Trump administration emphasizes therapy over gender affirming medical care for transgender youth [1][4]

On January 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled *Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation*, directing federal agencies to cease funding, promoting, or supporting gender transition procedures for individuals under 19. The order frames such care as irreversible harm, claiming it leads to sterilization, lifelong medical complications, and regret among youth. It mandates strict enforcement of laws limiting these procedures and tasks federal agencies with identifying existing policies that “promote” transitioning minors. <br /> A federal judge in Baltimore temporarily blocked enforcement of the order on February 13, 2025, citing risks to patient health and healthcare integrity. The restraining order prohibits federal agencies from withholding funds or imposing penalties on entities providing gender-affirming care to minors. Advocacy groups, including the ACLU and PFLAG, praised the decision, arguing the executive order endangered medically necessary care and interfered with parental rights. <br /> The administration’s February 20 announcement by the HHS Office for Civil Rights reinforced compliance with Trump’s order, vowing to align civil rights protections and health privacy rules with its provisions. However, legal challenges and state-level resistance continue to create uncertainty, with some states countering federal restrictions through shield laws protecting access to gender-affirming care. Providers and families remain caught between conflicting federal directives, state laws, and ongoing litigation, while medical organizations emphasize evidence-based guidelines supporting such care for transgender youth.

House Republicans Consider Significant Reductions to Medicaid Expansion Funding, Threatening Coverage for Millions of Americans

Congressional Republicans are facing a significant challenge in achieving their spending cuts goal, particularly in funding President Trump's agenda. The budget resolution passed by Congress earlier this month requires substantial cuts to reach a target of $1.5 trillion in reductions. With Medicare cuts off the table, Medicaid has become the focal point for savings. The Medicaid program, which serves over 70 million individuals including low-income adults, children, and people with disabilities, is under consideration for deep cuts. Given that Medicaid accounts for a substantial portion of non-Medicare mandatory spending under the Energy and Commerce Committee's jurisdiction, any attempt to reach the desired savings without cutting Medicaid seems unlikely. The Congressional Budget Office has concluded that achieving the required savings would not be possible without impacting Medicaid. This puts millions of beneficiaries at risk of losing their health insurance coverage. The situation is further complicated by internal disagreements within the Republican party. Some proposals, such as imposing caps on federal Medicaid funding to states, are being considered. However, President Trump is cautious about these measures, as they could lead to significant coverage losses. The administration is also exploring other cost-saving initiatives, like reducing prescription drug prices by adopting international pricing standards, though these face resistance from pharmaceutical companies. The urgency is heightened as House Republicans aim to finalize a comprehensive bill by Memorial Day.

Discover the Impact of Zinc on Your Body When Taken Consistently

Long-term use of zinc supplements, particularly daily consumption, poses significant health risks by disrupting essential bodily functions. Prolonged excessive intake can suppress the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fend off infections and illnesses. This occurs as high zinc levels interfere with white blood cell activity and overall immune responses, paradoxically increasing susceptibility to diseases despite zinc’s initial role in immune support. <br /> <br /> Chronic overconsumption further impairs magnesium absorption, a mineral critical for muscle function, nerve regulation, and bone health. Disrupted magnesium balance may lead to symptoms like cramps, fatigue, or irregular heart rhythms. Additionally, elevated zinc intake lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which helps remove harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from arteries. Reduced HDL levels heighten cardiovascular risks, including atherosclerosis and heart disease. <br /> <br /> High zinc doses—especially exceeding 40 mg daily—often cause acute symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Over time, even moderately elevated intake (150–450 mg daily) can trigger copper deficiency, leading to anemia, neurological issues, and weakened bones. Individuals taking antibiotics or diuretics must exercise caution, as zinc interacts negatively with these medications. <br /> <br /> Experts recommend obtaining zinc primarily through diet from foods like shellfish, legumes, and nuts. Supplement use should be short-term, such as during colds, and always under medical guidance. Regular monitoring of zinc and copper levels is advised for those requiring long-term supplementation, such as individuals with malabsorption conditions. Environmental exposure, like welding fumes, may also contribute to zinc toxicity, underscoring the need for balanced intake.

