Latest news with #HealthyAgain
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
YouTube star Doctor Mike has warning for RFK Jr.'s ‘MAHA' movement
Social media star Doctor Mike shared his thoughts in a new interview on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement and how he believes the movement can be improved. Board-certified physician and YouTuber Dr. Mikhail Varshavski has been outspoken about his criticisms of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. However, he told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that he would 'without a doubt' be open to sitting with Kennedy if given the opportunity. The Make America Healthy Again commission chaired by Kennedy has been 'tasked with investigating and addressing the root causes of America's escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases, ' the White House explained to Fox News Digital at the beginning of the second Trump administration. 10 Social media star Doctor Mike shared his thoughts in a new interview on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement and how he believes the movement can be improved. Getty Images for Paramount+ Doctor Mike said of the MAHA movement, 'I think the movement has ignited a good conversation in that we're talking about health. So I like it for that.' But the physician is skeptical of the movement's methods. Doctor Mike applauded the desire to limit the amount of ultra-processed foods consumed by children, but believes the problems with these foods go beyond the ingredient list. 'The reason why ultra-processed food has been so harmful to us as a society is not because there's one specific chemical found in each of these foods. It's because the foods have been engineered in a way where they make you feel hungry very soon upon eating them, so they don't satiate you,' he said. 'Two, they're usually empty calories, meaning that there are not good micronutrients in them.' 10 Doctor Mike applauded the desire to limit the amount of ultra-processed foods consumed by children, but believes the problems with these foods go beyond the ingredient list. AFP via Getty Images 10 Doctor Mike said of the MAHA movement, 'I think the movement has ignited a good conversation in that we're talking about health. So I like it for that.' AFP via Getty Images 10 The Make America Healthy Again commission chaired by Kennedy has been 'tasked with investigating and addressing the root causes of America's escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases. Getty Images He believes the overconsumption of these foods is partially responsible for the obesity epidemic facing America today, and therefore argues that the problem is with overconsumption rather than simply what is in these foods. 'I want to be as useful and practical as possible,' he said. 'That's what family medicine does. We find practical solutions for complex problems with our patients. And focusing and nitpicking on specific chemicals won't get us there.' A board-certified family medicine physician with 14 million YouTube subscribers, he makes videos focused on providing entertainment, information and answering questions on a variety of health-related topics. Doctor Mike immigrated to the United States from Russia with his family at the age of 6. Doctor Mike doesn't believe focusing on ingredients will result in 'drastic changes.' 10 Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a White House event. AP 10 Farmer Joe Marlow points out cucumber and tomato sprouts growing for local schools at SouthWinds Farm in Benson, Arizona. REUTERS 'These manufacturers are still trying to get kids to consume ultra-processed foods. That's their fiduciary responsibility. They want to make money for their shareholders. But what we have to do is shift that incentivization away and actually put laws on the books, guidelines on the book, where it's not just a handshake agreement and saying, please phase out these ingredients, but make sure what we're phasing out will actually help,' he said. Doctor Mike uses his YouTube channel to provide health information to millions of his subscribers, but also believes government agencies need to take a role in education to help Americans make better dietary decisions. 'We need to bring back education surrounding nutrition labels. And this needs to happen on a massive scale. Like I can do it on my social media all day long. But if the government agencies are now participating in this research, if it's not making its way to middle schools, junior high schools, high schools colleges, we're doing a disservice to our children,' he said. 10 Karen White (Center) and Christina Stile (Rright) from Bethesda, Maryland raise signs during Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) 'Sick Of It' rally against the Trump administration's health care policies. Getty Images 10 Alexis Ruiz and Adriana Garcia serve lunch at John B. Wright Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona. REUTERS Doctor Mike wrote a Fox News op-ed in May about his opinions of RFK Jr. and the direction of the HHS, stating 'our nation's health system is in shambles, and the leadership of HHS plays a pivotal role in fixing this disaster.' Doctor Mike alleges that Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism, shares medical 'misinformation,' and doesn't believe he is the right person to lead the department. 'Today, I say that Kennedy is the wrong person to lead HHS. The integrity of our nation's health agencies demands leadership grounded in facts, research, and transparency — not misinformation,'Doctor Mike said. However, he is open to talking with him. 'I think no matter how much you disagree with someone, the first step is to find common ground,' Doctor Mike said. 'And if there's truly an appetite for wanting to make people healthier, wanting people to make better decisions for themselves, I'm all for it.' 10 Doctor Mike alleges that Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism, shares medical 'misinformation,' and doesn't believe he is the right person to lead the department. REUTERS 10 Doctor Mike says he is 'all for it' if there is a true intent to make people healthier. REUTERS The MAHA commission is focusing on four policy directives to reverse chronic disease, including providing Americans transparency on health data to 'avoid conflicts of interest in all federally funded health research;' prioritizing 'gold-standard research on why Americans are getting sick' in all federally-funded health research; working with farmers to ensure food is healthy, as well as affordable; and expanding health coverage and treatment options 'for beneficial lifestyle changes and disease prevention.' Reached for comment, an HHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital, 'Targeting harmful additives isn't 'nitpicking,' it is a necessary first step in confronting a broken food system that's fueling America's chronic disease epidemic. As highlighted in the MAHA report, our nation's children are increasingly neglecting the whole foods essential for their health as the consumption of ultra-processed foods has surged. More than 1 in 5 U.S. children over age 6 are obese—a 270% increase since the 1970s. 'Meaningful, systemic change requires more than general advice; it demands bold action and accountability. That is exactly what Secretary Kennedy is delivering.'
