this plan gets implemented, so stay tuned for our coverage! Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to Annika at After reporting its second straight earnings miss and guidance cut, UnitedHealth Group completed its executive sweep by replacing CFO John Rex. Executives on the earnings call admitted to mis-execution in Medicare Advantage and pledged to get back to profitability and win back investor trust. Nearly two years ago it was CVS Health under pressure, after profits in the company's Aetna health insurance division were torpedoed by low Medicare Advantage Star quality ratings. This week, CVS beat and raised its outlook on the strength of its MA program. CEO David Joyner, now one year into the job, told me he feels good about the turnaround at Aetna and its Medicare business. On top of that, the company saw market share gains in its stores, thanks in part to winning over Rite Aid customers. Humana, similarly, has seen progress on its turnaround, but CFO Celeste Mellet told me that all insurers are grappling with pricing plans for next year amid high medical costs. One big cost driver right now, Mellet told CNBC, is oncology drugs, as some expensive therapies are now being used in combination. The next moment of truth for the Medicare Advantage players will come over the next six weeks – when they'll learn the fate of their Star ratings for 2026 plans. Long-time health-care executive Dr. Marc Harrison has stepped down as CEO of General Catalyst's Health Assurance Transformation Company, or HATCo, and has moved into a strategic advisor role, CNBC has confirmed. The venture capital firm brought in Harrison and announced the formation of HATCo in 2023. In a release at the time, General Catalyst said the company would work closely with health system partners, and that it would eventually acquire and operate its own health system. Months later, HATCo announced its plans to buy Summa Health, a nonprofit integrated health system in northeast Ohio. Under its new structure, Summa would become a for-profit organization, and General Catalyst said it would introduce new tech-enabled solutions that aim to make care more accessible and affordable. Buying a health system is an unprecedented move in the venture industry, and the deal wasn't well received by some members of the Ohio community. Hundreds signed a petition urging Summa to remain a nonprofit and to halt negotiations with HATCo. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost conditionally approved the deal in June, though he outlined a number of "enforceable commitments" as part of the agreement. HATCo will have to notify the Attorney General of transactions that could trigger antitrust concerns for 10 years after the deal closes, for instance. Harrison went to medical school in the late 1980s and has spent most of his career within health systems, most recently as CEO of Intermountain Healthcare. General Catalyst told CNBC that Harrison will continue to provide the firm's CEO, Hemant Taneja, with clinical insights and will remain connected to its ecosystem in his new role. "It became increasingly clear to both Marc and to us that Marc's role would best be accomplished as a strategic advisor to Hemant Taneja as we bring that ambition and vision to life," a General Catalyst spokesperson said. Daryl Tol, the head of General Catalyst's Health Assurance Ecosystem, was promoted to president of HATCo, the spokesperson said. He will spearhead the firm's day-to-day- work with Summa Health leadership. General Catalyst has also appointed Kate Walsh, the former Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services, to HATCo's board. In addition, she will serve as the chair of the board at Summa Health once the transaction closes. "We are grateful for Marc's leadership and collaboration as co-founder and CEO to help get us to this point in the evolution of HATCo, and we look forward to leveraging his invaluable perspective as we continue to progress," the spokesperson said.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
What is Legionnaires' disease and how do you get it? Pneumonia-like outbreak sweeps Harlem, killing two
City health officials are sounding the alarm as a Legionnaires' disease outbreak spreads through Harlem, killing two New Yorkers and sickening at least 58 others. The pneumonia-like illness, first detected on July 25, has been reported in zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039, as well as and neighboring communities. 'The risk to most people is low, but if you live or work around these ZIP codes and have flu-like symptoms, see a health care provider right away,' the New York City Health Department urged. Here's everything you need to know about the potentially deadly infection. 4 Legionnaires' disease is most commonly reported in the summer and early fall. Tetiana – What is Legionnaires' disease? It's a severe form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria infecting the lungs. Though considered rare, Legionnaires' disease is on the rise in the US, with reported cases increasing nine-fold since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, an estimated 8,000 to 18,000 Americans are hospitalized with the infection, but experts believe the true number is likely much higher because many cases going undiagnosed. How do you get Legionnaires'? While legionella can be found naturally in lakes, streams and soil, it can turn deadly when it grows in man-made water systems. The bacteria often thrives in places like cooling towers, decorative fountains, whirlpools, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks and large air-conditioning systems, city officials said. Most people catch Legionnaires' disease by inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with legionella, often from sources like shower spray or accidentally breathing in water while drinking, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 4 The disease is typically transferred through water supplies contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The good news: It doesn't spread from person-to-person. In regards to the Harlem outbreak, city health officials have pointed to cooling towers as the likely source, with 11 of them testing positive for legionella. These towers help regulate temperatures in cooling systems like central air conditioning and refrigeration. Officials reassured residents in the affected zip codes that their tap water is safe to drink, and they can continue bathing, showering, cooking and using air conditioning at home. As of August 4, all 11 contaminated cooling towers have been cleaned and cleared, the health department confirmed. What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease? Symptoms usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic. The infection often starts with a headache, muscle pain and fever that can climb as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. 4 Once in the lungs, Legionella bacteria can cause inflammation and damage, leading to pneumonia. Axel Kock – Within a few days, symptoms can get worse and may include: A cough that sometimes produces mucus or blood Shortness of breath Chest pain Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Confusion or other mental changes Legionnaires' disease primarily targets the lungs but can also lead to infections in wounds and other areas of the body, including the heart. A milder form, known as Pontiac fever, causes fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Unlike Legionnaires', Pontiac fever does not affect the lungs and typically resolves within a week. Can it be treated? Fortunately, antibiotics can clear the infection and are usually paired with rest, fluids and, in severe cases, oxygen to help ease symptoms. 4 Legionnaires' disease is a growing problem in the US and around the globe. Getty Images 'Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin,' Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said. With prompt treatment, most people make a full recovery, although it may take a few weeks to feel completely back to normal. The overall fatality rate for Legionnaires' disease is about 10%, but it's higher among hospitalized patients, seniors and those with underlying health conditions. When was NYC's last outbreak? Out of the city's 8.5 million residents, between 200 and 700 are diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease each year, according to the health department. Areas hit hardest tend to have older populations and higher poverty rates. The last major outbreak happened in summer 2022, when at least five people died at a Manhattan nursing home. It was the city's deadliest Legionnaires' incident since 2015, when a contaminated Bronx cooling tower was linked to 16 deaths — sparking a wave of new regulations aimed at preventing future outbreaks.
