(2020-06-06). [Comment] Healthier societies for healthy populations. thelancet.com The COVID-19 pandemic makes the importance of health and wellbeing clear. The pandemic's implications for societies are far reaching. Yet the response to this pandemic and the creation and promotion of health and wellbeing require action beyond the health sector—and beyond the usual ways of working in global health. Governments are not adequately tackling inequality, ongoing economic crises, or continuing environmental damage, which undermines the health of current and future generations. For example, tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets, air pollution, and insufficient physical exercise contribute to m…
(2020-06-06). [Perspectives] Indigenous populations: left behind in the COVID-19 response. thelancet.com Scholar Annie Belcourt described Native American populations in the USA as having lives that are "challenging and short". Globally, across countries and populations, Indigenous peoples face a greater burden of disease than non-Indigenous peoples, including cardiovascular disease and HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, and have higher infant and maternal mortality and lower life expectancy. Their health is impacted by epigenetic stressors of generational oppression and violence, including disproportionate numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women, lower educational attainment, and persistent poverty.
(2020-06-06). The association between exposure to childhood maltreatment and the subsequent development of functional somatic and visceral pain syndromes. thelancet.com Background: Childhood maltreatment is a global public health issue linked to a vast mortality and morbidity burden. This study builds on current literature to explore the risk of developing central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) (consisting of somatic and visceral pain syndromes) subsequent to childhood maltreatment exposure.Methods: A retrospective population based open cohort study using the UK primary care database, 'The Health Improvement Network,' between 1st January 1995-31st December 2018. 80,657 adult patients who had experienced childhood maltreatment or maltreatment related concerns (exposed patients) were…
(2020-06-06). [Editorial] Salient lessons from Russia's COVID-19 outbreak. thelancet.com Alexander Myasnikov, Russia's COVID-19 information chief, said in mid-April that it would be "impossible" for Russians to get the virus, estimating the probability of extensive spread in Russia at "0 ∑0%". This hubris has been sorely exposed. As of June 2, Russia has 423‚Äà186 cases, the third most in the world, while relatively few deaths from COVID-19 (5031) have been recorded. The rapid spread of the epidemic in Russia has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the health system, and presents the traditionally strong Russian leadership with a new challenge.
(2020-06-06). [Perspectives] Journal of a plague year. thelancet.com Daniel Defoe's A Journal of the Plague Year is one of the best single accounts of an epidemic written in English. Published anonymously in 1722 as a contribution to public debates about the prospect of plague reaching Britain from the French port of Marseilles, it takes the form of the literary memoir by "H.F." during London's "great plague" of 1665. The sources for the memoir and its status as fact or fiction are complicated. Defoe clearly had strong opinions, informed by continental initiatives, about how societies and people should respond to plague and he used Restoration London as a place to rehearse them.
(2020-06-06). [World Report] COVID-19 vaccine development pipeline gears up. thelancet.com Vaccine makers are racing to develop COVID-19 vaccines, and have advanced ten candidates into clinical trials. But challenges remain. Asher Mullard reports.
(2020-06-06). [Comment] Regenerative medicine: challenges and opportunities. thelancet.com In 2018, the Lancet Commission on stem cells and regenerative medicine1 reported how, despite an exponential growth in experimental therapies, there had been limited clinical uptake. Regenerative medicine comprises various novel approaches such as cell and gene therapy that have produced life-saving therapies for a few genetic diseases affecting blood or skin. Enthusiasm about the broad potential of regenerative medicine led to a gap between expectations and the realities of translating technologies into clinical practice.
(2020-06-06). [Obituary] Fernando Morales. thelancet.com Infectious disease specialist focusing on HIV prevention and treatment. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Aug 15, 1970, he died from suspected complications of COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on May 5, 2020, aged 49 years.
(2020-06-06). [Department of Error] Department of Error. thelancet.com Reiner RC Jr, Hay SI. Mapping geographical inequalities in childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000—17: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet 2020; 395: 1779—801—In this Article, the author byline has been amended to Local Burden of Disease Diarrhoea Collaborators. This correction has been made to the online version as of June 4, 2020, and the printed version is correct.
(2020-06-06). Workers in Detroit and across Michigan support anti-police violence protests. wsws.org Michigan workers, including 200 health care workers from Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield, demonstrated against police violence this week.
