National Center for Health Research
nc4hr.bsky.social
National Center for Health Research
@nc4hr.bsky.social
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Stay informed on health policy and research with the National Center for Health Research (NCHR).

As an independent nonprofit think tank that does NOT accept industry funding, we translate scientific research to info you can use to improve your health and safety.
Learn more: www.center4research.org
The National Center for Health Research
The National Center for Health Research (NCHR) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on research that can improve the health of adults and children. We are a voice you can trust, providing in...
www.center4research.org
The recent PIRG 2025 Trouble in Toyland report exposed an AI teddy bear that told kids where to find knives and how to light matches.

Fortunately, the company stopped selling the toy after alarms were raised.
December 19, 2025 at 11:01 PM
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula was recalled due to bacteria causing botulism. The formula is blamed for at least 51 babies with botulism across 19 states.

Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Albertsons kept selling the recalled formula weeks after the recall began.

(1/2)
FDA warns Target, Walmart for selling baby formula linked to botulism
The FDA also said Kroger and Albertsons had failed to comply with a recall of baby formula linked to an ongoing infant botulism outbreak.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Hearing about rising cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? You aren't alone. Reports show a big surge in cases this year.

Why? Warmer climate is partly to blame, and the fact that fewer kids caught it last year, leaving more children without immunity.

main.sbcounty.gov/2025/12/11/c...
County urges families to take precautions as hand, foot and mouth cases rise - Welcome to San Bernardino County
Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and rash on the hands and feet. Children are encouraged to stay home when sick to help prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth...
main.sbcounty.gov
December 18, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Measles outbreaks are accelerating across the US. It isn't just Texas.

More than 1,900 children and adults got measles this year--mostly children.

South Carolina is facing a large outbreak. Almost all were not vaccinated.
Measles Outbreaks Accelerate as U.S. Inches Closer to a Disease Tipping Point
More than 1,900 people, mostly children, have been sickened by measles in the U.S. in 2025. The outbreaks are moving the country toward losing its measles-free status by early next year
www.scientificamerican.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Engineered stone countertops are popular, but they are causing a rise in a deadly lung disease among stone workers.

Massachusetts health officials just confirmed the state's first case of silicosis in a stone worker. This adds to a growing number of cases nationwide.
Mass. health officials issue safety alert after state’s 1st confirmed silicosis case
Silicosis is an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease associated with working in the stone countertop industry.
www.boston25news.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Can a cash incentive get people to take their blood pressure meds?

A new study found that cash incentives doubled consistent compliance. 71% of the rewards group took medication regularly, compared to 34% of those who weren't told they'd get a reward.
Winning cash for taking blood pressure meds increases compliance
About 71% of patients in the rewards group opened their blood pressure medication on 80% of days, compared with about 34% in the control group.
cardiovascularbusiness.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Reposted by National Center for Health Research
Get to know our President & Founder, Dr. Diana Zuckerman, as she sits down on the Beyond the Spotlight podcast with host Kelli Wright.

Dr. Zuckerman reflects on her professional journey and her work to provide free lunches for millions of children.

Part 1! Follow for more!
December 15, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Get to know our President & Founder, Dr. Diana Zuckerman, as she sits down on the Beyond the Spotlight podcast with host Kelli Wright.

Dr. Zuckerman reflects on her professional journey and her work to provide free lunches for millions of children.

Part 1! Follow for more!
December 15, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Nonprofit Community health centers receive federal funding to offer a safety net for the poor.

So why are some suing patients for as little as $59 in unpaid bills?

www.propublica.org/article/fede...
These Health Centers Are Supposed to Make Care Affordable. One Has Sued Patients for as Little as $59 in Unpaid Bills.
Federally funded community health centers receive grants in exchange for serving patients regardless of their ability to pay. But ProPublica found at least five across the country garnishing patients’...
www.propublica.org
December 13, 2025 at 3:02 AM
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” will shift billions in costs for SNAP and Medicaid to states.

A ProPublica investigation found that the 26 states that recently slashed their own state taxes means many will be unable to cover these new bills.
Wave of Tax Cuts Has Left Many States Vulnerable to Trump SNAP and Medicaid Crisis
President Donald Trump’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act will shift billions in costs for SNAP and Medicaid to states. But with 26 having cut or eliminated state income taxes just since 2021, the...
www.propublica.org
December 11, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Montgomery County, MD is home to the NIH. Why is the county ignoring science showing artificial turf has dangerous PFAS chemicals and plastic?

Our kids' lungs will fill with microplastics when they play.

www.center4research.org/nchr-letter-...
NCHR Letter to Montgomery County About the Dangers of Artificial Turf - National Center for Health Research
December 8, 2025: NCHR letter from constituent Diana Zuckerman to Montgomery County Maryland Executive and Council explains the many ways that artificial turf is dangerous for our children and our com...
www.center4research.org
December 11, 2025 at 5:58 PM
A study of 28 million adults under 60 found that people who received a COVID mRNA vaccine were less likely to die of COVID or from any cause over the next four years.

The findings come as the Trump administration is challenging mRNA vaccines.
COVID Shots Tied to a Lower Risk of Death From Any Cause
Advantage held even after removing coronavirus-related deaths from the mix
www.medpagetoday.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:09 PM
How can we restore trust in healthcare?

