How to Survive the Holidays on a GLP-1

How to Survive the Holidays on a GLP-1

M Hasan    5:38 AM   

Key Takeaways

For anyone taking a GLP-1 medication, overdoing it on rich foods at a holiday meal can raise the risk of side effects like nausea and bloating. Focus on eating slowly and mindfully, fill up your plate with protein and vegetables, and take just a small amount of carbs and high-fat dishes. If you're worried about being pressured to eat more by loved ones, a script prepared ahead of time can help.

Overeating is practically a holiday tradition in the United States. But if you're taking a GLP-1 drug, you may not be able to indulge with the same gusto. The tendency over the holidays is to not worry so much about diet and to overeat in general, says Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and the medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. But it's tougher to do what everyone else is doing when you're on a GLP-1 medication.

You can absolutely still enjoy holiday meals and gatherings when you're on a GLP-1 drug, Dr. Ali says—you just need to be strategic about it. Here's what he and other doctors who treat people on these medications recommend.

Why Big, Heavy Meals Might Not Mix With GLP-1s

There are a few reasons why holiday meals can be difficult when you're taking a drug like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, so large or heavy meals can sit longer, says Rashika Bansal, MD, an assistant professor of endocrinology, metabolism, and nutrition at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Holiday foods tend to be richer, higher in fat, and served in bigger portions. That's exactly the combination that can worsen side effects, Dr. Bansal says. When you take a GLP-1 medication, you may feel full quicker, get bloated, or feel nauseous if you try to eat the way you did prior to starting the medication, says Raghuveer Vedala, MD, an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City. If you choose the wrong foods or accidentally overeat, you could end up feeling uncomfortable, he says.

How to Approach Holiday Meals When You're on a GLP-1

Doctors say you can still enjoy holiday foods, but there are certain strategies to consider to make sure you stay comfortable.

Eat Slowly and Mindfully

Slow everything down, Dr. Vedala says. Eat smaller portions, take breaks between bites, and listen to your fullness cues. He recommends that his patients pause after eating half of their plate and see how they feel. If you're full, then go ahead and stop. If not, then try eating a little bit more, he says. You don't need to avoid the foods you love, but you don't necessarily have to finish the plate either.

Bansal, too, stresses the importance of eating mindfully, instead of grazing all day long, so you can enjoy your food and lower the odds of overindulging.

Fill Your Plate With Protein and Vegetables

When you're on a GLP-1 drug, it's best to fill your plate with protein and vegetables, according to Ali. These help to stabilize your blood sugar and are also satisfying, he says. Minimize carbohydrates and sugars, Ali adds. That doesn't mean you need to completely avoid foods like mashed potatoes or rolls. Instead, Bansal suggests adding small, intentional portions of these foods and savoring them. Think taste, not plateful, she says. This helps your stomach handle the meal better and keeps the rest of the evening comfortable, Vedala says.

Minimize Foods and Drinks Likely to Cause Nausea and Bloating

For people taking GLP-1s, some foods are more likely to lead to common side effects such as nausea, bloating, and even vomiting. High-fat dishes (gravies, creamy sauces, fried foods), heavy dairy, and sugary desserts are the most common triggers, Bansal says. These slow digestion even more and can amplify nausea or reflux in people on GLP-1 therapy.

Carbonated drinks and alcohol can make bloating worse, Vedala says. A little is fine—just avoid stacking all the triggers at once, he says.

Be Careful Around Alcohol

Alcohol often impacts you differently when you're taking a GLP-1 medication. Alcohol hits faster when you're eating less, and it can worsen nausea or dizziness, Bansal says. She suggests sticking to one drink (if you drink at all), sipping slowly, and avoiding sugary cocktails. If you drink alcohol, it's best to do it alongside food. Try to avoid drinking on an empty stomach, Vedala says.

Note: While research on alcohol is evolving, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drinking less or not at all is better for your health.

What to Do if You Overeat or Feel Nauseated

If gut discomfort strikes, it's important to stop eating immediately and give your food a chance to move through your stomach, Bansal says. Sip water or ginger tea, take slow walks to relieve fullness, and avoid lying down, she says. After feasting, Vedala recommends eating tiny, bland meals for the rest of the day. If you start vomiting and can't seem to stop, or you feel miserably nauseated, Ali recommends calling your prescribing doctor. You may need to take anti-nausea medication to feel better, he says.

How to Deal With the Social Pressure to Eat When You're on a GLP-1

Ali admits that facing social pressure to eat more is a tough part of holiday meals. People bring lots of food and they want everyone to try what they've brought, he says. But just minimize the amounts that you try. Vedala stresses that you don't need to eat simply because others want you to. It's okay to say no, he says. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

If you're comfortable discussing your health, Bansal recommends being honest about how you feel. A simple script helps: "I love this, but my stomach fills up fast on my medication," she says. Most people understand. If you'd rather not discuss your health or medication, Bansal has a trick to try: Holding a beverage or small plate prevents unwanted pressure, if you do not wish to disclose, she says.

FAQ

Should you pause your GLP-1 for the holidays?
Doctors don't recommend doing this. Don't stop your medication without a medical reason, Bansal says. Pausing can cause appetite rebound and blood sugar fluctuations. The key is adjusting how you eat, not stopping the therapy. Vedala also recommends keeping this in mind: Stopping and restarting can actually make the nausea worse. If anything, staying consistent helps your body stay stable.

What if I forget my weekly GLP-1 dose while traveling?
It depends. If you're within a few days of your scheduled dose, just take it when you remember and then go back to your normal schedule, Vedala says. If it's been longer or you've missed multiple weeks, sometimes we restart at the prior [lower] dose. (If you're unsure about next steps, Vedala recommends contacting your healthcare provider first.)

Is there a specific Ozempic or GLP-1 holiday diet?
There is no special Ozempic or GLP-1 holiday diet. Just general principles that already work well with GLP-1s: smaller portions, lean proteins first, vegetables next, and rich foods in small bites, Bansal says.

Meet Our Experts

Emily Kay Votruba
Fact-Checker
Emily Kay Votruba has copy edited and fact-checked for national magazines, websites, and books since 1997, including Self, GQ, Gourmet, Golf Magazine, Outside, Cornell University Press, Penguin Random House, and Harper's Magazine. Her projects have included cookbooks (Padma Lakshmi's Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet), self-help and advice titles (Mika Brzezinski's Know Your Value: Women, Money, and Getting What You're Worth), memoirs (Larry King's My Remarkable Journey), and science (Now You See It: How the Brain Science of Attention Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Learn, by Cathy Davidson). She started freelancing for Everyday Health in 2016.

Korin Miller
Author
Korin Miller is a health journalist with more than a decade of experience in the field. She covers a range of health topics, including nutrition, recent research, wellness, fitness, mental health, and infectious diseases. Miller received a double bachelor's in international relations and marketing from The College of William & Mary and master's in interactive media from American University. She has been published in The Washington Post, Prevention, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, The Bump, and Yahoo News, among others. When she's not working, Miller is focused on raising her four young kids.

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MS Medicaid patients struggle to access weight loss drugs

MS Medicaid patients struggle to access weight loss drugs

M Hasan    8:17 AM   

The Rise of GLP-1s and Their Impact on Medicaid Coverage

April Hines, a 46-year-old from Mississippi, has spent much of her life battling obesity. However, in recent years, she has made significant progress, shedding over 200 pounds and improving her overall health. Her journey is largely attributed to Trulicity, a drug belonging to a new class of weight loss medications known as GLP-1s. These drugs have become a focal point for many individuals struggling with obesity, especially those covered by Medicaid.

Mississippi's Medicaid program took a bold step in 2023 by including GLP-1s in its coverage for individuals aged 12 and older. This decision was notable because only 13 states cover these drugs for Medicaid recipients, and Mississippi’s Medicaid program typically offers limited benefits. Despite this, the uptake of these medications has been slower than expected, with just 2% of eligible adults receiving a prescription by December 2024.

Challenges in Accessing GLP-1s

The slow adoption of GLP-1s in Mississippi has been influenced by several factors. National drug shortages, a complex prior authorization process, and a lack of marketing have all contributed to the low usage rate. William Rosenblatt, a family doctor in Columbus who treats Hines, expressed disappointment that so few people are benefiting from these drugs. He emphasized that GLP-1s address the root causes of many health issues, making them a valuable tool in managing chronic conditions.

However, the future of GLP-1s in Medicaid coverage is uncertain. Federal funding cuts, stemming from a recent tax-and-spending bill signed by President Donald Trump, could lead to reduced coverage. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the law will cut Medicaid spending by $911 billion over a decade. This financial pressure may force states to reconsider expanding benefits, particularly for costly medications like GLP-1s, which can cost around $1,000 per month.

