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U.S. News Health

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Helping you make the best health decisions with the latest health news, expert advice and rankings/ratings.

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When was the last time your parent talked about their passion?

For many older adults, moving into a senior living community isn’t about winding down – it’s about rediscovering what makes them feel alive.

Creative engagement and the arts in senior living can help cultivate purpose.

Studies show that having hobbies like photography, painting or music offers benefits such as boosting cognitive function, building connections and restoring a sense of purpose.

Tap the link in our bio to learn more about creative engagement helps foster community.

#SeniorLiving #ActiveAging #CreativeAging #SeniorCare #ElderCare #AgingParents #SeniorLivingCommunity #PurposefulLiving #ArtTherapy #DementiaCare #SeniorHealth #CaregiverSupport #USNewsHealth by @usnewshealth

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17 hours ago

What's your favorite part about fall? Crunchy leaves, scented candles, cozy blankets or the sound of a football game on the television?

Swipe through to see how you can use your favorite part of this changing season to build a healthy habit. Think of it as a low-pressure trial run for a New Year's resolution.

Which habit are you committing to this season? Let us know in the comments.

Tap the link in our bio to learn more about the health benefits behind each of these habits.

#USNewsHealth #HealthyHabits #FallWellness #AutumnVibes #Mindfulness #DigitalDetox #HealthyLiving #SelfCareTips #WellnessJourney by @usnewshealth

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2 days ago

Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out which coverage is right for someone you love.

At U.S. News, we use a data-driven approach to rate Medicare Advantage insurance companies, looking at factors like patient satisfaction, quality of care and preventative services. With Medicare open enrollment beginning October 15, now is a good time to sit down with your parents, ask questions and explore their options together.

Learn more about how we rate Medicare Advantage insurance companies at the link in our bio.

#Medicare #MedicareAdvantage #AgingParents #Caregiving #MedicareOpenEnrollment #HealthInsurance #USNewsHealth by @usnewshealth

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5 days ago

Nearly 50% of women who get routine mammograms have "dense breasts." But what exactly does that mean?

Dense breast tissue isn’t a diagnosis, but it can make mammograms more difficult to read. Because both dense tissue and potential tumors show up white on the image, dense breast tissue can hide initial signs of cancer and make early detection more difficult.

You can't determine whether you have dense breast tissue by sight or touch, but when you get a mammogram, your screening report is required to tell you which density category you fall into.

Because dense breasts are associated with increased breast cancer risk and can make early detection tricky, your doctor may recommend additional screening options (like an ultrasound or MRI) to better visualize early tumors.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to schedule your annual mammogram if you're over the age of 40 or sooner if you have a lump or a family history of breast cancer.

To read more about specifics of dense breasts and additional screening options, visit the link in our bio. by @usnewshealth

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6 days ago

Worried about mom or dad feeling lonely after a move to senior living?

Pet-friendly senior living communities help your parents have a built-in best friend. Keeping their furry companion by their side reduces isolation, encourages daily activity and acts as a natural icebreaker for meeting new neighbors. Best of all, it gives you peace of mind knowing their new place feels like home.

Tap the link in our bio to read the U.S. News article to learn more about pet-friendly senior living.

#SeniorLiving #AgingParents #Caregiving #PetFriendlySeniorLiving #SeniorCare #FamilyCaregiver #AssistedLiving #PetsAndSeniors #USNewsHealth

Video by Kobus Louw/Getty Images by @usnewshealth

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7 days ago

October is LGBTQ+ History Month – and this year, it comes at a time when a critical mental health resource for LGBTQ+ young people has returned.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has reinstated its specialized “Press 3” option, allowing LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in crisis to connect with counselors trained to support their specific needs. The service resumed Sept. 30 after being discontinued in July 2025.

For LGBTQ+ young people, having access to someone who understands their experiences can make a meaningful difference.

“I know first hand how isolating it can feel to not see yourself reflected in the world around you, and I also know how transformative it is to find community and affirmation,” says Rebecca Minor, a therapist and gender specialist.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988. LGBTQ+ youth can select Press 3 for specialized support.

Swipe through to learn more about what’s changing and what LGBTQ+ youth and families should know. Click the link in our bio for the full article.

#USNewsHealth #LGBTQHistoryMonth #LGBTQHealth #MentalHealth #988Lifeline #SuicidePrevention #LGBTQYouth #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth by @usnewshealth

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8 days ago

There have been approximately 200 food recalls so far this year, including the massive cyclosporiasis outbreak that dominated headlines last month after it caused nearly 20,000 confirmed cases of food poisoning. And just today, PepsiCo voluntarily recalled over 122,000 cases of Gatorade due to undeclared artificial dyes.

