Public Health

Dermatologists' Simple Rules for a Stronger Skin Barrier

Rosemont, Ill. – November 02, 2026 -- A routine of just three products, a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, is the core of what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends for National Healthy Skin Month this November.

A damaged skin barrier lets germs in and moisture out

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin. It is the first line of defense against pollution, environmental damage, inflammation, and infection, and it keeps moisture locked in. When it is compromised, germs can get inside and cause infection. Water loss can leave skin dry, flaking, tight, or rough.

A weakened barrier can also worsen eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. Warning signs include sensitive, reactive skin with redness, discoloration, burning, or stinging when products are applied.

Hockey Fans Get a Dance Challenge to Cut Cancer Risk

Bonn -- From November 1, 2026, German ice hockey fans can learn a simple dance routine, film themselves and share it online as part of a nationwide Move-Challenge from Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid) and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (PENNY DEL).

The challenge runs from opening day to World Cancer Day

The campaign starts with a league-wide action matchday on November 1, 2026. It continues until World Cancer Day on February 4, 2027. Players of the league demonstrate the choreography in stadiums and on the online and social media channels of the partners and clubs.

Anyone can join in, whether alone, with friends or family, at a club or at a game. Participants record their own video and post it on social media with the hashtag #Eishockeymaus.

Humble Bundle's Phunkier Physics Games Pack Backs Kidney Care

New York – October 31, 2026 -- Gamers can pick up Humble Bundle's "Phunkier Physics" collection of 10 physics-based games through November 13, and a portion of proceeds supports the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

The bundle includes engineering and virtual pet games

The lineup features Besiege Master Engineer Edition, Space Engineers and Wobbledogs. Gameplay spans engineering, construction, exploration and virtual pet simulation. Humble Bundle is an online platform that sells curated collections of video games, ebooks and software, with a portion of proceeds going to charity.

Movember 2026: Men 45+ Can Get Free Annual Prostate Checks

Munich/Hamburg – October 31, 2026 -- Men aged 45 and older in Germany can get a prostate cancer screening once a year, and statutory health insurers cover it. AstraZeneca and MSD Sharp & Dohme are using Movember, the international men's health awareness month built around the mustache, to push that message through their "Nichts verpassen" ("Miss nothing") campaign.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in German men

The Robert Koch Institute's cancer registry data identifies prostate cancer as the most frequent cancer among men in Germany. The earlier it is found, the better the odds of successful treatment.

Former handball internationals were both diagnosed at 47

Twins Michael and Uli Roth, former Germany handball internationals, each developed prostate cancer at 47. Their message this Movember is to see a urologist early.

Nervous About the Dentist? What Your First Visit Looks Like

TEXARKANA, Texas – October 31, 2026 -- Anxious adults heading to a first dental appointment can expect a visit built around comfort, plain-language explanations and open communication, according to a new HelloNation article featuring Texarkana dentists Dr. Adriane Lippian and Dr. Jim Lippian.

The visit starts with a conversation, not a drill

A typical first appointment begins with a discussion of dental history and current concerns. That talk lets the dental team understand oral health needs and spot immediate issues. The article says sharing worries early helps the dentist tailor the experience to each patient, and that this step builds trust before the exam begins.

USA TODAY Campaign Puts Men's Mental Health in the Spotlight

New York – October 30, 2026 -- Men looking for practical guidance on mental health now have a new national resource: Mediaplanet's Men's Mental Health campaign, published within USA TODAY and on the Future of Personal Health digital content hub.

Jake Shane anchors the cover story

Netflix podcaster and internet sensation Jake Shane is the publication's cover story. Editorial also comes from Howie Mandel, All-Star athlete Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and author Yung Pueblo. They share personal experiences and expert perspectives on mental health, emotional well-being, resilience and personal growth.

New Patient Film Gives Rare Disease HPP a Human Face

Munich – October 30, 2026 -- A new international patient film released for HPP Awareness Day follows three people living with hypophosphatasia (HPP): Antje from Germany, Mario from Brazil and Lisa from the USA.

The three describe years of symptoms, uncertainty and a long road to diagnosis. They also show how the rare inherited disease can affect social life, family and plans for the future, and what relief the correct diagnosis brought them.

HPP stems from low activity of one enzyme

The condition is caused by inherited, reduced activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Because the enzyme plays a role in many processes in the body, HPP can appear at any age and in very different ways. Symptoms range from muscle and joint pain, fatigue and limited mobility to repeated fractures. Depending on severity, physical stamina and independence can be sharply restricted.

Be Strong Names 16 Students to First National Advisory Board

Deerfield Beach – October 30, 2026 -- The youth charity Be Strong has named 16 students and alumni to its first National Student Advisory Board, a group that will help steer the organization's Never Alone campaign on youth mental health and peer support.

The board includes middle school students, high school students, and young adults. Some are current Be Strong Student Representatives and others are alumni. Members come from Colorado, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Iowa, Connecticut, Mississippi, New York, Texas, Ohio, and Virginia.

Never Alone aims to make help easier to find

Be Strong launched Never Alone in 2025 to close the gap between people who need help and the support available to them. The campaign combines awareness, peer leadership, immediate assistance, and pathways to ongoing care, with the goal of reaching people before struggles become crises.

March for Babies Tops $18.1 Million in 56th Year

ARLINGTON, Va. – October 29, 2026 -- March of Dimes' flagship fundraiser, March for Babies, has raised more than $18.1 million to date, and registration for the 2027 edition opens Nov. 1, 2026.

Now in its 56th year, the event drew over 57,000 registered participants, including families, corporate partners, volunteers, and community advocates. Fundraising continues through the rest of 2026.

Money raised funds research, education, and advocacy

March of Dimes President and CEO Cindy Rahman said the proceeds will help the nonprofit accelerate research, education, and advocacy work on pressing maternal and infant health challenges. She said the event reflects the belief that "every mom and baby deserves the opportunity to thrive."

Nov. 14: Drop Off Unused Prescription Drugs Near You

MILLBURN, N.J. – October 29, 2026 -- Families can clear expired and unused prescription drugs out of their homes on Saturday, November 14, 2026, during the 18th Annual American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) Day of Awareness of Prescription Drugs and Safe Disposal. Communities across the United States will take part in the national public health initiative.

Most misused pain relievers come from friends or relatives

According to SAMHSA's 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 42.3 percent of people age 12 or older who misused prescription pain relievers got the most recently misused medicine from a friend or relative. Taking unused, unwanted and expired medications to a collection site removes them from the home. That reduces the chance that someone takes a medicine not prescribed for them, or that a child accidentally swallows it.