Alternative Medicine, Drugs, Weight Loss

Castor oil is all the rage among health influencers – what you need to know about this alternative remedy

Castor oil, which was once used by fascists in Italy as punishment because of its quick-acting laxative effect, is now a weight-loss trend on TikTok. Not drinking it, but rubbing it on your belly.

Influencers are also pouring it in their belly buttons and wrapping towels soaked in it around their midriff. They claim it can melt belly fat and help with bloating.

Drugs, Liver

HEPATITIS C: A ONCE INCURABLE INFECTION CAN NOW BE CURED WITH 8 WEEKS OF MEDICATION

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C (“hep C”) virus. Left untreated, hep C can severely damage the liver, causing illnesses like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The good news is that hep C can be completely cured. Public Health Insider sat down with Amber Casey, HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) Program Manager with Public Health, to learn more.

Coronavirus, COVID, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Vaccines

COVID infections spreading in Oregon, Washington and California

Washington saw 2,905 positive COVID tests in the week ending July 27. The weekly trend rate, which is determined by taking the number of positive tests divided by the population and multiplying by 100,000, is 36.9. The weekly rate of positive tests has gone up steadily over recent weeks. The average number of hospitalizations over the week ending in July 27 was 260. Just over 3% of hospital beds in the state were occupied by COVID patients.

Drugs, Measles, Prevention, Vaccines

Vaccines tell a success story that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump forget – here are some key reminders

After World War II, the U.S. was a wealthy nation with substantial health-related infrastructure. Yet, Americans reported an average of 1 million cases per year of now-preventable infectious diseases.

Vaccines introduced or expanded in the 1950s and 1960s against diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, polio, mumps, rubella and Haemophilus influenza type B have resulted in the near or complete eradication of those diseases.