Science: Good People Are Happier

IN THE NEWS:
GOP Tax Bill Increases Hospital Financial Burden

The proposed GOP tax bill in Congress could dramatically increase the financial burden on U.S. hospitals, according to a new analysis. The bill, which aims to roll back key provisions of the Affordable Care Act, is projected to raise hospitals’ uncompensated care costs by $42 billion by 2034. This spike is largely due to an expected increase in the number of uninsured Americans if the legislation passes, leaving hospitals to absorb more costs for care that isn’t reimbursed.

Healthcare leaders and industry groups are expressing serious concerns about the bill’s potential impact. Many warn that higher uncompensated care costs could strain hospital budgets, particularly for safety-net hospitals that already operate on thin margins. The American Hospital Association and others argue that these financial pressures could force hospitals to cut services, reduce staff, or even close, especially in rural and underserved communities.

This industry concern highlights the broader implications for patients and communities, emphasizing that increased hospital financial stress could limit access to care and worsen health disparities. As debate continues in Congress, hospital advocates are urging lawmakers to consider the long-term consequences for the healthcare system and the patients who rely on it.

CANCER:
Lifestyle Changes Save Lives in Colon Cancer

Colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but new research highlighted by Medscape shows that lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in prevention and survival. Experts emphasize that regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower the risk of developing colon cancer. In addition, limiting red and processed meats, reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding tobacco are key strategies that have been linked to better outcomes for both prevention and those already diagnosed with the disease.

These lifestyle interventions are not just theoretical, growing evidence points to their real-world impact. Studies reveal that people who adopt healthier habits have a lower incidence of colon cancer and improved survival rates if diagnosed. Physicians are increasingly encouraging patients to make these changes, noting that even modest improvements in diet and activity can yield measurable benefits. For those with a family history or other risk factors, these steps are especially crucial.

Ultimately, while screening and medical treatments remain vital, Medscape’s report makes clear that individuals have considerable power to influence their colon cancer risk through daily choices. By prioritizing movement, nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances, anyone can take proactive steps to protect their colon health and potentially save lives.

The Patient Advocate has also published a variety of health trackers to help you live your best life. They’re aimed at bringing patient and clinicians together to better manage care for a better qualify of life, including the GI tracker “Wellness Diary for Digestive Discomfort’. More info is available at Stan Store by clicking the link below.

PATIENT SAFETY:
New Data on GLP1-RAs and Mental Health

A major new review of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) offers reassuring news about their psychiatric safety for most people. Drawing from over 100,000 participants in 80 randomized, placebo-controlled trials, researchers found no increased risk of serious or nonserious psychiatric side effects, such as depression, suicidal ideation, or self-harm, among those taking GLP-1 RAs for weight loss or diabetes management. In fact, these medications were associated with improved mental well-being, including better quality of life and reduced emotional and restrained eating, likely due to their satiety-inducing effects.

The analysis also revealed that GLP-1 RA treatment led to positive changes in several aspects of quality of life, such as mental and physical health, diabetes-related well-being, and overall life satisfaction. Notably, these improvements were not solely tied to weight loss or better blood sugar control, suggesting that GLP-1 RAs may have direct effects on brain regions involved in mood and reward processing. While women and younger patients saw greater gains in physical health–related quality of life, the reasons for this remain unclear and warrant further investigation.

It’s important to note that the reviewed studies largely excluded individuals with serious preexisting psychiatric diagnoses, so the findings may not fully address how GLP-1 RAs affect those with mental illness. Experts agree that more research is needed to clarify the effects in these patient groups, but for now, the evidence supports a broadly reassuring psychiatric safety profile for the general population. Ongoing studies are now exploring the use of GLP-1 RAs in people with psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, aiming to fill these knowledge gaps.

MENTAL HEALTH:
Practice Essentials for Bipolar Disorder

About 2.8% of U.S. adults or roughly seven million people, had bipolar disorder in the past year, according to recent estimates from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by dramatic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania (or hypomania), where they might feel unusually energized, euphoric, or irritable, and episodes of depression, where they feel extremely low, hopeless, or unable to enjoy life. These mood swings can vary in intensity and how long they last, and they often disrupt daily life, relationships and work.

Sometimes, these episodes can be severe enough to include symptoms like psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions, especially during manic episodes.

Clinicians diagnose bipolar disorder through a careful process that starts with a physical exam and lab tests to rule out other medical causes, like thyroid problems. If nothing physical explains the symptoms, a mental health professional, usually a psychiatrist, will conduct a detailed interview to review the person’s history of mood episodes, their severity, duration, and impact on life. They may also use mood charting or questionnaires and sometimes talk to family or friends for extra insight. 

Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, like mood stabilizers and psychotherapy. The goal is to manage symptoms, prevent future episodes and help people maintain stability in their daily lives. Sometimes, additional support from psychologists or social workers is included in the care team

Medscape’s Practice Essentials for Bipolar Disorder are here.

WELL-BEING:
Study: Good People Really Are Happier

Recent research highlighted in Psychology Today reveals a compelling link between kindness and happiness. People who consistently act with generosity, empathy and integrity tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being. Rather than viewing happiness as a reward for good behavior, the findings suggest that the very act of being good, helping others, showing compassion, and living authentically, directly contributes to a happier, more fulfilling life.

The science behind this connection points to several psychological benefits. Acts of kindness trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins, reducing stress and boosting mood. Moreover, living in alignment with one’s values fosters a sense of purpose and self-respect, which are crucial for long-term happiness. The article also notes that being “good” doesn’t mean being perfect; it’s about striving to do the right thing, even in small, everyday ways.

Ultimately, the takeaway is clear: cultivating goodness in our actions and attitudes not only helps those around us but also enhances our own happiness. By embracing our imperfect selves and making kindness a habit, we can create a positive ripple effect in our communities and enjoy a richer, more meaningful life in the process. So, the next time you’re looking for a happiness boost, consider a simple act of kindness it might just be the brightest way to shine.