Quick fixes to prevent peanut allergies; Colorado breaks from federal vaccine guidance; shift work linked to kidney stones – Morning Medical Update

Quick fixes help doctors prevent peanut allergies

A new study from Northwestern University and Lurie Children’s Hospital found that a few easy tools — short training videos, EHR prompts and family handouts — made pediatricians nearly 15 times more likely to recommend early peanut introduction to infants. Since 2017, national guidelines have urged feeding peanut-containing foods around 4 to 6 months of age to cut allergy risk by more than 80%, but uptake has been slow. In this randomized trial across 30 practices and nearly 18,500 infant visits, adherence jumped to 84% for low-risk infants when clinicians used the tools, compared with just 35% without them. Researchers say wider adoption could help turn the tide on rising childhood peanut allergies.

Colorado breaks from federal vaccine guidance

As Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reshapes national vaccine policy, Colorado and several other Democratic-led states are moving to safeguard immunization access and science-based decision-making. Colorado lawmakers passed measures allowing the state to set vaccine recommendations independently of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), instead consulting groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The state also expanded pharmacist authority to administer COVID-19 vaccines and ensured insurance coverage for preventive shots regardless of federal changes. Public health leaders say the moves aim to preserve trust and stability as Kennedy’s overhaul of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee fuels growing uncertainty across the country. KFF Health News has more.

Shift work linked to higher kidney stone risk

Working nights or irregular hours may raise the risk of developing kidney stones, according to a study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Researchers analyzing data from more than 220,000 UK adults found that shift workers were 15% more likely to experience kidney stones, with lifestyle factors including body mass index, fluid intake, smoking and sleep mediating much of the risk. The study suggests that disruptions to circadian rhythms may affect kidney function and hydration balance. Investigators say workplace health efforts — promoting hydration, weight management and better sleep — could help reduce kidney stone risk among shift workers.