Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
States Adjust To Rising Temperatures That Put Student Athletes At Risk
When George Lacomb moved two years ago to a new high school in Orlando, Florida, he quickly noticed safety precautions that the football team at his previous, less affluent school never had. There was a designated recovery room, staffed by a full-time athletic trainer, giant ice baths to cool overheated athletes, and indoor facilities to practice if outside got too hot. At his old school in another part of Orlando, the football team relied on one makeshift ice bath and a cafeteria table to rest on when injured. (Morton, 4/13)
On aging —
A burgeoning field is launching its first clinical trial to find out whether dialing back cell development can safely refresh aged tissues and organs. (Ledford and Nature Magazine, 4/13)
Contrary to stereotypes, many older adults improve in cognitive and physical abilities in later life — and having a positive mindset about aging may play a key role, according to a recent study by Yale researchers. The findings, published last month in the journal Geriatrics, reject the common narrative that physical and cognitive declines are inevitable with aging. It found that about 45% of U.S. adults 65 and older showed improvement in cognition or walking speed, or both, in the 12-year study period. (Ho, 4/11)
Red light therapy has become the latest ray of hope in the wellness industry. If you listen to wellness influencers, you might think there's nothing that red light therapy can't treat. But what's the science behind the hype? On TikTok, you'll find content creators touting red light therapy's benefits for skin care, hair growth, joint pain, sleep, longevity, inflammation — even period cramps. (Godoy, 4/13)
