Lollipop testers detect illness; Florida hospitals will now ask about immigration status; “Overweight” BMI not tied to higher risk of death - Morning Medical Update

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Lollipop testers detect illness

Scientists are developing a ‘lollipop-based saliva collection system’ to detect bacteria in the mouth. The spoon-shaped device is covered in grooves and candy-flavored spirals that dissolve, leaving the saliva to collect in the grooves. The system, called CandyCollect, detected bacteria 100% of the time in trials.

Florida hospitals will now ask about immigration status

Staring July 15, 2023, Florida hospitals that accept Medicaid will be required to ask patients about their immigration status. Officials say answering ‘yes’ will not lead to deportation or unequal care. Although patients can decline to answer, opponents of this bill argue this will prevent many from seeking care. The new law does not apply to doctors offices or urgent care centers.

“Overweight” BMI not tied to higher risk of death

A body mass index of ‘overweight’ is no longer tied to a higher risk of death, according to a new study. However, BMIs in the ‘obese’ range (30 and above) are associated with a 21% to 108% increased mortality risk. Previous studies of BMI were from the 20th century. Today, the United States population has a higher BMI, is more diverse, and lives an average of 10 years longer regardless of BMI.