Latest news with #HealthandHumanServices
Fox News
15 hours ago
- Health
- Fox News
Trump's CDC pick confirmed—but her pro-vaccine stance may clash with RFK Jr.'s agenda
The Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after his first choice struggled to gain support. Susan Monarez, a longtime fixture in Washington who has taken on leadership positions in a number of government public health roles, was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, crossing yet another position off the lengthy and growing number of nominees awaiting confirmation. Monarez was confirmed on a 51 to 47 party line vote. Across her roughly two-decade career in D.C., she has served as deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health within the Department of Health and Human Services and in roles at the White House, including at the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Security Council. She is the first CDC director to undergo the Senate confirmation process after a new law changed the requirement in 2023. Prior to her confirmation, Monarez had served as the acting director of the CDC since the beginning of this year. But Monarez, who has a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology, was not Trump's first pick to lead the public health agency, which is tasked with protecting Americans from public health threats. Trump tapped Monarez in March shortly after withdrawing his nomination of Dr. David Weldon, a former House member, after it was clear that he couldn't get enough votes from Senate Republicans to make it across the finish line. He lauded Monarez's credentials, and charged that Americans had "lost confidence" in the CDC. "Dr. Monarez will work closely with our GREAT Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr," he said on social media at the time. "Together, they will prioritize Accountability, High Standards, and Disease Prevention to finally address the Chronic Disease Epidemic and, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!" But questions also linger on how well Monarez and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might work together. During her confirmation hearing last month, Senate Democrats grilled Monarez over whether she agreed with Kennedy's positions on vaccines. Kennedy has long been outspoken about his skepticism regarding vaccines, particularly COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC has been hit with thousands of staff cuts and resignations and subject to changes in vaccine policy — notably Kennedy's decision to remove the COVID-19 from the vaccine schedule for pregnant women and healthy children — in the last six months. "I think vaccines save lives. I think that we need to continue to support the promotion of utilization of vaccines," Monarez said during her confirmation hearing. Her confirmation also comes as Kennedy, in his budget request for the HHS, seeks a slash in funding to the CDC of nearly 50%, or from about $9.2 billion to $4.2 billion, for the upcoming fiscal year. But Kennedy made clear in an X post at the time of her nomination that he supports Monarez to take on the position. "I handpicked Susan for this job because she is a longtime champion of MAHA values, and a caring, compassionate and brilliant microbiologist and a tech wizard who will reorient CDC toward public health and gold-standard science," he said. "I'm so grateful to President Trump for making this appointment." And an HHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "Once Dr. Monarez is confirmed, the Secretary looks forward to working with her to advance common-sense policies that will Make America Healthy Again."
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What Coca-Cola's New Sugar-Cane Coke Means for a Sugar ETF
There was some sweet news last week for one commodity and the single ETF focused on it: Coca-Cola is planning to add a cane-sugar based version of its flagship beverage in the US. During the company's quarterly earnings call last Tuesday, CEO James Quincey alluded to Coca-Cola using the natural sweetener, seemingly a nod to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign against high-fructose corn syrup, and other processed food additives. That development isn't all fizz, but the team behind the Teucrium Sugar Fund (CANE) is also not overly saccharine. A cane-sugar version of Coca-Cola could boost demand for sugar, though the country is hardly turning away from high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners. Invest in Gold Priority Gold: Up to $15k in Free Silver + Zero Account Fees on Qualifying Purchase Thor Metals Group: Best Overall Gold IRA American Hartford Gold: #1 Precious Metals Dealer in the Nation Teucrium, which also runs the Corn Fund (CORN) and 2x Daily Corn ETF (CXRN), doesn't see a drop in demand for corn — the key ingredient in high-fructose corn syrup — as a result of Coca-Cola's change or pressure from the Trump administration. 'It's not a one-to-one net negative. There are just too many factors at play. Policy is huge in agriculture,' said Jake Hanley, senior portfolio specialist at Teucrium. READ ALSO: Why the SEC Keeps Putting Off Diversified Crypto ETFs and Faith-Based Firm Led by Bob Doll Adds First ETFs Sugar Rush Since President Donald Trump said publicly that Coca-Cola would be switching outright to cane sugar — something the company has not indicated it would do — interest in Teucrium's ETF spiked, Hanley said. The fund is small, at just $14 million in assets, but trading volume reached its highest point in two years on July 17. More widely, investors bought commodities ETFs this year, partly for diversification as well as for opportunities they see from Trump's tariffs, said Todd Rosenbluth, head of research and editorial atand TMX VettaFi. Data from that firm show: $24 billion flowed into commodity ETFs year to date as of July 23. Most of that went to gold ETFs, but there has also been demand for broad commodities ETFs, as evidenced by $417 million going to the Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF (PDBC) and $289 million to the abrdn Bloomberg All Commodity Strategy K-1 Free ETF. Getting Granular: Outside of the US, the nearest large sugar trader is Brazil, which is trying to negotiate a way out of the 50% import tariffs Trump is pushing. 'If we do have poor growing conditions, poor global sugar harvest going forward, we are working off of a new demand scenario,' Hanley said. 'That just makes prices more susceptible to supply shock.' This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive exclusive news and analysis of the rapidly evolving ETF landscape, built for advisors and capital allocators, subscribe to our free ETF Upside newsletter.
