Wildfire smoke is degrading air quality across the United States, exposing millions to short- and long-term health risks.
Why it matters: Tiny particles in wildfire smoke can increase the risk of heart and lung disease, worsen chronic conditions and contribute to long-term health problems.
The U.S. moved closer to making daylight saving time permanent this week — but the potential side effects are prompting renewed debate.
Why it matters: Permanent daylight saving time would affect far more than clocks, possibly impacting sleep, commuting, school schedules and religious observance.
CVS Health is betting it can drive customer engagement with an AI assistant it developed with Google to help schedule checkups, fill prescriptions and check what insurance covers.
Why it matters: As the biggest names in health care rush to build AI agents to serve as trusted guides to an increasingly fragmented system, CEO David Joyner is betting the new Health100 platform can become the industry standard, regardless of where people get their care.
The latest Senate debate over a Trump health appointment kicks off Wednesday with a less polarizing nominee than some of the president's previous picks — but that doesn't mean controversies around vaccines and public health are over.
Why it matters: Former deputy surgeon general Erica Schwartz will have to convince lawmakers she has a vision to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but can still work with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who clashed with the last full-time CDC director over vaccine policy changes.
