Medicare proposes new transplant system rules that might spur use of less-than-perfect organs

January 30, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government proposed new rules for the nation’s transplant system Wednesday that aim to increase use of less-than-perfect organs and set additional safety standards for donor groups. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said the proposal would strengthen its oversight of organ procurement organizations or OPOs, groups that retrieve organs from deceased donors. More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. transplant list, the vast majority seeking a kidney, and thousands will die waiting for a new organ. Wednesday’s move is part of an ongoing overhaul ...

Sleep-tracking devices have limits. Experts want users to know what they are

January 28, 2026

ATLANTA — Your watch says you had three hours of deep sleep. Should you believe it? Millions of people rely on phone apps and wearable devices like rings, smartwatches and sensors to monitor how well they’re sleeping, but these trackers don’t necessarily measure sleep directly. ...

Cervical cancer prevention starts before symptoms appear

January 23, 2026

Is it possible to know you have cervical cancer before it’s even cancer? You may be surprised to hear the answer is a resounding yes! But rather than looking for cervical cancer symptoms, the best thing you can do is have a good relationship with your women’s healthcare provider and stay ...

Why your heart might thank you for extending dry January

January 23, 2026

As January comes to a close, many people who participated in Dry January begin to consider returning to their usual drinking habits. This pause from alcohol often highlights how closely drinking habits are tied to heart and vascular health. While Dry January is commonly viewed as a short-term ...

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes ICU at UPMC Williamsport with Beacon Award for Excellence

January 23, 2026

WILLIAMSPORT — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently recognized UPMC Williamsport’s Intensive Care Unit with a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence. This is a significant achievement as more than 575 units from around the country applied for the award in 2025. “This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to providing the highest level of care for every patient while strengthening the health of our entire community,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, market president, UPMC North Central Pa., and president, UPMC Williamsport. “It demonstrates ...

New diet guidelines say to double up on protein, but nutrition experts are wary

January 20, 2026

Protein just got a big boost from U.S. health officials. The latest federal dietary guidelines tell Americans to “prioritize protein foods at every meal” and advise increasing daily intake — up to double the amount of previous recommendations. “We are ending the war on ...