Latest news with #U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
COVID isn't over. RFK Jr.'s vaccine recommendation is a terrible choice.
The recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' announcement to no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women and children may be one of the worst public health decisions in the history of the United States, having a long-lasting detrimental impact on the future of our society, our children. The logic behind this decision is obscure at best, which may be why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention referred questions regarding this policy to the U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and to the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. For women and children, COVID-19 can be a serious disease, and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters help protect the pregnant mother, newborns and children. Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe COVID-19. The British Medical Journal published a large review of studies and concluded that COVID-19 increases the risk of maternal death and severe maternal morbidities (e.g., mechanical ventilation, thromboembolic disease). On one hand, the federal government recommends a COVID-19 booster for those over the age of 65 and for younger adults and children who have at least one risk factor, but then not recommend for those who are at risk because they are pregnant. COVID-19 vaccinations have been observed to effectively increase antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus which causes COVID-19) and reduce the chances of a premature delivery. COVID-19 boosters are also safe during pregnancy and have not been found to be associated with spontaneous abortions. The decision to withhold COVID-19 vaccinations for children demonstrates a myopic approach to science and a lack of critical thinking. It appears policymakers are only focused on the prevention of death and hospitalization, defining this outcome as severe disease and assuming everything else is mild. This approach ignores the severe and chronic disabling effects of long COVID in children. It is true that on average children have milder COVID-19 infections and develop long COVID less commonly than adults. However, milder does not mean mild, and less common does not mean uncommon. It is estimated that approximately 4% of children will develop long COVID, compared to 10% to 26% for adults. This is way too high of an incidence for children, especially when re-infections are all too common. Long COVID in children can be serious. COVID-19 increases the chances of a child developing diabetes, other seemingly unrelated infections (for example respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] infections) and cognitive, mental health problems. Vaccinations have been found to reduce the chances of children developing long COVID. So maybe we should recommend and not discourage their use. Children can also spread the disease and place others at risk. This was known early on in the pandemic. I'm not sure how the public began to believe children did not pose a risk to others. Children are germ magnets, a life principle held by many parents and grandparents. Children readily spread every respiratory disease that I can think of. Why would COVID be any different? Opinion: Measles misinformation is hurting our kids while Trump government self-destructs How does our nation confront these public health risks? Simple, blame problems on lockdowns, ignore epidemiological evidence and quit counting cases. Then recommend against pregnant mothers and children receiving the vaccine. Clinical studies, medical record data and data from the V-Safe program have documented the vaccine's safety. VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) is not intended or designed to determine the risks of complications, only to identify potential complications to be investigated. Similar to Facebook, inaccurate or malicious reports can also be entered by AI bots and foreign adversaries to stir social discontent. In general, vaccines are watered-down infections. They boost your immunity while markedly decreasing, but not completely eliminating, severe complications. The mRNA vaccine does not change one's DNA, and the dosage of the spike protein is much smaller than one receives from an infection. If vaccines are as dangerous as social media disinformation says, then multiply these dangers by several magnitudes when an infection develops. If one is worried about mRNA, then obtain the protein-based vaccine, Novavax, which may have lower side effects and should have better standardization of the delivery dosage. Opinion: We have money to fight Kentucky's opioid crisis. Let's not waste it. We soon will be at risk of facing another wave of COVID from the Nb.1.8.1 variant, which is currently spreading across Southeast Asia and just landed in the United States. This variant has increased infectivity and immune-evasive properties. Everyone should become vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 boosters, including pregnant women and children. COVID is not over, it is still dangerous, and can cause serious long-term sequelae that may not be evident for months or years after the acute infection. We need to update our nation's vaccination policy, not based on political populism, but to reflect the realities of the world we are living in. Agree or disagree? Submit a letter to the editor. Kevin Kavanagh is a retired physician from Somerset, Kentucky and chairman of Health Watch USA. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: I'm a retired doctor. Kennedy's COVID policy will hurt US. | Opinion
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
3 schools win NFL PLAY 60 grants to boost student fitness
