Avian flu cases are rising in the US, driven by migratory birds, raising concerns about preparedness during a government shutdown. The USDA reports infections in 62 flocks across 17 states, affecting 6.6 million birds, with cases also in dairy cows and cats. Public health officials cite staffing issues at the CDC and USDA as a challenge, and the Trump administration has cut pandemic preparedness resources.

Individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements or ICHRAs, are experiencing gradual growth, particularly among smaller firms unable to previously offer benefits. Despite the slow adoption rate, Centene CEO Sarah London sees a bright future for ICHRAs, driven by the demand for increased employee agency in health care choices, with Centene positioning itself as a leader in the space.

Family premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance have increased by 6% this year, bringing the average cost to $26,993. This rise is in line with the 7% increases seen in the previous two years and continues a trend of health insurance costs outpacing inflation.

Many older Americans say they are financially comfortable due to rising home and 401(k) values, but their children face significant economic challenges. Some recent graduates struggle to find jobs, with a 6.5% unemployment rate for this demographic, and homeownership seems out of reach for some.

A study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress found that type 2 diabetes develops earlier and with greater severity in patients with congenital heart disease, particularly women. The analysis of more than 30 years of data from the Quebec Congenital Heart Disease Database found that patients with congenital heart disease had higher rates of type 2 diabetes and significant mortality associated with early-onset diabetes.

A significant number of emergency department visits happen each year during Halloween. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that pumpkin carving is a major cause of these injuries, followed by falls during trick-or-treating. Pedestrian accidents also contribute to the spike in ED visits, and children are at a higher risk of vehicle-related incidents on Halloween night compared with other days.

Gen Z and millennials are leading a shift toward conscious consumption, prioritizing protein, fiber and gut health while seeking clean labels and bold global flavors, according to Spins data. Nearly 90% of these consumers actively avoid certain ingredients, particularly sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Mental health issues among construction workers are on the rise, with 64% experiencing depression or anxiety in the past year, up from 54% in 2024, according to a survey by Clayco. "The unfortunate reality is that the long hours, physically demanding work and a male-dominated and stoic culture that discourages many from discussing mental health make construction workers, and executives, more susceptible to mental health issues when compared with many other professions," said Darcy Gruttadaro, chief innovation officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Using fitness apps can cause feelings of shame, frustration and disappointment when goals set by the apps are not achieved, demotivating users, researchers reported in the British Journal of Health Psychology. Researchers analyzed nearly 14,000 social media posts about five popular fitness apps and found evidence of shame, irritation, annoyance and skepticism. The researchers suggested that fitness apps take a more holistic approach and focus on overall well-being.