UN Estimates 14 Million Children Missed All Vaccines in 2024

U.N. health officials have reported a concerning trend in global vaccine coverage, with more than 14 million children failing to receive a single vaccine in 2024. This figure is similar to the previous year, indicating a persistent challenge in ensuring all children have access to essential vaccinations. Nine countries account for over half of these unvaccinated children, highlighting significant disparities in healthcare access and delivery. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have emphasized that about 89% of children under one year old received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (DTP) vaccine, maintaining the same level as in 2023. However, the completion rate for the three-dose series improved slightly, reaching 85% in 2024, up from 84% in 2023. The ongoing struggles in improving vaccine coverage are exacerbated by recent international developments. Reduced international aid and shifts in global health policies threaten to further hinder progress. The withdrawal of significant financial support from global vaccination efforts complicates efforts to protect vulnerable populations and address the gaps in immunization coverage. <br /> <br /> This situation underscores the need for sustained commitment to global health initiatives and partnerships to ensure equitable access to vaccines. The consequences of unvaccinated children can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, reinforcing the importance of vaccination in saving lives. Despite these challenges, global efforts continue to focus on expanding vaccine access and improving health service delivery to the most vulnerable populations.

How Cloud Coffee Boosts Your Body and Sharpens Your Brain Power

Cloud coffee, a trendy beverage combining espresso with coconut water, offers hydration benefits primarily due to its electrolyte content. Coconut water, a key ingredient, is rich in electrolytes—minerals essential for regulating fluid balance in the body. Particularly, it contains a high amount of potassium, with one cup providing around 600 milligrams, surpassing the 451 milligrams found in a medium banana. This high potassium content supports better hydration and electrolyte replenishment, comparable to what is found in some sports drinks. Studies have shown that coconut water effectively replaces fluids lost during exercise, making cloud coffee a potentially refreshing choice for hydration[1]. However, while coconut water rehydrates, the coffee component contains caffeine, which has a mild diuretic effect—meaning it can increase urine production and potentially offset some hydration benefits if consumed excessively. Experts advise that cloud coffee should be enjoyed in moderation and not considered a full substitute for plain water intake. Nutritionists recommend not drinking it immediately upon waking, especially for those prone to stress or fatigue, because caffeine stimulates the stress hormone cortisol. Consuming it later in the morning can help avoid nervous energy spikes and sleep disruption[2]. Besides hydration, cloud coffee might also offer a lighter, lactose-free alternative to traditional coffee with milk, especially when plant-based milks or coconut cream are used. Despite its natural electrolyte and antioxidant content from coconut water, variants with added sugars or coconut cream can increase calories and saturated fats, so the healthfulness depends on the recipe specifics[3][4]. In summary, cloud coffee may help keep you hydrated through the coconut water’s electrolytes, especially potassium, but it should be consumed thoughtfully within a balanced fluid intake.

Newport City Council Rallies to Save Hospital Birthing Center Amid Budget Crisis as New President Takes Charge

Tonight’s council meeting is convened in response to a significant disruption impacting at least 300 women whose annual OB-GYN appointments at Newport Women’s Health Services were unexpectedly postponed. This postponement has raised concerns among patients and community leaders about access to essential women’s health care services. Newport Women’s Health Services, operating at Newport Hospital, typically provides routine and specialized gynecological care including annual well-woman exams, prenatal care, and management of reproductive health conditions. The postponement affects a considerable number of patients scheduled to receive these critical health checks, potentially delaying early detection of health issues and routine care maintenance. This sudden disruption may highlight broader systemic challenges such as workforce shortages or scheduling inefficiencies that affect OB-GYN availability nationwide. For example, national data suggest the United States faces a projected shortfall of nearly 8,000 OB-GYNs by 2037, reflecting an increasing demand for women’s health providers amid a limited supply. Such shortages often contribute to longer wait times and appointment cancellations. The council meeting aims to address the immediate needs of affected women, explore causes behind the appointment cancellations, and discuss strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. Efforts may include enhancing workforce recruitment, improving scheduling systems, or considering temporary service expansions to cover gaps. Ensuring timely access to OB-GYN care is vital for women’s health outcomes; thus, this postponement and subsequent municipal attention underscore the critical need for robust support of women’s health infrastructure at the local level. <br /> <br /> The council’s deliberations tonight will scrutinize the root causes and formulate solutions intended to restore reliable service at Newport Women’s Health Services, reaffirming the community’s commitment to supporting women's health needs.

