Medical dramas may be gripping, but they don’t always reflect reality. A study published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journal found that scripted U.S. television shows often misrepresent who is most likely to need CPR, disproportionately portraying white men as cardiac arrest victims. In real life, cardiac emergencies affect a far more diverse population, raising concerns that these portrayals could influence public perceptions of who needs lifesaving care.
Health researchers are also raising new concerns about PFAs, often called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and the human body. Already linked to hormone disruption and liver and thyroid disease, PFAs are now being associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital report that higher PFA exposure is connected to greater insulin resistance and increased insulin secretion during pregnancy.
Meanwhile, parenting styles are under the microscope as well. A study from North Carolina State University suggests that overly involved parenting—sometimes described as “helicopter parenting”—may actually hinder a child’s ability to transition into independent adulthood. The research found that excessive parental involvement in decision-making can negatively affect children later in life, particularly when it comes to pursuing and succeeding in professional careers.