It's Tuesday, January 20, and in today’s edition of The Blue & Green Letter, we look at:

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Several public health groups have filed a lawsuit to block a CDC decision that narrows childhood vaccine recommendations. The plaintiffs, consisting of seven public health organizations led by the American Academy of Pediatrics, allege that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. bypassed critical safety considerations, potentially endangering families and burdening the national healthcare infrastructure. Here’s what the original guidelines say. 

One year after a Texas outbreak sparked over 2,200 cases across 45 states, the US faces another grim milestone: potentially losing its 26-year measles elimination status. 2025 marked the worst year for the virus in decades, and international experts are investigating if the continuous transmission chains have finally broken the nation's public health victory. The Pan American Health Organization is set to review the US data on April 13 to make a final determination.

🗞️ Scientists say a positive mindset could boost your immune response to vaccines. 

🗞️ Johns Hopkins scientists have found that "dormant" GluD proteins are actually active brain switches, playing a role in communication and forming connections.  

🗞️ New study indicates age-related weight gain may start earlier than menopause. 

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✨Could a tiny sticker replace your morning coffee or a good night’s sleep? The market is brimming with options — from the bizarre caffeine-loaded dots to magnesium squares — promising a cure for every possible ailment. The Guardian investigates whether these TikTok-friendly accessories are a genuine investment or a gimmicky placebo designed to exploit our desire for quick fixes. Hint: It’s what you think it is! 

♥️ Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined, yet their symptoms are frequently dismissed. Women’s risks are unique and often misunderstood largely because standard guidelines are based on decades of male-centric research. The New York Times has seven essential facts every woman needs to know to advocate for her heart health and recognize life-saving warning signs.

🤧 The same cold that barely fazes one person can trigger a week of misery for another. New research from Yale School of Medicine using "miniature nasal models" reveals that the culprit is a protein called interferon. A quick interferon response stops the virus early, while a slow one triggers the heavy inflammation and mucus that make you miserable. 

🚽 We know, dealing with the frustrating cycle of constipation is a common struggle, but new research highlights three specific superfoods that can get things moving: kiwi, rye bread, and (the already loved) prunes. EatingWell breaks down exactly how to eat and store these ingredients to maximize their digestive benefits.

🛒 Ditching ultra-processed food sounds simple — until it hits you how deeply embedded they are in our daily lives. The Guardian’s Emma Joyce took the challenge of giving it up for a week and found that while a life free of ultra-processed food boosts nutrition, it’s anything but easy. The decision often means you’d be spending more at the checkout, overthinking every label, and losing the ease of a quick meal on the go.

🍞 Ever think your freezer could make bread healthier? By triggering a process called retrogradation, freezing turns simple carbs into "resistant starch”. This HuffPost report explains how it can potentially support gut health and steadier blood sugar — and when this kitchen hack is actually worth the effort. 

🌊 Do you pride yourself on never asking for help, even when you’re drowning? You might be practicing toxic independence. Healthy self-sufficiency is great, but refusing support at any cost is often a survival strategy that leads to burnout and deep isolation. SELF sits with psychologists to break down how to stop "white-knuckling" through life and finally find strength in vulnerability. 

🛋️ This year, the most radical resolution you can make is to finally prioritize doing less. While the world demands more productivity, taking rest seriously is the only way to stay energized rather than depleted. The Guardian shares how to move beyond just sleep by identifying the seven specific types of rest you need, which must include everything from sensory breaks to creative recharging. 

🙅 Your body pays the price every time you take on an unwanted task just to avoid a moment of awkwardness. Headaches, digestive issues, and whatnot — the stress of people-pleasing is what is creating a toxic cycle of high cortisol and irritability. Real Simple consults with psychiatrists to explain how a simple "I’ll pass" can do magic for your self-worth and also lead to more balanced relationships. 

🚲 Choosing between a walk and a ride depends entirely on whether you’re chasing core stability or leg strength. Walking engages your core more effectively as you balance on your feet, while cycling targets the glutes and quads with much higher intensity. Women’s Health consults trainers to know which workout might best suit your body’s needs and long-term goals.

🧘 Most of us wait until we’re sore to start reaching for our toes — but you would be better off taking a cue from your pets and stretching consistently. Plus, the benefits are immediate! Real Simple provides an easy-to-follow guide for 12 essential stretches. You can easily engage in this habit with your morning coffee or dog walk!  

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.