As fall approaches, flu and COVID-19 are once again moving to the forefront of public health. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark looks at what the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season may tell us about the months ahead, how this year’s flu vaccine has been updated, and when people should consider getting vaccinated.

He also breaks down the newest COVID-19 vaccine, including which variant it targets, when it will be available, who is currently eligible to receive it in the United States, and how much protection we can realistically expect against infection and severe illness.

The episode also explains why respiratory viruses often gain momentum as children return to school and people spend more time indoors, with practical guidance for patients, caregivers, and people living with chronic illness as they prepare for fall virus season.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

As fall approaches, flu and COVID-19 are once again moving to the forefront of public health. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark looks at what the Southern Hemisphere&rsquo;s flu season may tell us about the months ahead, how this year&rsquo;s flu vaccine has been updated, and when people should consider getting vaccinated.
He also breaks down the newest COVID-19 vaccine, including which variant it targets, when it will be available, who is currently eligible to receive it in the United States, and how much protection we can realistically expect against infection and severe illness.
The episode also explains why respiratory viruses often gain momentum as children return to school and people spend more time indoors, with practical guidance for patients, caregivers, and people living with chronic illness as they prepare for fall virus season.
Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a> A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast &amp; Video Producer at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a> Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our <a href="https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates">website</a> or on your favorite podcast channel.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what&rsquo;s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

The Health Advocates

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what&rsquo;s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF.

S9, Ep 20-  Fall Virus Season: What to Expect

Each September, the United Nations General Assembly, or UNGA, brings together policymakers, scientists, advocates, researchers, and health leaders from around the world. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark shares why participating in UNGA Week offers such a valuable opportunity to learn from global colleagues, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to public health.

Drawing on discussions taking place throughout the week, Steven highlights how different countries are addressing major health challenges, balancing innovation with rising healthcare costs, advancing awareness around areas such as brain health, and identifying programs that can improve outcomes for patients.

The episode also explores why international collaboration matters, how scientific innovation can translate into better care, and the importance of ensuring that the patient perspective remains part of global health conversations.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

Each September, the United Nations General Assembly, or UNGA, brings together policymakers, scientists, advocates, researchers, and health leaders from around the world. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark shares why participating in UNGA Week offers such a valuable opportunity to learn from global colleagues, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to public health.
Drawing on discussions taking place throughout the week, Steven highlights how different countries are addressing major health challenges, balancing innovation with rising healthcare costs, advancing awareness around areas such as brain health, and identifying programs that can improve outcomes for patients.
The episode also explores why international collaboration matters, how scientific innovation can translate into better care, and the importance of ensuring that the patient perspective remains part of global health conversations.
Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a> A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast &amp; Video Producer at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a> Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our <a href="https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates">website</a> or on your favorite podcast channel.

S9, Ep 19- Inside UNGA Week: What Global Health Leaders Are Talking About

The 2026 midterm elections are approaching, and control of Congress could significantly shape health policy during the final two years of President Trump’s administration. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark explains why patients should pay attention, including the differences between Democratic and Republican priorities on Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, prescription drug costs, public health, vaccines, and the broader role of government in healthcare.

Steven also looks at the current political landscape, including national polling, closely watched House and Senate races, and the states that could determine control of Congress. Finally, the episode explores how the midterm results could influence the 2028 presidential campaign and the growing debate over the future of the American healthcare system.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

The 2026 midterm elections are approaching, and control of Congress could significantly shape health policy during the final two years of President Trump&rsquo;s administration. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark explains why patients should pay attention, including the differences between Democratic and Republican priorities on Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, prescription drug costs, public health, vaccines, and the broader role of government in healthcare.
Steven also looks at the current political landscape, including national polling, closely watched House and Senate races, and the states that could determine control of Congress. Finally, the episode explores how the midterm results could influence the 2028 presidential campaign and the growing debate over the future of the American healthcare system.
Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a> A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast &amp; Video Producer at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a> Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our <a href="https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates">website</a> or on your favorite podcast channel.

S9, Ep 18- The Midterms Are Coming, and Health Care Is on the Ballot

President Trump’s new executive order on childhood vaccines has created fresh questions about what is changing, what is not, and what families should do now.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the order’s major provisions, including proposals to reduce the number of universally recommended vaccines, space out vaccinations, and eventually separate the MMR vaccine into individual measles, mumps, and rubella shots.

He also explains the limits of the executive order, including the fact that states still control school vaccination requirements and that many of the proposed changes would require additional federal action, new products, or further implementation.

The episode also examines the scientific evidence behind the existing vaccine schedule, the risks of delaying vaccination, and why changing recommendations could create particular concerns for people living with chronic illness or weakened immune systems.

Most importantly, Steven offers practical guidance for parents trying to navigate conflicting recommendations and increasing confusion around vaccine policy.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

President Trump&rsquo;s new executive order on childhood vaccines has created fresh questions about what is changing, what is not, and what families should do now.
In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the order&rsquo;s major provisions, including proposals to reduce the number of universally recommended vaccines, space out vaccinations, and eventually separate the MMR vaccine into individual measles, mumps, and rubella shots.
He also explains the limits of the executive order, including the fact that states still control school vaccination requirements and that many of the proposed changes would require additional federal action, new products, or further implementation.
The episode also examines the scientific evidence behind the existing vaccine schedule, the risks of delaying vaccination, and why changing recommendations could create particular concerns for people living with chronic illness or weakened immune systems.
Most importantly, Steven offers practical guidance for parents trying to navigate conflicting recommendations and increasing confusion around vaccine policy.
Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a> A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast &amp; Video Producer at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a> Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our <a href="https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates">website</a> or on your favorite podcast channel.

S9, Ep 20- Fall Virus Season: What to Expect

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