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Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
The 10,000-step goal came from a 1960s ad campaign, not science. A new study reveals the real number you need for major health benefits
Building the beat: How New Orleans can grow the business behind the music
People dance to the music of the TBC Brass Band Photo by Michael DeMocker / The Times-Picayune This week New Orleans hosts the annual Cutting Edge CE Conference, which brings together members of the music industry, musicians, lawyers and others to learn about and discuss the latest changes in the business of making, producing and selling music. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1492300'); }); The conference comes as AI and streaming are causing upheavals in the industry. Meanwhile, we’ve seen at least a partial collapse of the global festival industrial complex which has long been a key financial lifeline for many artists.All of that can feel a bit removed from life in New Orleans. After all, we are a city filled with music. On any given day or night, there are dozens of shows across the city, ranging from jazz and blues to hip-hop, bounce and house. Whereas in other cities kids dream of being the star of their local sports team, in New Orleans more often than not they dream of leading their own band.And music is a huge part of our economy. Before New Orleans was known as a foodie destination, it was already drawing millions of visitors from around the globe to experience our jazz, soul and funk scenes firsthand.But the reality is, if you want to make it big, you’re probably going to end up leaving the city. We’ve seen major performers like Lil Wayne, Master P and Jon Batiste (though he’s back on the Northshore) decamp to Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Likewise, up-and-coming musicians like Greer Grimsely, $leazy EZ and Lucky Daye have also left town in search of more profitable pastures.Meanwhile, our local universities train some of the best producers and engineers in the business — only to see them head to one of the big music industry cities after graduation.It’s not a new phenomenon, though the reasons have changed over the years. Like a lot of early jazz musicians, Louis Armstrong famously left New Orleans, first for Chicago before ultimately settling in New York City. But while those early migrations had more to do with racism, in today’s day and age, musicians end up leaving because New Orleans doesn’t have the industry infrastructure necessary to sustain the kind of growth and, well, success, a lot of folks dream of.It’s a hard, but very real, truth. Artists have to go to Nashville for publishing, Los Angeles for production, Atlanta to join a label or New York for representation. That, in turn, is a drain not only on the city’s talent pool but on money that could be staying here at home.Not being an industry town inevitably makes it that much harder for musicians who don’t leave to get the recognition and success they deserve. It also undoubtedly plays a part in keeping the wages working musicians in New Orleans make at their gigs here lower than in places like Austin or Nashville.That’s not to say we don’t have any of the infrastructure needed to make New Orleans a music industry town. We’ve got live music venues, studios, record labels, management companies, copyright attorneys ... all the various building blocks are there. We just haven’t ever built upon that solid foundation. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1492297'); }); The question is how do we do that in a way that supports our existing industry and artists, respects our cultural traditions and ensures the wealth generated is equitably distributed so it isn’t just C-suite executives who end up reaping the benefits. And the time to start figuring out the answers is now: next year the legislature will focus on taxes and spending, making it vital that New Orleans leaders have a plan to try and secure funding to help grow our industry.So we asked a group of New Orleanians to give us their thoughts, ranging from industry attorneys and venue operators to working musicians and cultural advocates. Their answers point toward turning New Orleans into a music industry city without leaving musicians behind or abandoning what makes us the greatest music city on earth.If a dusty city like Austin can transform itself into a major hub not just for music but the industry behind it, surely the birthplace of jazz — and pretty much all modern music by extension — can figure it out as well. +3 Mailbox Money: The Recording Academy’s Reid Wick on supporting, and growing, New Orleans’ music industry Reid Wick has been a part of the New Orleans music landscape from virtually every angle. He'… California Dreaming: Pell discusses his time in L.A. and how New Orleans can help young musicians In 2015, New Orleans-born rapper Pell decided to make the move to Los Angeles. He was fresh … +2 Up from the street: To build a stronger music industry, support community first. At MaCCNO, most of our team aren’t just