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The rate of traffic deaths jumped in the first half of 2020, and safety experts blame drivers who sped up on roads left open when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses and limited commuting. The new research also showed that even small increases in speed led to much deadlier outcomes in vehicle crashes. A crash that is easily survivable at 40 miles per hour can be fatal at 50 mph or more, according to the study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The results are particularly disquieting due to widespread reports of excessive speeding during the pandemic. (Bomey, 1/28)

Between 30,000 and 40,000 cases of this disease are reported to the federal agency each year, current estimates show. But in a report released earlier this month, the CDC estimated that some 476,000 Americans were diagnosed with Lyme disease annually between 2010 and 2018 — about 10 times higher than what’s currently reported. To reach this conclusion, the CDC reviewed billing codes on health insurance claims between 2010 and 2018. To start, they counted the number of cases that were officially diagnosed with the disease and were prescribed antibiotics to treat it. Using certain statistical tools, they then estimated the number of cases among the rest of the population, including those without insurance and those over the age of 65. (Farber, 1/27)

Heart disease is still the leading cause of death worldwide, with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic likely to extend that ranking for years to come, according to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2021 Update published Jan. 27. The data, published in the AHA's Circulation journal, reports more than 523.2 million cases of heart disease in 2019 worldwide, with nearly 18.6 million deaths. Each of those numbers rose significantly since 2010, according to the update. (Carbajal, 1/27) 

Subway describes its tuna sandwich as “freshly baked bread” layered with “flaked tuna blended with creamy mayo then topped with your choice of crisp, fresh veggies.” It’s a description designed to activate the saliva glands — and separate you from your money. It’s also fiction, at least partially, according to a recent lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges the ingredient billed as “tuna” for the chain’s sandwiches and wraps contains absolutely no tuna. A representative of Subway said the claims are without merit. Not only is its tuna the real deal, the company says, but it’s wild-caught, too. The star ingredient, according to the lawsuit, is “made from anything but tuna.” (Carman, 1/27)

KHN: Baby Blues: First-Time Parents Blindsided By ‘The Birthday Rule’ And A $207,455 NICU Bill

In the nine months leading up to her due date, Kayla Kjelshus and her husband, Mikkel, meticulously planned for their daughter’s arrival. Their long to-do list included mapping out their family’s health insurance plan and registering for baby gear and supplies. They even nailed down child care ahead of her birth. (Anthony, 1/27)