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
RFK Jr.'s 69-page 'Making America Healthy Again' report released: 4 key takeaways
HHS Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has revealed the 69-page "Making America Healthy Again" report, which talks about the health scenario of the United States. The report gives key focus towards the health of children in the country among other issues. For starters, this report about America's health is in line with Donald Trump's executive order, which requests the Commission led by Robert F. Kennedy to America Healthy Again" to submit a Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment. According to the report, the primary aim of this initiative is to "presents the starkreality of American children's declining health, backed by compelling data and long-term trends." The "Making America Healthy Again" report claims that chronic disease in children is increasing each passing day. The report says, "The American food system is safe but could be healthier. Most American children's diets are dominated by ultra-processed foods (UPFs) high in added sugars, chemical additives, and saturated fats, while lacking sufficient intakes of fruits and vegetables." ALSO READ | Why are more American children falling sick? RFK Jr's MAHA report has this to say This, as the report suggests, is one of the major drivers toward children in America falling sick in recent years. The report suggests that American children are highly medicated, which is turning into a recurring problem over the years. "The health system has aggressively responded to these increases in childhood chronic disease with increasing rates of pharmaceutical drug prescriptions, which may cause further harm to the health of American children when used inappropriately," the report reads. The MAHA report alleges that corporate influence has emerged as one of the key reasons for America's emerging health crisis, especially in children. "Some industry leaders have engaged in promoting ghostwriting and sponsored reviews to influence the scientific literature. Notably, this ghostwriting strategy mirrors tactics used by the tobacco industry to distort scientific consensus," the MAHA report claims. As per the report, aerobic fitness among US children has declined steadily. Even in the case of daily physical activity recommendations, "more than 70% of children aged 6-17 (rising to 85% in teens) did not meet the 2024 federal minimum recommendation of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity," according to the Commission's report.
Winnipeg Free Press
13-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
FDA and RFK Jr. aim to remove fluoride supplements used to protect kids' teeth
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators announced plans Tuesday to phase out fluoride-containing supplements sometimes used to strengthen children's teeth, opening a new front in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s effort against a mainstay of dental care. The Food and Drug Administration said it will conduct a scientific review of the products by late October with the aim of removing them from the market. It was not immediately clear whether the agency planned to formally ban the supplements or simply request that companies withdraw them. The products targeted by the FDA are sometimes recommended for children and teens who are at increased risk of tooth decay or cavities because of low fluoride in their local drinking water. They usually require a prescription from a pediatrician or dentist. Fluoride-based tablets and lozenges are designed to be chewed or swallowed. Companies also sell drops for babies and infants. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the products pose a risk when swallowed by children because they may interfere with healthy gut bacteria that are critical to digestion, immunity and other key bodily functions. He also referenced studies showing possible associations between excess fluoride intake and other problems, including decreased IQ. Previous reviews by public health experts and dental professionals have not shown any serious health risks with the products. As state and local governments begin removing fluoride from their water, the need for supplemental fluoride is expected to grow. Officials in Utah — the first U.S. state to ban fluoride from drinking water — recently made fluoride supplements available without a prescription. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1962, the agency set guidelines for how much should be added to water. Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has called fluoride a 'dangerous neurotoxin' tied to a range of health dangers. Last month, he announced a task force to scrutinize fluoride's use, while at the same time saying he would order the CDC to stop recommending it. A report last year by the federal government's National Toxicology Program concluded that drinking water with more than twice the CDC's recommended level was associated with lower IQs in kids. The study was based on research conducted in Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan and Mexico. 'Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,' Kennedy said in a statement Tuesday. 'This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump's promise to Make America Healthy Again.' An influential government health panel recommends fluoride supplements for children between the ages of six months and 5 years if they live in areas with low fluoridation levels. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Forces judged the recommendation to have 'high certainty' of benefit, based on the available evidence. A 2010 paper from the American Dental Association recommended supplemental fluoride for children up to 16 years old who are at high risk of cavities. The recommendation was based on a review of studies across different age groups. The most common side effect associated with the products is spotting or discoloration of the teeth, caused by extra fluoride. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The FDA regulates most dental products, including fluoride-containing toothpastes, supplements, mouthwashes and rinses. In recent weeks those products have increasingly been targeted with lawsuits and legal actions. Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into the marketing of fluoride toothpastes by Colgate-Palmolive and Proctor and Gamble. A press release from his office described the companies' promotions as 'misleading, deceptive and dangerous.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA and RFK Jr. aim to remove fluoride supplements used to protect kids' teeth
