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What your patients are reading: Week of February 17, 2025

February 21, 2025

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

Standing all day: A hidden health risk for workers?

(Associated Press)—Prolonged standing at work is increasingly recognized as a significant occupational hazard, with implications for various health conditions. New research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health indicates that prolonged standing can lead to low back pain, muscle fatigue, peripheral edema, increased risks of cardiovascular issues, and pregnancy complications. Chronic venous insufficiency is also a concern, particularly for professions requiring continuous standing, such as nursing, retail, and food service. Experts recommend incorporating movement, using anti-fatigue mats, and providing access to seating to mitigate these risks.

Trump's executive order aims to cut IVF costs and expand access

(NPR)—The executive order instructs his assistant for domestic policy to develop policy ideas within 90 days to protect IVF access and lower out-of-pocket and health plan costs. This move follows a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling that classified frozen embryos as "extrauterine children," which temporarily halted IVF in the state. Trump had promised free IVF treatments during his campaign.

Muscle-building products may harm teen body image

(CNN)—Muscle-building supplements, such as protein shakes and pre-workout mixes, may increase the risk of muscle dysmorphia among adolescents and young adults. The study, published in PLOS Mental Health, analyzed data from 2,731 participants aged 16 to 30 and found a significant association between the use of supplements like whey protein and creatine and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia. Authors emphasized that the use of multiple supplements was linked to more severe symptoms, including excessive gym time and obsessive food intake. Findings suggest that even non-steroidal supplements, often perceived as safe, may contribute to disordered eating and body image issues.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these articles are solely that of the publication and/or author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Sources:

Bussewitz, C. (2025, February 20). Associated Press. Is spending all day on your feet at work an occupational hazard? https://apnews.com/article/workers-right-sit-standing-retail-unions-43ba3e9e36a2604c1b6ed9dc594e3b79

Simmons-Duffin, S. et al. (2025, February 19). NPR. Trump wants to lower the cost of IVF. A new executive order seeks ideas to do that. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/18/nx-s1-5301201/trump-executive-order-ivf-in-vitro-fertilization

Holcombe, M. (2025, February 19). CNN. Muscle-building supplements may put teens at risk for a body image disorder, study finds. https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/19/health/muscle-dysmorphia-supplements-wellness/index.html