Epoch Times
a day ago
- Health
- Epoch Times
LIVE NOW: HHS, FDA, and Sen. Mullin to Announce Action on Opioid 7-OH
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla) host a press conference at 10:30 a.m. ET on July 29 to announce new measures to protect the public from the opioid 7-OH.
CNET
a day ago
- Health
- CNET
Whole Milk Is Popular Again, But Is It Right For You? We Asked Dietitians
In the 1990s, Got Milk? ads became popular because of a marketing campaign created by the California Milk Processor Board, encouraging people to drink more cow's milk through celebrity-packed ads and commercials. It was successful for a time, but eventually the interest dwindled and soon after plant-based milks started to gain popularity. Since the 2000s, we've seen every version of plant-based milks you can imagine, ranging from soy, oat, almond, pistachio, macadamia, pea -- you name it, and it probably exists in your supermarket aisle. Now it appears that whole milk is gaining popularity again with wellness influencers and others. I spoke to dietitians to better understand why this is happening, what benefits whole milk has and who should be cautious about drinking it. Why dairy is having a moment again A few factors could be contributing to whole milk regaining popularity: the concept that "natural" is better, people wanting fewer additives in their food and the current Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. Clara Nosek, a non-diet registered dietitian, points out that cow's milk became less popular in the first place because it was disparaged by popular culture, blamed for any stomach issues and called inflammatory for a long time. "The shift back to dairy seems partly driven by rampant chemophobia," says Nosek, elaborating, "Many of those plant-based milks contained ingredients like gums and preservatives for stability and added sugars for palatability, which are also demonized." Chemphobia relates to being fearful of chemicals found in everyday life. Still, there is often a misunderstanding of how chemicals function and the importance of knowing their dosages, among other things. Chemphobia, along with the appeal-to-nature fallacy (the idea that something "natural" is better), makes cow's milk look more enticing because it has fewer ingredients compared to non-dairy milk. "Cow's milk started to look like the more 'pure' option and the appeal-to-nature logic pushed even further down the chemophobia spectrum, as seen in the growing popularity of raw cow's milk," Nosek explains. Raw milk is unpasteurized cow's milk, and interest in it has also risen thanks to a push by some wellness influencers and even the secretary of health and human services. Health officials have spoken out about the dangers of drinking raw milk and its risk of foodborne illnesses, especially after this past year when raw milk was recalled due to bird flu. Benefits of drinking whole milk Whether you drink cow's milk or not, there's no denying that milk has plenty of benefits. Whole milk, in particular, can provide you with lots of nutrients. Lauren Manaker, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, says, "It's a natural source of high-quality protein, calcium and it provides essential vitamins like B12 and D, which are hard to replicate in the same way with plant-based alternatives." Additionally, whole milk consists of fat, carbs and other micronutrients like potassium, B vitamins and vitamin A. "No one needs to drink whole milk, and the nutrients are easily available in other foods; however, it is an easy and affordable way to get those nutrients," explains Nosek. Other factors that may make whole milk more appealing are its flavor and taste, since it's creamier, and the higher fat content makes it taste richer compared to plant-based milks. Manaker points out that one eight-ounce glass of whole milk contains 16% of your daily recommended value of protein. "A growing body of research also suggests that whole-fat dairy is not associated with increased risk for obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular disease; in fact, this