Newborns lack Vitamin K, so most are given shots as soon as they are born. But more American parents are refusing Vitamin K shots for their newborns.

#NewbornHealth #VitaminK #PublicHealth #Parenting #HealthSafety

thehill.com/policy/healt...
thehill.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Rural America relies on foreign doctors, but a new $100,000 visa fee is shutting them out.

In “health care deserts” like Shelby, NC, practices can't afford the fee to bring in specialists urgently needed by patients.

www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Rural America relies on foreign doctors. Trump’s visa fee shuts them out.
The Trump administration’s demand for companies to pay a $100,000 fee to hire an immigrant worker using an H-1B visa has created turmoil among rural health providers.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Influencers are selling "freebirth" guides (delivering a baby with no doctors or midwives) for hundreds of dollars.

An investigation found that moms suffered preventable tragedies while these leaders made millions.

www.medpagetoday.com/obgyn/pregna...
'Freebirth' Movement Is Dangerous to Moms but Reflects Real Concerns, Ob/Gyns Say
Recent investigation sparks conversation about freebirth, autonomy, and distrust in medicine
www.medpagetoday.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:28 PM
A new study suggests the shingles vaccine may help prevent mild cognitive impairment and slow the progress of dementia.

Researchers found that vaccinated adults were less likely to show signs of impaired thinking.

www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/h...
Shingles vaccine may slow progression of dementia, new study suggests | CNN
The shingles vaccine not only offers protection against the painful viral infection, but a new study suggests that the two-dose shot also may slow the progression of dementia.
www.cnn.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:48 PM
STAT reports Dr. Rick Pazdur's surprise retirement as the FDA's head of drug evaluation adds to worries about the regulatory agency.

NCHR's Dr. Diana Zuckerman calls it a "huge loss," noting his willingness to demand evidence and question rushed review plans.
Top drug regulator Richard Pazdur set to leave the FDA
Top drug regulator Richard Pazdur filed papers to retire from the Food and Drug Administration at the end of this month, raising concerns about agency turnover.
www.statnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Whooping cough cases in Texas hit their highest level since 2013, with more than 3,500 reported and roughly four times higher than last year.

This disease causes violent coughing fits and is dangerous for infants.

About 1/3 of babies under 12 months who catch it require hospitalization.
thehill.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Are you making the best choices for your long-term health? At NCHR, we "translate" the latest scientific evidence into information you can actually use.

Our 2025 newsletter is full of surprising data on how to reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease and to live a long, healthy life.
www.center4research.org
December 3, 2025 at 12:32 AM
We don't take money from the companies making the products we evaluate.

That means we work for YOU, not special interests.

Help keep our voice independent and strong this #GivingTuesday.

www.center4research.org/get-involved...

#GivingTuesday2025 #IndependentScience #PatientSafety #PublicHealth
Contribute - National Center for Health Research
Why become a NCHR Supporter? Your generous support allows us to help medical and consumer products in ways that benefit all of us. No matter the amount, your donation makes a difference if people’s li...
www.center4research.org
December 2, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Don't let food poisoning ruin Thanksgiving! Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Don't wash the turkey! It spreads bacteria.

2. Use a food thermometer to reach 165°F.

3. Thaw your frozen turkey in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours per 4-5 lbs. If too late, read:
www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/...
Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing | Food Safety and Inspection Service
An official website of the United States government
www.fsis.usda.gov
November 26, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Why is the FDA announcing important medical decisions at one-sided events that are like pep rallies instead of holding scientific meetings about the risks and benefits?

We explain what's happening in our op-ed in MedPage Today.

www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
Opinion | The FDA Commissioner Is Missing the Point of Advisory Committees
Makary's hand-picked panels lack diversity of opinion, robust evidence reviews, and credibility
www.medpagetoday.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Reposted by National Center for Health Research
I’d like the labels of drugs I take to come from FDA’s standard advisory committee process. Instead, FDA’s new “expert panels” are stacked with conflicted members who lack the necessary expertise. Diana Zuckerman of @nc4hr.bsky.social explains the differences.
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
Opinion | The FDA Commissioner Is Missing the Point of Advisory Committees
Makary's hand-picked panels lack diversity of opinion, robust evidence reviews, and credibility
www.medpagetoday.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:41 AM
#RFK: Where are you when we need you? What happened to your #MAHA commitment to safer food?

The EPA just approved two new "forever chemical" pesticides for use on vegetables like potatoes, lettuce, and broccoli.
EPA just approved new ‘forever chemical’ pesticides for use on food
Critics warn the EPA’s approvals of new PFAS pesticides could expose more Americans to “forever chemicals” through their food.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:06 PM
After lobbyists spent millions, the law that reopened the government also guts critical food safety rules that #RFK wanted.

The law cuts contamination tracking and limits research on ultra-processed foods, despite RFK Jr. and hospitalizations from food-borne illnesses.
Shutdown Deal Kills Food Safety Rules
After lobbyists spent big on the Trump administration and Democratic defectors, the government funding bill cut food-contamination rules and limited ultraprocessed-food research.
www.levernews.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:14 PM