advocates, we’re also working musicians. Here are a … +2 Live and direct: Public investment in independent venues is key to a robust music economy. I’ve spent most of my adult life looking at the New Orleans music business from every side o… +2 Helping Hand: New Orleans doesn’t need more talent. It needs more infrastructure. People love to call New Orleans a music town. And they’re right. +2 \We out here: New Orleans doesn't need to be Austin. It's already a music industry city. +2 Futureshock: New Olreans has the music talent. Now it needs the innovation. New Orleans has long been known as a place for music creation and innovation. People travel … .donate-gambit-article-module-container { text-align: center; padding: 10px; /* background-color: #24da6d; */ background-color: rgb(153, 0, 0); margin-bottom: 20px; } .donate-gambit-article-module-title { font-weight: bold; color: #fff; } .donate-gambit-article-module-copy { color: #fff !important; font-size: 16px; } .donate-gambit-article-module-button { background-color: black; width: 50%; border-color: black; font-size: 16px; } .donate-gambit-article-module-button:hover { background-color: black; } @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { .donate-gambit-article-module-button { font-size: 14px; width: 100%; } .donate-gambit-article-module-copy { font-size: 14px; } } BECOME A GAMBIT MEMBER AND JOIN OUR KREWE TODAY For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. We’ve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, danced in the streets with you and cried over our collective loss with you. And we’re plannin’ on being here for 40 more. To do that, we need your help. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission SUPPORT GAMBIT
Fetterman aligns with Trump on AI push, warns China benefits from US 'overreaction'
Sen. John Fetterman rejected "AI doomsdaying" and echoed President Donald Trump's push for AI development, warning that U.S. overreaction could benefit China.
Milk vs plant-based alternatives: 7 claims put to the test
Experts look at cow’s milk and alternatives like soy, almond and oat, comparing the benefits, allergy safety, climate impact and more.
Pixel Watch 5 lets you customize double pinch to dismiss alarms, skip music, & more
The double pinch gesture on the Pixel Watch 5 benefits from being able to “Customize actions” across music and alarms.
Residential Developers Dive Into Science Of Blue Space
Developers of waterfront properties no longer market the proximity of water as merely a passive asset, preferring to tout the wellness benefits of that proximity.
Employer healthcare expenses could spike 9.5% in 2027, pressured by GLP-1s
The benefits management company Aon said per-employee expenditures may rise about $19,000. While the broader economy is to blame, part of the rise can be attributed to the management of costly chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Focal therapy for localized prostate cancer has divided physicians. Will new data change minds?
Urologic oncologists who treat prostate cancer are split over the benefits of focal therapy compared to traditional surgery or radiation.
Pennsylvania Entertainment Markets Benefit From New York Legislative Delays
States located next to each other sometimes monitor one another's legislative calendar with great interest, particularly when multi-billion-dollar entertainment
What happens to people’s health when air pollution is reduced?
Growing evidence that cutting coal use and bans on high-polluting vehicles are leading directly to health benefits
Publication in Science charts a path to democratized molecular innovation
Blocc chemistry is a new way to make medicines, materials and a range of consumer products that is friendly to robots, AI and anyone. An international team of thought leaders has been assembled to prospectively map out how to keep this technology safe and maximize its potential benefits to society.
Apple Card Turns Seven With Big Change Ahead
Today marks the seventh anniversary of the Apple Card becoming widely available in the U.S., following a more limited preview period. Apple's credit card can be managed in the iPhone's Wallet app, with key benefits including color-coded spending summaries, no fees, and Daily Cash cash back paid out daily. Apple Card holders can also open a high-yield savings account. The anniversary comes ahead of a big change planned for the Apple Card.
Brenda and Robert Gullett Jr. Gift Supports UAMS Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Facility
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) received a $1 million gift from Brenda Gullett and Robert R. Gullett Jr., M.D., associate professor and orthopaedic surgeon at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, to benefit the UAMS Health Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Hospital in Springdale. “A lifetime…
This fertility benefit business is set to boom. Buy its stock now, Wells Fargo says
Progyny is set to benefit from several structural tailwinds, including catalysts that should help it court more clients, according to Wells Fargo.
