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The Hill
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Actually, research supports the COVID school closures
When the COVID lockdowns began and our schools closed down, 'In effect, officials steered a car off the road, threw a cinder block on the accelerator, then jumped out of the vehicle with passengers still in the back,' says journalist David Zweig. Ben Austin, founding director of Education Civil Rights Now, writes that United Teachers Los Angeles 'wielded its considerable power' to 'trap' students and keep them home 'indefinitely.' And Corey DeAngelis of the CATO Institute says teachers' unions 'def[ied] evidence' on the virus, instead 'prioritizing union demands over kids.' Listening to critics of teachers' unions, you'd never guess that all we were trying to do during COVID was protect our students and their families. That the COVID school closures were wrong and that teachers' unions were to blame is now a fundamental tenet of modern conservatism. Yet a considerable body of research has emerged that supports the basic contentions teachers' unions have been making all along. Critics' principal assertion is that closing schools was unnecessary because children were at little risk of serious harm from COVID. Teachers' unions asserted that, because students in large public school districts are disproportionately low-income, they often live in apartments with extended families and multiple generations, leaving these families particularly vulnerable to the virus, even if their school-age children were asymptomatic. A cohort study of over 165,000 American households containing both adults and children confirms this assessment, finding that among all 'household transmissions … 70.4 percent started with a pediatric index case.' The authors of the study, published in the American Medical Association's 'JAMA Network,' conclude: 'We discerned an important role for children in the spread of viral infection within households during the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened when schools were in session, supporting a role for school attendance in COVID-19 spread.' Teachers' unions also pointed to racial disparities in relation to school closures, for which critics, to this day, give us considerable grief. The student body at public schools is heavily minority, and we asserted that COVID would hit minority groups harder than whites. The study 'COVID-19–Associated Orphanhood and Caregiver Death' confirms this view. Published in 'Pediatrics,' researchers found that from April 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, over 140,000 American children 'experienced the death of a parent or grandparent caregiver,' and that the frequency of such losses was significantly higher among 'children of racial and ethnic minority groups compared with non-Hispanic White children' — in some instances as much as 4.5 times higher. Another common criticism is that the school closures were ineffective. Research contradicts this, demonstrating that school closures did play a significant role in reducing the spread of COVID. The 'Estimating the impact of school closures on the COVID-19 dynamics in 74 countries' study found that school closures 'reduced peak hospital occupancy pressure in nearly all countries, with 72 out of 74 countries (97 percent) showing a positive median estimated effect.' That study, published in 'PLOS Medicine,' a peer-reviewed medical journal from the Public Library of Science, also found that while results of school closures varied from country to country, 'school closures achieved moderate to significant [COVID] reductions in most settings over the period 2020 to 2022.' Similarly, the study ' School closures during COVID-19: an overview of systematic reviews,' published in the British Medical Association's 'BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine,' found both 'school closures and in-school mitigations were associated with reduced COVID-19 transmission, morbidity and mortality in the community.' Critics also assert that unions shut the schoolhouse door on protesting parents. Austin accuses us of 'bullying' parents into submission, while Zweig, author of ' An Abundance of Caution: American Schools, the Virus, and a Story of Bad Decisions,' states, 'parents were really kept out of the decision-making process.' The facts contradict this narrative. A year after COVID hit, two nationally representative polls found that between two-thirds and three-fourths of parents believed their children were receiving the proper type of instruction. 'Chalkbeat,' an education-oriented news organization that analyzed the data, explained, '[P]arents' preferences are varied, with the largest group wanting their child to learn from home full-time.' The organization noted that most parents wanted to continue with the type of instruction their children were then receiving — 'an indication that schools nationwide have been responsive to families as they craft their instructional plans.' In March of 2021, I conducted a written survey of my own students and learned that only 15 percent of their parents wanted them to return to school, which was consistent with these studies' findings. Had schools opened in the face of this parental disapproval, many students would not have attended, and we'd have faced the disruptive chaos of classes split between in-school and at-home learners. Moreover, if schools are open, state law obliges educators to enforce attendance requirements. Schools would then have been in the position of demanding that parents send students to school even though the parents, believing this could endanger their families, may have resisted. Zweig, Austin and others are correct that students' learning loss from the closures was considerable. Did the benefits outweigh the costs? Unlike our critics, I do not presume to know what history's verdict will be. I do know that, in the context of the time, what we did was not unreasonable, and that we acted in good faith to protect our students, their families and their communities.