type of dairy may even help reduce the risk for these chronic diseases," she says. A downside to whole milk The downside to this is that the added fat and sugar in each serving can add up, and adults have to be more mindful of it if they're watching their saturated fat and carbohydrate intake. "I would recommend discussing the volume consumed with a dietitian to ensure meal and snack balance," advises Nosek. Parents who give their children cow's milk should follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For example, children ages 12 to 23 months get 1⅔ to 2 cups equivalents of dairy daily, while children two years and up should get two to three cups daily. You may also want to consider how these different milks impact the environment. What about other forms of cow's milk? Other forms of cow's milk include 1% milk, skim and fat-free milk. The only difference between these milks and whole milk is the fat content. "When the fat is removed from milk, the fat-soluble vitamins (A and D) availability is lowered, but they're usually added back by way of fortification," explains Nosek. Manaker adds that you still get the same 13 essential nutrients, like high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D and B12 and iodine, with these milks. "The fat in whole milk does contribute to its creamier texture and slightly higher calorie count, but when it comes to the vitamins and minerals, you're not missing out by choosing a lower-fat option," Manaker says. What if your stomach can't handle dairy? Realistically, not everyone can handle cow's milk. If you're lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, chances are you opt for a dairy-free milk instead. Keep in mind that there are certain nutrients you may be missing out on with plant-based options. "Real milk is a complete protein, whereas most plant-based proteins are incomplete, meaning they are missing some of the essential amino acids, or building blocks, our bodies need," explains Manaker. She also points out that the protein in dairy, known as whey and casein, keeps you feeling fuller longer while providing energy to fuel your day, and helps with muscle recovery-even while you sleep. If you're not a fan of plant-based milks, but still want to get the benefits of cow's milk without the upset stomach, Nosek recommends trying out lactose-free options. Some brands that make lactose-free milks include: Fairlife, Lactaid, Horizon Organic and Organic Valley. Keep in mind, lactose-free options are best for those with lactose intolerance (the inability to digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk) and are not suitable for those with milk allergies (an immune reaction to the proteins in milk) because they still have milk proteins. If you're allergic to cow's milk, it's best to stick to plant-based milk options instead. "While supplements can help fill some gaps, like calcium, vitamin D and B12, it's always better to get nutrients from whole foods whenever possible," explains Manaker. She recommends adding allergy-friendly protein options like eggs, meat, fish or plant-based sources like beans and lentils to your diet, and for iodine, seafood or iodized salt. Takeaway The sudden popularity surrounding dairy shows that people are starting to show more interest in food options without additives. While this isn't inherently a bad thing, it's important to remember that cow's milk may not be the right fit for everyone based on dietary restrictions. But if you're interested in adding cow's milk into your diet (and dairy agrees with you), you can reap the benefits of the many vitamins and nutrients it provides. If you're allergic to milk, you may not have the option to drink cow's milk, but you can still try your best to get the same nutrients through other foods in your diet. If you'e planning on making changes to your diet or aren't sure if adding cow's milk is right for you, it's best to consult with a registered dietitian or your doctor first.
USA Today
a day ago
- Health
- USA Today
Psychedelics have promise. But after losing my son, we can't ignore the dangers.
