Health & Wellness

07/18/2026 · Islamorada, Village of Islands

Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in Older Adults

Multiple studies show older adults who received the shingles vaccine faced reduced dementia risk compared to unvaccinated peers. Researchers are investigating whether the vaccine's effect on the immune system or varicella-zoster virus itself explains the association.

07/19/2026

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Senators push military healthcare system to cover autism therapy

Two senators have called on the military's health insurance program to add autism therapy to its standard benefits after NBC News reported that service members and retirees faced obstacles obtaining coverage for the treatments.

07/19/2026

Health

Cass Report Author Backs Puberty Blocker Trial to Prevent Harm

Dr. Hilary Cass, author of a major report on gender medicine for children, defended a proposed puberty blocker trial, saying the research would prevent more harm than it causes.

07/19/2026

Health

Insurance Denials for Weight Loss Drugs Push Patients to Explore Alternatives

Patients prescribed GLP-1 weight loss medications often face insurance rejections. Those denied coverage can appeal decisions, switch plans, or explore other pathways to obtain the drugs.

07/19/2026

Health

Newsom backs federal billionaire tax while opposing California measure

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced support for a national tax on billionaires one day after a major healthcare union moved forward with a separate state ballot measure he opposes. The union's proposal would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaire assets.

07/19/2026

Health

How UV Exposure Affects Health and What Dermatologists Recommend

The human body needs some ultraviolet radiation for vitamin D production and other functions, but dermatologists warn that prolonged or intense UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and other damage.

07/19/2026