Orange County has upgraded its automated external defibrillator network, equipping more than 70 public facilities with modern devices that can be monitored remotely and send instant alerts when used. County health officials say the investment improves response times and could save lives during sudden cardiac emergencies. more

Two major national health organizations are throwing their support behind a renewed effort to expand Medicaid in Florida. Advocates say the move could help thousands of low-income adults gain coverage as federal funding shrinks and healthcare costs climb. more

Parents often focus on sleep, nutrition, and school readiness, but experts say oral health plays just as important a role in a child’s overall development. Dentists at Baptiste Dentistry for Kids say regular checkups and daily brushing help children thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. more

The largest measles outbreak in the United States since the disease was declared eliminated more than two decades ago has surpassed 876 cases in South Carolina, with reports of serious complications in children. Public health experts warn the resurgence reflects declining vaccination rates and could foreshadow wider outbreaks across the country. more

Heart disease continues to claim more lives than any other condition in the United States, accounting for about one in five deaths each year. But health experts say many complications are preventable through consistent care, healthy routines and staying connected with doctors. more

As temperatures drop into the 20s and 30s, the Senior Resource Alliance is urging low-income seniors to apply for emergency utility assistance. Eligible residents can receive up to $2,000 to prevent shutoffs, cover overdue bills, and stay safe during the cold snap. more

Florida, once near national vaccination benchmarks, is now among the states losing ground as exemptions expand and skepticism about routine childhood shots spreads. Pediatricians warn that falling rates could leave schools vulnerable to outbreaks of measles, whooping cough and other preventable diseases. more

Proposed move from Schedule I to Schedule III would ease financial pressure on state-legal operators while removing a little-known federal tax lever that quietly regulates the market. more

Scientists have identified protein markers in umbilical cord blood that are strongly associated with the future development of type 1 diabetes, according to new research published in Nature Communications. The findings suggest that biological processes linked to the disease may begin before birth, potentially enabling earlier risk detection. more

Orange County will open temporary warming centers next week to provide overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness as temperatures are forecast to fall below 40 degrees. Centers will operate at Barnett Park and Goldenrod recreation centers on Jan. 26, 27, and 29, with free transportation available from Bithlo Community Park. more

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is recognizing January as National Radon Action Month and urging residents to test their homes for radon exposure. Officials say one in five homes tested in Florida has elevated radon levels, and free test kits are available online. more

Florida’s Affordable Care Act enrollment fell by more than 261,000 people for 2026 coverage after Republicans in Congress allowed enhanced premium tax credits to expire, according to new federal figures. Advocates warn the decline could lead to delayed care, rising medical debt, and increased strain on hospitals and local budgets. more

After a sharp surge in mid-December, flu activity remains high across the U.S., with the season still not yet peaking, according to federal health data. A newly identified subtype — subclade K — is fueling rapid spread and sending more children to emergency rooms with high fevers and complications. more

The Orange County Medical Clinic’s COACH outreach team provided 2,843 free health screenings in 2025, marking a 182% increase from the year before. The program also expanded its community presence, participating in 233 events to connect residents with preventive health services. more

Most New Year’s resolutions don’t last, often because they rely on willpower and unrealistic goals with little immediate reward. A psychologist and counseling professor says sustainable change is more likely when people focus on small practices that quickly boost well-being, such as self-compassion, gratitude, kindness, and mindful eating. more

The City of Apopka will open a Cold Weather Shelter in partnership with One Family Church to support residents during the upcoming cold nights. Apopka residents may also access Orange County–operated warming centers as temperatures fall below 40 degrees. more

The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County has kicked off its 2026 Diaper Drive to support families across Orange County. The campaign aims to collect 40,000 diapers, all of which will be distributed through the Central Florida Diaper Bank. more

Florida Blue has launched a new cancer care navigation program designed to guide Medicare Advantage members and their families through every stage of a cancer diagnosis. Early results from a pilot study show a 40% reduction in hospital and emergency room visits among participating patients. more

A federal judge ruled that Florida violated the constitutional rights of low-income residents when it removed them from Medicaid using vague and misleading termination notices after the COVID-19 public health emergency ended. The state has been ordered to issue corrected notices and allow affected individuals to challenge their disenrollment. more

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, urging women to prioritize prevention and routine screening. Health officials say early detection through Pap and HPV testing can prevent or cure cervical cancer before symptoms appear. more

As viruses continue to evolve and spread in a warming, highly mobile world, health experts are warning of several viral threats that could emerge or resurface in 2026. An infectious disease physician outlines why influenza, mpox, and insect-borne viruses such as Oropouche warrant close attention in the year ahead. more

Every January, many wellness resolutions fade by mid-month, but a University of Florida expert says lasting change comes from small, realistic steps. Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez of UF/IFAS Extension offers practical guidance for turning ambitious goals into sustainable daily habits in 2026. more

 State lawmakers across the country are increasingly stepping in to regulate kratom, a controversial herbal supplement often used for pain relief and opioid withdrawal. A new podcast episode explores Louisiana’s push to ban kratom products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine and the broader national debate surrounding the substance. BY: STORIES FROM THE STATES - JANUARY 6, 2026 10:45 AM   Stories From The States is a weekly podcast from States … more

Florida medical marijuana patients could see fewer doctor visits and expanded access under legislation filed this week in the state Senate. The proposal would significantly reduce renewal requirements, increase allowable prescription limits, and eliminate registration fees for some veterans. more

While many New Year’s resolutions focus on health or fitness, work-related goals are prompting Americans to rethink how much time they spend at work. Researchers say growing burnout, shifting attitudes among younger workers, and experiments like the four-day workweek are challenging long-held assumptions about productivity and success. more