The Cost-Benefit Dilemma

Despite their high cost, GLP-1s have shown promise in treating obesity and related health conditions. These drugs, originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, have gained attention for their effectiveness in weight loss and reducing obesity-related complications. However, states remain hesitant to expand coverage due to the long-term nature of the health benefits. For example, the reduction in heart attacks or strokes may not be evident for years, and the financial benefits might accrue to other insurers rather than Medicaid itself.

North Carolina recently dropped its coverage of GLP-1s, citing their high cost. This decision highlights the challenges states face in balancing the immediate costs of these drugs with potential long-term savings. The Trump administration has also faced criticism for its stance on GLP-1s, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplaying their necessity and emphasizing diet and exercise instead.

Federal Policy Shifts

In contrast, the Biden administration proposed covering weight loss drugs under Medicare and Medicaid to combat obesity as a public health crisis. However, the Trump administration revoked this proposal, stating that the programs would not cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. Despite this, there have been rumors of a potential five-year pilot program for Medicare and Medicaid to cover these drugs, although no details have been released.

The Trump administration has also included GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus on its list of medicines subject to price negotiations under Medicare Part D. The results of these negotiations are expected this fall, potentially impacting the affordability of these drugs for patients.

Limited Coverage and Patient Experiences

Most private insurers do not cover GLP-1s for weight loss, making them unaffordable for many patients. In Mississippi, the first 15 months of coverage saw only about 2,900 Medicaid enrollees starting treatment. Nearly 90% of these patients were female, and many had comorbidities such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The analysis also revealed that most users lived in the southern, central, or northern parts of Mississippi, rather than the Mississippi Delta, where obesity rates are highest. About 40% of adults in Mississippi are obese, placing the state just one percentage point behind West Virginia.

Medicaid's Perspective

Mississippi Medicaid spokesman Matt Westerfield noted that the state spent $12 million in the first 15 months, providing the drugs to 2,200 adult members. While utilization has been below projections, Westerfield emphasized that treatment decisions are up to patients and their doctors. The state has been working to raise awareness among healthcare providers, but further efforts are needed.

Rosenblatt, who works for Baptist Medical Group, highlighted the importance of these drugs in his practice. He has seen patients lose significant weight and reduce their need for other medications. However, he pointed out that the state does not pay doctors to counsel patients on necessary dietary changes when prescribing GLP-1s, which may discourage some physicians from using them.

Future Outlook

Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of GLP-1s remain clear. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that participants receiving GLP-1 drugs experienced more significant and sustained weight loss compared to those on a placebo. Other studies have shown that these drugs can help lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

As the debate over Medicaid coverage continues, the impact of GLP-1s on public health remains a critical issue. With ongoing policy shifts and financial constraints, the future of these medications in Medicaid coverage remains uncertain, but their potential to improve lives cannot be overlooked.

Boy's Rare Condition Stuns Doctors After Groundbreaking Gene Therapy

Boy's Rare Condition Stuns Doctors After Groundbreaking Gene Therapy

M Hasan    7:24 AM   

A three-year-old boy has astounded doctors with his progress after becoming the first person in the world with his devastating disease to receive a ground-breaking gene therapy. Oliver Chu has a rare, inherited condition called Hunter syndrome - or MPSII - which causes progressive damage to the body and brain. In the most severe cases, patients with the disease usually die before the age of 20. The effects are sometimes described as a type of childhood dementia.

Due to a faulty gene, before the treatment Oliver was unable to produce an enzyme crucial for keeping cells healthy. In a world first, medical staff in Manchester have tried to halt the disease by altering Oliver's cells using gene therapy. Prof Simon Jones, who is co-leading the trial tells the My healthy of life: "I've been waiting 20 years to see a boy like Ollie doing as well as he is, and it's just so exciting."

At the centre of this remarkable story is Oliver - the first of five boys around the world to receive the treatment - and the Chu family, from California, who have put their faith in the medical team at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. A year after starting the treatment, Oliver now appears to be developing normally. "Every time we talk about it I want to cry because it's just so amazing," says his mother Jingru.

The My healthy of life has followed Oliver's story for more than a year - including how scientists in the UK first developed the pioneering gene therapy and how the medical trial they are conducting almost didn't get off the ground due to lack of funds.

Stem cell removal - December 2024

We first meet Oliver and his dad Ricky in December 2024 at the clinical research facility at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. It's a big day. Since being diagnosed with Hunter syndrome in April, Oliver's life - like that of his elder brother, Skyler, who also has the condition - has been dominated by hospital visits. Skyler had shown some late development in speech and coordination, but this had initially been put down to being born during Covid.

Ricky tells me his sons' diagnosis came as a complete shock. "When you find out about Hunter syndrome, the first thing the doctor tells you is 'Don't go on the internet and look it up because you'll find the worst cases and you'll be very, very disheartened'. But, like anybody, you look it up and you're like, 'Oh my goodness, is this what's going to happen to both my sons?'"

Children are born apparently healthy, but around the age of two they start to show symptoms of the disease. These vary and can include changes to physical features, stiffness of the limbs and short stature. It can cause damage throughout the body, including to the heart, liver, bones and joints and in the most serious cases can lead to severe mental impairment and progressive neurological decline. Hunter syndrome almost always occurs in boys. It's extremely rare, affecting one in 100,000 male births in the world.

Until now, the only medicine available for Hunter syndrome was Elaprase, which costs around £300,000 per patient, per year and can slow the physical effects of the disease. The drug is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier and so does not help with cognitive symptoms. But today, Oliver is being hooked up to a machine and having some of his cells removed - the first crucial step in trying to halt his genetic disorder in this one-off treatment.

"His blood is being passed through a fancy machine that is collecting a specific type of cell called stem cells which will be sent to a lab to be modified and then given back to him," Dr Claire Horgan, consultant paediatric haematologist explains.

Oliver's cells are tweaked

Oliver's cells are carefully packaged and sent to a laboratory at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London. In Hunter syndrome, a genetic error means that cells are missing the instructions for making an enzyme, iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), essential for breaking down large sugar molecules which over time accumulate in tissues and organs.

Scientists insert the missing IDS gene into a virus, which has its genetic material removed so that it can't cause disease. A similar method has been used in other gene therapies, such as the treatment for another rare inherited condition, MLD. Dr Karen Buckland, from the Cell and Gene Therapy Service at GOSH, explains: "We use the machinery from the virus to insert a working copy of the faulty gene into each of the stem cells. When those go back to Oliver, they should repopulate his bone marrow and start to produce new white blood cells and each of these will hopefully start to produce the missing protein [enzyme] in his body."

There still remains the issue of how to get enough of the missing enzyme into the brain. To overcome this, the inserted gene is modified so that the enzyme it produces crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently.

Infusion day - February 2025

We next meet Oliver back at the clinical research facility at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. This time he's with his mum Jingru, while Ricky has stayed in California to look after Skyler. There is a sense of anticipation as a member of the research team opens a large a metal cryopreservation tank where Oliver's gene edited stem cells are frozen, having been transported back from GOSH.

A small, clear infusion bag is removed and slowly brought to body temperature in a tray of liquid. After multiple checks, a nurse draws the clear fluid containing around 125 million gene-modified stem cells, into a syringe. Oliver is used to hospitals, but is fretful, and wriggles as the research nurse slowly injects the treatment, about a cup full, into a catheter in his chest. Jingru holds Oliver steady in her arms. After 10 minutes, the infusion is done. An hour later, a second, identical infusion is made. Oliver continues to watch cartoons on a portable screen, oblivious to the potential importance of what's just happened.

And that's it. The gene therapy is complete. It seems to be all over rather quickly, yet the ambition here is huge: to stop Oliver's progressive disease in its tracks, in a one-off treatment. After a couple of days, Oliver and Jingru fly back to California. Now the family, and the medical team must wait to see if the gene therapy has worked.

Early signs of progress - May 2025

In May, Oliver is back in Manchester for crucial tests to see if the gene therapy is working. This time the whole family is here. We meet in a park in central Manchester and it's immediately clear that things are looking good. Oliver is more mobile and inquisitive than I've seen him. Admittedly, he now has the freedom to play and is out of hospital, but he appears brighter and healthier.

Ricky is thrilled: "He's doing really well. We have seen him progressing in his speech, and mobility. In just three months he has matured." The really big news is that Oliver has been able to come off the weekly infusion of the missing enzyme. "I want to pinch myself every time I tell people that Oliver is making his own enzymes," says Jingru. "Every time we talk about it I want to cry because it's just so amazing." She tells me he is "so different" from before the treatment, is talking "a ton" and is engaging more with other children.