(2020-06-06). Consumer Health: 6 steps to better sleep. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Getting at least seven hours of quality rest each night is essential for optimal health. Sleep provides the foundation for all of your daily habits and decisions. Sleep deprivation can significantly affect your mind and body. In addition to perpetuating serious health conditions, lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood and temperament, as well …
(2020-06-06). Politics and Corruption at the World Health Organization (WHO). globalresearch.ca This article, translated from French, was written prior to the Wuhan Coronavirus epidemic outbreak | *** | The WHO [OMS in French] is the World Health Organisation. 'WHO' in English — and that's much more appropriate. WHO: who is it really? | Would …
(2020-06-06). Don't believe the hype: Unemployment increased in May. fightbacknews.org San José, CA – Corporate-owned media is blaring that the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell in May to 13.3%, from 14.7% in April. This was far better than even the most optimistic economist expected and even led to at least one to declare that "the recession is over." Well, when something is too good to be true, it usually isn't true. | This report flies in the face of all the other reports on the job market in May. The Labor Department's own report on continuing unemployment insurance claims, including regular state unemployment insurance, the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), the federal Pandemic…
(2020-06-06). How to travel safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Are you considering rescheduling travel that you put off because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Maybe you have work or family obligations that require you to travel. Yet worries about safe travel and lodging are holding you back. Get the facts about your travel options and learn how to protect yourself if you must travel. …
(2020-06-06). Plummeting vaccinations in the US and globally put millions of children at risk. wsws.org WHO experts warn that at least 80 million of the world's children under the age of one are at risk of diseases such as diphtheria, measles and polio due to a massive decrease in routine immunizations.
(2020-06-06). How to safely go to your doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Are you wondering if it's time to schedule those doctor appointments you've been putting off? Restrictions related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are easing in many places, but you may still have concerns about COVID-19. Learn how to stay safe from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while getting the care you need. Do your homework Before you …
(2020-06-05). Male hormones behind BALDNESS could be cause of higher Covid-19 FATALITIES in MEN — research. rt.com 
Scientists now believe that androgens, the group of male hormones that also cause baldness, actually help the coronavirus to attack cells and could be a major factor in the higher number of male Covid-19 deaths worldwide. | Researchers in Madrid are investigating the interaction between these male sex hormones — such as testosterone — and the coronavirus in Covid-19 patients, with multiple studies already finding that bald men suffer worse cases of the disease than others. | "We think androgens or male hormones are definitely the gateway for the virus to enter our cells," said Professor Carlos Wambie…
(2020-06-06). Tuesday 6/9: No More Anti-Health Care Judges Digital Rally. indybay.org Online event…
(2020-06-05). BAME staff account for 60% of coronavirus health worker deaths and faced the greatest PPE shortages. thecanary.co 
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff account for 60% of frontline healthcare worker deaths with coronavirus, new analysis indicates.The PA news agency has verified the deaths of 166 frontline UK healthcare workers with coronavirus (Covid-19) since the start of March this year.Of those, 100 workers came from BAME backgrounds, while 39 (23%) were white and 27 (16%) were of unknown ethnic origin.The figures include people who were working in roles shortly before their deaths where they were likely to come into contact with patients.Staff at care homes have not been included in the figures as not enough reli…
(2020-06-06). WHO's next? Quitting UN health body is an option unless it stops being 'partisan' & 'political', Brazil's Bolsonaro says. rt.com 
Shortly after the WHO warned Latin America that lifting lockdowns would be premature, President Bolsonaro threatened to consider quitting the "partisan" entity. It comes as Brazil's Covid-19 cases surges past 600,000. | "I'm telling you right now, the United States left the [World Health Organization], and we're studying that [possibility], in the future," Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
(2020-06-05). Gates dismisses 'bizarre' Covid-19 conspiracy theories as his impact on WHO, global health business increases. rt.com 
Bill Gates brushed off Covid-19 conspiracy theories about him wanting to track people through microchips just as he is poised to become the World Health Organization's biggest donor. | "It's almost hard to deny this stuff because it's so stupid or strange that even to repeat it gives it credibility," Gates said on numerous conspiracy theories swirling around him since the coronavirus crisis began and he became an outspoken champion for a vaccine. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has just recently pledged $1.6 billion to vaccine alliance group Gavi, which will use the money to immunize children in poorer nat…
(2020-06-05). Spain rules out reopening borders to foreign tourists before July. rt.com 
Spain plans to further ease the coronavirus lockdown in its two biggest cities from Monday, but will not start reopening its borders to foreign tourists before July 1, according to the government. | Health Minister Salvador Illa said on Friday that some restrictions would be lifted in Madrid and Barcelona, which have so far lagged behind the rest of the country's easing program. | From Monday, bar and restaurant customers will be allowed to sit inside rather than on outdoor terraces, and children will be able to play outside at any time of day. | Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Thursday that land borders…
(2020-06-05). George Floyd protests will be Covid-19 'seeding event,' CDC director warns while taking heat over pandemic response. rt.com 
CDC head Robert Redfield has faced wrath online after urging protesters to be tested for Covid-19 and lamenting that his agency's message is not getting through. He was reminded of the CDC's own clumsy response to the crisis. | During a congressional hearing on the government's handling of the pandemic on Thursday, Redfield told lawmakers he was "very concerned" that the CDC's message on the virus is not "resonating" with the public. He warned that crowded anti-police brutality demonstrations held in scores of cities over the last week could propel a spike in new cases. | "I do think there is a potential, unfo…
(2020-06-05). Oxygen treatment: Russian doctors experimenting with PRESSURE CHAMBERS to defeat Covid-19. rt.com 
As the world researches vaccines and cures, it is no secret that defeating Covid-19 is everyone's top priority. In Moscow, some scientists are using a completely different, experimental technique: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). | The procedure works by placing a patient in a pressure chamber and having them breathe in oxygen-rich air. In the chamber, air pressure is much higher than the body is used to, meaning the lungs can breathe in much more pure oxygen, speeding up natural healing processes. | "The procedure aims to avoid transferring the patient to an artificial lung ventilation apparatus," said Serge…
(2020-06-06). Iran registers 2269 new COVID-19 infections, 75 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 06 (MNA) — According to the Iranian Health Ministry, 2,269 new cases of COVID-19 infections have been confirmed in the country during the past 24 hours.
