Big Federal Cosmetic Policy Reform Enacted

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what are safe cosmetics. Some people may be more sensitive to certain chemicals than others. It is always best to err on the side of caution and choose products that are free of harmful chemicals. Safe cosmetics are those that do not contain harmful chemicals that can potentially cause health problems. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or ingested when ingested. Some of the most common harmful chemicals found in cosmetics include: Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make plastics more flexible and are often found in nail polish, hairspray, and lotion. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems, cancer, and developmental disorders. Formaldehyde: This chemical is used as a preservative in many cosmetics, including makeup, shampoo, and deodorant. Formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions and has been linked to cancer. Parabens: These chemicals are used as preservatives in many cosmetics, including sunscreen, foundation, and lipstick. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer and other health problems. Retinyl palmitate: This form of vitamin A is used in some cosmetics to treat acne and wrinkles. However, retinyl palmitate can be harmful when exposed to sunlight and has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. Devezin Cosmetics and Beauty Within~Teen Esteem campaign for Safe Cosmetics has led the movement for safer beauty for all, educating and engaging millions of consumers and hundreds of Congressmembers and companies to demand stricter FDA regulation of the $100 billion cosmetics industry. Finally, Congress passed the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), a sweeping, national law, representing the most significant reform of the cosmetic safety legal framework.

Here are some additional tips for choosing safe cosmetics:

• Read the ingredient list: This is the best way to see if a product contains harmful chemicals.
• Avoid products with fragrance: Fragrance is often a blend of chemicals that can be harmful.
• Choose products that are packaged in glass or metal: These materials are less likely to leach chemicals into the product.
• Avoid products that are made in China: China does not have the same safety regulations as the United States, so there is a greater risk of harmful chemicals in Chinese-made products.

CMS mulls $375M pay cut to home health agencies next year

CMS issued a proposal Friday to cut reimbursements to home health providers by 2.2% next year, or an estimated $375 million less than 2023 levels.

On June 30, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a 2.2% cut to Medicare home health payments in 2024. This would amount to a loss of $375 million for home health agencies. The proposed cut is due to a number of factors, including the implementation of the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), which is a new payment system for home health services.


The PDGM is designed to better align payments with the cost of providing home health services. However, some home health agencies have argued that the PDGM is not adequately compensating them for the services they provide. They have also said that the proposed cut will make it more difficult for them to provide quality care to Medicare beneficiaries.

The CMS is currently accepting public comments on the proposed cut. The agency will make a final decision on the cut in the fall of 2023.

Here are some of the potential impacts of the proposed cut:

• Home health agencies may have to reduce the number of patients they serve.
• Home health agencies may have to lay off staff.
  
• Home health patients may have to wait longer for services.
• The quality of home health care may decline.
The proposed cut is a cause for concern for many people who rely on home health services. It is important to stay informed about the latest developments and to contact your elected officials if you are concerned about the impact of the cut.

California advances bill to ban toxic ‘forever chemicals’ from cleaners

The US Environmental Protection Agency proposed strict limits on six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. It's the first time the government has moved to regulate PFAS, a class of thousands of chemicals used in everything from dental floss and toilet paper, to common furniture treatments and food packaging. Read more

Post-Affirmative Action

There are many positive affirmative action ideas that can be implemented to help create a more equitable and inclusive society. Some examples include:

• Recruiting and hiring more women and minorities in leadership positions. This can help to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interests of everyone.
• Providing scholarships and financial assistance to students from underrepresented groups. This can help to level the playing field and make education more accessible to everyone.
• Creating training programs and mentorship opportunities for women and minorities. This can help them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace.
• Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This can help to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
• Addressing unconscious bias in hiring and promotion decisions.  
• This can help to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their race, gender, or other personal characteristics. These are just a few examples of the many positive affirmative action ideas that can be implemented to help create a more equitable and inclusive society. By taking these steps, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
• Here are some additional ideas:
• • Reducing the impact of standardized testing in college admissions. Standardized tests can be biased against certain groups of people, such as women and minorities. By reducing the emphasis on standardized testing, we can create a more level playing field for everyone.
  • Providing more support for early childhood education. Early childhood education can help to close the achievement gap between children from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Investing in programs that help to reduce poverty and inequality. By addressing the root causes of inequality, we can create a more just and equitable society.

Affirmative action is not a perfect solution, but it is an important tool that can help to create a more equitable society. By implementing positive affirmative action ideas, we can make progress towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Read more

Why the Biden-McCarthy debt ceiling deal angers climate activists

Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.). has previously demanded White House support for the project in exchange for his vote, and other Republicans, including West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, praised the pipeline provisions included in the legislation. Read more - The Washington Post

MSNBC anchor Richard Lui on caregiving for dad with Alzheimer's

When people have a serious illness or a long-term health condition, getting a type of healthcare called palliative care can help improve their daily lives. These types of conditions might not be curable. Or, they may make it difficult for people to live comfortably or take care of daily tasks while they’re having treatment for the condition.

“Palliative” means care that relieves pain and other symptoms without treating the condition that causes them. The main goal of palliative care is to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms you experience because of your illness. It also aims to relieve stress you feel because of your condition. You can get palliative care at any stage of your illness or while living with any serious health condition. MSNBC anchor Richard Lui on caregiving for dad with Alzheimer's: MSNBC's Richard Lui stepped back from his TV job to be a caregiver for his father with Alzheimer's disease. The experience inspired his book, "Enough About Me."

U.S. Debt Ceiling: What that means for Americans if it's not raised