Austin state Representative Vikki Goodwin, a Democrat, has officially entered the 2026 race for Texas lieutenant governor, setting up a high-stakes political showdown with Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. The announcement, made Tuesday, introduces Goodwin as a challenger willing to confront long-standing Republican control in Texas with a platform centered on public service, transparency, and essential policy reforms. Goodwin, who has served four terms in the Texas House representi

Starting January 1, 2026, Nebraska will become the first state in the nation to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks. This policy change will be implemented as part of a two-year pilot program introduced jointly by Governor Jim Pillen and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Announced during a news conference in Fremont, Nebraska, the pilot program aims to test the impact of limiting sug

Routine health screenings are still underutilized in India, especially among men aged 40 and above. Yet, these check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of fatal diseases, lower long-term healthcare costs, and extend quality of life. With lifestyle diseases on the rise and a surge in prostate and heart conditions, doctors urge Indian men to begin annual health assessments as early as their 40s. Cardiovascular diseases remain

In a recent development, Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital has reported two deaths involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Among them was a 14-year-old minor suffering from nephrotic syndrome and a 54-year-old cancer patient. Both individuals were also COVID-positive at the time of their death, but doctors have clarified that the fatalities were primarily due to their pre-existing critical conditions and not the virus itself. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

As Singapore and Hong Kong witness a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections, India continues to maintain a relatively stable situation with only 257 active cases reported as of May 19, 2025. All the cases identified in India are mild and do not require hospitalization, according to the Union Health Ministry. This update was shared after a key review meeting was held involving experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster M

Under a new cost-cutting proposal by Governor Gavin Newsom, California may soon eliminate Medi-Cal coverage for popular weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, sparking concern among healthcare advocates and low-income patients. The move, which aims to address a $12 billion state budget deficit, could take effect on January 1, 2026, and would save the state an estimated $85 million in 2025–26 and up to $680 million by 2028–29, according to Newsom's office. Ozempic and

The way you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. A slow or chaotic beginning can affect your physical energy, mental clarity, and emotional balance. On the other hand, a few mindful and consistent morning practices can give your metabolism the boost it needs and lift your mood in subtle but powerful ways. While no routine fits all, there are foundational rituals supported by both modern wellness practices and biological rhythms that can make mornings more energizing and

Testing and monitoring for HIV in South Africa have experienced a sharp decline in recent months, following significant cuts in US aid that previously supported healthcare workers and local clinics. According to unreleased data from South Africa's National Health Laboratory Service, the drop in viral load testing—especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants, and youth—is raising alarm among health experts. The United States had been contributing approxima

California Governor Gavin Newsom is reversing his stance on expanding free health care access for undocumented immigrants, a move that once underscored his push toward universal health care in the state. In a major policy shift, Newsom is proposing to halt new Medi-Cal enrollment for low-income immigrants without legal status beginning in 2026 and require monthly premium payments from current enrollees starting in 2027. The decision comes as the state grapples with a growing $6.2 bi

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects around 1 in 100 adults globally. It is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can significantly disrupt daily life. While many people with OCD respond well to standard treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a significant number estimated at around 40% do not achieve sufficient symptom reli

Santa Clara County is making significant strides in enhancing healthcare access for children with developmental disabilities by expanding its Pediatric Development Specialty Center at the county-owned O’Connor Hospital. This move is part of the county’s broader commitment to meet the growing needs of youth requiring specialized developmental support and to ease the burden on families facing long wait times for care. The expansion includes the addition of an entire new suite on the ho

Korean cuisine has been making waves across the globe, and India is no exception. From fiery ramen bowls to bibimbap and crispy Korean fried chicken, the love for Korean flavors is rapidly growing. Among these culinary delights, kimchi stands tall as a beloved and iconic dish. Traditionally made with fermented cabbage or radishes, kimchi is celebrated for its punchy flavors and impressive health benefits. But what if you could give this Korean staple an Indian twist? Enter Raw Mango

Several over-the-counter eye products have been voluntarily recalled following a U.S. Food and Drug Administration audit that uncovered issues related to manufacturing practices. The recall, issued by AvKARE, involves Artificial Tears Ophthalmic Solution, a commonly used product for treating dry or irritated eyes. According to the recall announcement posted by the company, the products were pulled due to deviations in manufacturing that may have compromised quality and potentially pose a risk

A groundbreaking discovery by scientists in Australia could mark a major turning point in the fight against debilitating brain disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne have identified a small molecule that can block the death of brain cells a breakthrough that may pave the way for future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The research, published in the journal Science

The United States has surpassed 1,000 confirmed measles cases in 2025, marking a significant public health challenge and highlighting the growing impact of declining vaccination rates. The virus has resurfaced in 11 states with active outbreaks and continues to spread through communities with inadequate immunization coverage. As of Friday, there were 1,001 confirmed measles cases nationwide. Texas accounts for the majority of those, with 709 cases reported across 29 counties. Desp

In light of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan under the ongoing Operation Sindoor, Gangaram Hospital in Delhi has significantly bolstered its emergency preparedness protocols. The hospital administration has proactively taken comprehensive steps to ensure full medical readiness in the event of a crisis, following the recent surge in military activity along the borders. Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of the Board of Management, shared that the hospital has ensured the a

Vinay Prasad, a renowned oncologist-hematologist, has been appointed as the new director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This division of the FDA is charged with overseeing the evaluation and approval of critical biologic products, including vaccines, blood derivatives, and select gene-based therapies. Prasad’s appointment comes at a time when the FDA remains under public and political scrutiny for its handling of

Missed your period and unsure why? If you haven’t experienced stress, changed your diet, or recently travelled, a delayed menstrual cycle can leave you feeling confused and concerned. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra took to Instagram to explain that there are several often-overlooked lifestyle factors that could be disrupting your cycle. In a post aimed at helping women understand their bodies better, Batra outlines five potential reasons why your period might be late—even if

A new congressional proposal to reduce Medicaid funding for Washington D.C. is causing concern among officials and health experts, who warn that such cuts would have wide-reaching consequences beyond the program’s low-income beneficiaries. Medicaid is deeply integrated into the region’s health care infrastructure, and any funding reduction could disrupt care for patients across the income spectrum, affecting hospitals, clinics, and community health providers. House Rep

As Brain Cancer Awareness Month unfolds in May, a mother from the suburbs is speaking out about her experience with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Her story is a call to action for early detection, self-advocacy, and access to advanced treatment options that are increasingly available beyond major city hospitals. An energetic and health-conscious mother of two, she first noticed something unusual in June 2024. While working, she felt pain in her