(2020-06-06). Michael White expelled due to disease exacerbation, human rights considerations: Iranian official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 06 (MNA) — Director General of Counterintelligence of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence said on Saturday that the US citizen, Michael White, who had been imprisoned on security charges in Iran, has been deported to the US due to disease exacerbation, human rights reasons.
(2020-06-06). Iran's death toll from pandemic surpasses 8,200. yenisafak.com Iran on Saturday confirmed 75 more fatalities from the novel coronavirus over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 8,209. | A further 2,269 people tested positive for the virus, raising the overall count to 169,425, Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said. | Jahanpour said 130,300 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far, while 2,578 patients remain in critical condition. | Some 1.06 million tests have been conducted in the country so far, according to the spokesman. | The country continued seeing an upward trend in daily infections in many provinces, especia…
(2020-06-06). Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 407 to 183,678. yenisafak.com The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 407 to 183,678, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.The reported death toll rose by 33 to 8,646, the tally showed.
(2020-06-06). [Review] Quality of primary health care in China: challenges and recommendations. thelancet.com China has substantially increased financial investment and introduced favourable policies for strengthening its primary health care system with core responsibilities in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as hypertension and emerging infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, widespread gaps in the quality of primary health care still exist. In this Review, we aim to identify the causes for this poor quality, and provide policy recommendations. System challenges include: the suboptimal education and training of primary health-care practitioners, a fee-for-service payment s…
(2020-06-06). Police Unions: It's Time To Change The Law And End The Abuse. popularresistance.org Collective action is the source of working people's power. It is the source of the labor movement's power. It is the source of power that has enabled workers to secure — through unionization and collective bargaining — fairness and dignity at work, living wages, protection against discrimination and harassment, and safe and healthy working conditions. It is the source of power that has allowed working people to demand progressive legislation, to push the nation forward on questions of civil rights, political rights and economic rights. In recent years, it has enabled teachers to win funding for their…
(2020-06-05). 'Blanket lockdown' should end now, Trump says, touting '2 million vaccines ready' if they're declared safe. rt.com 
Donald Trump has called for an end to the "blanket lockdown" of US states, imposed to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, and hailed the country's "tremendous" progress on finding a safe vaccine. | "We want the continued blanket lockdown to end," the US president said during remarks at the White House on Friday, suggesting that the liberal coastal states of California and New York should hurry up the process of reopening. He also praised Florida for easing restrictions sooner. | Trump claimed the country has "over 2 million" Covid-19 vaccine doses "ready to go" if they are approved as being safe. Top White House…
(2020-06-05). [Letter] COVID-19: Compounding the health-related harms of human trafficking. thelancet.com Those affected by human trafficking are exposed to multiple severe health risks, including physical, sexual, and psychological violence, occupational hazards, and deprivation, and usually require urgent medical care to address the physical and psychological consequences of extreme exploitation [1]. COVID-19 threatens to exacerbate the health disparities faced by this vulnerable group.
(2020-06-05). [Letter] Preparing for a COVID-19 surge. thelancet.com As of May 12, 2020, over 4.2 million cases of COVID-19 across 187 countries have been reported, of which 1.3 million have occurred in the United States (US) alone [1]. Although many infected individuals will have mild symptoms, older patients are disproportionately more likely to progress to severe disease (US adults aged 65—84 are hospitalized at a rate of 31—59%, and infected adults over 85 at a rate of 31—70%) [2]. As hospital capacity and the population density of older adults vary considerably across the country and worldwide, understanding which regions will face disproportionate burden fr…
(2020-06-05). Nijmie Zakkiyah Dzurinko: "State violence has many fronts" peoplesdispatch.org Activist from Put People First! Pennsylvania discusses the denial of healthcare as an aspect of state violence and historic, systemic oppression of Black, Indigenous and working class people in the US…
(2020-06-05). Thousands of US medical workers join protests against police violence. wsws.org Protests by health care workers expanded significantly Thursday, with more demonstrations planned for Friday and Saturday.