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
UB Neurosurgery and Ambulatory Neurosurgery Center (ANSC™) in partnership with NOVA Neuro, Awarded First-of-Its-Kind Grant to Decode Brain Aneurysm Risk Powered by Artificial Intelligence
BUFFALO, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a historic fusion of cutting-edge, powerful artificial intelligence (AI), neurotechnology, and neuroscience, University at Buffalo Neurosurgery (UBNS) and ANSC™ has been awarded $144,500 grant to launch the world's first multi-omics research initiative aimed at predicting the risk and rupture potential of intracranial aneurysms (IA) using artificial intelligence. This is the first grant in the world to apply powerful AI to study brain aneurysms, integrating clinical and molecular data using proprietary multimodal models powered by high-performance computing. Share NOVA Neuro, in partnership with UB Neurosurgery, ANSC™, and Prima Mente – a breakthrough precision multi-comics neuroscience company – has assembled a multidisciplinary team integrating clinical and molecular data using proprietary multimodal models powered by high-performance computing. This model will drive and accelerate predictive modelling developing the world's first personalized aneurysm rupture risk assessment tool. Leveraging methodologies pioneered by world leaders in AI-driven precision biology and neural modeling, this project represents a new frontier in brain health prediction. This is the first grant in the world to apply powerful AI to study brain aneurysms by analyzing a wide range of biological data, including genes, proteins, and other molecular information. 'This isn't just research – it's a movement to finally answer the question every family member of an aneurysm patient asks: 'Am I at risk?'' explains Elad I. Levy, MD, MBA, FAANS, FACS, Chair of Neurosurgery at UBNS, ANSC™ Head of Research, Co-PI. 'With an AI-driven, data-intensive approach, we hope to unlock the neurogenomics of rupture before it's too late,' explains Rosalind Lai, MD, FAANS, UBNS Attending, Co-PI. An estimated 6.5 million Americans (1 in 50), live with an unruptured brain aneurysm. Women are disproportionately affected, and the risk triples when a first-degree relative has had an aneurysm. Brain aneurysm ruptures lead to death in 50% of cases. No diagnostic tools exist to stratify risk using biological data. This project seeks to change that. The Missy Project was founded by Mary and Enidio Magel after their 12-year-old daughter Marisa 'Missy' Magel passed away suddenly while at summer camp. 'Missy's name and legacy lives on through this project, which has the potential to protect countless families from enduring the pain, we did. It's a promise to her, and a hope for others,' said Mary Magel, Executive Director of The Missy Project and Missy's mother. 'This incredible grant represents our deepest hope, to spare another family from what the Magel's endured,' says Aimee C. de Gaetano, PhD (ABD), MPH, RD, Co-Founder NOVA Neuro, ANSC™ Emerging Technologies, Co-PI. 'To honor her legacy, our goal is to name the predictive risk model after Missy.' 'For too long, families affected by brain aneurysms have lived in uncertainty, with no clear way to understand their risk to take preventive action. This research is a critical step toward changing that reality,' says Craig Kemper, MD, FAANS, FACS, Neurosurgeon, Sub-PI, Missy Project Medical Advisory Board Member. This initiative sets a new precedent in how neurological conditions, like intracranial aneurysms, may be predicted. 'For the first time, we have the ability to combine biological and clinical signals to model the hidden processes that drive aneurysm rupture,' said Ravi Solanki, CEO of Prima Mente. This collaboration has attracted significant attention from the international scientific community and investors for its bold convergence of AI, precision medicine, and compassionate neuroscience. About UB Neurosurgery (UBNS) and ANSC™ global leader, pioneer in neurosurgical innovation, first full-service outpatient neurosurgery center, and clinical research leader. About NOVA Neuro a division of Alts Ventures, advancing neurological conditions, brain health, and patient outcomes through data, discovery, cutting-edge innovation and disruptive technologies.
