Hospitals are getting more crowded and healthcare experts are warning that has serious consequences for the quality of patient care.
A new study published in JAMA Network projects that by 2032, national hospital occupancy rates could exceed 85%, a critical level where hospital operations may become unsafe and dysfunctional.
This projection highlights a growing concern about the inadequate supply of hospital care to meet future demand. Although this national figure masks significant geographic and temporal variations, many areas are already experiencing a public health crisis due to hospital capacity constraints.
Historically, hospital care has been a significant portion of healthcare spending, accounting for 29% of the estimated $1 trillion spent annually in the U.S. From 1960 to 1982, spending on hospital-based care surged due to increased health insurance coverage, reduced cost-sharing, and technological advancements.
In response, Medicare introduced the Inpatient Prospective Payment System in 1983, which aimed to control costs by reimbursing hospitals based on diagnoses and patient factors, rather than retrospective cost-based methods.
Policymakers also implemented certificate of need (CON) laws to regulate the number of acute care beds, aiming to curb unnecessary hospital spending. Despite their widespread adoption, these laws have faced criticism for being ineffective and even harmful. Efforts to optimize hospital bed productivity through lean healthcare principles and just-in-time resources have inadvertently contributed to hospital consolidation and reduced acute care capacity, the study authors say.
Pressing need for more hospital beds
As the demand for acute care continues to grow, driven by an aging and more medically complex population, the need for greater hospital bed capacity becomes more pressing. Technological advancements have improved survival rates for serious conditions, but they have also increased the demand for hospital care.
While some policymakers have explored alternatives like hospital-at-home programs and ambulatory care, the study said these solutions have not fully addressed the challenges of inadequate hospital capacity.
The study concludes the U.S. must expand hospital bed capacity, particularly for critical and complex care services. However, the current healthcare financing environment favors the rapid expansion of urgent care centers and ambulatory care, while restricting similar growth in hospital capacity.
This selective development is based on the assumption that lower-cost settings will improve affordability and access, but the study said evidence suggests that meaningful substitution does not occur.
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Grab free or BOGO burgers, fries, drinks, and treats all December at Shake Shack, Chipotle, BK, McDonalds, Wendys, Sonic, Krystal, and Starbucks
Most deals are free with purchase on specific days (Fridays, certain Saturdays, or promo windows), so timing matters
Youll usually need the restaurants app, a small minimum spend, and its one freebie per account/order at participating locations
Do higher price tags for the stuff on your holiday shopping list this year have you feeling a little gloomy? I have some news that might cheer you up. A bunch of restaurants are offering some great freebies for December. So, when youre out wrapping up your shopping, stop by one of these places and get a free or highly discount meal or treat.
Shake Shack Free burger or sandwich
Whats free:One free rotating sandwich (Big Shack, SmokeShack, Chicken Shack, or ShackBurger) with a $10+ purchase.
When:
Dec 17: Big Shack
Dec 814: SmokeShack
Dec 1520: Chicken Shack
Dec 2131: ShackBurger
How to claim: Order in the Shake Shack app, online, or at the in-store kiosk and enter promo code SHACKCHEER at checkout.
Fine print: $10 minimum before tax. Not valid via third-party delivery apps and one freebie per order.
Dec 13: Buy a burrito and get a free burrito, burrito bowl, or 3 taco meal.
Dec 20: Wear a festive sweater, buy any entre and get one free.
How to claim: You must walk into any Chipotle location to claim either offer. Not valid with mobile or online ordering.
Fine print: The free item will be the lower-priced entre. Limited to five free menu items per check.
Burger King 13 Days of Deals
Whats free: BK is offering a different daily deal from December 1224. The deal often includes a free item with a minimum in-app purchase. Stuff they regularly give away include a free Whopper Jr., a free Frapp, and a free dessert.
When: December 1224, 2025.
How to claim: Open the BK app each day and check the Offers or promo banner; tap the deal and order through the app.
Fine print: Most deals require a minimum purchase (typically around $3$5). App and account is also required; participating locations only.
