L.A. Times - Health

California sees the most measles cases in 7 years as disease resurges nationwide

Rong-Gong Lin II — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California in 2026 has already seen its highest number of annual measles cases in seven years. The looming new domestic beachhead comes as vaccination rates have fallen.

Some of the best sound baths in L.A. are happening in mattress stores

Rebecca Leib — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Inside L.A.'s new wellness trend of super restful sound baths, where the beds are plush and the snoring is a compliment.

She's rich, self-made and wants women to boldly talk about money (and make more)

Deborah Vankin — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In her new book, 'Start With Yourself,' fashion mogul Emma Grede offers a blueprint for ambition that focuses on grounding your vision and saying 'no' to distractions.

Contributor: Vaccine confusion sets up U.S. for a resurgence of hepatitis B in babies

Joshua Rothman — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 10:18:00 GMT

The lesson from the past is simple. When we stop using vaccines that work, the diseases they prevent come back.

Near the shrinking Salton Sea, children's lungs may pay a price

Ian James — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Scientists find that children who live near California's Salton Sea, where dust is a problem, suffer from diminished lung development.

Exercise is vital to your health, but so are the arts. Here's how to reap the benefits

Keith Wagstaff — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Regular participation in the arts improves cognition, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress, according to "Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives."

Tiger Woods is back in the rough. How a dependence on painkillers took down a golf great

Steve Henson — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI and headed for rehab after another car accident. How his dependence on painkillers toppled the golf great.

What is an eye massage? We tried it at this under-the-radar L.A. spot

Deborah Vankin — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

New Vogue Spa's $125 eye treatment targets digital eyestrain and dry eyes with a blend of TCM acupressure and 'cold mist atomization.' We trekked to City of Industry to see if it delivers.

Microplastics are everywhere — even in the labs studying them. That's a problem for research

Susanne Rust — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Microplastics scientists are finding the tiny particles everywhere, even in their own research laboratories. So how do they know if what they're finding is in the sample or contamination from plastic fibers floating in the air?

California kids are going without vision care, and the problem is getting worse

Kristen Hwang — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 16:24:03 GMT

In California, only 16% of school-age kids on Medi-Cal received first-time eye exams between 2022 and 2024.

Contributor: For water and mining policy near Salton Sea, keep in mind local children's health

Jill Johnston and Shohreh Farzan — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 16:28:13 GMT

For years, community members have raised concerns about the high rates of asthma. New evidence bolsters their case.

SoCal hospice owners bilked taxpayers for millions in false claims, federal officials say

Salvador Hernandez, Richard Winton — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 21:26:15 GMT

Federal authorities announced arrests in a hospice fraud crackdown in Southern California. Eight people were arrested and 15 were charged.

Microplastics and pharmaceuticals named a priority threat in drinking water by health, environment officials

Susanne Rust, Ian James — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 19:40:21 GMT

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said they plan to study microplastics and pharmaceuticals in U.S. drinking water.

Track your steps? Here's a less obvious way to improve your health

Keith Wagstaff — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

A health metric we don't pay enough attention to is social interaction. In 'It's Not You, It's the World: A Mental Health Survival Guide for Us All,' psychiatrist Joanna Cheek reframes self-care.

Column: 8 hot new wellness trends just in time for April 1

Rebecca Leib — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Yoga with goats and protein-maxxing is out. Cabbage core, hot line dancing and amino acid trips are totally in (wink, wink).

Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI, says he will 'seek treatment and focus on my health'

Steve Henson — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 15:32:59 GMT

Tiger Woods pleaded not guilty to charges of suspicion of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a urinalysis stemming from a rollover crash in Florida.

Autistic people are more likely to experience suicidal crisis. 988 is changing to serve them better

Corinne Purtill — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Shifts in 988 hotline volunteer behavior can have a major impact for autistic callers, a population more likely to experience suicidal crisis.