(2020-06-05). Protests spread in Chile as hospitals reach saturation point. wsws.org The loss of life is the outcome of decades of pro-corporate policies that have led to a chronically underfunded health system, now on the verge of collapse and extreme poverty.
(2020-06-05). What you need to know about the coronavirus right now. yenisafak.com Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
(2020-06-05). How do you resist a hybrid war amid a pandemic? peoplesdispatch.org The COVID-19 pandemic has provoked a series of unexpected challenges in countries across the world. However amid the uncertainty, crisis and tragedy, we have seen traces of a more humane society based in solidarity. In several countries, States have committed to paying the salaries of workers that lost their jobs, some have implemented a basic income, and the healthcare systems have been re-nationalized. These measures have shown not only that it is not antagonistic to protect and support the people but long term it is actually better for the economy. On the international level, China and Cuba stand out for showi…
(2020-06-05). Covid-19: BAME review — "did not survive contact with Matt Hancock's office" truepublica.org.uk By TruePublica: The government removed a key section from Public Health England's review of the relative risk of covid-19 to specific groups. The report found a crucial piece of information had been deliberately left out by Matt Hancock's office because "of concerns it would stoke racial tension." The report was published on Tuesday, with very little …
(2020-06-05). Human COVID-19 Vaccine Trials Are Unnecessary, Uninformative, and Unethical. globalresearch.ca Deliberately infecting healthy human volunteers with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to test the efficacy of potential COVID-19 vaccines is unnecessary, uninformative, and unethical. And it risks destroying trust in the integrity of science and medicine for generations to come. …
(2020-06-05). Swedish health officials admit "herd immunity" policy led to "too many" deaths. wsws.org Sweden's policy has been lauded internationally by mouthpieces for the financial elite and big business, who were determined to force working people back to their jobs as soon as multi-billion bailouts for the financial oligarchy were completed.
(2020-06-05). World Environment Day: COVID-19 crisis demands fundamental rethink. news.un.org The COVID-19 health crisis should be seen as a clarion call to "fundamentally rethink our relationship" with natural ecosystems and shrinking biodiversity, the UN cultural agency chief said on Friday, World Environment Day.
(2020-06-05). Mayo Clinic Minute: Why tobacco users should call it quits. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Tobacco users have an increased risk of becoming very sick if they contract the virus that causes COVID-19. If you use tobacco and want to stop, consider World No Tobacco Day on Sunday, May 31 as a start date. "During this time when the COVID-19 pandemic has made maintaining the health of ourselves and our …
(2020-06-05). Racism is a Public Health Crisis. counterpunch.org We're facing a state of emergency. Not only has the death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic risen above 105,000 in the United States alone, but it seems to be disproportionately lethal for Black Americans. While COVID-19 is still a growing pandemic, it's unmasking itself as a racial injustice as well. A growing number of communities
(2020-06-05). Demonstrators must protect themselves, and others, from COVID-19: UN health agency. news.un.org Demonstrators who want to go into the street to make their voices heard, should take every precaution against catching or passing on the coronavirus, as the global pandemic is far from over, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.
(2020-06-05). Video: COVID-19 "Fake" Data in Italy: Politician Slams False Numbers: Vittorio Sgarbi. globalresearch.ca Vittorio Sgarbi, MP (Forza Italia) slammed the closure of 60% of Italian businesses: A decision which was taken on the basis of an alleged 25,000 Coronavirus deaths. "It's not true," he said. | . | According to the National Institute of Health, …
(2020-06-05). WHO urges mask use in confined public areas, where coronavirus still spreads. news.un.org Governments in areas with widespread COVID-19 transmission should encourage the use of non-medical masks on public transport, in shops and in other locations where physical distancing is difficult, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, in updated guidance published on Friday.
(2020-06-05). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Health and Human Services plays key role in supporting Americans amid COVID-19 crisis. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The COVID-19 pandemic has been a unique situation that has required work across federal and state agencies to support communities and frontline workers during this challenging time. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has played a key role by providing effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health …
(2020-06-05). Rushing a Vaccine to Market for a Vanishing Virus. dissidentvoice.org More than 100 companies are competing to be first in the race to get a COVID-19 vaccine to market. It's a race against time, not because the death rate is climbing but because it is falling — to the point where there will soon be too few subjects to prove the effectiveness of the drug. …
(2020-06-05). UAW withholds information six days after Louisville Ford worker tests positive for COVID-19. wsws.org Workers were outraged at the United Auto Workers union for concealing information about the spread of the deadly disease at the Kentucky Truck Plant.