McDonalds 12 days of deal
Whats free: Via the McDonald's app, you can participate in their 12 days of Christmas with new $2 deals every AM and every PM through December 23rd.
When: December 12-23, 2025.
Here are the $2 deals:
December 12th-AM: Any Bagel Breakfast Sandwich,PM: Filet-O-Fish
December 13th- AM: Big Breakfast, PM: 10 Pc. Chicken McNuggets
December 14th-AM: Hot Cakes + Sausage, PM: 3 PieceMcCrispy Strips
December 15th-AM: Egg McMuffin, PM: 10 Pc. Quarter Pounder with Cheese
December 16th-AM: Sausage Gravy Biscuit, PM: 4 PieceMcNuggets Happy Meal
December 17th-AM: Sausage McMuffin with Egg,PM: Daily Double
December 18th-AM: Crispy Chicken Biscuit, PM: Filet-O-Fish
A wave of new federal recalls and safety warnings highlights continuing concerns about unsafe baby products, risky household items and defective gear of all kindsmany with supremely unpronounceable names and many sold online through Amazon.The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) this week announced this week's list of recalls and hazard advisories.
While no deaths have been reported, officials warn that several recalled products pose life-threatening risks, including electrocution, asphyxiation, entrapment, falls, drowning, burns and explosion hazards. Consumers are urged to stop using all affected items immediately.
Luyuan recall for thousands of youth ATVs due to crash risks
Parents should stop kids from using affected Luyuan youth ATVs and arrange a free repair.
ATVs violate federal safety standards and can cause crashes or lacerations
About 2,290 units sold between April and September 2025 are affected
Consumers should stop use and contact Luyuan for a repair
Thousands of youth all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from Yongkang Luyuan Industrial & Trading Co., Ltd. have been recalled due to serious crash and laceration hazards. The affected models include the X-Pro Eagle 40cc Youth ATV (Model CARTOONS) and the FRP Sahara 40cc Youth ATV (Model SHR 40-RED-M), sold online under the X PRO or FRP labels.
These ATVs, sold between April and September 2025 on sites including Amazon, Walmart, Temu and others, do not meet mandatory federal safety standards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that children riding these vehicles face increased risk of serious injury or death.
The hazard
The recalled ATVs have mechanical suspensions that do not comply with safety regulations, creating a crash risk. In addition, if a childs head or body impacts the handlebars at high speed, there is a laceration risk. These issues violate federal ATV safety standards.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop children from using these ATVs. Contact Luyuan for a free repair. No injuries have been reported so far.
Company contact
Luyuan at 855-663-2121 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at luyuanusa@gmail.com, or online at www.luyuanusa.com and click Recall at the top of the page for more information.
Vevor recall for tens of thousands of ice crushers due to fire risk
Owners of Vevor ice crushers should stop use immediately and request a refund.
Fire hazard from ice crushers that can ignite during use
About 11,650 units sold in the U.S. between July 2021 and July 2025
Stop use and contact Sanven Technology for a refund
Sanven Technology Ltd., dba Vevor, is recalling about 11,650 Vevor ice crushers after reports of thermal events, including a fire. The affected machines are model numbers BY-300 and BY-300 FS, sold in several colors under the Vevor brand.
The recalled ice crushers were sold online from July 2021 through July 2025 at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot.
The hazard
The ice crushers can experience a thermal event and ignite, posing a fire hazard.
What to do
Immediately stop using the recalled ice crushers. Contact Sanven Technology for a full refund. Owners should email a photo of the unplugged product with the power cord cut in half to recalling@vevor.com.
Company contact
Sanven Technology toll-free at 855-599-6320 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at recalling@vevor.com, or online at https://www.vevor.com/pages/vevor-ice-shaver-recall or at www.vevor.com and click on Product Recall for more information.
YCXXKJ recall for thousands of baby bath seats due to drowning risk
Caregivers should immediately stop using affected YCXXKJ baby bath seats sold on Amazon.