SBA Rule Change Makes 110,000 More Businesses Eligible For Benefits
The policy switch could be a major boon for small businesses hoping to compete against the likes of Boeing and Raytheon, says the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Walmart says it will use billions in tariff refunds to keep prices low
Walmart said it received nearly $2.9 billion in tariff refunds and plans to use some of the benefit to support lower prices for shoppers, while the refunds also provided a significant boost to quarterly operating income.
‘Dance for Life’ puts the spotlight on healthcare gaps for Chicago performers
The 35th benefit show is on track to raise $500,000 for the Chicago Dance Health Fund, which supports underinsured dancers amid rising healthcare costs.
5 science-backed health benefits of tea, from longevity to brain health
Drinking tea has been consistently associated with a longer lifespan.
5 science-backed health benefits of tea, from longevity to brain health
Drinking tea has been consistently associated with a longer lifespan.
Research: Entertainment subscription providers worst-rated for payment experience
Entertainment subscription providers have been ranked the UK’s worst for payment experience, with customers rating them an average score of just 1.27 stars out of five. The findings come from Access PaySuite’s Payment Experience Report 2026, which analysed payment-related customer reviews on Trustpilot across 16 sectors to identify those that have benefited the most from […]
Sea Aggie Researchers Make Evening Fun with Science on the Beach
“The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it’s the one thing all of us share.” – Lady Bird JohnsonOn Galveston Island, beaches rank among the favorite environments to share and study, and, as Texas A&M University at Galveston faculty emphasized last week, are “More Than Just Sand.”A program subtitled “The Secret Life & Value of Sandy Beaches” drew more than 40 people to the Aug. 13 meeting of Surfrider Foundation Galveston, a local chapter of a nonprofit focused on the protection and enjoyment of oceans and beaches.The evening began barefoot with ecology lessons on the sand before moving across Seawall Boulevard for beverages, bites, and more beach talk at an area establishment. Drs. Guilherme Corte and Yasmina Shah Esmaeili show how a mesh bag is used as a sieve to separate organisms from samples of the sand. Credit: TAMUG Divisions of Marketing and CommunicationsNot far from where others were enjoying the attractions at Pleasure Pier, Drs. Guilherme Corte and Yasmina Shah Esmaeili introduced the ecologically curious to species living within the sediments.“When people hear ‘coral reefs,’ they immediately think of fish, live ecosystems, but when they think of sandy beaches, they think party, recreation, vacations – not coastal ecosystems,” said Corte, an assistant professor of marine biology in the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies at TAMUG.Shah Esmaeili co-founded the Gulf eDNA Network and works with Corte in TAMUG’s Benthic Ecology Lab.“Sandy beaches are indeed great places for leisure and recreation,” Corte said. “Let’s keep enjoying them, because they are awesome. But they are also full of life that we most of the time don’t realize is there.”The married couple soon had the beachcombers measuring the slope with PVC poles, searching for ghost shrimp with a stainless-steel pump, sifting for marine worms and sand fleas, and guessing which species would burrow fastest back into the sand once released.Away from the sand, the focus turned to research from Drs. Ashley Ross ’03, ’10, and Virgie Greb, ’25 and those words from Lady Bird Johnson reminding people that the environment isn’t separate from their daily lives.“It’s about things that we value, mostly our communities, strong local economies, outdoor recreation, cultural connections, and our overall quality of life,” said Greb, a proud BOI – born on the island – Galvestonian, who now works in Austin as a project manager for the Texas General Land Office. “Along our coast, these benefits are deeply interconnected.”Greb and Ross, an associate professor in marine and coastal environmental science with the College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies, have studied a variety of ways beaches and the sea are important to Galveston and those who live there. Drs. Ashley Ross (left) and Virgie Greb (standing at right) field questions after their presentation. Credit: TAMUG Division of Marketing and CommunicationsIn 2023, using three survey methods – online for Galveston County residents, in-person at beaches, and paper distributed via city water bills – they collected 732 complete responses, 53 percent from residents and 47 percent from visitors.Most were frequent beachgoers who gave the recreation value of Galveston beaches a “B” and rated amenities such as restaurants, lodging, shopping, and beach access highly. Lower rated were water clarity and restroom facilities.“It’s noticeable that primary residents actually rate water quality higher; they’re more tolerant of hard, turbid water,” Ross said, crediting them with better understanding the natural conditions with the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers bringing sediments and rich nutrients to the area around Galveston.Island residents also were more likely to understand that “clear” isn’t the same as clean beach water and to know that water quality is regularly tested. Clean means absent of disease-causing pathogens.“We need more education and outreach focused on water quality and the benefits of Galveston beaches and shores and water,” Greb said. “And it’s not just for tourism. There are a lot of people who are very lucky to live on an island with beaches and the bay.”
