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Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
B.C. nurse gets suspension, fines for comments about transgender people
VANCOUVER — A British Columbia nurse has been suspended and fined nearly $94,000 in costs for making 'discriminatory and derogatory statements' about transgender people. The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives says a disciplinary panel has issued a decision against Amy Hamm, suspending her for one month, while also ordering her to pay the college costs and disbursements within two years. The panel said in its verdict in March that Hamm committed professional misconduct for making statements across 'various online platforms' between July 2018 and March 2021 that were partly designed 'to elicit fear, contempt and outrage against members of the transgender community.' The college says Hamm has filed an appeal of the discipline order in B.C. Supreme Court, and the decision on penalty and costs is stayed until that appeal has been resolved. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms says in a release that Hamm was penalized for "her statements defending the right of women to access female-only spaces." The release says Hamm had worked in health care for more than 13 years and had been promoted to be a nurse educator. Lisa Bildy, Hamm's lawyer, says in a statement that they believe the panel made "legal and factual errors" in reaching its decision, which penalizes the nurse for expressing "mainstream views aligned with science and common sense." Hamm says in the statement that her comments are not hateful. "I'm appealing because biological reality matters, and so does freedom of expression," she says. The college says in its notice of the penalty decision that the verdict is an "important statement against discrimination." "Nurses and midwives occupy a position of trust and influence in our society," the notice says. "The college will continue to stand up against discrimination and believes it is a core aspect of our public protection mandate to ensure nurses uphold the important principle that the health care system is non-discriminatory." The announcement comes nearly a month after the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announced it had filed two complaints with the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2025. The Canadian Press
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The Essential Nutrient Women Over 60 Are Missing Out On, According to Dietitians
Medically reviewed by Kelly Plowe, M.S., RD Key Points Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for women over 60, yet it's a common deficiency in this age group. In older women, vitamin D supports bone, muscle and hormone health as well as the immune system. Protein, vitamin B12 and calcium are also important nutrients for this age group. As we age, our nutritional needs evolve—and for women over 60, vitamin D often tops the list of priorities. This fat-soluble nutrient supports bone strength, muscle function, hormone balance and immune health, yet vitamin D deficiency is common in this age group., In this article, registered dietitians share why vitamin D is the number one nutrient for healthy aging, plus simple ways to get enough from food, supplements and safe sun exposure. Why Older Women Need Ample Vitamin D Vitamin D is involved in hundreds of processes that help keep your body strong and resilient as you age. Aging women need to meet their needs because deficiencies become more common and can contribute to age-related declines in health. Health experts recommend that adults over 50 aim for 600–800 IU (15–20 mcg) of vitamin D each day. Supports Bone Health and Prevents Fractures After menopause, bone health becomes exponentially important as the natural decline in estrogen can accelerate bone loss. 'Vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium to keep bones strong. When levels are too low for too long, bones can weaken, increasing the risk of osteoporosis,' says Avery Zenker, RD. 'Osteoporosis is more common in postmenopausal women than in any other population, but adequate vitamin D intake can help reduce your risk.' Research shows that combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation significantly increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and reduced hip fracture risk. Supports Strong, Healthy Muscles 'When people think of vitamin D, they often think of bones, but it's just as important for muscles,' says Samantha DeVito, M.S., RD, CDN. We have vitamin D receptors in our muscle tissue, and when those receptors are activated, they help with muscle contraction and coordination. 'That means better balance, increased strength and fewer falls, which is critical as we age,' DeVito adds. A study found that low vitamin D levels are a significant risk factor for sarcopenia—a loss of muscle mass and strength common with aging. Study researchers found that adequate vitamin D intake may help preserve muscle function, reduce weakness and lower fall risk in older adults. Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels—through nutrient-rich foods, sun exposure or supplements—can help women over 60 stay strong, mobile and independent. Supports Healthy Hormone Function Vitamin D supports several key hormones. It regulates parathyroid hormone (PTH) to protect bones, improves how your body responds to insulin for better blood sugar control and supports thyroid function by helping convert inactive T4 into its active form, T3., , 'After 60, estrogen declines and the body makes less vitamin D, creating a 'double hit' to hormone balance,' says Patricia Bannan, M.S., RDN. Bannan explains that maintaining optimal levels 'helps keep bones strong, muscles active, mood steady and the endocrine system running smoothly.' Low vitamin D can raise PTH, accelerate bone loss, worsen insulin resistance and contribute to thyroid issues, especially autoimmune conditions., 'It's also linked to mood changes, sleep problems, inflammation, and weaker immunity—all of which disrupt hormone signaling,' Bannan adds., In postmenopausal women, these effects can magnify the risks for osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease, making vitamin D an essential nutrient for healthy aging. Supports a Healthy Immune System Strong Vitamin D supports both innate and adaptive immune responses—your body's first line of defense against germs and its ability to 'remember' and fight specific infections—helping you stay healthier as you age. 'Our immune cells—like monocytes and T/B lymphocytes—actually have vitamin D receptors, so they rely on it to help coordinate the body's response to things like viruses and bacteria,' explains DeVito. Studies suggest that vitamin D can play a role in supporting immune health after menopause, but many factors influence immunity as we age. While increasing vitamin D intake through food, sunlight and supplements may offer benefits, more large-scale research is needed to understand the long-term impact on health in postmenopausal women. Vitamin D-Rich Foods When you think of vitamin D, sunshine may be the first thing that comes to mind. But while your skin can make vitamin D from sunlight, food sources matter—especially if you spend a lot of time indoors, live in a northern climate or wear sunscreen regularly. Since very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, experts recommend incorporating a variety of dietary sources to help meet your needs. Here are some options that are naturally rich in vitamin D or fortified to provide it: Fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout) Eggs Dairy products (like milk, cheese and yogurt) Fortified plant milks (such as soy, almond or oat milk) Fortified breakfast cereals Some mushrooms Other Important Nutrients for Healthy Aging in Women Protein: Getting enough protein helps preserve muscle mass and strength as women age, which is essential for mobility, injury prevention and healthy metabolism. Women over 60 need at least 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. Those who exercise regularly need at least 0.45–0.55 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Calcium: Calcium absorption declines with age, and many women don't get enough through food sources, especially if they avoid dairy. This mineral is essential for healthy aging because it supports bone strength, helping to prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 absorption also decreases with age, and for those who follow a plant-based diet, it can be hard to get enough through food. This vitamin is essential for red blood cell production, nerve health and DNA synthesis. Aim to include B12-rich foods like fish, poultry, eggs and fortified cereals, or consider a supplement if recommended by your health care provider. Our Expert Take Vitamin D plays a role in nearly every system that supports healthy aging—from keeping bones and muscles strong to balancing hormones and supporting your immune system. Because the body makes less vitamin D with age and many women spend less time in the sun, it's common for women over 60 to fall short. Incorporating vitamin D–rich foods, getting safe sun exposure and taking a supplement if recommended by your health care provider can help you maintain optimal levels. Pairing vitamin D with other key nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin B12, along with regular physical activity, can further protect strength, mobility, and overall well-being as you age. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Trump administration tiptoes into testing prior authorization in traditional Medicare
Traditional Medicare plan holders have typically not had to wait for prior authorization before receiving medical treatment. Until now. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced a new program to test prior authorization requirements for certain services in six states starting Jan. 1. The states — New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington — will apply prior authorization evaluations to more than a dozen services. CMS says the pilot program is intended to root out 'fraud, waste, and abuse,' but as Medicare Advantage members know well, prior authorization can lead to frustrating delays in care. How it works CMS will contract with private companies to deploy 'enhanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)' to conduct the authorization reviews. It won't apply to in-patient or emergency services or treatments 'that would pose a substantial risk to patients if significantly delayed,' according to a CMS press release. Specific services that will require prior authorization are skin and tissue substitutes, electrical nerve stimulator implants, and knee arthroscopy. There is genuine concern about the costs of some of these items and services. A recent New York Times article highlighted pricey medical products, including paper-thin bandages made of dried bits of placenta, for Medicare patients. The Biden administration had approved a plan to limit Medicare's coverage of the bandages, known as skin substitutes, which were reportedly being sold for roughly $10,000 per square inch. An updated Medicare policy proposes setting a significantly lower payment rate. The new prior authorization program 'is focused on reducing wasteful spending, which is an important goal for Medicare,' Jeffrey Marr, a health economist at the Brown University School of Public Health, told Yahoo Finance. 