Medscape
16-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Could Intervention in Pregnancy Boost Child Vaccine Uptake?
A study of vaccination intentions of pregnant women and mothers of young children found that uncertainty about childhood vaccination was highest (at 48%) in pregnant women. 'Given the high decisional uncertainty during pregnancy about vaccinating children after birth, there may be value in intervening during pregnancy to proactively support families with childhood vaccination decisions,' the authors of the study wrote, led by Lavanya Vasudevan, MPH, PhD, with the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta. The study findings were published in JAMA Network Open . First-Time Pregnant Group Compared to Parent Group Research on this topic is important, they note, because implementing such interventions would require substantial engagement of clinicians outside the pediatric setting. Vasudevan told Medscape Medical News those clinicians would include obstetricians, family physicians, nurse-midwives, and doulas. 'Key considerations include the providers' training on childhood vaccinations, as well as the time, reimbursement, and resources available for implementation,' she said. This study included survey responses from 174 pregnant women (64% were aged ≥ 30 years; 27% were Hispanic, 14.4% were non-Hispanic Black, and 52.9% were non-Hispanic White). The parent group included 1765 participants (78.1% were aged ≥ 30 years; 21.7% were Hispanic, 11.4% were non-Hispanic Black, and 56% were non-Hispanic White). About half in both groups had a bachelor's degree or higher — 49.4% in the pregnant group and 45.1% in the parent group. Responses Grouped into Six Categories The women were asked about their intentions regarding all vaccines recommended for children from birth to age 18 months. Researchers grouped responses into six categories: accept all vaccinations, delay some or all, delay some and refuse some, refuse some, refuse all, and undecided. The proportions intending to accept or accepting all recommended pediatric vaccines were similar among pregnant participants and parents. But other categories saw some wide gaps: The proportion intending to refuse or refusing some or all pediatric vaccines (without delays) was lowest among nulliparous pregnant women (4%) and highest among parents (33%). Uncertainty about childhood vaccination was highest among nulliparous pregnant participants (48%) and lowest among parents of young children (4%). 'Window of Opportunity' Medical educator Peter Chin-Hong, MD, a professor at the University of California San Francisco, who specializes in infectious diseases, told Medscape Medical News that 'identifying high uncertainty about childhood vaccines in pregnancy opens up a window of opportunity.' 'It's a time when people are generally more receptive to hearing messages about their own health and the health of their unborn child,' he said, 'and infectious disease prevention is one of the many things that can improve the health of both.' He said he agrees that interventions and coordination expanding to specialties outside of pediatrics can take substantial resources but some form of intervention 'can start tomorrow' he said, such as mentioning the benefits and safety of future childhood vaccines in conversations with pregnant women. Sometimes that is thought to be the job of pediatricians and skipped in other specialties, he said. Need 'Couldn't be Greater' 'The need couldn't be greater,' he said. 'There are so many reasons to focus on this population — not only for the decisions for when the child is 5 years old and getting their [measles, mumps and rubella] shot, but for now [with maternal vaccines that cross the placenta] — because I can't really do much when a baby has some types of infections within the first 6 months.' Pregnant people interact with the healthcare system at multiple points, he noted, so there are multiple times when an intervention could happen. 'In my experience, a person who's uncertain about vaccines doesn't reverse that in one visit. It requires a series of visits, just like stopping smoking.' Further Study May Answer Questions The appetite for introducing robust support for pregnant women in making vaccine decisions, 'particularly in this political climate,' will likely depend on cost-benefit analysis, Chin-Hong said. He said future work should decide who would do the interventions and how often, and how much intervention is needed to result in more vaccinations of children. Additionally, the authors wrote 'Future interventions should account for differences in uptake of seasonal (ie, COVID-19 and influenza) vs routinely recommended vaccines.' The authors and Chin-Hong reported having no relevant financial relationships.
