A new study found that mandated paid sick leave lowers rates of death. According to the research, laws that require employers to provide paid sick leave may help lower mortality from suicide and homicide. In addition, state laws that preempt local governments from mandating paid sick leave and minimum wage requirements likely contributed to the 6 percent…
Author: Devon Herrick
Nearly Half of Worldwide Cancer Deaths Preventable (Due to Smoking, Drinking and Obesity)
About half of cancer deaths worldwide are preventable, according to an analysis published in The Lancet and summarized in Nature.
Using estimates of cancer cases and deaths from more than 200 countries, researchers found that avoidable risk factors were responsible for nearly 4.5 million cancer deaths in 2019 (see ‘Global cancer deaths’). That represents more than 44% of global cancer deaths that year. Smoking, alcohol use and a high body-mass index (BMI) — which can be indicative of obesity — were the biggest contributors to cancer.
Cosmetic Surgery on the Rise… Due to Covid-19
Covid-19 changed a lot about the way Americans live and work. The price of houses shot up as many people formerly tied to an office can now work remotely from home. Home improvement centers saw their sales climb as more people were stuck at home and needed better accommodations with which to work. In my neighborhood it seems every other house is having a pool installed. I guess if you’re afraid to travel at least make your staycation better. Recreational vehicle sales rose sharply from two years ago as more people decided to vacation without flying. For that matter, the price of used airplanes has also skyrocketed due to people seeking alternative ways to travel. Travel by private planes, including private jets has also risen in response to Covid.
Mental Telehealth Counseling for Diverse Communities
Americans have collectively experienced a mental health crisis due to Covid. Furthermore, some communities have more unmet mental health needs than others. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation:
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the nation’s mental health, with 3 in 10 adults in the U.S. reporting symptoms consistent with depression or anxiety disorder since April 2020. Over 20% of adults reporting poor mental health also report not receiving counseling or therapy during the pandemic. Telehealth has played a particularly significant role in meeting the need for mental health services. Thus far into the pandemic, some private payers have improved coverage for mental health and substance use, removing pre-pandemic restrictions on coverage for these services via telehealth.