Bath seats can tip over and cause drowning
About 8,960 bath seats sold in multiple colors from May 2024 to October 2025
Consumers should stop use and request a refund from BenTalk
Zhengzhou Bentuo Trading Co., Ltd., dba BenTalk, is recalling about 8,960 YCXXKJ baby bath seats due to a risk of tip-over and drowning. The bath seats, sold on Amazon in blue, gray, pink, and yellow, were available from May 2024 through October 2025.
The seats violate federal safety standards for infant bath seats and can be unstable during use.
The hazard
The bath seats can tip over, causing a serious risk of injury or death by drowning. They do not meet the mandatory safety standard for infant bath seats.
What to do
Stop using the recalled bath seats immediately. Contact BenTalk for a refund. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
Company contact
BenTalk at 213-579-2588 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by email at bentalkhere@outlook.com
VEVOR recall for thousands of garment steamers due to burn hazard
Owners should stop using affected VEVOR garment steamers and request a refund.
Steamers can leak or spit hot water, causing burns
About 2,840 steamers sold between December 2023 and September 2025 are affected
Refunds are available by contacting Sanven Technology
Sanven Technology Ltd., dba VEVOR, is recalling about 2,840 VEVOR Garment Steamers sold from December 2023 to September 2025. The steamers were available online at Vevor.com, Amazon, and Home Depot.
The recall follows reports of hot water leaking or spitting, as well as issues with the water tank cap, resulting in burns.
The hazard
The garment steamers can leak or spit hot water, creating a risk of serious burns for users and bystanders. The water tank cap can also leak or detach, exposing users to hot water.
What to do
Stop using the recalled garment steamers immediately. Contact Sanven Technology for a refund. Six reports of hot water issues and 12 reports of faulty caps have been received, including three burn injuries.
Company contact
Sanven Technology toll-free at 855-599-6320 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at recalling@vevor.com, or online at vevor.com/pages/vevor-steamer-recall or at www.vevor.com and click on Product Recall at the top of the page for more information.
Uuoeebb recall for thousands of infant walkers due to fall and entrapment risks
Parents should stop using affected Uuoeebb infant walkers and request a refund from BaoD.
Walkers can allow falls or entrap children's heads, risking injury or death
About 2,650 units sold on Amazon from December 2024 to September 2025
Consumers should stop use and contact BaoD for a refund
Hunan Suihuo E-commerce Co., Ltd., dba BaoD, has recalled about 2,650 Uuoeebb infant walkers due to fall and entrapment hazards. The recalled walkers were sold on Amazon from December 2024 through September 2025.
The products do not meet federal standards for infant walkers, posing life-threatening risks.
The hazard
The infant walkers can fit through standard doorways and fail to stop at steps, creating a deadly fall risk. The leg openings also allow children to slip down and become entrapped, risking serious injury or death.
What to do
Immediately stop using the recalled infant walkers and contact BaoD for a refund. No injuries have been reported.
SKCAIHT recall for over 1,000 childrens costumes due to phthalate exposure
Parents should take recalled SKCAIHT mermaid costumes away from children and request a refund.
Costumes contain banned phthalates that can cause health issues if ingested
About 1,300 costumes in children's XL sold on Amazon from March 2022 to July 2025
Stop use and contact SKCAIHT Direct for a refund
Yiwu Qiangyao E-Commerce Co., Ltd., dba SKCAIHT Direct, is recalling about 1,300 children's mermaid costumes sold in XL size. The costumes, available on Amazon from 2022 to 2025, contain a banned phthalate.
Phthalates are toxic if ingested by young children and are banned in children's products.
The hazard
The costumes contain a prohibited phthalate, violating the federal ban. Phthalates can cause adverse health effects in children if ingested.
What to do
Stop using the recalled costumes immediately. Contact SKCAIHT Direct for a refund. No injuries have been reported.
Primark recall for over 1,000 soother clips due to choking and injury hazards
Caregivers should stop using recalled Primark Little Bear soother clips and get a refund.
Wooden button on soother clips can detach, exposing a sharp screw
About 1,330 units sold from June to August 2025 in select Primark stores
Consumers should stop use and contact Primark for refund
Primark US Corp. has recalled about 1,330 Little Bear 2-Pack Soother Clips due to choking and laceration risks. The recall concerns clips sold at Primark stores in the Northeast, Florida, Maryland, and Illinois during summer 2025.
