Category Archives: Health

The rise of a new form of germ theory denial

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD There is a growing, concerning movement undermining one of the most well established scientific theories there is: germ theory, the idea that germs—like viruses and bacteria—cause disease. But it’s subtle. Outright denial of germ theory is … Continue reading →

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Plans for bond funded growth at Harborview

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Jim deMaine

From Frank C.: At yesterday’s meeting of the First Hill Improvement Association’s Urban Design& Public Space committee, we received a brief update on the Harborview Hospital renovation project. Without getting into much detail, I think it is fair to say … Continue reading →

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A Popemobile Will Ride Again, This Time Into Gaza

Posted on May 6, 2025 by Jim deMaine

In his last months, Pope Francis blessed an effort to transform the vehicle he used when he visited the West Bank in 2014 into a mobile health clinic to treat Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip. By Adam Rasgon in the … Continue reading →

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Want to stop the ‘tush push’? Take a look at this 464-pound 2025 NFL Draft prospect

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Jim deMaine

By Vic Tafur in the NYT Ed note: Is 500 pounds next? What’s the “logical” extreme as football seems to be creating an atmosphere promoting its own demise–and that of the players. What are your thoughts? Some teams wanted to get … Continue reading →

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The Ugly Historical Echoes of Kennedy’s Comments on Autism

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Jim deMaine

By Jessica Grose Opinion Writer in the NYT (thanks to Ed M) Last week Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held his first news briefing as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, to address a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and … Continue reading →

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How to Be a Happy 85-Year-Old (Like Me)

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Jim deMaine

By Roger Rosenblatt in the NYT Illustrations by Janik Söllner In 2000, I published a book called “Rules for Aging,” a sort of how-to guide for navigating the later years of one’s life. I was 60 at the time and thought that … Continue reading →

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King K. Holmes, 87, Dies; Researcher Destigmatized Study of S.T.I.s

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Jim deMaine

He took a down-to-earth approach to sexually transmitted infections, a subject no one wanted to discuss, arriving at novel methods of treatment and prevention. By Michael S. Rosenwald – in the NYT (thanks to many residents who forwarded this article) King … Continue reading →

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View Historic City Council Meeting – Unanimous Approval of Skyline’s Skybridge!

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Jim deMaine
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Skybridge approval on City Council Agenda Tuesday April 8th

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: The approval of Skyline’s skybridge is finally up for vote by the City Council this coming Tuesday–after making it through multiple sub-committees. It expected to pass (hopefully). If interested you can tune in to watch the proceedings live … Continue reading →

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The Swede Behind the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Jim deMaine

from the Swedish Press thanks to Bob P. Lund University alumnus Mikael Dolsten is the Chief Scientific Officer at Pfizer in the United States. Pfizer is, of course, the American pharmaceutical company that launched one of the first fully certified vaccines … Continue reading →

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This Is Why My Texas Town Lost Trust in Public Health

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Jim deMaine

By Carrie McKean in the NYT Ms. McKean is a writer based in Midland, Texas. Ed note: Smugness and demonizing those that disagree with us has wormed its way into our political discourse all too often. This article reminds us that … Continue reading →

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Dr. King Holmes, UW global health chair and pioneer in STI study, dies

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Jim deMaine

By Elise Takahama Seattle Times staff reporter The title of his first book tells you a lot about the work and wit of Dr. King Holmes: “How To Have Intercourse Without Getting Screwed.” “I wrote it for my kids,” Holmes said, … Continue reading →

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NIH to ax grants on vaccine hesitancy, mRNA vaccines

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ed M. A UW  colleague who has published multiple studies on immunization hesitancy received this notice from NIH today: [All your] federally funded vaccine research projects terminated today effective immediately. In the termination letter, the NIH says this: … Continue reading →

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AI Without Borders: Transforming Global Health Care

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ann M. NEJM AI PRESENTS Live Virtual Event AI Without Borders: Transforming Global Health Care April 9, 2025 / 12:00 – 1:15 PM ET REGISTER FOR EVENT  • Where AI fills care gaps and where hurdles like regulation, health literacy, and … Continue reading →

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AI Robots May Hold Key to Nursing Japan’s Ageing Population

Posted on March 4, 2025 by Jim deMaine

by Kiyoshi Takenaka in Medscape (thanks to Sandy J.) TOKYO (Reuters) – Recently in Tokyo an AI-driven robot leaned over a man lying on his back and gently put a hand on his knee and another on a shoulder and … Continue reading →

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How Red Wine Lost Its Health Halo

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Unfortunately, facts can be unpleasant. Alcohol, even red wine, can be a contributor to A-fib and cancer,the hype from the industry not withstanding. The secret is likely moderation along with “Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet and Dr. Merryman.” For … Continue reading →

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Heads up: Medicare will stop covering telehealth in April.

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Jim deMaine

From Your Local Epidemiologist If you’re on Medicare and have leveraged convenient telehealth appointments, that’s about to end. Medicare originally expanded its coverage of at-home telehealth services during the Covid-19 emergency, which was an important move to protect seniors and … Continue reading →

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Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Jim deMaine

From Foundation Fighting Blindness – Thanks to Ann M. Join A Virtual Quarterly Vision Webinar on Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) February 27th | 7:00 p.m. ET   (4 PM PT) Dear Friends,   Discover the latest information on AMD with … Continue reading →

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Understanding RFK Jr.

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Since the time of Pasteur, Lister, Koch and Semmelweis we’ve all (but for a few) accepted the germ theory of disease. One of those few who does not accept established science is RFK Jr. Yet, he’s about to … Continue reading →

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Your Parents Deserve More From Their Nursing Home

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Please see the following post about the need for regulations in this growing, yet underfunded and understaffed industry charged with taking care of an elderly vulnerable population. We must be informed and strong advocates for good care. By Norma … Continue reading →

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Continuing Care Oversight Bill needs support

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Hello Skyline WACCRA Members, (thanks to Tom S.) THIS ONE HAS A SHORT FUSE!—And supports the effort initially announced in the WACCRA Residents News-Mail, February 6, 2025 (attached). WACCRA’s  legislative work has resulted in the introduction of Senate Bill 5691 … Continue reading →

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I Ran U.S.A.I.D. Killing It Is a Win for Autocrats Everywhere.

Posted on February 7, 2025 by Jim deMaine

By Samantha Power in the NYT (Thanks to Diana C.) Ms. Power was the administrator of the United States Agency for International Development in the Biden administration. We are witnessing one of the worst and most costly foreign policy blunders in … Continue reading →

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Data and communication are gold

Posted on February 4, 2025 by Jim deMaine

“What the hell is going on? by Katelyn Jetelina in Your Local Epidemiologist Feb 04, 2025 It’s February 4. That matters because, as of February 1, the communications freeze at federal agencies, including CDC, FDA, and NIH, was supposed to … Continue reading →

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CDC Data Are Disappearing

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Jim deMaine

The agency has already removed scientific data from public view. More could follow. By Katherine J. Wu (Thanks to Ed M.) The CDC campus in Atlanta (Smith Collection / Gado / Getty) Last night, scientists began to hear cryptic and foreboding warnings … Continue reading →

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RFK Jr.’s War Against Cancer…Prevention

Posted on February 1, 2025 by Jim deMaine

A recent Senate confirmation hearing revealed RFK Jr.’s secret war against cancer prevention. by Paul Offit (thanks to Ed M.) Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cancer. Every year, HPV causes about 20,000 cancers in women and 14,000 in men. For women, … Continue reading →

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