Health and Fitness

By Miriam Raftery

Image: generic cat photo, cc  via Bing

February 26, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County Public Health officials are investigating a suspected case of bird flu (H5N1) in a house cat from East County.  Preliminary test results show the cat, which got sick and died in mid-January 2025, was positive for bird flu.  The indoor cat ate a raw pet food that is suspected to be the source of the infection.  

New agency head lays off staffers overseeing epidemics, cancels flu vaccine campaign and takes aim at chemicals in food. 

By G. A. McNeeley 

Photo by Ron Logan

February 22, 2025 (Washington D.C.) - The Senate last week confirmed anti-vaccine activist Robert F.. Kennedy Jr. to head the U.S. Health and Human Services Department on a party-line vote, with Mitch McConnell the only Republican voting against the controversial appointee opposed by every Democratic Senator. 

Now at the helm of the nation’s largest public health agency, Kennedy is implementing major changes to remedy what he views as sources of chronic diseases.But healthcare professionals are raising concerns over some of Kennedy’s early actions, including ending a flu vaccine campaign and laying off employees in charge of investigating potential public health threats to ward off future epidemics. 

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

February 17, 2025 (San Diego) -- The start of a new year often brings the promise of new beginnings. For many, that includes resolutions focused on personal health and well-being, from hitting the gym to adopting healthier eating habits. In recent years, however, more and more of us have embraced a different kind of New Year’s resolution: abstaining from alcohol for the month of January. This annual challenge, known as Dry January, has gained popularity, particularly among the “Sober Curious” movement, which seeks to explore the impact of alcohol on mental and physical health. In San Diego County, it’s more than just a passing trend. It's a growing cultural shift.

February 13, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

• How close are we to another pandemic?  (New York Times)
• USDA detects second type of bird flu in dairy cows (NBC)
• Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary (CNN)
• Pro-RFK Jr. letter to the Senate includes names of doctors whose licenses were revoked or suspended  (AP)

SCIENCE AND TECH

• 11 Years After a Celebrated Opening, Massive Solar Plant Faces a Bleak Future in the Mojave Desert (US News)
• Exclusive: Musk aides lock government workers out of computer systems at US agency, sources say (Reuters)
• Solar panels in space show potential for liftoff, despite cost concerns (Christian Science Monitor)
• Google Maps blocks Gulf of America reviews after rename criticism (BBC)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 11, 2025 (San Diego) -- County public health officials are reminding everyone, particularly families with children and teenagers, that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine. 

East County News Service

February 10, 2025 (El Segundo) – Tri-Union Seafoods has recalled canned tuna products sold under the Trader Joe’s, Van Camp’s, Genova and H-E-B brands due to defective pull-top resulting in leakage and potential contamination with botulism, a deadly toxin.  The products were sold in many states, including Genova 5 oz. cans sold in California at Walmart, Kroger, H-E-B, Public, Harris Teeter and independent retailers.  Retailers in other states include Trader Joe’s and Costco.

By G. A. McNeeley

Photo: screenshot of video courtesy of Sharp Grossmont Hospital

February 6, 2025 (La Mesa) – Aiming to help patients be “discharged with dignity,” Sharp Grossmont Hospital held a clothing drive on February 1st. If you missed the event, you can still donate clothing and shoes at the hospital’s thrift store, Thrift Korral, 8693-A, La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa.

Source:  Covered California

Photo:  nearly 300,000 Californians have signed up during open enrollment through Jan. 26

Janaury 29, 2025 (Sacramento) - Covered California has surpassed 1.9 million enrollees, bolstering its record-high enrollment before open enrollment’s Jan. 31 deadline for California’s remaining uninsured.