MAHA says red meat and beef tallow will make you healthy. The American Heart Assn. isn't buying it

Corinne Purtill — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:15:12 GMT

The American Heart Assn. is the latest medical association to issue guidelines that conflict with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s MAHA-friendly guidelines.

New York City Marathon winner Albert Korir banned 5 years for doping

Steve Henson — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:24:45 GMT

Kenyan distance runner Albert Korir, long a fixture at the New York Marathon, has admitted to doping after testing positive for a blood-boosting substance.

Gen Z is the loneliest generation. Here's what can help

Deborah Vankin — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Loneliness is hitting Gen Z hard, but it's not too late to reverse the trend. From active listening to "third spaces," here are three ways to help your kids reconnect.

Freaked out by the news? Tips for staying calm from ex-refugees, hostages and 'uncertainty experts'

Deborah Vankin — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Practical advice from neuroscientists and 'uncertainty experts' on how you can reduce anxiety and build resilience.

Taco Bell wants to help with your under-eye circles and wrinkles — no, really

Deborah Vankin — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The fast-food giant is trading hot sauce for hydration with its announcement of Baja Blast-infused eye patches — but dermatologists warn that glowing skin requires more than just a "Live Más" lifestyle.

I had to man up and get a mammogram

Zachary Bernstein — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Breast cancer isn't just a 'pink' disease; for men with a family history or genetic predisposition, a mammogram can be a lifesaving tool that overrides social stigma.

Long COVID leaves thousands of L.A. County residents sick, broke and ignored

Corinne Purtill — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 20:04:19 GMT

Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, doctors are still treating long COVID patients with complex symptoms and unknown futures.

Federal EPA moves to roll back recent limits on ethylene oxide, a carcinogen

Hayley Smith — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:15:48 GMT

An estimated 50% of sterile medical devices in the U.S. are treated with ethylene oxide. It is also a known carcinogen.

Nearly 40% of California produce contains PFAS pesticides, report finds

Susanne Rust — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Using state data, an environmental group found PFAS residue on more than 40 different kinds of fruits and vegetables grown in California. The state has approved 53 PFAS pesticide ingredients, while other states, such as Maine, are throttling back.

Newsom's fight with Trump and RFK Jr. on public health

Angela Hart — Mon, 9 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has positioned himself as a national public health leader by staking out science-backed policies in contrast with the Trump administration.

Lawsuit alleges Google chatbot was behind a user's delusions and death

Queenie Wong — Fri, 6 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Google is the latest tech company facing safety concerns over its AI chatbot.

L.A. Marathon won't give trans runners prize money. This past champion wants to change the game

Deborah Vankin — Fri, 6 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Cal Calamia is a transgender marathoner and activist helping to make the world's races more equitable and inclusive.

The neuro disease rat lungworm has reached California

Susanne Rust — Fri, 6 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

A neurological disease spread by rats and other animals may have become established in San Diego County.

Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman retires at 27, much the way his father did 26 years ago

Steve Henson — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 18:49:13 GMT

Chicago Bears Pro Bowl Drew Dalman shocked the NFL by retiring at age 27 with two years left on a lucrative contract. His father also retired prematurely from the NFL.

After rash of overdose deaths, L.A. halted sales of kratom. Some say they lost lifeline for pain and opioid withdrawal

Karen Garcia — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

L.A. County halted sales of kratom products over concern about potential overdoses. Some say officials aren't considering how the decision affects those using it for pain and to avoid opioids.

Mobile clinic brings mammograms to women on Skid Row

Corinne Purtill — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

As public clinics disappear, a joint project of City of Hope, UCLA's Homeless Healthcare Collaborative and Union Rescue Mission is stepping in to fill the gaps.

There were 13 full-service public health clinics in L.A. County. Now there are 6

Meg Tanaka — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

On Feb. 27, the L.A. County Department of Public Health eliminated services at many of its free clinics, citing funding cuts at the federal, state and local levels.

