A new effort is taking aim at maternal health disparities in Missouri’s Bootheel. UnitedHealthcare is teaming up with the Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium to invest $250,00 in the area - which has alarmingly high infant mortality and preterm birth rates, along with gaps in early prenatal care.

A new analysis shows how nature loss disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income households in Illinois and across the country. These communities are also more likely to live in polluted areas, which further increases their vulnerability to climate change and poor health outcomes. Experts argue that current policies and conservation practices often worsen these inequities and are calling for community-centered approaches that address systemic racism and ensure equitable access to natural spaces.

New guidance on cholesterol from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology highlights the importance of early detection and treatment to reduce the risk of heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death. Experts say prevention is possible with the right mix of habits and care.

Johns Hopkins Medicine reports, “Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.”

Missouri health officials are warning about nitazenes - a powerful synthetic opioid now appearing in the state’s drug supply. Experts say the drugs are stronger than fentanyl and often mixed with other substances, increasing overdose risk. Narcan can still reverse overdoses, though multiple doses may be needed.

While we love all the chocolate bunnies, jellybeans, and Cadbury eggs available this time of year, common Easter decorations, treats, and toys can be dangerous for our cats and dogs.

A new AARP report shows family caregivers in Missouri contribute around $17.5 billion in unpaid labor each year. This uncompensated work forms the backbone of the state’s long-term care system, according to the leader of a national nonprofit.

Do you flush or throw away unused medication? Or, if you looked through your medicine cabinet right now, would it be like a museum of your and your family’s past illnesses? Any of those options are not ideal. The three main dangers of these types of disposal include: negative environmental impact, poisoning, and opening the door to abuse.

Illinois is considering reforms to the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Hospitals say drugmaker restrictions are reducing funding and harming care for vulnerable and rural patients, while critics argue the program is being misused for hospital profit. Lawmakers are considering bills to increase transparency and ensure savings are directed toward lowering costs and improving access for low-income patients.

A health care expert in Illinois questions whether upcoming changes to how doctors bill for pregnancy-related care will actually expand access to maternal care services. While the update modernizes billing practices for the first time since the mid-1990s, he says deeper financial incentives and policy changes are needed to address the economic challenges driving the growth of OB deserts.