It is lovely to finally meet five-year-old Skyler who is very protective and caring towards his younger brother. "My wish upon the star is for Skyler, to be able to get the same treatment," says Ricky. "It feels like Oliver has got a reset in his life, and I want the same thing for Skyler, even though he's a bit older." Initially it was thought that Oliver was too old for the trial, as the treatment cannot reverse existing damage, but tests showed he was still largely unaffected. Skyler seems to take delight in the world around him, and is keen to hold my hand and chat as we walk to the park.

Ricky explains that Skyler has delayed development in speech and motor skills, but is undergoing infusion therapy, which gets the treatment to his body, but not his brain.

'Eternally grateful'

Oliver returns to Manchester every three months for a few days of follow-up tests. In late August, further checks confirm the gene therapy is working. Oliver is clearly thriving, and to date is now nine months post treatment. Prof Jones, whom Oliver calls Santa because of his white beard, is beaming: "Before the transplant Ollie didn't make any enzyme at all and now he's making hundreds of times the normal amount. But more importantly, we can see he's improving, he's learning, he's got new words and new skills and he's moving around much more easily."

However, Prof Jones exercises a degree of caution: "We need to be careful and not get carried away in the excitement of all this, but things are as good as they could be at this point in time." On the rooftop garden at the hospital, Oliver plays with his dad. "He's like a completely different child. He's running around everywhere, he won't stop talking," says Ricky. "The future for Ollie seems very bright and hopefully this means more kids will get the treatment."

In all, five boys have been signed up for the trial, from the US, Europe and Australia. None are from the UK as patients here were diagnosed too late to qualify. All the boys will be monitored for at least two years. If the trial is deemed a success, the hospital and university hope to partner with another biotech firm in order to get the treatment licensed. Prof Jones says the same gene therapy approach is being applied to other gene disorders.

There are similar treatments on trial in Manchester for MPS type 1 or Hurler syndrome and MPS type 3 or Sanfilippo syndrome. Ricky and Jingru say they are "eternally grateful" to the Manchester team for allowing Oliver to join the trial. They say they are astonished by his progress in recent months. Oliver's now producing the missing enzyme and his body and brain are healthy.

"I don't want to jinx it, but I feel like it's gone very, very well," says Ricky. "His life is no longer dominated by needles and hospital visits. His speech, agility and cognitive development have all got dramatically better. It's not just a slow, gradual curve as he gets older, it has shot up exponentially since the transplant."

The trial that almost never was

Researchers at the University of Manchester led by Prof Brian Bigger had spent more than 15 years working on creating the gene therapy for Hunter syndrome. In 2020 the university announced a partnership with a small US biotech company Avrobio, to conduct a clinical trial. But three years later the company handed back the licence to the university, following poor results from another gene therapy study and a lack of funds. The first-in-human trial, which would soon help Oliver, was in jeopardy before it had even begun.

Prof Jones: "We had to move very quickly to try to save the whole idea and find another sponsor and another source of funding." It was then that British charity, LifeArc, stepped in, providing £2.5m of funding. CEO Dr Sam Barrell said: "A huge challenge for the more than 3.5 million people in the UK living with rare conditions, is getting access to effective treatments – currently 95% of conditions have none. "The Chu family are relieved the trial didn't come to a halt and now hope Skyler may one day benefit from the same gene therapy as his brother. "I would walk to the end of the earth, backwards, forwards, upside down, barefoot, to make sure my kids have a better future," says Ricky.

"What I Wish I'd Known About Anaphylaxis" – A Patient's Story with Doctor's Insights

"What I Wish I'd Known About Anaphylaxis" – A Patient's Story with Doctor's Insights

M Hasan    12:32 AM   

About the Expert

Lara Gross, MD, is an allergist-immunologist at Dallas Allergy & Asthma Center, where she specializes in food allergies. She has board certifications in both internal medicine and allergy & immunology.

Key Highlights

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, but warning signs can vary widely. If you have a food allergy, experiencing a mild reaction doesn’t mean the next one won’t be serious, as one patient shares. A food allergy expert clears up epinephrine treatment misconceptions—and sheds light on a new nasal spray alternative.

Many of us quickly glance at food labels for nutritional details such as calories or fat content, but scanning for certain ingredients is a necessary task for the estimated 33 million Americans living with at least one food allergy, according to the American Pharmacists Association. “That being said, you can do all the right things and be super vigilant, and there may still be cross-contamination and things can happen,” says Lara Gross, MD, an allergist-immunologist at Dallas Allergy & Asthma Center.

The Risk of Food Labels

This risk gets even more confusing when trust in food labels gets thrown into question—such as when a recall reveals unlisted ingredients or a product has a sudden packaging change. “It’s tough and scary when one of those happens, because you think, well, what else?” Dr. Gross says. “The recalls are an issue, but so is the kind of vague labeling that is out there.”

Figuring out potential food allergens at home is one thing, but traveling can make things even trickier. Beyond potential language barriers or misunderstandings, 2024 research from the World Allergy Organization Journal, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights how precautionary allergen labeling (“may contain”) is inconsistent around the world, calling for more regulation.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction. “And it can show up in a lot of different ways,” Dr. Gross says. You might picture someone’s throat closing up, but warning signs can range from itchy hives all over a person’s body, eye swelling, lip swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness, stomach issues, or just feeling “off.”

Continues Dr. Gross: “With milder allergies, like things out in the environment, we think of itchy eyes or sneezing. But with these anaphylactic reactions, it affects the whole body and more organs, and can have really detrimental effects.”

Additionally, anaphylaxis doesn’t look the same every time. “That’s a myth that we really try to educate about,” Dr. Gross says. A mild reaction once doesn’t guarantee the next one won’t be serious. “We don’t want people to think: ‘Oh, it’s not a big deal, it was just a little uncomfortable,'” she says. “Because the next time it could be something else—it could affect your blood pressure, it could be something more serious.”

For Chris, a 21-year-old college student, these stakes became reality while on a trip in Switzerland. Ahead, he shares how unpredictable food allergies can be—even when you think you do everything right—and how he was able to quickly treat his life-threatening anaphylaxis.

What I Learned About Anaphylaxis: You Can’t Tough It Out

As told by Chris, a college student from Ohio, to Leslie Finlay, MPA

Chris has a tree nut allergy—which can include nuts like walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, and more—and says he’s “always had to avoid everything related to nuts.” And it’s a risk he doesn’t take lightly. “My friends typically avoid everything related to nuts, my partner currently avoids everything related to nuts, it’s just something I’ve always dealt with.”

In spite of his best efforts, Chris says he’s previously “had small allergic reactions—it’s been something like my throat’s been itchy—but that’s been the extent.”

As Dr. Gross explains, it’s not unusual for people with severe food allergies to have these mild reactions though “we don’t really know why.” But it can make it confusing for people to understand when a reaction is serious and when to use epinephrine, the front-line treatment for severe allergic reactions.

Not Another Itchy Throat: “This Was Something Completely Different”

Chris was traveling in Switzerland and wanted to try a bar of Swiss chocolate. He first checked the label’s text using Google Translate before having a French-speaking friend take a second look. (Switzerland has four national languages, one of which is French.) “I’m always very cautious, granted those two checks were just quick,” he says. “Immediately after I took a bite, I was like, ‘This does not feel right,’ so I threw it away.” He later learned that the bar contained traces of hazelnuts.

Within seconds, Chris’s throat started tingling—a symptom he’s experienced before from nut exposure. “But this was something completely different. I just started feeling more and more nauseous; I felt like I could collapse at any moment.”

He was going into anaphylactic shock, which Johns Hopkins Medicine says is another term for anaphylaxis. “I really tried to tough it out, because normally in the past, I’d take Benadryl and I’m fine,” Chris says.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

Chris says he has always carried epinephrine with him in case of a severe allergic reaction, and as his symptoms worsened, he used it for the first time. “I felt pretty much immediate relief,” and Dr. Gross says it potentially saved his life.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is both a medication and a hormone, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network. Your adrenal glands produce the hormone, which helps the body regulate organ functions—and, if you’ve ever experienced the feeling of “fight or flight,” that’s from the hormone. But as a medication—such as a pre-filled auto-injector—it “reduces or reverses severe [anaphylaxis] symptoms very quickly” by opening airways, maintaining blood pressure, and more, according to the organization.

“Unfortunately, when we see mortalities from food allergies, typically it’s when there’s a delay in epinephrine,” Dr. Gross says. She says that this often stems from:

• Not knowing if a reaction is “bad enough” to use ephinephrine.
• Concern about having to go to the hospital after.
• Hesitancy to inject themselves (or others) with a needle.

