Low poly style illustration of a sad, young mother in a darkened room with an infant child

Maternal death reviews get political as state officials intrude

Every state has a committee of medical and public health experts tasked with investigating deaths that occur during and after pregnancy. But as data paints a clearer picture of the impact that state policies such as abortion bans and Medicaid expansion can have on maternal health, leaders in some states are rushing to limit their review committee’s work — or halt it altogether.

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The claymation-style illustration of a middle-aged man and woman taking a brisk walk in the evening along a tree-lined path has been created. The couple appears active and relaxed in the serene evening setting. The soft glow of streetlamps enhances the autumnal ambiance.

Just two hours of exercise a week can bring you huge cardiovascular health benefits

A sedentary person who goes from doing nothing to exercising a couple of hours a week will see the greatest reductions in cardiovascular risk during this period. If they increase the amount they exercise to four hours a week, there would be additional – albeit smaller – reductions in risk (around 10%). But the benefits to cardiovascular health appear to max out after 4-6 hours a week – with no additional gains beyond this point for everyone.

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