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Trending Patient News: Week of January 19, 2026

January 23, 2026

Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be seeing. Here are this week's highlights:

With winter storm ahead, how old is too old to be shoveling snow?

(USA Today)—Cardiology experts note snow shoveling can stress the heart as much as a treadmill test, urging extra caution for adults 45 to 65+ and those with cardiac risk factors as the storm approaches. Read more

Red Cross announces severe emergency blood shortage, calls on Americans to donate

(ABC News)—The Red Cross reports the national blood supply dropped ~35% in a month, with platelets and types O, A‑ and B‑ in shortest supply amid flu and weather‑related drive cancellations. Read more

Scientists warn of deadlier-than-cancer harm ‘no one at Davos’ acknowledges

(Newsweek)—Leaders at Davos flagged antimicrobial resistance as a “100%‑probability” pandemic threat that could exceed cancer deaths by 2050, calling for coordinated action beyond new drugs, including stewardship and hygiene. Read more

Pediatric flu deaths double amid decline in cases. See latest numbers.

(USA Today)—CDC data show 15 new pediatric deaths in the week ending Jan. 10 (total 32) even as positivity trends down, with most sequenced H3N2 cases tied to the subclade K variant. Read more

Weight loss drugs could save airlines money on fuel as Americans slim down

(CBS News)—Jefferies analysis estimates lighter passenger loads from broader GLP‑1 use could save the top four U.S. airlines ~$580M/year via ~1.5% fuel‑burn reduction. Read more

Scientists link mother’s age to child allergy risk

(Newsweek)—In a ~35,000‑child cohort, children of mothers ≥35 had lower odds of food allergy, wheeze, and dust‑mite sensitization through age 4—an association that warrants further study. Read more

What time should you wake up? Probably not 5 a.m.

(MSN)—Sleep experts say optimal wake times depend on chronotype and consistent sleep schedules—not extreme 5 a.m. routines—which may worsen fatigue and productivity for many. Read more