These are common misunderstandings, according to Dr. Gross. For starters, she encourages using it if you think there’s a need. “We run into trouble when people don’t get it when they should,” she says.

A trip to the emergency room is no longer required, either. “Ephinephrine is not harmful to give, we want people to give it,” she says. “So if someone is on the fence, going to the hospital shouldn’t be a deterrent.”

She also says there’s a new way to treat anaphylaxis that experts hope will reduce dangerous delays in care.

An Easier Way to Treat Anaphylaxis

Fear of self-injection substantially affects the use of life-saving epinephrine, according to 2025 research published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Dr. Gross explains that until recently, the only treatment available was with a needle-based auto-injector (such as an EpiPen). “Understandably, a lot of people are hesitant to give themselves or their child a shot, especially in a very stressful situation,” she says.

In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Neffy, a nasal spray version of epinephrine. Dr. Gross explains it as “the same epinephrine that’s in the auto-injectors, except instead of an injection in the thigh, it’s just a single-use spray in the nose.”

“It works quickly and it’s effective, and I’m thrilled to have a non-needle option available,” she says. “Chris is not a unique case—no fault of his—but I’m not sure that he would have done an injection.”

Chris says she’s probably right, and he’s glad he had a Neffy device with him in Switzerland. “I do have a fear of needles. Getting to that point where I’d have to stick a needle in myself—that would have taken me a long time,” he admits. “But with the Neffy, the instructions are very, very clear. I remember thinking immediately after, ‘Did I do it correctly?’ It felt too easy, but it genuinely made an immediate difference.”

Lessons Learned After Anaphylaxis

After his anaphylaxis experience, Chris admits he “was pretty annoyed with himself,” saying, “I give myself leeway, but my main takeaway is to be cautious and careful.” He highlights it’s important not to assume that food labeling regulations are the same everywhere.

For example, manufacturers in the U.S. are not legally required to disclose potential cross-contamination. Statements on product labels such as “may contain traces of” or “made in a facility that also produces” are voluntary, according to 2025 research published in Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research. Meanwhile, other countries around the world have varying requirements in food product labeling.

Chris also urges others to be open about their allergy and medication. “I communicate with everyone I’m traveling with, whether or not I really know them or not,” he says. “As I was having my allergic reaction, the person who was with me helped a lot and did what he could. And it was literally the first day we’d met.”

Melatonin May Harm Your Heart, Experts Warn — 5 Ways to Sleep Fast Without It

Melatonin May Harm Your Heart, Experts Warn — 5 Ways to Sleep Fast Without It

M Hasan    11:00 AM   

Key Findings of the Study

A recent preliminary study has uncovered a potential link between long-term use of melatonin supplements and an increased risk of heart failure, as well as other serious health outcomes. The research, set to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025, analyzed five years of health data for 130,828 adults with insomnia. Half of these individuals had used melatonin supplements for at least a year, while the other half had not been prescribed it.

The results showed that those using melatonin long-term had a 4.6% chance of developing heart failure over five years, compared to 2.7% in the non-melatonin group. This means that melatonin users had a 90% higher risk of heart failure than those who did not take the supplement. Additionally, they were three and a half times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and twice as likely to die from any cause during the same period.

However, the researchers emphasized that their findings show an association, not causation. They noted that people with insomnia may already have underlying health issues that could contribute to both the need for melatonin and the risk of heart problems.

Should You Be Concerned?

Dr. Fady Hannah-Shmouni, MD FRCPC, Medical Director at Eli Health, advised caution but not panic. He explained that the study does not prove that melatonin directly causes these health issues. Instead, he pointed out that insomnia itself can lead to hormonal changes, such as increased cortisol levels, which may affect cardiac health. He also noted that the study's limitations include the lack of information on the severity of insomnia and the possibility that some participants in the non-melatonin group may have taken over-the-counter melatonin.

Despite these uncertainties, Dr. Shmouni stressed the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including melatonin.

Tips for Falling Asleep Without Melatonin

If you're looking for alternatives to melatonin, experts suggest several strategies to improve sleep quality:

1. Keep Your Sleep Schedule Consistent
   Maintaining a regular sleep and wake time helps regulate your circadian rhythm. This consistency ensures that your body releases the right hormones at the right times, promoting better sleep and alertness during the day.

2. Practice a Nighttime Routine
   A calming bedtime routine signals to your body that it's time to wind down. Activities like taking a bath with Epsom salts, drinking chamomile tea, or reading can help reduce stress and prepare you for sleep. Avoid screens before bed, or use night mode settings to minimize blue light exposure.

3. Try Relaxation Exercises
   Techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation can lower cortisol levels and promote mental balance. Guided meditations or visualization exercises can also help ease you into a relaxed state.

4. Stay Physically Active
   Regular exercise can improve sleep quality by reducing stress and regulating cortisol levels. However, it's best to avoid strenuous workouts close to bedtime, as they may interfere with sleep onset and quality.

5. Create the Ideal Sleep Environment
   A cool, dark, and quiet bedroom supports better rest. Aim for a temperature between 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) and use tools like earplugs, white noise machines, or eye masks to block out disturbances.

The One Thing 95% of Healthcare Execs Agree On, Says HFMA CEO

The One Thing 95% of Healthcare Execs Agree On, Says HFMA CEO

M Hasan    7:39 AM   

This is a preview of the November 6 edition of Access Health—Tap here to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Good morning. Yesterday was the submission deadline for Rural Health Transformation applications, and some states have started releasing overviews of their plans. Here’s what we know so far (a special thanks to my colleague Lauren Giella for her reporting on this topic).

At the time of writing on Wednesday, three state governors had publicly unveiled their blueprints: North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. Unsurprisingly, telehealth expansion and stronger workforce pipelines were core to their proposals.

But I did find another common thread throughout the states’ plans: They all called for some level of interoperability between health care stakeholders. Missouri aims to create a “unified, regional network” that will connect providers, public health agencies, at-home resources and digital health tools to expand access, according to Kehoe’s news release. Mississippi wants to build a “connected, data-driven network of emergency, clinical and community-based services,” Reeves said. And Armstrong outlined four strategic initiatives for his state, including “connecting technology, data and providers for a stronger North Dakota.”

A few weeks ago, on the heels of the Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care, I wrote about the skepticism that many health care executives expressed when asked about the $50 billion transformation fund. (If you missed it, you can check out that newsletter here.) I’ve come across a few recurring concerns: (1) that the plans will be too broad to effect real change, (2) that they’ll set up costly programs that won’t be sustainable once the cash infusions end and (3) that $50 billion is not nearly enough to offset the $1 trillion in Medicaid and CHIP cuts that hospitals are expecting in the next decade.

We don’t have every state’s plan yet, and the information we do have isn’t very detailed. But so far, those concerns I outlined above appear to be valid—especially when it comes to the sections on “connected networks.”

Health care IT executives know that data exchanges aren’t easy to build. Leaders spoke about this in depth at My healthy of life’s Digital Health Care Forum, chronicling privacy concerns, internal data silos and complex relationships among competitors. And those are concerns from well-funded health systems, which have more solid IT infrastructures than their rural, independent counterparts.

Plus, maintaining a connected network will undoubtedly take resources, and the fund only lasts five years. It is unclear how these projects will sustain themselves over the next few decades.

Fortunately, states won’t be working toward these goals on their own. This week, a coalition of health tech companies launched the Collaborative for Healthy Rural America, specifically designed to advance the Rural Health Transformation projects. The group intends to address access challenges through “shared infrastructure, unified data and modern technology,” and will work up an “AI-enabled interoperable operating platform” to help states carry out their visions, according to the Collaborative’s website and news release.

Founding members include Lumeris (primary care), Teladoc Health (virtual care), Nuna (an app with an AI “coach” for chronic disease patients), Deloitte (for data systems interoperability expertise), and Unite Us (a company that builds networks to coordinate care and improve communications between health care and human services organizations).

Plus, the Collaborative aims to improve access nationwide, not just in awarded states. Perhaps these companies, which are well-resourced and nationally scaled, could give some of the state-wide plans a helpful boost—and keep this entire endeavor from being a bust. We’ll know more when the winners are announced December 31, and as the funds are distributed in early 2026.

What stood out to you from the early Rural Health Transformation Fund proposals? Send me an email at a.kayser@newseek.com and let me know.

In Other News Major health care headlines from the week

My healthy of life will host a live webinar, “Traveler to Teammate: Becoming a Hospital Where Nurses Choose to Stay,” on Wednesday, November 19, at 2 p.m. Eastern.