With a seemingly endless wave of food safety alerts, you might be wondering what’s actually safe to keep in your kitchen right now.

“As an emergency physician, ‘food poisoning’ is a very common presenting complaint,” says Dr. Josh McConkey (@joshmcconkeymd), a board-certified emergency physician and U.S. Air Force commander. “Food can look and smell perfectly normal and still make you sick.”

Swipe through for our expert tips on exactly what to do during a food recall, and tap the link in our bio for the complete guide.

#USNewsHealth #FoodRecall #FoodSafety #USNewsHealth #PublicHealth #ConsumerSafety #KitchenSafety #HealthTips #WellnessGuide by @usnewshealth

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9 days ago

If your parent recently mixed up a medication or had an unexplained fall, you might be wondering if it's time to start talking about senior living.

It’s completely normal to feel torn between honoring a parent's independence and wanting to ensure they are safe. This is where U.S. News & World Report's comprehensive articles, checklists and senior living ratings can help.

The most loving thing you can do is explore your options and learn about the process together, before there's an emergency. Planning ahead helps to give your family more choices.

Start with the link in our bio to read about senior living options and additional signs that it might be time for a move. Remember you aren’t in this alone.

While you're here, share this post with any friend who's navigating the same challenge.

#SandwichGeneration #AgingParents #CaregiverSupport #SeniorCare #CaregivingJourney #ElderCare #FamilyCaregiver #USNewsHealth by @usnewshealth

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12 days ago

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but awareness is only the first step. Action is the key to saving lives.

Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer among women in the U.S. – other than skin cancers. According to the latest 2026 data from the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

However, when caught early, the 5-year lifetime survival rate is more than 99%.

Knowing your personal risk factors, being able to identify early signs and symptoms and following recommended mammogram guidelines are the best ways to take preventive action against breast cancer.

Swipe through for a breakdown of key warning signs and risk factors.

Visit the link in our bio for a complete guide to breast health and screening guidelines.

#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #BreastCancer #WomensHealth #Mammogram #USNewsHealth by @usnewshealth

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13 days ago

Insomnia is more than just feeling tired – it could be a warning sign for your long-term health.

A review published in Sleep Medicine Reviews links insomnia to a higher risk of stroke, dementia, depression and suicide. While insomnia isn't a direct cause, experts emphasize that it should be taken seriously as a warning sign.

If you're experiencing insomnia three nights per week for three months or longer, that's considered "chronic" insomnia. Don't hesitate to bring it up with your doctor, since treating sleep issues early can reduce your risk of future brain and mental health issues.

Tap the link in bio to learn more about insomnia and treatment options.

#SleepHealth #Insomnia #BrainHealth #MentalHealth #SleepMatters #PreventativeHealth #StrokeAwareness #HealthAndWellness #USNewsHealth by @usnewshealth

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14 days ago

If you’re helping your parents with their Medicare coverage this fall, start with the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter. This is an important document that outlines exactly how their Medicare Advantage or Part D plan will change in 2027.

Here is a checklist of what to look for when you review the ANOC letter with them:
– Cost changes: Have their premiums, deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums increased?
– Medications: Are their daily medications still covered? Did they move to a more expensive pricing tier?
– Provider network: Are their preferred specialists and primary care doctors still in-network?
– Benefit reductions: Have their dental, vision, hearing or OTC allowances decreased?

If you don't like the changes, you have from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 to help find a new plan that works better for them.

Read our full guide on understanding the ANOC letter at the link in our bio.

#Medicare #MedicareAdvantage #MedicareOpenEnrollment #ANOC #USNewsHealth #Caregiving #AgingParents #SeniorCare #CaregiverSupport #SandwichGeneration #CaregiversOfInstagram #ElderCare by @usnewshealth

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15 days ago

What actually makes a children’s hospital “top”?

I recently interviewed Jennifer Winston from U.S. News & World Report about how children’s hospitals are ranked, and I think there is a lot here that parents should know.

It is not just about having well-known doctors.

The rankings also look at things like specialized pediatric resources, safety and care processes, outcomes, and support for children and families.

And one of the most important reminders for parents:

Even if your child is not being treated at a top-ranked children’s hospital, pediatric specialists collaborate across hospitals all the time.

You can always ask:

**“Is there another specialist you could consult?”**

Sometimes getting the right care is not about being in the “best” hospital.

It is about making sure the right people are part of the conversation.

#childrenshospitals #childlife #pediatriccare #parentsupport #patientexperience by @usnewshealth

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15 days ago