Covered California’s Privacy Failures Exposed: Health Data Shared With LinkedIn Without Consent

The recent revelation that California’s Covered California health insurance exchange shared sensitive personal health data—including pregnancy status and domestic abuse details—with LinkedIn during a marketing campaign represents a profound breach of trust. From February 2024 through March 2025, visitors to the state’s health insurance website unknowingly had their health-related selections, such as ethnicity and medical conditions, transmitted to LinkedIn via tracking tools. This data, collected through third-party advertising code embedded on the site, remained active for over a year before being removed in April 2025. <br /> <br /> Covered California, which provides coverage to nearly 2 million residents, is now reviewing its website practices after the exposure. The disclosure highlights systemic privacy risks posed by ubiquitous tracking technologies, which often operate without meaningful consumer awareness or consent. Legal experts warn this incident may violate California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, which requires explicit permission before sharing medical data with third parties. <br /> <br /> Multiple lawsuits against LinkedIn, including recent California class-action claims alleging unauthorized medical data collection, underscore mounting legal scrutiny over such practices. Over 50 million Americans have used state health exchanges since 2014, making this lapse especially alarming. Advocates argue the incident exemplifies the urgent need for stronger protections, as existing laws fail to prevent sensitive health information from being harvested by platforms like LinkedIn with no legitimate need for such data. The breach erodes public confidence in critical health programs, demonstrating how commercial tracking tools can undermine privacy even in government-administered systems.

Medicaid Faces Critical Funding Challenges as $880 Billion Cuts Loom

The issue of ineligible individuals receiving Medicaid benefits has become a significant concern, particularly with reports that taxpayers have spent billions of dollars covering people who claimed Medicaid coverage in more than one state. The continuous enrollment provision during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed many ineligible individuals to remain on Medicaid without routine eligibility checks. This situation has swelled Medicaid enrollment, increasing costs and straining program resources meant for those who truly need it. Efforts to remove ineligible enrollees from Medicaid have recently gained momentum. States are now conducting redeterminations to ensure that only eligible individuals remain enrolled. This process involves sending forms to enrollees for them to update their information and verify their eligibility. Those who do not respond or no longer meet eligibility criteria may be disenrolled. Most people being removed have either obtained jobs with workplace coverage or exceeded income limits for Medicaid eligibility. The process also highlights procedural disenrollments, where many eligible individuals are removed due to paperwork issues, such as not returning the necessary forms. However, most of these individuals either have other health coverage or are not actively using Medicaid services. Protecting eligible enrollees while ensuring resources are not wasted on ineligible recipients is crucial for the program's sustainability. <br /> <br /> Overall, removing ineligible enrollees from Medicaid is seen as a necessary step to preserve the integrity and financial viability of the program. It ensures that resources are allocated to those who genuinely require them, enabling Medicaid to continue serving its intended beneficiaries effectively.

Discover the Surprisingly Overlooked Dairy Product That a Dietitian Wants You to Add to Your Diet

Labneh is a versatile and nutritious dairy product, known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. It is made by straining yogurt, which results in a thicker consistency similar to soft cheese or cream cheese. This Middle Eastern staple is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and offers multiple ways to be enjoyed—as a dip, spread, appetizer, or even dessert. Labneh is a rich source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health, along with being a good provider of protein and calcium. These nutrients make labneh an excellent addition to a balanced diet. However, depending on the brand or preparation method, labneh can sometimes be high in saturated fat and sodium, so moderation is advised. One of the unique advantages of labneh is its low lactose content compared to other dairy products. This makes it a suitable choice for those with lactose intolerance. Its versatility allows it to be paired with a variety of ingredients, such as fresh fruits, herbs, or spices, providing a delightful twist to any meal. Whether used as a topping for salads or as a dip for vegetables, labneh adds a delicious and healthy twist to daily meals. <br /> <br /> Overall, labneh's nutritional benefits and varied uses make it a popular and desirable dairy product. Its rich flavor and creamy texture have captured the hearts of many, and it continues to be a staple in many cuisines around the world. By adding labneh to your diet, you can enhance nutrient intake while enjoying a delicious and versatile food.