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Heat waves have rarely garnered the attention they deserve, despite being one of the most dangerous natural hazards on earth. But now, with heat continuing to take a devastating toll on vulnerable communities into autumn­­ — including deaths in the elderly and those with chronic illnesses from New York, Arizona and elsewhere — extreme heat’s persistent threat to health is undeniable. (Julie Varughese and Caleb Dresser, 10/31)

Maryland has joined other states in filing a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims that Meta knowingly designs its social media platforms to be addictive and harmful to children, violating consumer protection laws. As child and adolescent psychiatrists and pediatricians, we have seen firsthand how social media hurts our young patients’ mental health and well-being. (Sarah Edwards, Gloria Reeves and Mutiat Onigbanjo, 10/31)

Compassion and Choices Connecticut campaign director Tim Appleton’s recent statewide walk was billed as a “listening tour.” But how much of Appleton’s excursion was about “listening?” As reported on the organization’s own Facebook page, it was a carefully curated series of events and stops including only the strongest supporters of medical assisted suicide, most of them from Connecticut’s wealthiest communities, such as Westport. If there was actual dialogue with those who might have been skeptical or opposed, it isn’t mentioned. (Joan Cavanagh, 11/1)

I thought I would never get COVID. I have been vaccinated six times — so many that I ran out of space on my vaccination card. I am the person still wearing a mask at Ralphs, Trader Joe’s and CVS. (I don’t know what people in those stores have been up to.) I went to a movie theater only once in the past three years — and it was to celebrate a former colleague’s documentary at a film festival. (Carla Hall, 11/1)

“Watch “The Fall of the House of Usher” on Netflix when you can. F**cking Great! Totally based on the Sacklers—Fictional obviously but so damn good!” This was the message nationally known recovery advocate Ryan Hampton sent me recently. He is one of many advocates I have come to know, befriend, and collaborate with in my 22-year quest for accountability since my son passed away after taking an OxyContin at a party and never waking up. (Ed Bisch, 10/31)

Gilliland, researcher and holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, honors her son's memory in the work she does as director of outreach and advocacy programs of the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt. (David Plazas, 10/31)