Transcript
A (0:02)
Hey there, it's Sanjay. We're gonna be back with paging Dr. Gupta in January, and I wish you happy holidays until then. But today we have something special for you. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this year's top health stories. You know, 2025 was a veritable battleground when it comes to public health. And it faced challenge after challenge. Mass layoffs.
B (0:26)
Scientists united will never be defeated.
A (0:29)
There was even an armed attack at the cdc. And as misinformation started to gain momentum once forgotten viruses took hold on U.S. soil. But I will say this, as always with science and medicine, progress persists. And with that, I'll be right back with our top 10 health stories of 2025.
B (0:56)
This episode is brought to you by. Diet Coke. You know that moment when you just need to hit pause and refresh? An ice cold Diet Coke isn't just a break. It's your chance to catch your breath and savor a moment that's all about you. Always refreshing, still the same great taste. Diet Coke make time for you. Time. Welcome to Walgreens. What can I help you with today?
A (1:16)
Hi, I need a last minute gift for a secret Santa. Something thoughtful, impressive, not a fruitcake.
B (1:22)
We've got Ferrero chocolates, artisan coffees, even a spa kit. Any vibe you're going for, whatever says, wow.
A (1:28)
This guy's great at giving gifts.
B (1:30)
How about this premium skincare gift set? Just needs a bow. Will look like you planned it weeks ago.
A (1:36)
Well, happy holidays, gifts, holiday decor, and more. The holiday road is long. We're with you all the way, Walgreens. Here are the top 10 hell stories of 2025. Number 10. It is impossible to ignore the impact of MAHA. It's been the rallying cry of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The real overhaul is improving the health of the entire nation to make America healthy again. The main driver of the movement, reducing chronic disease. And a lot of efforts to that end, like condemning ultra processed foods and taking action on artificial food dyes, those have been largely applauded by public health experts. But other targets of the Maha movement, those have them worried. We currently have our current vaccine schedule based upon a lot of people who know a heck of a lot looking at things not to make mandates but to make recommendations. Number nine, it makes no sense to have fluoride in our water. This year, we saw some states take steps to ban fluoride in their water supply. Dentists and other public health experts worry that its removal will increase cavities, especially for people without access to regular dental care. But supporters of these bans point to studies that found children exposed to higher fluoride levels have lower IQs and more neurobehavioral issues. But as with so many things this year, there is important nuance. Those studies looked at levels much higher, almost double than the levels found in the majority of public water systems. In fact, another study found that fluoride at the recommended levels in drinking water did not negatively affect cognitive ability. Number eight. There may be no other medication in the modern era that can improve the health outcomes of women on a population level than hormone replacement therapy. In November, the FDA announced that it was taking steps to remove what is known as a black box warning for many hormone treatments for women with menopause symptoms. Now, while this change is expected to give women more options for treatments, I do want to stress that it needs to still start with a conversation with your doctor. Number seven. President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Today publicly linking the rise in the number of cases of autism to the use of acetaminophen or Tylenol by women during pregnancy. Today, the FDA will issue a physician's notice about the risk of acetaminophen during pregnancy and begin the process to initiate a safety label change. Don't take Tylenol. Don't take it. Now, the FDA was much more nuanced in its warning, saying that pregnant women should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration and only when treatment is required. However, there is decades of evidence that Tylenol or acetaminophen is among the safest options for pregnant women dealing with fever or pain and that it does not cause autism.