( NewMediaWire) - April 08, 2025 - DALLAS — For students to get their health into the endzone, a mix of various cardio and strength exercises that work different parts of the body is ideal for whole body health, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. That is why the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the 32 teams, held the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Blitz to get students moving leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New schools, named the national winners of the Exercise Blitz, received $1,000 NFL PLAY 60 grants for improvements to the schools' physical activity equipment. 'At the American Heart Association, our future is all about improving yours,' said American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. 'For 18 years, the American Heart Association and the NFL have teamed up to inspire kids to get moving to support their overall wellness by pairing fun with health fundamentals to drive life-long wellness through NFL PLAY 60. In our century of work, the American Heart Association will continue to be laser focused to propel physical and mental health in children.' Douglas Road Elementary in Lambertville, Mich. on behalf of the Detroit Lions, LaMuth Middle School in Painesville, Ohio on behalf of the Cleveland Browns and Cook-Wissahickon School in Philadelphia on behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles are the three winning schools of the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Blitz. Held from Jan. 27- 31, the Exercise Blitz invited students to complete a 5-day physical activity video series, featuring special guests from the NFL. Teachers tracked student completion of movement minutes and submitted the tracker for an opportunity to receive a grant. The winning three schools were drawn at random. Physical activity positively impacts overall mental and physical wellness which is essential to help children reach their full potential [1]. That is why the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, offer a suite of resources to parents, teachers and caregivers to add movement to each day. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL Legends, cheerleaders and mascots. The free NFL PLAY 60 app allows users to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts and earn special PLAY points and unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars. 'Every year, NFL PLAY 60 helps students across the country achieve their daily goal of 60 minutes of play through the innovative and engaging NFL PLAY 60 app,' said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. 'We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at the American Heart Association to provide students with resources they need to lead healthy lifestyles.' Rooted in American Heart Association science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The NFL and the American Heart Association have been teaming up since 2006 to inspire kids through fun and engaging ways to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are key to immediate and long-term health for children. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and additional grant opportunities can be found online at ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About NFL PLAY 60 NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness platform. In its 18th season, the initiative empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provides support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL's 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit
Fox News
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Laurel Libby reacts to Justice Department referral after Maine refuses to ban trans athletes from girls sports
The state of Maine could face consequences from the Department of Justice for its continued refusal to ban trans athletes from girls sports, and the lawmaker who brought awareness to the issue in the state weighed in. After the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) said it referred Maine's "noncompliance" with Title IX rules to the Justice Department Friday, Maine Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby placed blame on Gov. Janet Mills and the state's Democratic lawmakers. "Governor Mills and the Democrat majority refusal to comply with federal Title IX protections has now resulted in Maine being officially referred to the Department of Justice. This is a direct consequence of their radical policies that put ideology ahead of fairness and safety for Maine girls and the education of our students," Libby told Fox News Digital. "Mainers believe in common sense, fairness and protecting the rights of women and girls in sports and spaces. While this extreme stance does not reflect the values of our state, it is ultimately Maine's schools, students and taxpayers who will suffer the consequences of their reckless decisions and ongoing feud with biological reality." Libby brought national attention to her state's issue of trans inclusion in girls sports with a social media post revealing a transgender track and field athlete at Greely High School had taken first place at a Maine girls pole vault competition after competing as a boy just one year earlier. Libby's revelation of the trans athlete ignited national conversation and coverage of the state's policy on trans inclusion after Maine announced it would not comply with President Donald Trump's recent "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order. Trump then vowed to cut funding to the state for refusing to follow his order during a gathering of governors at the White House Feb. 20. The next day, Mills' office responded with a statement threatening legal action against the Trump administration if it did withhold federal funding from the state. Then, Trump and Mills verbally sparred in a widely publicized argument at the White House during a bipartisan meeting of governors. Just hours after that dispute, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would be investigating the state for allowing trans athletes to compete in girls sports and potential Title IX violations. Police protection was later assigned to the high school attended by the trans athlete Libby identified in her Facebook post. Libby was then censured for her Facebook post by Maine's Democratic majority because she posted a photo of a minor. She has since filed a lawsuit seeking to have her censure overturned. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
Houston woman who took in her brother when their mom died says he's grieving and enduring bullying at school