The wooden button on the clip can detach, exposing a sharp screw that could injure a child.
The hazard
The wooden button on the soother clips can separate, revealing a screw that poses choking and laceration hazards. There have been five reports of button detachment, including one where a screw was found in an infants mouth and another involving a cut.
What to do
Immediately stop using the recalled soother clips and contact Primark for a refund.
Company contact
Primark at 617-946-3236 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.primark.com/recall or at www.primark.com and click Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.
Trek recall for hundreds of electric bikes due to crash hazard
Trek owners should stop riding affected e-bikes and obtain a free repair from dealers.
Bolts on chainring can come loose, causing chainring to separate and crash
About 700 Trek Domane+ and Checkpoint+ e-bikes from model year 2026 affected
Consumers should stop use and contact Trek for repair
Trek Bicycle Corporation is recalling about 700 model year 2026 Trek Domane+ and Checkpoint+ electric bicycles. The recall involves Domane+ ALR 5, Domane+ ALR 6 AXS, Checkpoint+ SL 6 and Checkpoint+ SL 7 models.
The chainring bolts can loosen, potentially leading to a crash.
The hazard
The chainring bolts can come loose and cause the chainring to separate from the bicycle, resulting in a fall or crash hazard. Three incidents have been reported, but no injuries.
What to do
Stop using the recalled e-bikes immediately and contact Trek or an authorized dealer for a free repair.
Company contact
Trek toll-free at 800-373-4594 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/recalls or go to https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/ and click on Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.
The Federal Trade Commission is sending checks totaling more than $9.6 million to eligible consumers who the agency said were impacted by CarShields misleading claims about its vehicle service contracts.
In July 2024, CarShield, a seller of vehicle service contracts, and American Auto Shield, LLC (AAS), the administrator of such contracts, agreed to pay nearly $10 million to settle anFTC complaint. The complaint alleged CarShields advertisements and telemarketing for vehicle service contracts were deceptive and misleading, and that purchasers found many repairs were not covered, despite making payments of up to $120 per month.
The FTC alleged CarShields ads deceptively represented that all repairs to consumers vehicles, or to covered systems within their vehicles, would be paid for under the plans; consumers would receive a rental car at no cost if their car broke down; and consumers could use the repair facility of their choice for repairs.
The FTC is sending checks to 168,179 affected consumers. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Analytics, at 855-298-8877, or visit the FTC website toview frequently asked questionsabout the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.
The Commissionsinteractive dashboards for refund dataprovide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2024, FTC actions led to more than $339 million in refunds to consumers across the country.
Grab free or BOGO burgers, fries, drinks, and treats all December at Shake Shack, Chipotle, BK, McDonalds, Wendys, Sonic, Krystal, and Starbucks
Most deals are free with purchase on specific days (Fridays, certain Saturdays, or promo windows), so timing matters
Youll usually need the restaurants app, a small minimum spend, and its one freebie per account/order at participating locations
Do higher price tags for the stuff on your holiday shopping list this year have you feeling a little gloomy? I have some news that might cheer you up. A bunch of restaurants are offering some great freebies for December. So, when youre out wrapping up your shopping, stop by one of these places and get a free or highly discount meal or treat.
Shake Shack Free burger or sandwich
Whats free:One free rotating sandwich (Big Shack, SmokeShack, Chicken Shack, or ShackBurger) with a $10+ purchase.
When:
Dec 17: Big Shack
Dec 814: SmokeShack
Dec 1520: Chicken Shack
Dec 2131: ShackBurger
How to claim: Order in the Shake Shack app, online, or at the in-store kiosk and enter promo code SHACKCHEER at checkout.
Fine print: $10 minimum before tax. Not valid via third-party delivery apps and one freebie per order.
Dec 13: Buy a burrito and get a free burrito, burrito bowl, or 3 taco meal.
Dec 20: Wear a festive sweater, buy any entre and get one free.
How to claim: You must walk into any Chipotle location to claim either offer. Not valid with mobile or online ordering.