Pennycuick Introduces Measure to Stem Fraud in State Health Insurance Program
Today, Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24th) introduced legislation to address improper enrollment, waste, and fraud in Pennsylvania’s Health Insurance Exchange Authority called Pennie.
Study finds sustained benefit for people using Oregon psilocybin services
OHSU-led research is the largest study of psychedelics outside clinical trials.
Advocates say Tiffany’s vote for 2025 Medicaid cuts bodes ill for healthcare
Healthcare advocates say they don't approve of Tom Tiffany's vote for the 2025 tax cut bill that cut Medicaid and other benefit programs.
Costco plots major expansion into senior healthcare with Medicare partnership
In a first-of-its-kind venture, Costco is partnering with SCAN Health Plan on senior-focused insurance products that could include pharmacy, vision and hearing benefits.
Legends of Science and Surfing: Riding waves for cancer research
The 33rd annual Legends of Science and Surfing in La Jolla featured an oncology symposium and fundraiser benefiting cancer research at the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.
Weighted vests gain mainstream traction as midlife adults embrace rucking and bone health benefits daily
“Wearing a weighted vest while exercising increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption.”
$3 million gift benefiting WT band program, endowment for business students
West Texas A&M University announced a $3 million gift will benefit its acclaimed band program and establish an endowment for business students.
When AI meets global health: Who governs, who benefits and what works?
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in health systems worldwide, questions about how these technologies should be governed, evaluated, and implemented have become as consequential as the technologies themselves. Across a four-part virtual discussion series convened by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) in partnership with the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School this spring, experts from academia, multilateral organizations, government, philanthropy, and civil society examined the opportunities, challenges, and key questions shaping AI’s role in global health.
Low-impact exercise can deliver big health benefits while being easier on your joints
Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and other low-impact activities can improve your heart health, build strength, and help you stay active at any age.
R1 to Acquire Humata Health, Enhancing Phare OS with AI-Powered Prior Authorization Automation and Payer-Provider Collaboration
Acquisition Removes Friction from Complex Prior Authorizations to Benefit Patients, Clinicians, Providers, and Payers...
Autonomy Is the Pulsing Heart of Science
Attempting to change the norms of scientific funding, organization, and incentives threatens to derail the benefits of science to society.
How health care costs are undermining America’s public-sector employers
Politicians are contemplating raising taxes and cutting benefits as the cost of health care for government workers surges.
Madison County commissioners approve pay raise, health benefits change
Madison County commissioners approved several policy changes during a meeting Monday morning, including one resolution described as controversial among some members and the community.
Focusing on healthy aging might encourage older adults to get vaccinated
A French study finds that heart or cognitive health benefits might be the biggest motivators.
Cherry Is the Hottest Skincare Ingredient of 2025 and Science Backs Its Incredible Skin Benefits
You have probably noticed that your skincare shelf is starting to look a lot like a farmers’ market. Strawberry serums, watermelon mists, blueberry masks – food-inspired beauty has been on the rise for a while now. But in 2025, the trend is shifting from cute packaging gimmicks to ingredients that actually deliver real results. And...
The COVID-19 vaccine may offer brain cancer patients a surprise benefit
A recent shot of the COVID-19 vaccine doubled survival time in glioblastoma patients who had undergone tumor biopsy or surgery.
Mizzou study shows small scheduling change has big health benefits for night-shift physicians
The findings highlight Mizzou’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of those working overnight.
Can 5 minutes of movement have health benefits? A new study says yes
Five-minute walks every hour appear to be a realistic and effective way to mitigate the effects of prolonged sitting, writes columnist Carrie Dennett.
