KQED/NPR affiliate covers social media influencers claims that hormonal birth control is dangerous and promoting “natural” methods to prevent pregnancy including cycle tracking apps or fertility awareness, which involves taking your temperature daily. Jeffrey Jensen, M.D., says, “For individuals that have highly regular cycles and are willing to have periods of voluntary abstinence, that will work. But many of my patients have busy lives and this may not be the thing they want to focus on.”

In an NBC News story about an over-the-counter antihistamine to prevent respiratory illnesses, William Messer, M.D., Ph.D., suggests masking may be simpler: “The mask may be more awkward and annoying but might be easier to comply with than remembering a thrice-daily nasal spray day after day.”

Orthopedics This Week reports on a new OHSU longitudinal study of the impact of sleep disruption on orthopedic surgeons: “If you’re chopping out chunks of REM and deep sleep, you’re impairing learning, decision-making, and recovery. In other words: the very things that make you an effective surgeon.”

Cytokinetics Inc., reports that Ahmad Masri, M.D., presents new analysis of the incidence and impact of atrial fibrillation in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy during the European Society of Cardiology Congress.

The Oregonian covers progress of a new state law that provides the opportunity to deflect people charged with misdemeanor drug possession charges into addiction treatment. Daniel Hoover, M.D., says, “We know compelled or coerced substance use treatment is not as effective as when someone presents themselves seeking support and seeking treatment. In some cases, deflection is going to encounter someone, and they are excited about the opportunity for help. In other cases, they might not be.”

KTVZ-TV reports that two new medical residents have arrived in Madras through the Three Sisters Rural Track Program, sponsored by OHSU. Program director Jinnell Lewis, M.D., says, “It’s thrilling to see these doctors caring for community members. This program develops rural family medicine providers and helps fill critical gaps in local care.”

On Point, a WBUR-Radio program syndicated nationally on NPR, continues its series “Falling Behind,” this time highlight teenage boys experiencing increasing rates of loneliness and suicidal thoughts. Christopher Reigeluth, Ph.D., says, “Kids cannot reach their academic potential if their mental health, their social and emotional well-being is not solid and fortified. Just thinking about performance on tests, paying attention in class. Absorbing lessons, et cetera. You can't do any of that well if your mental health is compromised.”

A new research initiative led by OHSU involves the participation of individuals worldwide who have been cured of HIV through stem cell transplantation to treat their cancer. Jonah Sacha, Ph.D., says, “Long term, this research could lead to a single infusion where a patient could be done after a weeklong stay at a clinic.”

A Higher Education Coordinating Commission newsletter features a grant for United We Heal, a labor-management training partnership between AFSCME members and health care employers, including AFSCME Local 328 and OHSU. The partnership offers Oregonians more pathways to health care careers.

In an Everyday Health story about the benefits of strength training to help manage the worst symptoms of menopause, Paula Amato, M.D., says, “It’s never too late to start strength training.”