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56% of new moms miss postpartum checkups
Carly Mallenbaum, Axios, Aug. 4
A new analysis of commercially insured patients found that 56% of new moms skipped postpartum follow-up visits within three to eight weeks of childbirth. These visits can be critical; life-threatening conditions can emerge after birth, such as postpartum preeclampsia and blood clots, and they can also provide time to address contraception or mental health concerns. The analysis noted that 94% of pregnant patients attended prenatal appointments, which one expert suggested reflects the way society places more emphasis on the health of pregnant people than on those who just gave birth.
What will new Medicaid, SNAP work requirements look like in CT?
Lisa Hagen, The Connecticut Mirror, Aug. 4
Under the new federal tax law, more people will need to work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours per month to access Medicaid – known as HUSKY in Connecticut – and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Who’s affected, when will these new requirements take effect, and how will Connecticut implement them? Here’s what we know so far.
More early stage colon cancers found in people aged 45-49 due to more screenings, research shows
Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, Aug. 4
More people ages 45 to 49 are getting screened for colon cancer, and more early-stage diagnoses are being made, according to new research from the American Cancer Society. This follows a change in the recommended age for beginning colorectal cancer screenings, from 50 to 45. One of the report’s authors said it’s “thrilling” to see more screening among younger adults, but noted that there are gaps in screening rates by education levels and insurance status. Experts are also concerned that cancer screenings could be harder to get in the future because of changes that U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making to the task force that issues recommendations about preventive services.
Chicago hospitals are scaling back trans care for youth. A rapid response team is stepping in.
Kristen Schorsch, WBEZ, July 29
As more hospitals in Chicago cut back care for trans youth, advocates have launched a rapid response team to connect families with other doctors and cover the cost of everything from appointments to medication. The response team has built a network of at least 30 doctors and nurse practitioners in private practice throughout Illinois who provide hormone therapy or blockers to delay puberty. It also includes roughly 10 physicians who will perform surgeries, said Asher McMaher, executive director of Trans Up Front Illinois, an advocacy organization that put out the call to providers for help.
Related: Youth gender-affirming care decision from CT hospitals has families scrambling for help, Cris Villalonga-Vivoni, CT Insider, Aug. 3
Connecticut Leads Nation In MMR Vaccination Rates
Jamil Ragland, CT News Junkie, Aug. 6
Connecticut is one of only 10 states in the nation to achieve vaccination rates high enough to protect young students and their families against measles. That’s according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, which shared data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reported Connecticut has the country’s highest measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine rates among incoming kindergarten students for the previous 2024-25 school year, at 98.2%. A vaccination rate of 95% is necessary to achieve herd immunity, which means that enough people are protected against infection that it becomes very difficult for the disease to spread.