‘There is nothing else’: Californians face eviction as insurer cancels assisted living benefit
Thousands of California families are facing abrupt cancellations of coverage for assisted living as insurer Health Net adjusts the benefits it provides.
Health Alliance Plan: Helping businesses build stronger, healthier teams
Learn how smarter employee health benefits, preventive care and coordinated healthcare help Michigan employers control costs.
Health Alliance Plan: Helping businesses build stronger, healthier teams
Learn how smarter employee health benefits, preventive care and coordinated healthcare help Michigan employers control costs.
Is hormone therapy the cheat code to perimenopause?
Perimenopause can be overwhelming. Mood swings, insomnia and hot flashes can make you feel like a completely different person. Hormone therapy is one way a lot of women are treating the symptoms. Life Kit’s Marielle Segarra talks with Dr. Mara Gordon of NPR’s Real Talk with a Doc column about the risks and benefits.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit
OPM's Health Claims Data Collection Raises Legal Questions
OPM's push to collect medical claims data from Federal Employees Health Benefits carriers raises privacy concerns. Affects 8M+ federal employees. Read the...
What Happens to Your Bone Health When You Take Vitamin D With Calcium?
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so taking them together can optimize their benefits.
The post-Hormuz era offers Africa a great opportunity
But to capture its benefits, the continent needs to develop an effective, common maritime policy.
Seniors who box reap physical and emotional health benefits
Seniors in the class range from their 70s into their 90s.
Small businesses are using a classic benefit to stay competitive
Small businesses can offer 401(k) plans to help be competitive in the job market and retain employees.
Daylight saving time debates heat up in New Hampshire
NH Rep. Timothy Horrigan continues his push to end daylight saving time, citing health benefits and simplified living.
66,000 WA residents dropped their health insurance this year, report says
The report found that 13.6% of the 286,500 insured through the Washington Health Benefits Exchange in 2025 dropped their coverage.
Taking the stairs could protect your heart and help you live longer
Simply choosing the stairs could have surprisingly big benefits for your heart and longevity. A large analysis involving more than 480,000 people found that regular stair climbers were 39% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 24% less likely to die from any cause than people who rarely took the stairs. They also had lower risks of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Science Says ‘Grandma Hobbies’ May Have Real Health Benefits
Knitting, gardening, and other hands on, old-fashioned activities can be more than just relaxing—here’s what they can do for your brain, mood, and more.
AHA responds to FDA RFI on health and safety benefits regarding non-device software
The AHA Aug. 13 responded to a Food and Drug Administration request for input on the risks and benefits to health and safety associated with non-device software.
How people decide who’s deserving in politics
It turns out we're more likely to support policies that benefit people we assume share our political views.
NJ towns, school districts owe millions to public worker health plans
As state-run health benefits plans rise in cost, some towns and school districts owe the plans tens of millions of dollars.
Higher-income families more likely to enroll kids in organized sports, an AP-Ipsos poll finds
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans overwhelmingly see major benefits to children playing organized sports, a new poll finds, but higher-income families are more likely to participate.
Higher-income families more likely to enroll kids in organized sports: poll
A new AP-Ipsos poll finds Americans overwhelmingly see major benefits to children playing organized sports, but higher-income families are more likely to participate.
Higher-income families more likely to enroll kids in organized sports, an AP-Ipsos poll finds
A new AP-Ipsos poll finds Americans overwhelmingly see major benefits to children playing organized sports, but higher-income families are more likely to participate
Vast majority of sports parents feel the benefits of youth sports outweigh the drawbacks
Findings from a new Associated Press/Ipsos poll of parents of K-12 children enrolled in organized sports
Social Security lists 14 new eligible health conditions to fast-track disability benefits
New eligible health conditions have been added to a list that fast-tracks disability benefits for individuals. Here's what to know.
Social Security lists 14 new eligible health conditions to fast-track disability benefits
New eligible health conditions have been added to a list that fast-tracks disability benefits for individuals. Here's what to know.