'I expect that the use of prior authorization in this model is likely to reduce the overall level of Medicare spending,' he said. 'Selecting potentially low-value services is a critical part of setting up a well-functioning prior authorization system.' The key question for CMS to address is whether prior authorization can work in traditional Medicare in a way that does not deny or discourage high-value care that improves beneficiaries' health, Marr said. One red flag: 'The companies that will make the prior authorization decisions will be paid a percentage of the savings that they generate for Medicare. This creates an incentive for participants to deny a high share of services,' he said. Sign up for the Mind Your Money weekly newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy Prior authorizations are part of the Medicare landscape How often do prior authorizations pop up for seniors with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans? In traditional Medicare, services that often require prior authorization include certain outpatient hospital services, non-emergency ambulance transport, and durable medical equipment. For 2023, under 400,000 prior authorization reviews for traditional Medicare beneficiaries were submitted to CMS, according to KFF data. Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurers, are a different story. Almost all Medicare Advantage enrollees — 99% according to KFF research — must receive prior authorization for some services. These are typically higher-cost services, such as inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility stays, chemotherapy, and other drugs. That common practice, combined with AI used to scan these requests, is a thorny issue. 'Prior authorization processes and requirements, including the use of artificial intelligence to review requests, may result in administrative hassles for providers, delays for patients in receiving necessary care, and in some instances, denials of medically necessary services, such as post-acute care,' according to Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek, co-author of the KFF report. To allay that fear, CMS noted in the announcement: 'While technology will support the review process, final decisions that a request for one of the selected services does not meet Medicare coverage requirements will be made by licensed clinicians, not machines.' The prior authorization program will not alter Medicare coverage or payment rules, for now, but other services may be added later. There has been pushback. More than a dozen members of Congress sent a letter on Aug. 7 to CMS administrator Dr. Memet Oz to urge him to 'put patients and providers first by cancelling' the model and requested more details about how the program will be implemented. 'The use of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage shows us that, in practice, [this proposal] will likely limit beneficiaries' access to care, increase burden on our already overburdened healthcare workforce, and create perverse incentives to put profit over patients,' the lawmakers wrote.A pivot in MA authorization In an odd juxtaposition, a week prior to trumpeting this new Medicare pre-authorization model, the administration announced that it had a non-binding commitment from insurance plans to reduce prior authorization in Medicare Advantage. In late June, the Department of Health and Human Services announced an initiative coordinated with companies including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, to streamline prior authorization processes for patients covered by Medicare Advantage. Under the initiative, electronic prior authorization requests would become standardized by 2027. 'Pitting patients and their doctors against massive companies was not good for anyone,' US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said in a statement. 'We are actively working with industry to make it easier to get prior authorization for common services such as diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and outpatient surgery.' Oz added: 'These commitments represent a step in the right direction toward restoring trust, easing burdens on providers, and helping patients receive timely, evidence-based care.' Kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a career and retirement strategist and the author of 14 books, including the forthcoming "Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future," "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work," and "Never Too Old to Get Rich." Follow her on Bluesky. Sign up for the Mind Your Money newsletter
