S9, Ep 16- When Public Health Warning Lights Start Flashing

Public health threats often seem unrelated until we examine the systems that connect them. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark discusses the record-breaking rise in U.S. measles cases, recent foodborne illness outbreaks, changing COVID-19 activity, and the health risks associated with wildfire smoke. Steven explains what these developments mean for patients, caregivers, and people living with chronic illness, including practical steps related to vaccination, food recalls, testing, treatment planning, and air quality. He also examines the larger forces shaping these stories, including declining vaccine confidence, gaps in public health communication, and the importance of strong disease surveillance. The episode also highlights encouraging news, including progress toward a new Ebola vaccine and El Salvador’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Together, these stories show what happens when public health protections weaken, and what communities can achieve when science, communication, and sustained investment work together. FDA Egg Sell-by Recall Dates:  July 20th - August 17th, 2026 Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected] podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.