Medscape
14-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Fast Five Quiz: Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment Issues
Breast cancer care has made remarkable strides in recent years, with advancements in imaging, targeted therapies, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and personalized medicine leading to improved survival rates. Despite these innovations, the management of metastatic and advanced breast cancer remains complex, with treatment-related complications posing significant challenges. From cardiotoxicity to issues such as fatigue, neuropathy, and bone loss, understanding these potential effects is essential for optimizing patient care. As survival rates improve, addressing these challenges becomes even more critical in ensuring long-term well-being. How well do you understand the treatment complications of metastatic and advanced breast cancer? Take this quick quiz and test your knowledge. Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) targeted therapies are associated with a higher risk for treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity, particularly in causing cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction during and after treatment. Anthracycline-based and HER2-targeted therapies pose significant risks of cardiovascular toxicity, including heart failure, making them a major concern for long-term breast cancer survivors. Although antibody-drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors are being rapidly developed and used alongside traditional chemotherapy, their cardiovascular toxicity risks remain less well understood and appear to be lower compared with HER2-targeted treatments. Additionally, sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have shown promise in cardioprotection rather than contributing to cardiovascular toxicity. Learn more about HER2-targeted therapies. A key complication associated with whole-brain radiotherapy is neurocognitive decline. Whole-brain radiotherapy can cause long-term impairments in verbal learning, memory, executive function, and verbal fluency, primarily due to hippocampal dysfunction. Stereotactic radiosurgery can affect verbal learning, memory, fine motor coordination, and executive function. Meningitis, seizures, and hemorrhage are complications more commonly associated with surgical treatment of brain metastases, not whole-brain radiotherapy. Learn more about brain metastasis in metastatic breast cancer. According to a comprehensive analysis, non-Hispanic Black patients with late-stage breast cancer had higher rates of chemotherapy-related complications compared with non-Hispanic White patients. This includes higher rates of cardiomyopathy, diarrhea/enteritis, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, neuropathy, lung disease, pain, dehydration/hypovolemia, rash, and infusion reactions. Non-Hispanic Black patients also had higher rates of cardiovascular toxicities such as acute myocardial infarction and pneumonitis. Non-Hispanic White patients had higher rates of being diagnosed with psychological issues, although non-Hispanic Black patients had higher rates of cognitive decline and dementia. There were no significant differences in overall immune-related toxicities between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White patients. These racial disparities in breast cancer treatment-related adverse events might be due to non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White patients receiving different treatments. Non-Hispanic Black patients have a higher probability of receiving adjuvant therapy, whereas non-Hispanic White patients have a higher probability of undergoing curative-intent breast cancer surgery and being prescribed endocrine therapy. Learn more about breast cancer treatment protocols. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that although various postoperative complications can occur, seroma is the most frequently reported. It involves the accumulation of fluid at the surgical site, which can lead to discomfort, delayed wound healing, and, in some cases, infection. Other complications, such as hematoma, surgical-site infection, and chronic neuropathic postoperative pain, are also recognized but occur less frequently. Learn more about surgical treatment of breast cancer. Calcium channel blockers are preferred for managing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in patients with advanced breast cancer and hypertension, due to their cardiovascular benefits. Calcium channel blockers, particularly in combination with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, provide superior cardiovascular outcomes compared with beta-blockers and diuretics in hypertensive patients undergoing cardiotoxic chemotherapy. They effectively reduce blood pressure variability and arterial stiffness, contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Although diuretics are commonly used to manage hypertension and heart failure, they do not provide the same protective cardiovascular benefits as calcium channels blockers or renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in this specific patient population. Although statins might reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, their efficacy in preventing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction remains controversial due to conflicting results from major clinical trials. Beta-blockers are used for heart failure management but are not the preferred antihypertensive agents in patients undergoing cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Learn more about signs and symptoms of hypertension.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Happy sex life, happier you? Study reveals the right frequency that reduces depression risk significantly