Mercosur is at risk from US tariffs and politics
Some 35 years ago, at a time of economic and political turmoil in South America, a group of farsighted countries signed the Treaty of Asunción, establishing a common market to promote economic development and social justice through economic integration. Since then, the Southern Common Market, or Mercosur, has increased regional trade and delivered an integrated industrial core that has survived to the benefit of its members, comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Scientists discover a hidden brain rhythm that could improve Parkinson’s treatment
Scientists have pinpointed a brain network—and its distinctive electrical rhythm—that appears to drive the benefits of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease. The discovery could lead to more precise, personalized stimulation settings and better results for patients.
15M patients impacted by largest healthcare data breach of 2026
DentaQuest, the second-largest dental benefits administrator in the U.S., suffered the record-setting cyberattack in May. A notorious ransomware gang has taken credit for the attack.
The surprising health benefits – and one drawback
Despite their small size, sesame seeds are remarkably nutrient-dense.
Is Lemon Juice Good for You? 6 Health Benefits To Know
Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C and other vital nutrients. A registered dietitian shares its health benefits and how to add it to your menu.
Hochul, Blakeman campaign in NYC with less than 3 months until Election Day
Hochul spent time on the Lower East Side promoting a food benefits program for kids, and Blakeman was in Flushing, Queens, with business leaders.
Sacramento news roundup: climber death, hotel tax fraud, health bill, worker benefits
Here is a quick recap of the top stories from The Sacramento Bee on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Japan business mood rises as semiconductor boom lifts manufacturers: Reuters poll
Japanese business confidence improved in August as manufacturers benefited from robust semiconductor demand while non-manufacturers were supported by strong domestic consumption, the latest Reuters Tankan survey showed.
We’re reading less. And it’s making us stupid
Books have never been trendier, but studies show that as more and more things compete for our frazzled attention spans, we’re reading less and less. This is a problem because reading has a wealth of cognitive benefits that we’re in danger of missing out on.To find out why declining literacy could affect everything from memory to IQ, Madeleine Finlay speaks to the Guardian’s science editor, Ian Sample. She also hears from Prof Falk Huettig, an experimental psychologist at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and author of The Perks of Being a Bookworm
Has science finally made up its mind about coffee’s health benefits?
Doctors used to warn coffee drinkers. Now research reassures them
The U.S. Healthcare System is Already Mostly Socialized
Now that Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s open Senate seat, the outcome of this crucial race will depend mainly on two things: Whether Republicans succeed in demonizing El-Sayed because he’s brown and a Muslim, and whether they succeed in demonizing him as a left-wing radical. I will defer for the now the question of whether bigotry will be effective this year, although I will address it another day. What I want to address instead is El-Sayed’s signature issue — healthcare. Yes, El-Sayed advocates Medicare for All, a position the usual suspects denounce as “socialism.” I will get to the politics of his stance soon. Today, however, I want to talk about the substance. We should be clear that El-Sayed doesn’t even call himself a socialist. On the contrary, he explicitly disavows the label, saying “I’m a capitalist who just knows about capitalism”. In fact, as I explained in a previous post, the policies that El-Sayed advocates qualify him as a social democrat, not a socialist. Still, El-Sayed advocates a system under which the government would pay almost all medical expenses. Isn’t that socialism? Well, if that is the criterion then much of U.S. healthcare is already socialist. In fact, the government’s role is so large that U.S. healthcare is better described as partially privatized socialism than as anything resembling a free market. Let’s start with the raw numbers on health insurance, which pays the bulk of Americans’ medical expenses. Americans receive health insurance either from private companies or from public programs, overwhelmingly Medicare and Medicaid. Here’s what the breakdown of coverage and spending between private and public looked like in 2024: While a majority of Americans with health insurance get it from private companies, well over 100 million of us are covered by government programs instead. And these government programs pay more total dollars for medical bills than the private insurers do. Why do government programs that cover a minority of the population account for a majority of health insurers’ outlays? Mainly because Medicare covers seniors, and we’re expensive. Also, while Medicaid covers many younger Americans, disabled and elderly beneficiaries account for most of its spending. Even by the raw numbers, then, U.S. health insurance looks as much public as private. But that understates the government’s role: Private health insurance in the U.S. is both highly regulated and heavily subsidized. This is obviously true for the insurance coverage purchased by tens of millions of Americans through the exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act. But employment-based health insurance, which covers 161 million Americans, is far