Fine print: The free item will be the lower-priced entre. Limited to five free menu items per check.
Burger King 13 Days of Deals
Whats free: BK is offering a different daily deal from December 1224. The deal often includes a free item with a minimum in-app purchase. Stuff they regularly give away include a free Whopper Jr., a free Frapp, and a free dessert.
When: December 1224, 2025.
How to claim: Open the BK app each day and check the Offers or promo banner; tap the deal and order through the app.
Fine print: Most deals require a minimum purchase (typically around $3$5). App and account is also required; participating locations only.
South Carolinas Upstate region is seeing a rapidly growing measles outbreak, with more than 110 cases confirmed.
Most of the infections are among unvaccinated people, and hundreds of contacts are now quarantined.
Health officials stress vaccination and awareness of symptoms as the best defenses against spread.
South Carolina health officials have confirmed that a measles outbreak in the Upstate region particularly in and around Spartanburg County has rapidly intensified over the past few weeks.
As of the latest update, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported 27 new cases since Friday, December 5, bringing the total linked to this outbreak to 111, and the states total for the year to over 110 confirmed infections.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease once eliminated in the United States, can spread through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Its so infectious that if one person has it, up to 90% of nearby people who arent immune may also become infected.
Because of how quickly it can spread, the DPH has identified numerous exposures and put over 250 people into quarantine most of them close contacts like classmates and family members.
Measles is highly contagious, and there is risk for continued, rapid spread of the disease in the Upstate among communities with low immunization rates, Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director said in a news release.
[The] measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination remains the most important tool for preventing measles infection and spread. We strongly encourage everyone to review their immunization records and make sure they are up to date on all recommended vaccinations, including MMR.
Whats Behind the Spike?
Public health officials say several factors are contributing to the outbreaks growth:
Low vaccination coverage: Many of the people whove gotten measles were unvaccinated, underscoring the importance of two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine for strong protection.
Community spread in familiar settings: Schools, churches, and other close-contact locations including exposure at a local church have played roles in transmission.
Holiday travel and gatherings: Officials are concerned that travel and social events around Thanksgiving helped fuel transmission.
Measles symptoms usually begin about 1014 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that spreads across the body. Because theres no specific medicine to treat the virus, prevention through vaccination remains the most reliable defense.
What You Can Do
If you live in or travel through South Carolina (or elsewhere in the U.S.), heres how to reduce your risk:
Check vaccination status: Make sure you and your children are up to date with the MMR vaccine. Two doses provide around 97% protection.
Know the signs: Early recognition of symptoms can help people get medical advice and avoid exposing others.
Follow public health guidance: If youve been exposed, follow quarantine instructions and monitor for symptoms.
Health officials continue monitoring the situation closely. With measles still spreading in other parts of the country, staying informed and protected is especially important this season.
Related Bing News Results Consumer Reports |Experts warn against daily use of protein supplements Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:57:00 GMT Protein powders and shakes are more popular than ever, often touted as workout fuel or even meal replacements. But a new Consumer Reports investigation reveals a hidden risk: some of these supplements ... A study found lead in popular protein powders. Here's why you shouldn't panic Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:07:00 GMT A Consumer Reports investigation has found what it calls "concerning" levels of lead in roughly two dozen popular protein powder brands — but says that's not necessarily cause for tossing them. The ... Your Daily Protein Shake Might Be Exposing You to Lead, Consumer Reports Finds Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:10:00 GMT Plant-based powders, particularly those made with pea protein, were found to have the highest lead levels — and only a handful of brands were deemed safe for regular use in the nonprofit’s analysis. A ... Your Daily Protein Shake Might Be Exposing You to Lead, Consumer Reports Finds Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:00:00 GMT A Consumer Reports investigation found that more than two-thirds of tested protein powders and shakes contained more lead per serving than what food safety experts deem safe for daily consumption. Consumer Reports: Can your phone help you sleep? Wed, 10 Jul 2019 17:00:00 GMT A remarkable number of people have difficulty sleeping. Some 80 percent in a recent nationally representative Consumer Reports survey say they have problems with sleeping at least once a week. While ...
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