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in April 2025 revealed a connection between the frequency of sex and good mental health. This showcases the importance of a regular sex life in maintaining mental wellbeing. ALSO READ: Sex talk 101: Relationship coach shares 4 hacks for couples to open up about intimacy The study researchers examined data from over 14,000 U.S. adults within the wide age range of 20 to 59 to narrow down sex's effect across all age groups. It turns out that people who had sex at least once a week were almost 24% less likely to display signs of moderate to severe depression, in contrast to those who didn't have any sex at all in the month. Moreover, the study did identify a sweet spot for reduced depression risk of about one to two times per week. Beyond that, it plateaued and didn't offer any further mental health perks. Since the study examined a wide age range of participants, it was able to discover that this pattern remains the same despite factors like age, physical health, marital status, income, and more. The connection between sex and lower depression is strongest among younger adults, and based on the ethnicity the study included, Mexican American and non-Hispanic White participants. While the study didn't necessarily establish a direct one-way connection that sex definitely causes less depression, it's important to note that people who are in a good mood are likely to have sex. So, it's more of a cyclic pattern where each influences the other. According to the researchers, sex releases chemicals like endorphins, which contribute to keeping moods uplifted. Sex also involves emotional connection, which further relieves stress and anxiety. While sex may not be a cure or a complete prevention for depression, it may help in reducing the risk factors of depression and support your mental health. ALSO READ: What do people love most about sex? Study reveals it's not the orgasm Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kickin it for Katy returns to raise awareness about suicide
FAIRMONT — Four years after the death of a Fairmont State student to suicide, an annual walk/run to raise suicide awareness has grown to become a prominent resource for mental health. Kickin it for Katy returns to Fairmont State University this year on May 3, where Kaitlynn Jade Newbraugh, 17, attended as a student. The run/walk is part of the Marion County Race Series. Newbraugh's grandmother, Gina Dixon, organized the 5k run/1 mile walk in Newbraugh's honor. 'If we can save one person, that's all that matters to me,' Dixon said. 'The 988 hotline, we can get that number out, I mean right now it's on the back of probably 1,300 shirts we've done.' Proceeds from the run/walk will go to the Kaitlynn Jade Memorial Fund, a 501©3 nonprofit that helps students pay tuition at Fairmont State. The nonprofit recently raised money for their first endowed scholarship for the school's forensics department, where Newbraugh was a student. To be endowed, the organization had to reach $25,000. Some of the proceeds also go to help the Marion County Humane Society. The nonprofit is working toward a second scholarship. 'Anybody that wants to get into the mental health field, whether it's psychiatry, whether it's sociology, whether it's nursing, you know, anything that has to do with a mental health field, that's what our next goal is,' Kirk Harris, Dixon's right hand man, said. 'To do another $25,000 scholarship, and then after that, who knows. This year, the event will host tables from the Depression-Bipolar Support Alliance, the MVA clinic, Hope Domestic Violence Center and Marion County Quick Response Team and tables dedicated to treating addiction. The Humane Society will also hold an adoption day. However, the most poignant display will be a memory tent, which displays pictures of people lost to suicide. It will also include some who have been lost to addiction. Dixon encourages anyone who lost a loved one to suicide to display their photo in the tent. More than 720,000 people die to suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-to-29 year-olds. In the U.S., there's a suicide once every 11 minutes, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Groups with the highest suicide rates are non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people, followed by non-Hispanic White people. Other groups with higher than average suicide rates are veterans, people who live in rural areas, workers in certain industries such as mining and construction and young people who identify as LGBTQ. The Trevor Project found laws targeting transgender and nonbinary people are directly responsible for raising suicide rates among that community of people. 'That causation is the key aspect,' Ronita Nath, co-authors of a study on suicide rates and anti-trans laws, told NBC News in 2024. 'State-level anti-transgender laws caused — so, not associated with, not linked to — we can say very confidently, they caused up to a 72% increase in number of past-year suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary young people,' as well as a 49% increase in the percent of trans and nonbinary young people who made at least one attempt in the past year.' West Virginia has passed laws targeting trans and nonbinary people. The CDC found in 2020 the financial toll of suicide on society was over $500 billion in medical costs, work loss costs, value of statistical life and quality of life costs. The CDC calls suicide a serious public health problem. This year will be the first year Kickin it for Katy has grief counselors onsite, Dixon said. The registration fee is $25, however, registrants who enter as a team pay $20. The price goes up two days prior to the run/walk. Dixon said registration won't be available the day before the walk, and 'door' tickets will cost $30. Food trucks, which will be present at the event, will be free to registrants. Register at where tax-deductible donations can be made. 'Katy was an amazing, amazing little girl,' Dixon said. 'She was her family's center.'