Savannah Chrisley Opens Up About Liposuction Following 40 Pound Weight Gain Linked to Health Issues

Savannah Chrisley recently opened up about her choice to undergo liposuction following a significant weight gain of 40 pounds, which she attributes to her ongoing battle with endometriosis and related health challenges. The reality TV star explained that her weight gain was a direct result of the difficulties she faced managing her condition, which often causes pain and hormonal imbalances that can affect metabolism and body weight. This experience led her to reconsider her body and health management options.<br /><br />Savannah has been candid about her health struggles and how they impacted her physically and emotionally. She shared that the decision to have liposuction was part of a broader effort to regain control over her appearance and well-being after the weight gain that left her feeling uncomfortable. She emphasized that this choice was personal and aimed at improving her confidence and quality of life amid the challenges presented by endometriosis.<br /><br />Beyond cosmetic reasons, Savannah’s decision reflects the complex relationship many face with chronic illnesses that influence body image and weight. The procedure was a step for her not only to address the physical changes but to enhance her mental health by feeling better in her own skin. She has used her platform to discuss these vulnerable aspects, hoping to inspire others facing similar health struggles to seek solutions that make them feel empowered.<br /><br />Savannah’s openness provides insight into the realities of living with endometriosis and the tough choices patients make, blending medical needs with personal well-being. Her story highlights the intersection of health and self-care in the public eye.

Trump's new spending bill set to increase insurer costs and reduce Medicaid coverage for millions

President Donald Trump’s recently signed spending bill introduces significant changes to Medicaid that are expected to increase administrative costs and complicate cost management for insurers like UnitedHealthcare and CVS Health's Aetna, which operate Medicaid health plans. The bill’s provisions include nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and new requirements on beneficiaries, states, and healthcare providers. This new legislation mandates stricter work reporting and eligibility criteria, which will likely increase the administrative workload for insurers responsible for managing Medicaid plans, thereby raising operational expenses. The complexity arises because insurers must now navigate additional bureaucratic hurdles, such as verifying beneficiary compliance with work requirements and managing increased enrollee cost-sharing measures. These changes not only increase paperwork and monitoring responsibilities for insurers but also make forecasting and controlling healthcare costs more difficult due to fluctuating eligibility and coverage levels. Furthermore, the bill imposes restrictions that limit state financing options and payment structures for providers, which can ripple through insurers’ networks, affecting overall plan management. Although these changes are designed to reduce Medicaid spending, experts warn that they will lead to millions losing coverage over the next several years, increasing the financial pressures on insurers who must adapt to a more fragmented and unpredictable Medicaid population. The full impact of these shifts is expected to unfold gradually over the next decade, as many of the new rules and requirements phase in. This delay in effect creates challenges for policymakers and insurers alike as they balance cost control with maintaining coverage for vulnerable populations. <br /> <br /> In summary, Trump’s spending bill reshapes Medicaid in a way that raises administrative burdens and complicates cost management for major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. While it aims to cut federal spending, the resulting operational challenges could affect insurers' ability to efficiently manage Medicaid plans, potentially influencing coverage stability and healthcare access for millions.

5 things older Americans should never share to avoid serious consequences

Older Americans face a variety of challenges as they age, from managing health and finances to planning for long-term care. One critical but often overlooked risk is the threat to their personal information through identity theft. While identity theft affects people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable because the consequences tend to be more financially and emotionally devastating for them. Each year, about 1 in 10 seniors fall victim to identity theft, resulting in significant financial losses—estimated at around $2.5 billion annually for older adults alone. Although younger adults, especially those between 30 and 39, report higher rates of identity theft, older adults are less likely to detect and report theft promptly, which can lead to prolonged misuse and greater financial harm. Seniors with lower incomes are disproportionately affected, being two to three times more likely to experience out-of-pocket costs due to identity theft compared to wealthier peers. Additionally, women among older victims tend to experience higher emotional distress. Victims who suffer more severe financial losses or prolonged misuse also face greater emotional challenges, which can impact their relationships and reduce the likelihood of reporting the crime to law enforcement. Technology plays a significant role in this growing problem. As society increasingly relies on digital platforms to share personal data—such as for banking, taxes, and healthcare—opportunities for identity thieves multiply. Experts emphasize the need for increased advocacy, psychological support, and education tailored to seniors to help them recognize risks, protect their information, and recover from identity theft incidents. Protecting older adults from identity theft requires a multifaceted approach involving awareness, support services, and better reporting mechanisms to mitigate the severe consequences they face.<br /> <br />