Childhood Vaccination Rates Fall as School Exemptions Hit Record
The US Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention reported Thursday that the number children who were fully up-to-date on their immunizations when they started elementary school in 2024 fell from the prior year. The shortfall included protection against potentially deadly infections like polio and measles.
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Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Illinois becomes 1st state to require student mental health screenings
For students in Illinois, mental health screenings will soon be required alongside annual vision and hearing exams. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Thursday that will require public school students in grades 3 through 12 in the state to undergo a mental health screening each year. The change will go into effect in the 2027-2028 school year with at least one screening per student required annually, according to a press release from Pritzker's office. Pritzker also said the new legislation makes Illinois the first state to mandate universal mental health assessments for public school students. "At a time when our kids are struggling with anxiety and depression more than ever before, it's our responsibility to ensure that young people have all the support that they need to get the help that they deserve," Pritzker said in remarks at the signing ceremony. "Our goal is an integrated, comprehensive approach to quality mental and behavioral health services for young people across the state," Pritzker added, saying the legislation will pave the way for schools to receive resources and support to implement the new push for screenings. Kids who own smartphones before age 13 have worse mental health outcomes: Study The bill, SB1560, encourages schools to connect student caregivers and parents with the Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation or BEACON Portal, a tool launched in January that can provide information about available mental health resources and services. Illinois' move comes two months after the Trump administration pulled funding for about $1 billion in mental health grants. The Department of Education said in May that the grants would be discontinued because the money was going to "race-based actions" instead of mental health services in schools. Trump administration discontinues $1 billion in school mental health grants Students' mental health has been top of mind ahead of the back-to-school season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anxiety and depression are some of the most common mental health conditions diagnosed in children between the ages of 3 and 17, with mental health being a significant concern among teens. The Illinois State Board of Education has until Sept. 1, 2026, to provide schools with guidance and policies to implement the mandated mental health screenings. The state is also promising schools free screening tools and access to technology to fulfill the mandate. Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Popular weight-loss medication could relieve painful arthritis symptoms, doctors report
The positive effects of GLP-1 medications extend beyond just diabetes control and weight loss. GLP-1s, also known as GLP-1 agonists, are a type of drug that mimics a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Experts claim that these medications — which include semaglutide (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) — can also help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA, a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissues, causes inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints, according to Mayo Clinic. GLP-1 medications have been found to help relieve painful arthritis symptoms, potentially through weight loss. Various studies have shown an association between being overweight or obese and the risk of developing RA. A 2020 study published in the journal Nature specified that having a higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference was linked to a greater prevalence of the condition. Sue Decotiis, M.D., a medical weight-loss doctor in New York City, said that in her own practice, she's witnessed patients experience "tremendous relief" for inflammatory arthritis disease after taking GLP-1s. "This is not just rheumatoid arthritis, but also mixed connective tissue disease," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Most patients were actually able to stop their arthritis medications." While much remains to be learned about these alternate uses for GLP-1s and how they function, Decotiis noted that fat cells produce certain substances, like cytokines or adipokines, that can increase inflammation throughout the body and impact how the immune system functions. "Cytokines produced in excess can harm the body," she said. "With COVID, some patients who died had experienced a cytokine storm, where the immune system overresponded to the infection." Decotiis clarified that it is not yet confirmed that the reported anti-arthritis effect of GLP-1s is associated with weight loss, although she said she's seen this benefit continue even on a low dose of the drug. The expert said she has also noticed a wide range of other positive effects associated with GLP-1 medications, including reduced alcohol intake and less reliance on ADD and anti-anxiety medications. The popular drugs have also been linked to a reduced risk of migraines, Alzheimer's disease and even some cancers. "Anyone considering using GLP-1s should be followed by a physician knowledgeable in their usage and weighed on a body composition scale," Decotiis recommended. "Someone who is not overweight would have to be followed very carefully. Therefore, accessing these drugs from an online platform without in-person physician care is not advisable."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Honoring a Legacy of Excellence: The Dr. Sudesh Banaji Scholarship Empowers Future Medical Leaders
Dr. Sudesh Banaji FORREST CITY, Ark., Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dr. Sudesh Banaji Scholarship for Medical Students is now accepting applications for its prestigious $1,000 award. This merit-based scholarship aims to recognize and support an outstanding undergraduate student in the United States who is passionately pursuing a career in medicine or a related healthcare field. Established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Sudesh Banaji, a globally trained and board-certified internal medicine physician, the scholarship celebrates academic distinction, ethical care, and community commitment. Dr. Sudesh Banaji's name carries a legacy of over 30 years of compassionate and exemplary clinical service across India and the United States. A graduate of JJM Medical College in India, Dr. Banaji pursued further specialization through residency programs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and East Tennessee State University. He is the co-founder and lead physician of Internal Medicine of Forrest City, Arkansas, where he has continuously advanced preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and patient-first care. His commitment to healthcare excellence has earned him leadership positions, including Chief of Medicine and Medical Director across various institutions. This scholarship reflects Dr. Sudesh Banaji's enduring values of lifelong learning, diagnostic precision, and mentorship. Designed for undergraduate students who demonstrate not just academic strength but also heartfelt passion for healthcare, the scholarship offers a financial boost to help cover educational costs including tuition, books, and other academic expenses. The application process revolves around a powerful essay prompt that encourages applicants to share a defining experience that influenced their decision to pursue medicine and shaped their understanding of compassionate care. Submissions should be between 750 and 1,000 words and must clearly convey the student's dedication to making a lasting impact in the healthcare landscape. The scholarship committee will evaluate essays based on originality, insight, clarity, and the student's vision for their future role in medicine. Eligibility requirements include: Current enrollment as an undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. college or university Intent to pursue a career in medicine or a related clinical field Submission of an original essay addressing the provided prompt Demonstrated commitment to improving patient care and public health Applications are open now through April 15, 2026, and the winner will be announced on May 15, 2026. The winning applicant will not only receive a $1,000 scholarship but also have their essay featured on the official scholarship website, showcasing their voice and vision as a future healthcare leader. To apply, students must email their completed essays in PDF or Word format to apply@ All entries must include the applicant's full name, school, major, year of study, and contact email at the top of the document. This initiative represents more than just financial support—it is a tribute to Dr. Banaji's lifelong service and a pledge to invest in the next generation of healers. The Dr. Sudesh Banaji Scholarship invites passionate students to share their stories, inspire others, and take one step closer to transforming healthcare. About Dr. Sudesh Banaji:Dr. Sudesh Banaji is a globally respected internal medicine physician with over three decades of clinical and academic experience. He is recognized for his diagnostic acumen, leadership in rural healthcare delivery, and dedication to mentoring future medical professionals. His scholarship serves as a beacon of hope for students ready to carry the torch of compassionate care and clinical excellence. For more information, visit: Spokesperson: Dr. Sudesh BanajiOrganization: Dr. Sudesh Banaji ScholarshipWebsite: apply@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