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators announced plans Tuesday to phase out fluoride-containing supplements sometimes used to strengthen children's teeth, opening a new front in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s effort against a mainstay of dental care. The Food and Drug Administration said it will conduct a scientific review of the products by late October with the aim of removing them from the market. It was not immediately clear whether the agency planned to formally ban the supplements or simply request that companies withdraw them. The products targeted by the FDA are sometimes recommended for children and teens who are at increased risk of tooth decay or cavities because of low fluoride in their local drinking water. They usually require a prescription from a pediatrician or dentist. Fluoride-based tablets and lozenges are designed to be chewed or swallowed. Companies also sell drops for babies and infants. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the products pose a risk when swallowed by children because they may interfere with healthy gut bacteria that are critical to digestion, immunity and other key bodily functions. He also referenced studies showing possible associations between excess fluoride intake and other problems, including decreased IQ. Previous reviews by public health experts and dental professionals have not shown any serious health risks with the products. As state and local governments begin removing fluoride from their water, the need for supplemental fluoride is expected to grow. Officials in Utah — the first U.S. state to ban fluoride from drinking water — recently made fluoride supplements available without a prescription. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1962, the agency set guidelines for how much should be added to water. Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has called fluoride a 'dangerous neurotoxin' tied to a range of health dangers. Last month, he announced a task force to scrutinize fluoride's use, while at the same time saying he would order the CDC to stop recommending it. A report last year by the federal government's National Toxicology Program concluded that drinking water with more than twice the CDC's recommended level was associated with lower IQs in kids. The study was based on research conducted in Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan and Mexico. 'Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,' Kennedy said in a statement Tuesday. "This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump's promise to Make America Healthy Again.' An influential government health panel recommends fluoride supplements for children between the ages of six months and 5 years if they live in areas with low fluoridation levels. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Forces judged the recommendation to have 'high certainty' of benefit, based on the available evidence. A 2010 paper from the American Dental Association recommended supplemental fluoride for children up to 16 years old who are at high risk of cavities. The recommendation was based on a review of studies across different age groups. The most common side effect associated with the products is spotting or discoloration of the teeth, caused by extra fluoride. The FDA regulates most dental products, including fluoride-containing toothpastes, supplements, mouthwashes and rinses. In recent weeks those products have increasingly been targeted with lawsuits and legal actions. Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into the marketing of fluoride toothpastes by Colgate-Palmolive and Proctor and Gamble. A press release from his office described the companies' promotions as 'misleading, deceptive and dangerous.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
FDA and RFK Jr. aim to remove fluoride supplements used to protect kids' teeth
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators announced plans Tuesday to phase out fluoride-containing supplements sometimes used to strengthen children's teeth, opening a new front in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s effort against a mainstay of dental care. The Food and Drug Administration said it will conduct a scientific review of the products by late October with the aim of removing them from the market. It was not immediately clear whether the agency planned to formally ban the supplements or simply request that companies withdraw them. The products targeted by the FDA are sometimes recommended for children and teens who are at increased risk of tooth decay or cavities because of low fluoride in their local drinking water. They usually require a prescription from a pediatrician or dentist. Fluoride-based tablets and lozenges are designed to be chewed or swallowed. Companies also sell drops for babies and infants. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the products pose a risk when swallowed by children because they may interfere with healthy gut bacteria that are critical to digestion, immunity and other key bodily functions. He also referenced studies showing possible associations between excess fluoride intake and other problems, including decreased IQ. Previous reviews by public health experts and dental professionals have not shown any serious health risks with the products. As state and local governments begin removing fluoride from their water, the need for supplemental fluoride is expected to grow. Officials in Utah — the first U.S. state to ban fluoride from drinking water — recently made fluoride supplements available without a prescription. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1962, the agency set guidelines for how much should be added to water. Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has called fluoride a 'dangerous neurotoxin' tied to a range of health dangers. Last month, he announced a task force to scrutinize fluoride's use, while at the same time saying he would order the CDC to stop recommending it. A report last year by the federal government's National Toxicology Program concluded that drinking water with more than twice the CDC's recommended level was associated with lower IQs in kids. The study was based on research conducted in Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan and Mexico. 'Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,' Kennedy said in a statement Tuesday. 'This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump's promise to Make America Healthy Again.' An influential government health panel recommends fluoride supplements for children between the ages of six months and 5 years if they live in areas with low fluoridation levels. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Forces judged the recommendation to have 'high certainty' of benefit, based on the available evidence. A 2010 paper from the American Dental Association recommended supplemental fluoride for children up to 16 years old who are at high risk of cavities. The recommendation was based on a review of studies across different age groups. The most common side effect associated with the products is spotting or discoloration of the teeth, caused by extra fluoride. The FDA regulates most dental products, including fluoride-containing toothpastes, supplements, mouthwashes and rinses. In recent weeks those products have increasingly been targeted with lawsuits and legal actions. Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into the marketing of fluoride toothpastes by Colgate-Palmolive and Proctor and Gamble. A press release from his office described the companies' promotions as 'misleading, deceptive and dangerous.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