The Brief Megan Harris says her brother has been attacked twice since starting a new school in December 2024. Harris says she will see video related to the incidents once other children in the video are obscured. Houston - A young woman who believes her brother is being bullied at school says she wants help before the behavior escalates. What they're saying Megan Smith, who took her little brother in after their mom died, says she feels his school isn't protecting him. He just started the new middle school in December 2024, and she says the 12-year-old has been attacked twice. "My little brother is a timid little boy. We had to teach him to defend himself. The fact that he's gotten into two fights in the first two months of him being in school is insane," Harris tells FOX 26. "He said the little boy came up to him talking. He didn't know if the little boy was playing, so he started talking back and the little boy slapped him. So, he started punching him back. I wasn't informed about anything until I picked him up, and they told me he was suspended for three days." "My thought is the school district was not transparent with the guardian. How can you bring a child to a car and say the child is suspended without notifying the guardian, without having incident reports, without even having the child go to the nurse's office to be assessed?" asks community activist Dr. Candice Matthews. "The FERPA violation [came] in when I was at the front desk and the registrar - who I've had problems with since I enrolled my little brother - told the nurse that I wasn't his parent," says Harris. "That's in his educational record. So why are you saying that out loud? That's a FERPA violation. You do not disclose children's educational records in an open forum. This was another thing that I found very disturbing. I've never heard of a school denying a parent to watch the video," adds Dr. Matthews. FOX 26 has reached out to the school for comment and are waiting to hear back. The school will not be named at this time. What's next What does Harris want to happen from here? "I want my little brother to feel safe. I just want him to be OK," she says. Under FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, parents and guardians can request to view videos pertaining to their children. Harris says she has been told she will be able to see the video once other kids have been obscured. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' website has a list of tips regarding who you should contact if you feel your concerns about bullying aren't being addressed. The Source FOX 26 reporter Damali Keith spoke directly to Megan Harris and community activist Dr. Candice Matthews.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump administration cites 'changing priorities' in emails that fired inspectors general
The email ousting at least one top federal watchdog from their post was so short, it could fit in a tweet. The two-sentence long letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Inspector General Christi Grimm cited 'changing priorities' under the President Donald Trump's new administration, according to a copy of the note obtained by ABC News. 'On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that due to changing priorities your position as Inspector General… is terminated, effective immediately. Thank you for your service," the email read. MORE: Trump fires 17 independent watchdogs at multiple agencies in late-night move The email addressed the inspector general by her first name -- "Dear Christi" -- with no customary courtesy title, such as "the Honorable," or even "Ms." The same email template was used for the other inspector general firings, sources said. Late Friday night, Trump fired at least 17 inspectors general at multiple federal agencies. While inspectors general can be fired by the president, it can only happen after communicating with Congress 30 days in advance. In 2022, Congress strengthened the law requiring administrations to give a detailed reasoning for the firing of an IG. Trump classified the firings as a "common thing to do" as he talked to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way from Las Vegas to Miami Saturday evening. "It's a very standard thing to do, very much like the U.S. attorneys," Trump said. The email to Grimm came in at 7:48 p.m. Friday night, and the way the wave of terminations was done surprised many across the inspector general community, even though there had been signs that a firing event like this could happen -- as ABC News reported last week. Among recommendations in the Project 2025 conservative blueprint for a second Trump term was replacing inspectors general under the new administration. As recently as last week, Mick Mulvaney, who was one of Trump's chiefs of staff in his first term, wrote in an op-ed specifically that 'a good place for Trump to start' cleaning out the "Deep State" would be with firing inspectors general. MORE: Trump advisers have discussed ousting independent watchdogs at several federal agencies: Sources Still, the HHS Office of Inspector General -- and inspectors generals' offices in most every government agency -- had prepared a transition book for the incoming administration laying out what the independent agency does, and to identify areas of focus to make the departments and their programs healthier, more efficient and more effective, according to multiple sources. On a call Saturday afternoon among the inspector general community, not only was there note-comparing about who got fired, what their email said, and what happens now -- there was also discussion of encouraging those acting inspectors general who are remaining to stay independent and not shy away from difficult facts or unflattering findings, according to a source familiar with the call. There's a concern among the inspector general community now, given the language about "changing priorities" in the firing emails, that the new administration is cleaning house in order to install personnel aligned with Trump's political leanings, rather than those who champion the agencies' guiding mission of independence and oversight, multiple sources said. Trump administration cites 'changing priorities' in emails that fired inspectors general originally appeared on
