It’s Tuesday, March 24. Today, we’re diving into the big health headlines and breaking down what they actually mean for your daily routine.

On the radar today:

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A new analysis from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health measures the cost of the health crisis if more states move to remove fluoride from drinking water. If just five states — Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma — enact these bans, an additional 132,000 children would require major dental work like fillings or extractions within three years.

While the former already implemented a ban last year, other states are currently drafting legislation to either prohibit fluoridation or make it optional. Florida alone expects over 52,000 extra pediatric dental cases beyond normal projections, as per the analysis. The data further estimates that the Medicaid cost for treating these preventable cavities could top $40 million by 2029. Another investigation by CBS News notes an uptick in kids’ ER visits for tooth pain, which a fluoride ban might worsen. 

🗞️ Pfizer and Valneva’s Lyme vaccine showed 73.2% efficacy in a late-stage study, but it missed a key requirement that the vaccine should still be at least 20% effective even in the worst-case scenario due to fewer-than-anticipated cases. The CDC estimates that about 476,000 people are diagnosed and treated for Lyme annually in the US, although there has been no approved vaccine to prevent Lyme disease for more than 20 years. 

🗞️  According to new research from Mass General Brigham, the thymus (the organ that produces immune-supporting T cells) is actually crucial for longevity, even though it has long been considered inactive after puberty. Scientists found that adults with healthier thymuses had lower mortality and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

🗞️ US abortions remained steady at 1.1 million in 2025 despite widespread state bans and restrictions, data released by Guttmacher Institute shows. Access has been driven up by telemedicine and shield laws passed by states that support abortion access. Overall, 91,000 patients in states with bans received telehealth abortions in 2025.

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⚠️ What’s Toxic? And What’s Not? 

We can’t always control the world around us, but oncologist Mikkael A. Sekeres, writing for The Washington Post, says you can certainly lower your toxic load by targeting four specific environmental triggers. Bad news, these could be lurking inside your home (from radon in your basement to microplastics in your pantry) or floating in the air you breathe, which often feels inescapable. Dr. Sekeres suggests simple shifts like air testing and using home purifiers to cut your exposure. 

😟 Skin Woes As The Deadline Looms

Breakouts before a big meeting or an important event might not be coincidental at all! A new study in Science mapped the neural pathway connecting stress to skin inflammation, explaining why your skin takes a hit, too. Researchers identified Pdyn+ neurons that carry stress signals directly to your immune system, triggering eczema and irritation. Mindbodygreen says that because your nervous system is in the loop, calming exercises are legitimate strategies to tackle it. 

🩲 To Wear or Not to Wear?

The choice to go commando is yours, but science says bedtime is the best time to let it all out. Experts tell Real Simple that sleeping without underwear reduces moisture and heat, allowing tissues to breathe and maintain an optimal pH to prevent yeast infections. Can’t part with your pair? Then it’s wise to stick to 100% cotton, since synthetic fabrics like nylon trap sweat and create a damp environment that fungi thrive in. 

🧠 Give your brain a balanced workout 

At the risk of going against common belief, exercise isn’t only a way to build muscle, but it also functions as a tool to strengthen your brain. Experts who spoke to Parade highlight that balance is a neuromuscular skill that naturally fades as we age — all it takes to fight back is forcing your brain to multitask. 

This is where these unconventional balance exercises come in. Simply add a mental challenge to a physical stability move, and you’ll be improving your coordination and mental agility at the same time. 

🌽 Per Justine Pattison’s recipe for BBC Food, try this Easy Sweetcorn Chowder — bookmark these for the days when you’re out of fresh groceries and have nothing in the fridge. Who knew a simple can of corn and potatoes would give you the most comforting, creamy soup?

The Perks: 10-minute cook time, shelf-stable ingredients, and a simple one-pot cleanup.

Health Food: Naturally dairy-free and vegan.

Macros: 7g protein | 9g fat | 40g carb | 282 calories (per serving).

Thanks for reading! At The Blue & Green Letter, we track wellness trends and health essentials every day, bringing you one well-curated update to help you live well and stay informed.

Disclaimer: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Our content is sourced from reputable health publications and government data. Readers are encouraged to review the original articles and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.