Stay Informed: Health, Medicine, and More in STAT’s Morning Rounds Newsletter!
Wildfires in and around Los Angeles have caused devastation, with five people dead, thousands displaced, and entire neighborhoods destroyed. The toxic smoke blanketing the region poses serious health risks, with the effects of wildfires on health being varied and worrisome. Recent studies have linked chronic exposure to wildfire smoke to over 52,000 early deaths and a 76% increase in childhood asthma exacerbations.
The Santa Ana winds, which exacerbate wildfires in the region, have long been a concern, with Joan Didion’s essay on the topic gaining renewed relevance due to climate change. The impact of wildfires and the associated smoke on communities of color is particularly concerning, as they often face compounded health effects.
In other news, data on medical school enrollment following the Supreme Court’s ban on considering race in admissions show a marked decline in students of color. This decline raises concerns about the lack of diversity in medical school classes and the impact on efforts to address racial health disparities.
Former FDA commissioners are warning about the risks of emerging biological threats, such as the H5N1 bird flu, and the importance of continued surveillance efforts. They emphasize the need for robust systems to detect and respond to such threats before they become widespread.
A new study suggests a link between gender-based racism and blood pressure, particularly in postpartum women. The study found that microaggressions experienced during healthcare may contribute to higher blood pressure levels.
Additionally, a study published in Nature Medicine highlights an increase in orphanhood in the U.S. due to opioids and the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of children who have lost at least one primary caregiver has risen by 50% since 2000, with rates highest in southern and Midwestern states.
These developments underscore the complex and interconnected challenges facing public health in the U.S., from the immediate health risks of wildfires to the long-term implications of changes in medical school enrollment and the impact of societal issues on health outcomes. Stay informed and stay safe.