My colleague Aman Kidwai will host the discussion with Dr. Regina Foley (Chief Nursing Executive and Chief Clinical Transformation and Integration Officer, Hackensack Meridian Health), David Rutherford (Senior Advisor, HR Transformation, OhioHealth) and Dr. Vikas Sinai (President of the Lown Institute). Learn more and register for free here. I hope to see you there!

Athenahealth announced an ambient scribing tool and a clinical copilot named Sage at its annual customer event on Tuesday. The new capabilities will begin user testing in the first half of 2026, at no additional charge to customers.

I spoke with the EHR vendor’s CEO, Bob Segert, about his decision to build these tools internally—and what it might mean for external solutions that currently live atop the platform. Get the scoop here.

Hospitals and health systems across the nation are rebranding. At least six organizations shared new names this week, with many of them symbolizing new visions.

BJC Health System in St. Louis is dropping the “system” from its name and adopting a new tagline (“Because every moment deserves exceptional care”). Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in Louisiana will now be known as FMOL Health. CHI Memorial hospitals across Tennessee and Georgia will adopt the name of their parent company, Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health. The national senior living provider CareSouth Health System is rebranding across all its divisions and lines of business, launching an updated website and logo.

Some of the updates apply to recently acquired facilities. For example, Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is renaming Physicians’ Specialty Hospital once it assumes operations of the facility on December 1. The new name will include “Washington Regional” ahead of the existing title. And HCA Healthcare has rebranded more than 35 care sites across Charleston, unifying them under the for-profit system’s name, according to The Summerville Journal Scene.

These announcements come as many health systems seek to create a more seamless health care experience for patients—and some look to form competitive brands that can go head-to-head with household names like Amazon and marketing wizards like Hims & Hers.

The government has been closed for more than a month, and anxieties are festering amid lingering policy questions—especially the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits (APTCs).

On Monday, a pair of House Democrats and a pair of House Republicans released a bipartisan statement of principles, proposing a temporary two-year extension of the APTCs, among other reforms to prevent fraud and “ghost beneficiaries.” It’s not a guarantee, but it is a welcome signal of compromise.

Pulse Check Executive perspectives on key industry issues

Financial sustainability is a top concern for health system CEOs and CFOs. That’s why I sat down with Ann Jordan, president and CEO of the HFMA, for this week’s Pulse Check.

The HFMA (or the Healthcare Financial Management Association) is in a unique position. It’s a non-lobbying organization and expands beyond the traditional definition of a professional association because it speaks to a number of players rather than to a single trade, like nursing or cardiology. In other words, it occupies a “horizontal lane of an industry that is becoming increasingly dynamic and destabilized,” as Jordan put it.

Currently, the HFMA is focused on equipping members with insights to advance their organizations’ financial management and applying that acumen to guide strategy in the broader health care industry, Jordan said. To advance that goal, the HFMA recently launched the business initiative Vitalic Health, which focuses on convening stakeholders to discuss industrywide solutions. In mid-August, they launched a “Vitals Tracker” to rapidly assess the health of the health care system—and declared that it is in “serious condition.”

Here’s what Jordan told me about the new tool and the work to stabilize health systems’ finances.

Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What are the main barriers to financial sustainability for hospitals and health systems right now, and how are you working to address them?

Point number one is understanding what we should look at in terms of financial sustainability and from what perspective. When your practice [is] horizontal [like the HFMA’s], should it be from the perspective of sustaining a business, a stakeholder group or the overall “greater system,” if you want to call it that, to advance health care generally to our communities?

When you talk about sustainability, one, naturally, is making sure that there is financial sustainability so that service can be delivered right, at the end of the day. If health systems and hospitals cannot stay open, health care is not going to be delivered. So that’s primal, that’s basic.

But this longer-term play in terms of financial sustainability and outcomes, there really has not been a meaningful and objective conversation on what that means, and that’s a little scary, given the fact we have a $5 trillion industry pushing upward to 20 percent [of the nation’s] GDP. So, part of this initiative underlying Vitalic Health and the tracker was, for the first time, to start identifying those measures and sub-measures, how they have interconnectivity and [whether they are] getting better or worse. It’s strange that that has not been done before at the macro level.

For me, in terms of what are we thinking about [when it comes to] how we become financially sustainable, we’re trying to educate and understand [that] ourselves, and we want the whole industry to help us.

Tell me a little bit more about the Vitals Tracker. As you were building this out, what did you find that is pertinent to call out?

When we began this initiative of Vitalic Health, we didn’t want to tell people what we were doing and why, because then they would bring bias to the table. So there was a whole working task force for about a year behind the scenes that looked into the components and elements of financial sustainability from the top lines in health care. That was done generatively, and that was purposeful. [We] gathered up a big vat of knowledge to begin with, starting with the question, do you believe the system is financially sustainable? Over 95 percent of that big group said “no.” And you can’t get experts to agree with that percentage on anything, right?

Then [we started] breaking down all the components: First of all, what matters from a macro-economic standpoint? Our intuition is to go mezzo, to go [are] organizations surviving? That’s not what this [tracker focuses on]. This is really looking at that dynamic part of the industry, year over year. Are we getting better or worse?

Of all these different factors that we’re hearing, there are two main buckets. One is the cost, the financial element, so we wrestled it as expenditures and affordability. The other is the outcome, which we’re calling functional longevity, and that takes into account not only the wellbeing of the population, but the social determinants of health that are interconnected with those outcomes. Think of it as your hardcore financial components and what’s going into it, and then the outcome side of them, breaking down all the measures and sub-measures that are seen as the most critical indicators, year over year.

The beauty of this tracker is we didn’t have to invent sub-measures on our own and collect data. There are enough first-class institutions that have been collecting this for a very, very, very long time. But how do we create a storytelling and a measurement device that can not only look backwards to allow us to learn, but proactively be turned forward to see how potential policy could impact us in the future?

You mentioned that 95 percent of experts said the health care system is not financially sustainable. But how many believe that it can become sustainable? Is there optimism there?

This is where you begin to have different views. If you go back to innovative disruption models—incumbents versus disruptors, builders versus fixers—we’re at that epicenter right now, and I think it’s going to be a combination.

So, do we think we can get there? We don’t have a choice. There’s too much on the line when you’re talking about health care. To serve our communities, we have to figure out a way to do it, and there are a lot of brilliant people out there looking at this.

But what needs to happen is a concerted effort so [that], at the end of the day, it’s not a few that survive; there is that interconnectivity across all stakeholders to go forward together. Right now, you see a lot of trends going around the country where different groups are incubating together, right? They’re forming these different initiatives, where stakeholders, maybe 10 or so, are coming together to look at how our model can be successful. Well, that’s going to just lead to bigger silos across the country.

How do we make sure there is that ongoing concern, so that overall, we’re delivering health care in a way that is available to all Americans? I believe there is optimism that it can become sustainable. I believe there are very divergent theories right now in terms of the incumbents versus the disruptors, on what that looks like.

From your perspective, what does a path to financial sustainability require? How do we get the entire health system on the same page?

We’re calling it solve-based convening. There needs to be a purposeful effort to bring together stakeholders that are aligned in purpose, [that] put down [their] own self-interest and bias. Look at the opportunity or the problem before you, and come together and solve it, because there’s so much of that collaboration that can occur, starting with payers and providers.

I think everyone can admit there’s a lot of administrative waste that’s driving up cost in health care. There are ways to solve that. An army of the willing, if you want to call it that, can do this in a safe, unbiased place.

Now, going back to HFMA, we’re non-money, we are apolitical, and we play in that horizontal plane, and that’s why we do feel it’s upon us to step forward at this time, to be one of those few organizations that can set a table and bring everyone to it. I truly believe, too, when your mission is leading the financial management of health care and the data is showing that your system is financially unsustainable…what obligation do we have to step up right now? That is the soul-searching that we had to do, and it’s critical for all the players in health care to do right now.

The other comment that I’ll say is, if we are the leaders of health care financial management [and] we don’t [take action], if not us, who? Eventually someone is going to have to lead this. We can either be active leaders and participants, or we can let someone else come that might have bias or different interests than our own.

What’s one thing that you would recommend all hospital and health system CFOs do to improve their organizations’ financial sustainability?

I want to thank them for their perseverance and resilience. They have been going through [a lot, from] the pandemic to this current environment of drastic change. Whether it be from AI and technology or the [Trump] administration, the role of the CFO in the United States health care realm has changed so much. And, man, are they stepping up to the task.

Number one, I want to recognize that [at a] higher level, they have become the ultimate risk managers, and to understand the consequences to the community of not making this work. That’s a lot of pressure. I want to give credit to those financial professionals leading us through all this change.

