Latest news with #healthdata
Bloomberg
15-07-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
Vaccination Rates Lag in Europe as Measles Cases Rise, WHO Says
Childhood vaccination rates for diseases including measles and whooping cough are still below pre-pandemic levels in Europe and Central Asia, fueling a surge in cases, World Health Organization and UNICEF data show. Overall, 94% of children received their first measles vaccine last year in the WHO's European region, below the 96% immunization benchmark in 2019. It was the same as 2023, though the rate for second doses slipped a percentage point to 91%, according to the study by the WHO and UNICEF published Tuesday. The picture was similar for the DTP vaccine that includes whooping cough.
Vogue
10-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Oura Ring vs Ultrahuman Ring—We're Settling the Debate
For years, I was a diehard smartwatch fan. I loved tracking my exercise, steps, and—as the technology began to evolve—other metrics like sleep, recovery, and more. Having unique insights about my health and activity all laid out in easy-to-read data helped me better plan my workouts, and understand why I might be feeling out of it (spoiler: it was usually because I had a glass of wine the night before or stared at my screen too late). However, I started to tire of always having a wearable strapped to my wrist—I didn't always want to be sporting a noticeable smartwatch, and I began to get annoyed by excess notifications. Then, fitness rings hit the market—first the Oura ring, and then followed by, most notably, the Ultrahuman Air ring. After working as a health and fitness journalist for over a decade, I've had the privilege of testing dozens of fitness trackers for myself—and tracker rings quickly became my favorite way to collect consistent health data. After testing both popular devices, I'm sharing my honest reviews on each (including their design, metrics, and overall experience), along with how they compare to the other. In This Story Oura Ring 4 vs Ultrahuman Ring Air For me, the biggest draw of both of these rings is the fact that they look like a subtle piece of jewelry. Nevertheless, they offer an abundance of metrics—some of which they have in common, and some which are unique to each ring—and, in my experience, are often more accurate with sleep data than other wearables. Compared to a smartwatch or other fitness trackers, these rings also have an impressively long battery life (four to eight days), which is such a game-changer to avoid interruptions to continuous health measurements. And, since they're considered health-supporting devices, they are covered by HSA/FSA. I tested them out side-by-side, one on each hand, and here are my thoughts on how they stack up. Design + Wear 'Oura rings feel like the wellness world's greatest signifier: the ring is instantly recognizable to anybody in the know and anytime I've talked to somebody who also had one on (Jennifer Aniston, Emma Corrin), they've always wanted to talk stats. What's your sleep score can be the ultimate brag in a way,' Vogue's senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba says, calling it 'the OG and most prevalent chic wearable tech out there.' Both are available in six different different finishes—Oura is available in Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, or Rose Gold; while Ultrahuman comes in Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, and Rose Gold—so you can decide on the look that best-suits your personal style. Personally, I've been on a mixed-metal kick, so I opted for a gold Oura and a silver Ultrahuman. As mentioned, what's great about both of these options is that they actually look like jewelry (some people on TikTok have even shared tips for creating a gorgeous ring stack with them). Their designs do slightly differ, though. The Oura has a beveled edge, which makes it appear to have a smaller width than its more squared-edge counterpart, although they are technically the same width (depending on ring size). The Ultrahuman, however, is a bit thinner (2.45mm vs. 2.8mm). Personally, I think this combination of details (thickness and width and shape) makes the Oura option look somewhat more like an actual ring—in fact, I often get compliments on that ring before people realize it's actually a wearable.
Bloomberg
10-07-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
Trump's Cuts Are Making Federal Data Disappear
Doctors are struggling to treat patients with complex sexually transmitted infections as certain types of health data are being purged from public websites. Insurers have lost access to a frequently consulted database of climate and weather disasters. School districts are left to work with a scaled-down version of the nation's report card, which is critical for setting benchmarks for student achievement and allocating resources. These datasets are collateral damage in President Donald Trump's effort to downsize the US government. The so-called Department of Government Efficiency says it's canceled almost 12,000 contracts totaling about $44 billion in savings, plus billions more in terminated grants. Then there are the hundreds of thousands of government workers who've departed through voluntary resignations, firings and other exits, leaving several agencies gutted and gaping holes in others. Among them are linchpins of the sprawling federal statistical system, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, as well as a host of lesser-known offices that research science and engineering, transportation, health and more.
NHK
10-07-2025
- Health
- NHK
Japan showcases new 'Personal Health Record' at Osaka Expo
Japan's government wants to help people live longer, more productive lives with a new platform for health data. As NHK World's Yoshikawa Ryuichi explains, it's raising hopes - and privacy concerns.
Free Malaysia Today
10-07-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Health database needed for more effective care, says ministry official
A centralised health data-sharing platform lays the foundation for more effective and affordable healthcare, said Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section chief Dr Izzuna Mudla Ghazali. (Freepik pic) PETALING JAYA : The government's plan to develop a centralised health data-sharing platform is a critical step in transforming the country's healthcare system, a senior health ministry official said today. Dr Izzuna Mudla Ghazali, who heads the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, said the initiative was not just about digitising records but enabling more consistent, accessible and effective decision-making across public and private sectors. 'The platform isn't just a technical upgrade. It's about laying the foundation for more effective and affordable care,' she said during a panel session at a conference on value-based healthcare today. Currently being developed by the health ministry, the platform will allow authorised healthcare providers to share and access patient information in real time. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad previously said the system would improve service delivery, reduce duplication and better track health outcomes of patients. Izzuna urged policymakers and stakeholders to adopt a long-term perspective in evaluating health investments, warning against using cost alone as the basis for adopting new medical technologies or treatments. 'While keeping costs low is important, cheaper solutions aren't always better,' Izzuna, who is also the deputy director of the health ministry's medical development division, said. 'Some of the most effective treatments, especially for cancer or complex conditions, may be expensive upfront and take years before their full benefits are seen. 'We must weigh both effectiveness and affordability, not just the immediate cost. That's how we build a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system.'
