Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates a reversal in binge drinking trends among young adults, with women aged 18 to 25 now showing higher rates of it than their male counterparts. This marks a significant shift from previous patterns observed from 2017 to 2019. The study highlights cultural changes and targeted marketing as possible factors influencing the trend.

Creating a self-sustaining business requires proactive succession planning, strategic delegation and appropriate use of technology, writes Jason Smith, founder and CEO of C2P. By identifying and training potential successors early, entrepreneurs can ensure the continuity of their businesses.

A proposed CMS rule would increase hospice payment rates by 2.4%, or $695 million, for fiscal year 2025. The rule also includes updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program and requests for information on streamlining regulations and enhancing health IT standards.

President Donald Trump's threat to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over interest rate cuts has created a conflict due to legal uncertainties around dismissal and inflation concerns. Patrick McHenry, former chair of the House Financial Services Committee, said, "It is the most complex hand any Fed chair has been dealt."

A Northwestern Mutual survey found that Americans have lowered their retirement savings target to $1.26 million, down by $200,000, largely due to reduced inflation. The survey also revealed that 51% of respondents think they will outlive their savings, with Generation X feeling the least prepared for retirement. Financial advisor Kurt Mattson emphasizes the need for tailored financial planning to address these concerns.

Nearly half of respondents to a survey did not know whether their organization had adopted any HHS Cybersecurity Performance Goals, and 9.2% said they had no plans to adopt any of the goals. However, answers to other survey questions revealed that at least 80% of respondents had adopted some of the goals, which were introduced in early 2024. The goals are voluntary but may become mandatory under a proposed update to the HIPAA Security Rule.

The FDA introduced a new policy to limit the roles of industry employees, such as those from pharmaceutical companies, on its advisory committees. This change, announced by FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary, seeks to reduce potential conflicts of interest and promote transparency. The policy allows industry representatives to attend meetings but not serve as official members.

There have been more than 730 cases of measles in Canada so far this year, and at least 360 in Mexico, giving officials and health experts cause for concern. Epidemiologist Lisa Lee said declining vaccination rates in the US compound the issue in this country, noting, “If we don’t have a buffer or herd immunity to keep the virus out, we will be at risk as long as any of our neighbors are at risk.”

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