Smoke a joint and get deep with flowers at this guided floral design workshop in DTLA

Maddie Connors — Mon, 2 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Florist Abriana Vicioso is reimagining the traditional flower workshop as a communal "guided journey," using botanical arts to foster healing and connection in the heart of Los Angeles.

Lopez: My toothache led to a painful discovery: The dental care system is full of cavities as you age

Steve Lopez — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Roughly half of adults 65 and older have no dental insurance, and they may soon have more company.

Got problems? Let L.A. comedians give you live 'therapy' at this confessional-style show

Deborah Vankin — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Coffee and therapy: Find a hilarious 'support group' at an L.A. cafe show

Contributor: If social platforms are harmful, don't just ban kids. Regulate the harms

Jessica L. Schleider — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:01:00 GMT

Litigation against social media companies represents a rare opportunity. Courts and the public are scrutinizing what technology companies have built and why.

When slowing down can save a life: Training L.A. law enforcement to understand autism

Corinne Purtill — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In a room filled with pounding noises and clanging cowbells, L.A. County deputies learn that sometimes the best way to handle a crisis is to simply wait.

U.S. Olympics hockey hero Jack Hughes' immediate future includes dental implants

Steve Henson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:58:29 GMT

Shortly after U.S. Olympic hockey hero Jack Hughes had his teeth knocked out, he scored the decisive goal in overtime to defeat Canada and win gold. Now comes dental work.

Influencers want to adopt the 'analog lifestyle' for 2026. Here's how to join them

Karen Garcia — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Influencers dubbed 2026 as the year of the "analog life." Experts say people are looking to reduce distractibility and related stress.

Fourth measles case confirmed in L.A. County; person visited LAX, restaurants while infectious

Andrew J. Campa — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:28:32 GMT

The L.A. County Department of Public Health has confirmed its fourth measles case of the year. The infected individual flew into LAX and visited a few San Gabriel Valley fast food restaurants.

Float therapy is all the rage. Could 'dry floating' really offer the same benefits?

Shelby Hartman — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

We tried dry float therapy at L.A.'s Quantum Wellness Spa and Pasadena's WellNest. The sessions, set in futuristic settings, promise stress reduction and relaxation.

Nearly half of L.A. County's pavement may be unnecessary, new map finds

Meg Tanaka — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Researchers have released the first parcel-level analysis to map all paved surfaces across L.A. County. In particular, large parking lots are ripe for change, they say.

Contributor: Gaza remains a crisis of children's mental health

Nisreen Qawas — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:01:00 GMT

As a psychologist in the occupied West Bank, I thought I understood trauma. Then came the call from a dying 5-year-old trapped in Gaza.

Judge blocks Trump administration move to cut $600 million in HIV funding from states

Kevin Rector — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:44:10 GMT

A federal judge granted California and other states a temporary restraining order halting the administration's health funding cuts for 14 days while the litigation continues.

How Chipotle lost its sizzle

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:53:58 GMT

The Newport Beach-based Mexican chain Chipotle saw its same-store sales decline in 2025 for the first time since the company went public in 2006.

California, other states sue over Trump administration's latest cuts to HIV programs

Kevin Rector, Gavin J. Quinton — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:32:32 GMT

California and three other states sued the Trump administration Wednesday over its plans to slash $600 million from programs designed to prevent and track the spread of HIV, including in the LGBTQ+ community — arguing the move is based on "political animus and disagreements about unrelated topics such as federal immigration enforcement, political protest, and clean energy."

Bijou Phillips says 'time is of the essence' as she pleads for a new kidney

Tracy Brown — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:29:08 GMT

Bijou Phillips says she is looking for a new kidney again after receiving one 'from a dear friend' in 2017. The actor is hospitalized and on dialysis.

$600 million in Trump administration health cuts will hit California HIV programs

Gavin J. Quinton, Ana Ceballos — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:03:05 GMT

The Trump administration announced $600 million in funding cuts to HIV prevention programs and healthcare grants.

