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Health HHS' Kennedy Unveils $700 Million Mental Health Effort By Solange Reyner, (AP) Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday announced a $700 million federal initiative aimed at addressing serious mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness. The move marks a significant expansion of the Trump administration's efforts to tackle what officials described as interconnected public health crises. The funding includes a new $96 million grant program called Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-Based Treatment and Supports, or STREETS, which will provide resources to state, local, and tribal governments to develop treatment, recovery, and housing-related services for people struggling with addiction, mental illness, and homelessness. Kennedy said the initiative reflects a shift toward treating the three challenges together rather than through separate programs. "For too long, America has treated homelessness, mental illness and addiction as separate problems," the health secretary said in a statement announcing the program. "The reality is that these crises are deeply interconnected." Under the STREETS program, eight grant recipients will be eligible to receive up to $3 million annually over four years to create comprehensive approaches that combine treatment, recovery support, housing assistance, and outreach efforts. HHS said participating communities will be expected to coordinate services among healthcare providers, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and courts. The department said the broader $700 million investment will support evidence-based treatment and recovery programs while helping communities address growing concerns about homelessness and behavioral health problems. The announcement comes as cities and states across the country continue to grapple with rising homelessness and the impact of subs

Health Antidepressant Used by Millions Recalled Over Possible Cancer-Causing Contamination By Tamilore Oshikanlu Millions of Americans who take a popular antidepressant are being urged to check their medicine cabinets after a staggering number of bottles were recalled amid concerns over possible contamination. Towa Pharmaceutical and its U.S. distributor, Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, voluntarily recalled multiple lots, totaling nearly 370,000 bottles, of duloxetine delayed-release capsules on June 4. The voluntary recall came after a potentially cancer-causing chemical, N-nitroso-duloxetine, was discovered in elevated levels above the acceptable limits set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=33XWph_1CRXnmoN00 The recall affects both 30 mg and 60 mg capsules of duloxetine, a widely prescribed medication used to treat depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and certain types of chronic nerve pain. According to the National Library of Medicine, N-nitroso-duloxetine is a nitrosamine compound that is “suspected of causing cancer.” The compound belongs to a broader class of chemicals that have triggered a string of high-profile drug recalls. Duloxetine is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the U.S., and is sold separately under the brand name Cymbalta. The recall affects the generic duloxetine delayed-release capsules manufactured by Towa Pharmaceutical. Cymbalta, which is manufactured by Lilly, is not impacted. Among those who have publicly discussed taking duloxetine are singer-actress sisters Aly and AJ Michalka, who told PopSugar in 2020 that they had taken Cymbalta for nearly a decade to help manage anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=260cF3_1CRXnmoN00 The medication works by increasing levels of serotonin and no

🌺Mental illness is exhausting because people are often fighting their own minds while trying to function like nothing is wrong. ❤️

Health You can ask a hospital for an itemized bill and apply for charity care — many patients qualify and never ask By Tyler Foster, Tens of thousands of patients have been sent to collections for hospital bills they may never have owed. A case brought by the Washington State Attorney General against Providence’s collection agencies found that collectors pursued hundreds of millions of dollars in medical debt while failing to inform patients of their right to request an itemized statement or apply for charity care. Federal law already requires nonprofit hospitals to screen patients for financial assistance before aggressive collection, yet the gap between what patients are entitled to and what they actually receive remains wide. Federal rules hospitals must follow before sending bills to collections Every nonprofit hospital in the United States must maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy under IRC Section 501(r). That policy must be summarized in plain language and handed to patients at intake and discharge. Billing statements must include a conspicuous notice of the policy along with a URL or phone number where patients can learn more. These are not suggestions. They are conditions of the hospital’s tax-exempt status. Before a nonprofit hospital can take what the IRS calls “extraordinary collection actions,” such as selling debt to a collector, reporting to credit bureaus, or filing a lawsuit, it must make reasonable efforts to determine whether the patient qualifies for financial assistance. That means the hospital cannot simply hand off a bill and walk away. If it skips this step, it risks its 501(r) compliance and, by extension, its nonprofit standing. The problem is enforcement. No publicly available federal dataset tracks how many hospitals post their Financial Assistance Policy notices at rates above the IRS minimum