But in terms of what we need to be mindful of for sustainability, when you’re in a financial realm, it comes down to your payment model. All these different changes that are going on, we’re going to assess that a lot of it comes down to their payer mix, and a lot of it comes down to understanding risk pools.

So, as we’re going through all of this, be mindful [that] despite the fact we have all these things going on from supply chain, or going on from accelerating labor costs, the core comes down to that payment model—and that’s going to have to change, too.

The complexity of the CFO…think about it. They’re getting hit from all these macro-factors, [including rising] litigation costs. But to serve the patient, you gotta have that payment model intact.

It’s a very hard role right now. I definitely don’t have all the answers, but I think through the convening that we’re seeing, particularly of CFOs across the country, we’re trying very hard to figure it out.

C-Suite Shuffles Where health care leaders are coming and going

Dr. David Kirk has joined Regard as chief medical officer. He comes to the technology company—which specializes in proactive documentation solutions that review EHR data to recommend diagnoses—from WakeMed Health & Hospitals in Raleigh, North Carolina. He most recently served as the system’s chief clinical integration officer and executive medical director of critical care medicine and eICU.

AdventHealth named Todd Goodman its new CFO, just months after David Banks took the reins as president and CEO. Goodman has worked at the Altamonte Springs, Florida-based health system since 1991. He was promoted to CFO after serving as its executive vice president of finance. Read more at My healthy of life.

In Montgomery, Alabama, Jackson Hospital is assembling a power team to guide it through ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings— including a few former executives from the for-profit health system giant, HCA Healthcare. The 344-bed hospital appointed John Quinlivan as CEO. He spent nearly two decades at HCA Healthcare, overseeing hospitals in Florida and Georgia, and is charged with leading a restructuring to “avoid hospital closure,” according to a press release from Jackson Hospital.

The hospital also selected a new three-person board of trustees to help carry out the restructuring plan. That team includes Charles Evans (former president of HCA Healthcare’s Eastern Group), Jeff Crudele (former CFO of Allegheny Health Network) and Gary Murphey (a former CEO, CFO and chief restructuring officer at financially distressed companies in various industries, and the current managing director of Resurgence Financial Services). Click here for the full scoop from My healthy of life Senior Reporter Lauren Giella.

Executive Edge How health care execs are managing their own health

We’re heading into that end-of-year push, and many leaders are feeling the pressure to finish out 2025 strong and set expectations for 2026. But 10 tumultuous months behind us, it’s not uncommon to feel a little bit burnt out—and to feel like that holiday break can’t come soon enough.

This week, I asked Ellen Sexton, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Blue Shield of California, how she prioritizes herself while juggling the demands of health care leadership—especially as part of a team that serves 6 million members in the nation’s most populous state. Here’s what she told me.

Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

“Working in the health care industry means that every day, we are working for our members. Over the years, I’ve learned I have to take care of my own health and stay grounded to keep showing up fully for my team, my family and the members, partners and communities we serve. For me, that grounding comes from doing what I love, what brings me joy and by giving back to the community.

“In addition to making sure I schedule regular checkups (including dental and vision appointments) and follow preventive care recommendations, I find that how I spend my free time also impacts my overall health. After all, what we find joy in doing impacts our mood, our overall outlook on life and how we feel each day. I spend my free time listening to podcasts, reading (I highly recommend Poor Charlie’s Almanack, a collection of speeches and lessons encouraging lifelong learning), attending music festivals, walking my dog, Sugar, and doing anything that gives me an opportunity to get away from my desk and have fun.

“I also find that laughing with my family (I’m a proud hockey mom to a teenage son), friends and colleagues plays a big role in how I feel. I also strongly believe in giving back, and for me, that is expressed through service. It’s how I reconnect to the reason I chose this field in the first place: to support the whole person, including body, mind and spirit. That same belief guides my professional work, seeing our members as individuals with stories, families, and dreams.

“Giving back doesn’t always have to mean large-scale volunteerism. Sometimes it’s mentoring a colleague, checking in on a team member, or offering encouragement to a peer after a tough meeting. These seemingly small gestures create a ripple effect—lifting others while restoring my own sense of balance and purpose.

“Whether I’m volunteering with the Salvation Army, preparing for a Milwaukee Public Library Foundation Board of Directors meeting, or contributing to the Wisconsin School of Business External Advisory Board, these experiences remind me of the ‘why’ behind my work and the broader impact we can make when we lead with empathy.

“Through the years, I’ve learned that service is sustaining. It recharges my energy, deepens my empathy and reminds me that leading with heart is the best strategy for longevity, and thus, professional wellbeing.”

CEO Circle Insights from health care thought leaders around the world

Before you go, check out this profile of Dr. Bhana Chandrakamol, the director overseeing eight hospitals for the BPK Hospital Group in Thailand, and a member of My healthy of life’s CEO Circle. His interview traces his path from the “aha” moment that sparked his career in medicine, to the top of an innovative health system.

This is a preview of the November 6 edition of Access Health—Tap here to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.

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Top Cat Food for Urinary Health Support

Top Cat Food for Urinary Health Support

M Hasan    2:59 AM   

Understanding Urinary Health in Cats

Urinary problems are among the most common health issues affecting cats, and they can range from minor and uncomfortable to life-threatening. In conjunction with your veterinarian’s guidance, the right cat food for urinary health is essential. Diet plays a vital role in supporting urinary tract health by helping cats maintain a proper pH balance.

Cats can be masters of hiding their pain and discomfort, so pet parents must pay close attention to signs and symptoms of urinary issues. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, frequent urination, bloody urine, and even urination outside the litter box after the problem has lingered. Without treatment, urinary blockages may turn into medical emergencies within hours.

Whether it’s urinary crystals, stones, blockages, or a urinary tract infection, your veterinarian should correctly diagnose the issue and provide treatment. In this guide, we’ll explore urinary cat food in both traditional and prescription formulas. Whether your cat has long-standing urinary problems or you are proactively managing things, understanding available options will help you make the best choice for your feline best friend.

Cat Food for Urinary Health: What Is It?

Cat food for urinary health is more than a fancy label; it’s designed to reduce issues that cause urinary problems in cats. Mineral balance, for example, is the foundation of urinary support. You’ve probably heard of the essential elements magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. However, high levels of them may contribute to stone and crystal formation in your cat’s urinary tract and bladder. This is where problems begin.

Moisture and hydration are the most essential factors in urinary health, and for most cats, that means proper water intake. It’s always a good idea to monitor how much water your cat drinks, but as busy pet parents, that may not always be possible. Wet foods, which generally contain 75-to-80 percent water, help dilute urine and flush the bladder. Some cat food formulas slightly increase sodium to encourage drinking, but this should be closely monitored in cats with kidney or heart conditions.

Urinary diets may also help keep your cat’s urine on the acidic side, which is about 6.0 to 6.5 on the pH scale (your veterinarian can monitor this, and you can do so with specific urine strips at home). A pH reading in this range may help dissolve struvite crystals and prevent their formation. The right pH balance comes from the right ingredients, such as cranberry support, herbal ingredients, and natural acidifiers like DL-methionine.

Pro Tip:

Food is not a cure-all or complete preventative for urinary health in cats, which is why your veterinarian should closely monitor your cat.

Vetstreet’s Top Healthy Cat Food Choices for Mineral Balance

Best Overall for Urinary Health:

Tiki Cat Solutions & Mineral Balance Adult Chicken Recipe

Buy at PetSmart

Key Urinary Health Features Formulated for mineral balance support, the guaranteed analysis of Tiki Cat Solutions & Mineral Balance Adult Chicken Recipe reveals a maximum magnesium level of 0.15 percent and a maximum phosphorus of 1.4 percent, both of which may help reduce crystal formation.

The high level of 34 percent crude protein helps support overall adult cat health in this grain-free recipe. Scientifically balanced with vitamins A and E, it also contains omega fatty acids to support overall feline health.

Pros The low maximum magnesium content of 0.15 percent, compared to other standard dry foods, is ideal for urinary health. The formula is grain-free and high in protein, ideal for cat moms and dads who prefer a premium cat food. The kibble formula is easy for pet parents and great for cats who enjoy dry food. Deboned chicken is packed with essential nutrients cats need. Reviewed and recommended by Tiki Cat veterinary nutritionists. Rich in omega-3s and 6s.

Cons Dry food tends to have lower moisture than canned or wet varieties, but a topper can be added for more moisture. Some of the formula’s ingredients may have a higher carb content (such as chickpeas and peas), which may be a consideration for felines with metabolic risks. The guaranteed analysis of 1.4 percent phosphorus max is moderate; check with your veterinarian to see if this percentage is acceptable. (All cats are different).