more of a government creation than most people realize. For employment-based insurance exists largely because of huge implicit government subsidies that come with major strings attached. Here’s how that works. If your employer pays you $10,000, that’s taxable income. But if your employer pays $10,000 toward a company health insurance plan that meets certain criteria, it isn’t taxable. That’s a huge effective subsidy, running at more than $300 billion a year. Take that subsidy into account, along with the more than $100 billion per year spent subsidizing policies purchased under the ACA, as well as the outlays on Medicare and Medicaid, and net effect is that the government pays for more than two-thirds of Americans’ health insurance. Granted, there are strings attached. Roughly speaking, employment-based health plans can’t discriminate based on medical history — that is, they can’t deny coverage to employees with pre-existing conditions — and they also can’t offer the plans only to highly compensated employees — a health plan that is only for the C-suite is considered taxable income. So given the restrictions of the federal tax code, employer-based health insurance is a lot like Obamacare, which also prohibits discrimination based on medical history and provides subsidies to make insurance affordable to lower-paid workers. The fact is that virtually all of private healthcare insurance is already well under some form of government control through regulation and tax subsidies. How should we think about this system? First of all, is Medicare socialist? Don’t tell anyone, but the way Medicare operates — it covers every senior’s medical expenses, whatever they turn out to be, while being funded by taxes that depend on one’s income — could be summarized by the old Marxist slogan “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” And back in 1961, when Ronald Reagan was the face of a last-ditch effort by the American Medical Association to block the creation of Medicare, he denounced Medicare as “socialized medicine” and warned that it would destroy our freedom. In reality, American freedom survived until Jan. 20, 2025, while Medicare is immensely popular, with an 82 percent favorable rating in the most recent KFF survey. Medicaid, government health insurance for lower-income Americans, comes in at 73 percent. This is in sharp contrast to public views about private insurers, who are widely disliked if not hated and accused of denying essential care. Furthermore, if Medicare is socialism, then the whole U.S. health insurance system, with the government paying most of the bills and placing conditions on private insurers, is almost equally socialist. If you insist on calling any program the government pays for and regulates socialist, then U.S. healthcare would best be described as a partially privatized form of socialism. And one must ask, what is the point of the part that is privatized? Do private insurers add anything positive? Or are they simply parasites, skimming off money that could have been paying for care? The case for viewing insurers as parasites is strong. Many Medicare benefits are now delivered via Medicare Advantage, that is, plans paid for by the government but run through insurance companies. MedPAC, an independent advisory commission, estimates that last year Medicare Advantage plans were overpaid by $84 billion, thanks to practices such as “upcoding,” in which patients’ health problems are overstated to get larger sums from Medicare. Assessing the waste from employer-based insurance is harder, but most evidence suggests that private insurers have substantially higher administrative costs than Medicare does. Furthermore, the complexity of private insurance, with multiple payers all trying to deny care when they can, is a huge burden both on providers — doctors, nurses, and hospitals — and on patients. What do private insurers offer to compensate for these costs? One must go through intellectual contortions to avoid the conclusion that they are, in fact, parasites. Which brings me back to El-Sayed. In supporting Medicare for All, he’s basically calling for an end to the partial, parasitic privatization of a healthcare system that is already hugely dependent on public funding. When one looks at it that way, it’s not at all a radical proposal. Admittedly, the political lift requires overcoming the opposition to higher taxes to pay for Medicare for All. Political realism rather than economics was the reason I and many other progressives supported Obamacare, with all its complexities, rather than demanding an immediate move to Medicare for All. But the political calculus may very well have shifted since the 2000s, as Americans are fed up with a system of unaffordable premiums, rampant claim denials, and byzantine claim administration. Moreover, funding healthcare insurance through taxation would allow for a much more progressive distribution of the cost. That is, compared to the present system, middle-income households would pay less as high-income households would pay more. And the U.S. would stop wasting large sums on pointless administrative costs. So let’s be clear: El-Sayed’s healthcare platform is perfectly reasonable on the merits of cost, fairness and health efficacy. And with private insurers never more hated, while millions of Americans are losing their health insurance, 2026 may be its time. MUSICAL CODA
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The hard part was never the software
Altera Digital Health's Ben Stevenson outlines what it takes for health IT systems to work together as seamlessly as possible for the benefit of those using the software and how health IT ought to work across the organisation as a whole.
