A new peer‑reviewed paper using Wisconsin Longitudinal Study data finds older adults who vote had markedly lower mortality up to 15 years later — but authors caution the link is associative, not causal.

Federal and global health agencies say alcohol raises the risk of at least seven cancers, and Atlanta experts are urging clearer warning labels and more screening.

A Dec. 5 HHS review classified seven pediatric deaths as possibly or probably linked to cardiac complications after COVID‑19 vaccination, but agencies say VAERS alone can’t prove causation.

A JAMA study and a federal advisory link late‑night phone use to widespread teen sleep loss, and a UW Health doctor outlines steps parents can try tonight.

About 121,340 ORB Funkee sand‑filled "Monkee" squeeze toys sold at Walmart and Ollie's are being recalled after tests found trace tremolite asbestos in the sand.

Hospice Maui says patient care continues as usual after CMS paused new hospice enrollments; leaders point families to Medicare’s Care Compare and a local hotline.

A new survey finds 95% of insured Americans worry about hospital bills; Indiana data show prices fell while household debt and fear persist.

Charles County issued a rabies alert after a cat tested positive near Dartmouth Road. Free pet vaccination clinics in La Plata are scheduled and contact numbers were provided.

Africa CDC reports 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths in Ituri; the CDC says it is monitoring the outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda and can provide technical support.

A Lancet Psychiatry meta‑analysis finds no meaningful link between common antidepressants used around pregnancy and autism or ADHD after accounting for parental and family factors.

Johns Hopkins will close two nonprofit home‑health agencies serving D.C. and parts of Maryland this summer, citing staffing and financial shortfalls. The move arrives amid tighter federal oversight of the sector.

A U.S.‑led public‑private push will scale SC Johnson’s year‑long Guardian spatial repellent in high‑burden countries, aiming to protect about 60 million people. Backing from WHO and new manufacturing in Nairobi make broad rollout possible.

A global analysis links DEHP and similar phthalates to nearly 2 million premature births and roughly 74,000 newborn deaths in 2018, and U.S. studies point to tens of thousands of domestic cases.