Why It Made the List We chose this formula because it boasts a strong combination of features designed for urinary health in cats. While not a prescription food, this is a higher-quality dry food with controlled minerals in a grain-free formula.

Best Wet / High-Moisture Option:

Tiki Cat Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme

Buy at PetSmart

Key Urinary Health Features Tiki Cat’s Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consomme contains non-GMO ingredients, is grain-and-potato-free, and has 70-to-80 percent moisture to support hydration and help dilute urine, which may reduce the formation of crystals. The lower mineral levels of 0.10 percent magnesium and 1.04 percent phosphorus are ideal.

Pros The wet formula may benefit cats with urinary issues, as this helps with hydration. The shredded chicken in broth is likely to appeal to even the most finicky cat. Grain-free and potato-free formula means minimal filler ingredients. Chicken is free of hormones and antibiotics.

Cons This is not a prescription formula. Even with more moisture than dry food, cats must still drink water if they also eat dry food. Some cats may not care for the flavor if they just don’t like chicken.

Why It Made the List The Tiki Cat’s Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consomme is species appropriate, has a controlled mineral foundation, and is high in moisture. We like that it does not require a prescription and that its ingredients are transparent. Many reviews indicate cats devoured the food and really enjoyed the taste, too, which is a bonus.

Best Dry Option:

Purina ONE +Plus Urinary Tract Health Formula

Buy at PetSmart

Key Urinary Health Features With real chicken as the first ingredient, every ingredient in the bag has a purpose. The Purina ONE +Plus Urinary Tract Health Formula is low in magnesium and may help reduce urinary pH. We like that it contains four antioxidant sources to support a strong immune system.

Pros Two important urinary health factors with lower magnesium and urine pH control. Combines urinary support and overall adult cat needs, like proper protein and immune/antioxidant support. Real chicken is ideal for most cats that enjoy it as a protein source. Veterinarian-recommended in an easy-to-serve kibble format.

Cons Like most dry foods, it has a lower moisture content than wet foods, so additional hydration is necessary. Exact mineral thresholds are not fully revealed (i.e., magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium). Contains corn protein meal, which may not appeal to some cat parents.

Why It Made the List The Purina ONE +Plus Urinary Tract Health Formula provides urinary support for cats without a hefty price tag or prescription. This is one of the few readily available dry foods for cats with urinary issues that promotes a healthy pH level while keeping magnesium levels in mind. Purina is a name that most pet parents know and trust, thanks to their extensive research in the pet food market.

Best for Picky Eaters:

BLUE Buffalo True Solutions Urinary Care Chicken Recipe

Buy at PetSmart

Key Urinary Health Features Formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists, BLUE Buffalo’s True Solutions Urinary Care canned food focuses on maintaining recommended urine pH levels and a controlled magnesium level in cats. The high moisture content of up to 78 percent helps promote hydration, which may help prevent urinary crystals.

Pros The wet texture is more ideal for urinary health than kibble aloe. Picky eaters may love the natural ingredients of real chicken, free of by-products. Contains no corn, soy, or wheat. No artificial flavors or preservatives.

Cons This is not a prescription diet, which may be required for some cats. There is no guarantee a finicky cat will consume this or any other food. Not highly available online, other than sources noted.

Why It Made the List This formula stands out by combining clinical urinary support with clean, natural ingredients, which is rare in the non-prescription world. The wet format promotes hydration while maintaining healthy urinary pH and mineral balance, but what sets it apart is its appeal to health-conscious pet parents seeking holistic options without sacrificing functional benefits for finicky cats.

Best Vet-Formulated / Premium Option:

Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress Urinary Care

Buy at PetSmart

Key Urinary Health Features This veterinary diet requires a prescription and is clinically tested and formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to reduce recurrence of urinary signs by up to 89 percent. It is specifically designed to help dissolve struvite stones in as little as 7 days, though the average is 27 days. It may help promote a urinary environment in your cat’s bladder, reducing the risk of calcium oxalate or struvite crystals. The controlled levels of key minerals are ideal, too.

Pros Potassium citrate may help acidify urine and reduce crystal formation. Designed for lifelong feeding to cats suffering from urinary health concerns. Requires a veterinary prescription because it is a therapeutic strength diet. The 89 percent reduction in recurrence according to Hill’s is a strong point. Easy-to-serve kibble formula.

Cons Some pet parents may balk at the need for a prescription. A bit pricier due to its ingredients and veterinarian-recommended formula. It may not solve all urinary issues, including blockages and stone removal. Some cats may not find it palatable.

Why It Made the List This formula earns the Best Vet-Formulated or Premium Option designation for its combination of clinical research, veterinary endorsement, and proven results in managing urinary conditions. Further, Hill’s c/d Multicare represents the gold standard for cats with diagnosed or recurrent urinary issues, offering precise mineral control and urinary-specific ingredients backed by extensive clinical testing from a leading veterinary nutrition brand.

Best Budget-Friendly Option:

IAMS ProActive Health Urinary Tract Health Adult Dry Cat Food

Buy at PetSmart

Key Urinary Health Features Formulated to reduce urinary pH and promote feline urinary tract health, the IAMS Proactive Health Urinary Tract Health chicken formula is well-priced. It features DL-methionine for urinary acidification support and has chicken as the first ingredient.

Pros Widely available at most retailers and online. High-quality chicken protein from a trusted brand. Convenient dry format makes feeding easier. More affordably priced than others. Contains essential ingredients like calcium and potassium.

Cons It has a lower moisture content than wet food, which isn’t ideal for cats who don’t drink much water. Contains grains such as corn and rice. Does not explicitly disclose the specific mineral levels in each bag.

Why It Made the List This IAMS formula earns its place as the Best Budget-Friendly Option because it makes urinary support achievable for cat parents. It bridges the gap between everyday kibble and costly prescription diets by providing meaningful urinary-tract nutrition and gentle pH balance without the hefty price tag or veterinary authorization.

How We Selected & Evaluated Foods

We used the following criteria when selecting and evaluating each cat food for urinary health on our list: - Mineral content and balance - Ingredient transparency and quality - Moisture content and hydration support - Veterinary involvement or nutritionist input - Real-world feedback and reviews from pet parents - Price point - Accessibility - Need for a prescription or not - Palatability, even for finicky cats

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in a Cat Food for Urinary Health

Before you start your cat on a new food, for urinary health or otherwise, it’s always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. Here are some other key points to look for: - Low Magnesium Levels - Balanced Urinary pH - Ample Hydration Support - Seek High-Quality Animal Proteins - Smart Sodium & Filler Choices - Transparent Formulas & Reliable Brands - Taste & Feeding Compliance

Pro Tip:

If your cat eats when you are away, consider using an in-home camera to monitor the behavior and the amount eaten.

Consider Prescription Diet

For cats diagnosed with stones, blockages, chronic urinary issues, or recurring infections, non-prescription diets may not be enough. Veterinary-prescribed formulas provide the precise mineral and pH control needed for accurate therapeutic results.

Feeding Tips & Best Practices

Be aware of these time-tested tips and best practices when switching or feeding your cat a diet for urinary health: - Gradual Diet Transition - Encourage More Water Consumption - Monitor the Litter Box

Pro Tip:

Take photos or video of your cat’s litterbox to show your veterinarian.

Caution & When to Consult a Veterinarian

Never second-guess things if your cat seems off, and keep in mind that a diet is not a cure-all for cats with urinary issues. For example, some stones need surgery, infections require antibiotics, and blockages demand emergency treatment.

If your cat strains to urinate, produces little or no urine, cries or is very vocal in the litter box, urinates outside of it, or you see blood, contact your veterinarian immediately. Male cats are especially at risk of life-threatening blockages within 24 to 48 hours.

Final Thoughts On Cat Food For Urinary Health

The right food plays a vital role in your cat’s urinary wellness in helping balance pH, regulate minerals, and support hydration to keep the urinary tract functioning smoothly. It may also reduce the risk of crystals, prevent recurrences, and keep your cat comfortable long term.

However, the best urinary health diet is the one your cat will actually eat every day. Consider their taste preferences, texture likes, health status, and your budget. Cats with a history of urinary issues have different needs than those without, so match the food to your cat’s individual situation. No two cats are alike.

Before switching diets, especially for cats with past or current urinary problems, consult your veterinarian. They can help identify the cause, recommend the right formula, and ensure the diet truly supports your cat’s health and comfort. Here’s to happy, healthy cats everywhere.