ADHD IS NOT A DISABILLITY: U.S. enforced law Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly discussed in medical and legal contexts as a disability. However, some people argue that this label does not fully reflect how ADHD is experienced in everyday life. One perspective is that ADHD represents a different way of processing information rather than an inability to function. People with ADHD are often described as creative, energetic, curious, spontaneous, and capable of intense focus on subjects they care deeply about. In environments that match their strengths, they may perform exceptionally well. Supporters of this view argue that challenges associated with ADHD are sometimes created or amplified by systems that reward long periods of sitting still, repetitive tasks, rigid schedules, and standardized ways of learning or working. Under different conditions, the same traits may become advantages. For example, fast-paced work environments, creative industries, entrepreneurship, emergency response roles, and hands-on learning can align well with qualities often associated with ADHD, such as quick thinking and adaptability. At the same time, this perspective does not deny that ADHD can create real difficulties. Many people experience significant impacts on school, work, relationships, organization, and concentration. The degree of impact varies widely from person to person. Rather than asking whether ADHD “is” or “is not” a disability in absolute terms, some advocates suggest focusing on individual functioning and support needs. For some people, the disability framework helps them access accommodations and understanding. For others, it may feel limiting or incomplete. This debate reflects a broader question: should differences in attention and cognition always be viewed as disabilities, or sometimes as forms of human variation?

What would cause a very bad itch on the back of my hand?

Im going in for a colonoscopy in 2 hours, and the nurse from the clinic ust called to politely ask me to arrive clean. You guys will appreciate this awkwardness Ihave a colonoscopy coming up and you know that means a full prep day involving a whole lot of time in the bathroom. I was alreadu stressed out about the procedure itself but then 1 got a call from the clinic nurse. She called just to politely remind me to wipe front to back and to thoroughlu clean my butt area before I arrived. I was immediately so embarrassed and asked why on earth she had to call me for that. She said they have had a huge influx of people showing up unclean in the last few months so now they are making phone calls to remind people. I understand why they have to do it butthat confirmation that people are seriously showing up unwiped for medicakshowing up unwiped for medical procedures is absolutely horrifying. I am glad I don't have that iob. I took twa showers ust out of pure anxiety ana shame after that cal #Hygiene #AwkwardMoments #Healthcare #TMI #Cleanliness #MedicalHorrorStories #Health

ADHD Isn’t Always Experienced as a Disability: A Different Perspective Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly discussed in medical and legal contexts as a disability. However, some people argue that this label does not fully reflect how ADHD is experienced in everyday life. One perspective is that ADHD represents a different way of processing information rather than an inability to function. People with ADHD are often described as creative, energetic, curious, spontaneous, and capable of intense focus on subjects they care deeply about. In environments that match their strengths, they may perform exceptionally well. Supporters of this view argue that challenges associated with ADHD are sometimes created or amplified by systems that reward long periods of sitting still, repetitive tasks, rigid schedules, and standardized ways of learning or working. Under different conditions, the same traits may become advantages. For example, fast-paced work environments, creative industries, entrepreneurship, emergency response roles, and hands-on learning can align well with qualities often associated with ADHD, such as quick thinking and adaptability. At the same time, this perspective does not deny that ADHD can create real difficulties. Many people experience significant impacts on school, work, relationships, organization, and concentration. The degree of impact varies widely from person to person. Rather than asking whether ADHD “is” or “is not” a disability in absolute terms, some advocates suggest focusing on individual functioning and support needs. For some people, the disability framework helps them access accommodations and understanding. For others, it may feel limiting or incomplete. This debate reflects a broader question: should differences in attention and cognition always be viewed as disabilities, or sometimes as forms of human variation?

RUMORS: Rapid weight loss in someone who is overweight or obese is not typical and often serves as an early red flag. While it can happen with strict lifestyle changes, sudden, unexplained weight loss usually points to underlying health conditions that require prompt medical evaluation.Potential Medical CausesIf the weight loss is unintended (meaning it is happening without the person trying to diet or exercise more), it could be caused by several conditions, including:Undiagnosed Diabetes: Obesity is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes. If left unmanaged, the body struggles to use insulin, forcing it to burn fat and muscle for energy, resulting in rapid weight loss.Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): This condition speeds up your metabolism, causing your body to burn calories much faster than normal.Eating Disorders: Conditions like binge eating, bulimia, or other disordered eating habits can sometimes trigger dramatic weight fluctuations.Gastrointestinal Conditions: Issues that affect how your body absorbs nutrients (like Celiac disease or chronic inflammation) can lead to weight loss.Cancer: Sudden, unintentional weight loss can sometimes be an early symptom of certain cancers, which can alter the body’s metabolism.Risks of Rapid Weight LossLosing weight too quickly (more than 1 to 2 pounds per week) carries its own set of dangers, even for those who are overweight:Gallstones: Rapid weight loss forces the liver to secrete extra cholesterol, which can form gallstones.Muscle Loss: The body may burn muscle tissue for energy instead of just fat.Nutritional Deficiencies: Severely restricted diets often lack vital vitamins and minerals.What the Focus Should BeWhen an overweight or obese individual experiences rapid weight loss, the immediate priority should be understanding the root cause rather than celebrating the loss itself. It is widely recommended to consult a healthcare provider to rule out or manage any underlying diseases.If you are noticing this in someone.

No one chooses anxiety, panic attacks, or depression. These are battles fought in silence every day. 💙