Psychedelics, while potentially therapeutic, are also powerful, unpredictable and not right for everyone. I know this firsthand. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently sat in a congressional hearing to discuss departmental cuts. But what caught the attention of many were his comments about psychedelics, which he has long and publicly supported. Kennedy later posted on X: 'We're accelerating clinical trials (of psychedelics at the Food and Drug Administration) with urgency – and working to ensure safe, science-based access within 12 months.' This suggestion was made even more concrete on July 22, when the FDA began accepting applications for its new accelerated-approval program for drugs that address national health priorities, like mental health. Many see a turning point: a chance to accelerate research, expand access and legitimize the use of psychedelics ‒ not only in medicine but also in culture. There is real promise in these substances. Veterans report healing from post-traumatic stress disorder, cancer patients speak of end-of-life peace, and some people with depression or addiction find relief where nothing else helped. But as access grows and the public becomes more curious – if not enthusiastic – we must urgently pair this moment with clear-eyed public health safeguards and education. Because these substances, while potentially therapeutic, are also powerful, unpredictable and not right for everyone. I know this firsthand. In 2020, my 21-year-old son, Will, died in an accident linked to psychedelic-induced delusions. He was a college senior – curious, thoughtful and much loved. He believed what many of his peers believe: that psychedelics are 'safe,' 'natural' and 'the least harmful drug.' That night, every safety net failed – or wasn't there in the first place. What do psychedelic drugs do? Know the facts 'Before You Trip.' Today, psychedelics are moving from subculture to mainstream. About 8 million American adults used a psychedelic in the past year. Use of psychedelics among 19- to 30-year-olds has more than doubled in the past decade, and it has surged sevenfold among adults ages 35 to 50, numbers that represent historically high levels. Yet, clinical trials and legal therapeutic use represent only a small fraction of that. An increasing number of people report taking these drugs outside of medical settings for recreation, to improve well-being or for spiritual or self-exploration. Opinion: Ketamine bros are giving psychedelics a bad rap. That's a problem for those who need them. Many are first-time users, ostensibly beckoned by the headlines but often lacking community knowledge or harm reduction guidance. The contemporary media narrative has emphasized breakthrough therapies and personal transformations. But it rarely mentions contraindications, risk factors that make use inadvisable – like certain mental health conditions – or the need for supervision, preparation and integration. That's especially concerning for young people, who often hear only one side of the story. We've gone from 'Just Say No' to near silence. My Gen Z kids never had drug education that reflected today's landscape. They came of age amid cannabis legalization messaging that emphasized it as natural and healing. Now, psychedelics are being framed similarly – without balanced drug education to match. That leaves young people to navigate in the dark. We can do better. A nonprofit coalition recently launched Before You Trip, a public health campaign led by Generation Z voices, as a pilot project in Colorado – where psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms) and other psychedelics were decriminalized in 2022. The campaign encourages young adults to pause, learn and reflect before deciding whether psychedelics are right for them. It offers clear, accessible and research-backed guidance on effects, contraindications and risk-reduction practices. The campaign promotes open dialogue, critical thinking and informed decision-making about these substances. It's about honest, harm reduction-oriented education, delivered in a voice that meets young people where they are, on social platforms. More is needed, but it's a building block. Opinion: I'm a doctor and a recovering addict. America can't lose ground on the opioids fight now. In addition to education, we also need public health infrastructure: trained first responders, accessible crisis resources and support, widespread harm reduction and better data collection. Too often, psychedelic-related crises are met with criminalization or stigma rather than care and understanding. Psychedelic drugs can offer healing, but they still come with risks I think often about a moment that haunts me. It was when I caught Will vaping during a college break. I panicked. I got angry. I didn't ask questions or try to understand. I shut down the conversation because of fear and because I didn't have the tools to approach it more skillfully. That could have been a moment to build trust. I wish I had used it to begin an honest dialogue. We now have an opportunity to open that dialogue – with families, communities and the public at large. Psychedelics can indeed offer healing, but they also bring complexity and risk. About 1 in 10 people who have used a classic psychedelic − such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline or psilocybin − report having experienced an adverse event related to their use. And of those who used a classic psychedelic, 2.6% report having sought post-trip psychiatric, psychological or medical care. As these substances are scaled up in the population, these proportions will represent several hundreds of thousands of people. As public interest and use increase, we should care very much about improving outcomes and reducing preventable harms. Let's build a culture of accountability, care and curiosity – not one of hype or silence. The future of psychedelics depends not only on access but also on responsibility. Let's make sure we're ready for both. Kristin Nash, MPH, is a public health professional specializing in harm reduction and health communication. She is the executive director of the William G. Nash Foundation and cofounder of the Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education (CPSE).