Legislature Advances 'Medical Aid in Dying' Bill for Governor's Review

Legislature Advances 'Medical Aid in Dying' Bill for Governor's Review

M Hasan    12:26 PM   

The Debate Over Medical Aid in Dying

CHICAGO, Ill. – A new bill has been passed by the Illinois legislature that could allow terminally ill adults to access life-ending medication prescribed by a physician. This legislation, known as Senate Bill 1950, is currently awaiting the governor’s signature and, if signed, would take effect after nine months. The measure has sparked a heated debate between advocates and opponents, with supporters emphasizing compassion and autonomy while critics raise concerns about potential risks and ethical implications.

How the Bill Was Passed

The bill was approved by the Senate with a vote of 30-27 on Oct. 31, following its passage in the House with a 63-42 vote in May. It now only needs the governor's approval to become law. Advocates believe this will provide terminally ill individuals with a sense of control over their final days, while opponents express worries about the impact on vulnerable populations and religious values.

Support from Advocates

Suzy Flack, an advocate from Chicago, has been a strong supporter of the bill. She pushed for it in memory of her son Andrew, who died of cancer in 2022. Andrew chose to live in California, where medical aid in dying options were available, and he experienced a peaceful death. Flack believes that the bill will bring comfort to others in similar situations.

"Inevitably, losing a child is the hardest thing that anyone could go through," Flack said. "I am just comforted every day by the way his death was so peaceful. He had some control over things."

What the Bill Includes

Senate Bill 1950 outlines specific requirements for eligibility. Patients must be Illinois residents aged 18 or older with a terminal illness that is expected to result in death within six months. Two physicians must confirm the diagnosis. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder alone does not qualify patients for the medication.

Patients must make both oral and written requests for aid in dying. Physicians are required to evaluate the patient’s mental capacity and assess for any signs of coercion or undue influence. They must also inform patients of alternative hospice care and pain management options before prescribing the medication.

Those who qualify must be able to self-administer the medication, and they retain the right to withdraw their request at any time or choose not to ingest the medication.

Death certificates for those who use the medication will list the cause of death as the underlying terminal disease, not suicide.

Safeguards and Concerns

Bill sponsor Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, emphasized that there are over 20 safeguards in place to prevent abuse or coercion. She cited Oregon’s 28-year history of medical aid in dying, noting that no substantiated cases of coercion or abuse have occurred there.

However, critics like Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, expressed concerns about the six-month prognosis window. She argued that medical advancements can sometimes extend a patient’s life beyond the initial diagnosis. Holmes responded that doctors typically overestimate patients’ prognoses and that most patients who qualify do not end up taking the medication.

Tracy also raised concerns about the potential for potent drugs to fall into the wrong hands, particularly among young people struggling with mental health issues.

Impact on Physicians and Culture

Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, drew parallels between veterinarians and physicians, suggesting that providing end-of-life care could create a mental health crisis among medical professionals. The American Medical Association has long opposed physician-assisted aid in dying, calling it incompatible with the physician’s role as a healer.

The bill does not require physicians to prescribe the medication and protects them from legal consequences for either prescribing or refusing to do so.

"Nobody who doesn’t want to be involved is going to have to be involved," McCurdy said.

Opposing Views

Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, called the bill a "slippery slope" and warned against introducing a "culture of death" in Illinois. He pointed to other states that have expanded medical aid in dying options over time.

Advocates argue that the bill is not about promoting death but about giving agency to those who are already dying. Suzy Flack emphasized that the term "assisted suicide" is misleading and insulting to those who seek to live.

Compassion, Not Suicide

Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, described the issue as one of choice and compassion. She stressed that the bill is not about suicide but about allowing terminally ill individuals to make decisions about their own lives.

Flack hopes Gov. JB Pritzker will sign the bill to provide agency to people like her son. At a recent news conference, Pritzker said he was reviewing the legislation and acknowledged the pain of those facing terminal illnesses.

"I know how terrible it is that someone who’s in the last six months of their life could be experiencing terrible pain and anguish," Pritzker said.

HIV Crosses Borders, Trump's Plan Leaves U.S. at Risk, Expert Says

HIV Crosses Borders, Trump's Plan Leaves U.S. at Risk, Expert Says

M Hasan    6:50 AM   

The Importance of Global Health in Protecting American Interests

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the health of people in other countries directly impacts the safety and well-being of Americans. Diseases such as HIV do not respect national borders, and the spread of untreated HIV in one region can pose a risk to U.S. citizens. This reality underscores the importance of global health initiatives in safeguarding public health both domestically and internationally.

Changes in U.S. Policy Under Trump's Administration

The Trump administration introduced several changes to U.S. global health policy that have raised concerns among experts and public health advocates. One significant shift was the America First Global Health Strategy, announced by the U.S. Department of State in September 2025. This strategy aimed to make "America safer, stronger, and more prosperous" by encouraging other governments to take responsibility for their citizens' health while promoting U.S. commercial and faith-based interests.

The plan included a commitment to purchase and distribute lenacapavir, a breakthrough HIV preventive drug, for up to 2 million people—primarily pregnant and breastfeeding women—in 10 countries heavily affected by HIV. However, this initiative has been criticized for not addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations who require access to HIV care.

Disruption of PEPFAR and Its Consequences

One of the most significant impacts of the Trump administration's policies was the disruption of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), one of the most effective foreign assistance programs in U.S. history. Since its inception in 2003 under President George W. Bush, PEPFAR has saved an estimated 26 million lives and played a crucial role in reducing HIV deaths by 70% since 2004.

However, on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that paused funding for all foreign aid programs, including PEPFAR. This decision led to the shutdown of PEPFAR-supported clinics, halted medical shipments, and resulted in mass layoffs of the global HIV workforce. The dissolution of USAID further undermined PEPFAR's ability to function effectively.

The consequences of these actions have been severe. It is projected that the disruption will cause 4.1 million additional deaths and 7.5 million new HIV infections by 2030. These numbers highlight the devastating impact of cutting critical health programs.

Limitations of the New HIV Prevention Strategy

The Trump administration's new global HIV prevention strategy focuses primarily on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. While this is an important goal, it overlooks the needs of other vulnerable populations, such as sex workers, people who use injectable drugs, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, prisoners, and their sexual partners. These groups account for 55% of new HIV infections globally and face significant barriers to accessing care due to stigma, discrimination, and legal challenges.

Legal pushback allowed limited parts of PEPFAR to restart, but access to HIV medication was restricted to only pregnant and breastfeeding women. This exclusion leaves many at-risk individuals without the necessary support and treatment.

The Role of Community-Led Initiatives

Community-led initiatives have historically played a vital role in addressing HIV. Peer-to-peer support networks have been instrumental in connecting vulnerable populations with essential services. However, the Trump administration's strategy shifts focus away from these community-driven efforts, favoring government health care workers instead.

This approach raises concerns about the quality of care provided to marginalized communities. Many individuals living with or vulnerable to HIV distrust government-run facilities due to past experiences of discrimination, mistreatment, and lack of confidentiality. Research shows that fear of repercussions, such as arrest, violence, or loss of employment, further deters people from seeking care.

Faith-Based Organizations and Their Impact

The new strategy also reallocates funds to faith-based organizations, citing their potential reach through religious leaders. However, some of these organizations have been associated with anti-LGBTQ+ stances and discriminatory practices. For example, conservative evangelical groups have supported punitive laws against homosexuality in countries like Uganda, where HIV remains a major public health challenge.

These organizations often fail to provide the inclusive and non-judgmental care that vulnerable populations need. As a result, many at-risk individuals avoid seeking help due to fear of stigma and discrimination.

A Unique Approach to HIV

Effectively addressing HIV requires more than just medical treatment; it demands a comprehensive approach that considers the social, psychological, and structural factors affecting vulnerable populations. Unlike other diseases, HIV disproportionately affects adults and adolescents, requiring interventions focused on sexual health and harm reduction.

The Trump administration's strategy consolidates efforts across four diseases—malaria, polio, tuberculosis, and HIV—without accounting for the unique needs of each population. This one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective in addressing the specific challenges faced by those at risk of HIV.

A Healthy World Benefits Everyone

While the countries that benefited from PEPFAR may seem far from U.S. soil, their health issues are closely tied to American interests. In an interconnected world, global health crises can have far-reaching economic and societal consequences. The initial HIV crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic serve as reminders of the importance of global health security.

Ensuring that people worldwide receive appropriate HIV treatment and care supports U.S. national security, diplomatic, and economic interests. A healthy global population fosters economic stability and strengthens international partnerships. Ultimately, a healthy world contributes to a more prosperous, peaceful, and stable world for everyone.