Trump wades into data center debate amid political battle
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Rock, Reggae & Relief benefits Café Momentum in downtown Pittsburgh
Rock, Reggae & Relief filled Downtown with daytime music and dancing while raising money for Café Momentum Pittsburgh and its youth-training programs.
Someone Made a Terrific Deal in the Peacock/YouTube Premium Partnership…But Who?
(Welcome to the “Most Important Story of the Week”, my bi-weekly strategy column analyzing the most important (but often not buzziest) news story of the last two weeks. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. Please subscribe.) I hope everyone around the world suffering from record heat waves is doing okay. The temperature is already up in Southern California, but obviously not nearly as bad as parts of Europe. With a super El Nińo coming this year, I worry it will get even worse. Yes, we know what’s causing this heat—it’s the carbon, duh—but we really aren’t making enough progress. I’m not “environmental strategy guy”, but if I were, I’d have some ideas of what I’d try. Honestly, for years I’ve been intrigued by the work of the folks at MEER—whose plan, super simply, is to put up mirrors to reflect heat (while continuing the important work of decarbonization)—but I’m frustrated this idea hasn’t made more progress. (Other geo-engineering groups seem to get better press.) With heat like this—cancelling events, hurting economies and, most importantly, killing people—it seems like the time to push solutions! The “mirrors on the ground” solution has barely been tried.1 While entertainment companies may not “feel the heat”, lots of outdoors/experiential industries—concerts, theme parks and so on—will. Even movie theaters could benefit, since mirrors could help lower AC costs, which I imagine is not an insignificant expense, especially in the hotter areas of the country. So I do think the entertainment industry should prioritize this issue. Anyways, let’s get back into the entertainment strategy. I was about to write, “Hey, this week we don’t have any mergers and entertainment news to dive into,” but that’s not really true, since we had more updates on Paramount-Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. But the big story of the week involves a streamer and a Big Tech platform bundling their respective streamers. So I’ll write about the updates on Paramount buying Warner Bros., Versant making some moves, and a whole lot more. But we start with a surprising deal: Peacock licensing their content to YouTube Premium. Let’s dive in! Subscribe Most Important Story of the Week - Peacock’s Pricey Premium Partnership The story of the week is Comcast’s2 NBC-Universal’s Peacock making a deal with Google’s YouTube’s YouTube Premium subscription product to embed their content. And I’ll say this up front: Someone made a terrific deal. The question is who. And I’ll be honest: I don’t know. Let me explain why, including why this deal exists, the pros and cons for each side, the biggest unknown, and what that says about the streaming wars. Customers Love Bundles (But YouTube Has Its Own Issues) We’re just getting started with this issue, but the rest is for paid subscribers of the Entertainment Strategy Guy, so if you’d like to find out… Why customers love bundles… But why I’m worried about YouTube’s integration... How Peacock is trading scale for control… And the reason they likely made this deal... The odd budget math for this deal... Whether or not I think the Paramount-Skydance/WBD deal is more likely after the latest settlement... Versant making moves and why that’s good for Hollywood… Another distributor going out of business… ...and a whole lot more! ...please subscribe! We can only keep doing this great work with your support.
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
Bodog reports that the 10,000-step goal originates from a 1960s marketing campaign, with research suggesting 7,000 steps may provide significant health benefits.
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise
Bodog reports that the 10,000-step goal originates from a 1960s marketing campaign, with research suggesting 7,000 steps may provide significant health benefits.
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Northwest Arkansas growth brings benefits and challenges for local business, owners say
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This Week in Science: Mosquito Magnets, Bonus Benefits of GLP-1s, And More
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Scientists reveal how much exercise you really need to protect your heart
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Ex-Gunner offered to Tottenham could earn Arsenal cash
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What watching sports does to your mind and body, according to scientists
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