This L.A. photo project shows loneliness in uncomfortable ways — and helps people feel seen

Deborah Vankin — Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Chronic loneliness increases the risk of heart disease and dementia by up to 40%. A new exhibition at the Los Angeles Center of Photography, featuring Dr. Jeremy Nobel and artist Lisa McCord, explores how creative expression can heal our crisis of disconnection.

TrumpRx is launched: How it works and what Democrats say about it

Gavin J. Quinton — Sat, 7 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Experts say the jury is still out on whether TrumpRx will lead to significant savings on drug prices, though it will likely help people who need medications not commonly covered by insurance.

One of California's first labor fights over AI is playing out at Kaiser

Queenie Wong — Fri, 6 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

From anxiety about job loss to data privacy, mental health workers, lawmakers and labor unions are trying to mitigate AI's risks as healthcare providers double down on the technology.

How this L.A. gym became a safe space for the trans community

Maddie Connors — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Amid a record-breaking wave of anti-trans legislation, Sam Rypinski's gender-neutral Everybody Gym offers a vital sanctuary for queer athletes and allies in Los Angeles.

Arellano: I got a colonoscopy for my 47th birthday. And the results...

Gustavo Arellano — Tue, 3 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

I let the Mexiclan — a text chat of my closest friends — know what I was about to do. Memes citing the farting scene from "Blazing Saddles" and others too rude to mention in a family paper immediately pinged on my phone.

Is this $130 'head orgasm' in Orange County worth it? We tried it

Deborah Vankin — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

ASMR is moving from YouTube to the real world. Step inside Kas Wellness in Costa Mesa, a luxury boutique offering "brain massages" and sensory journeys for stress relief.

Healthcare experts warn 'people will die' unless state steps up amid federal cuts

Katie King — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

As massive federal cuts are upending the health care system in California, analysts and health care professionals are urging the state to soften the blow by creating new revenue streams and helping residents navigate through the red tape.

Planned Parenthood, reproductive healthcare could receive $90 million in new state funding

Katie King — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 04:00:56 GMT

California will bolster funding for Planned Parenthood and other providers of reproductive health with a one-time infusion of $90 million, leaders of the state Legislature announced Friday.

The share of Americans medically obese is projected to rise to almost 50% by 2035

Marcos Magaña — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:48:08 GMT

A new study found that by 2035, almost 50% of Americans will be medically obese. In 1990, that number was just 20%. Nonwhite Americans are much more likely to suffer.

Pediatricians urge Americans to stick with previous vaccine schedule despite CDC's changes

Corinne Purtill — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:08:43 GMT

America's pediatricians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were once in lockstep on how vaccines impact child health. Not anymore.

California's largest pediatric healthcare system to halt transgender care amid Trump administration threats

Hannah Fry — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:55:57 GMT

Rady Children's Health, the largest pediatric healthcare system in California, will stop providing gender-affirming medical care to transgender youth amid pressure from the federal government.

Justice Department drops demand for records naming transgender kids treated at Children's Hospital L.A.

Kevin Rector, Sonja Sharp — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:24:36 GMT

The U.S. Department of Justice has agreed to stop seeking medical records that personally identify young patients who received gender-affirming care from Children's Hospital Los Angeles, according to court records.

LAUSD says Pali High is safe for students to return to after fire. Some parents and experts have concerns

Noah Haggerty — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:30:11 GMT

The students of Palisades Charter High School are set to return to classes after the school district said its tests have cleared the grounds of contamination. But there are concerns about the efficacy of the testing protocols.

A measles resurgence has put the U.S. at risk of losing its 'elimination' status

Corinne Purtill — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Trump administration's health agencies have muddled vaccine messaging. The result is that vaccine-preventable diseases like measles are surging in the U.S.

Contributor: New food pyramid is a recipe for health disasters

Gene Baur — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The new guidelines spearheaded by RFK Jr. go so far as to promote beef tallow despite risks caused by saturated fats.

Fed up with perimenopause or menopause? The We Do Not Care Club is here for you

Deborah Vankin — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Melani Sanders is over it.