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About 26% of U.S. adults report having an aching back

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Orthopedic specialists say long hours in planes, trains and cars can aggravate back pain, but planning ahead can help prevent painful flare-ups.

• Poor lumbar support, prolonged sitting and lifting heavy luggage are among the biggest travel-related risks for the spine, according to Hackensack Meridian Health physicians.

• Doctors recommend preparing before a trip with stretching, packing light, frequent movement and supportive seating to reduce strain during peak travel season.

Its been said that sitting is the new smoking, since prolonged time in a chair can lead to several different health-related issues.

Unfortunately, prolonged sitting cant be avoided on long trips, but doctors say a little planning can make a big difference. As millions of Americans take to the roads, rails and skies this summer, orthopedic specialists warn that long hours spent sitting can turn a vacation into a painful experience for travelers with back problems.

About 26% of U.S. adults report having back pain at any given time, and nearly one in 12 people worldwide lives with chronic low back pain. For many of them, extended travel can worsen symptoms, but spine specialists say taking preventive steps before and during a trip can significantly reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Hard on the spine

"Travel can place unexpected stress on the spine," said Dr. Dante Implicito, regional chair of orthopedic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health.

He said that long periods of sitting, lifting luggage, sleeping in unfamiliar beds and disruptions to normal routines can all contribute to episodes of low back pain or sciatica.

One of the biggest culprits is prolonged sitting. Airplane, train and car seats often provide little lumbar support, causing the spine's natural curve to flatten. That places added strain on muscles and ligaments. Remaining in the same position for hours also reduces circulation, leading to muscle stiffness and fatigue that can make the spine more susceptible to pain.

Doctors say prevention should begin before travelers leave home.

"Spine care and preventive measures should start long before a scheduled trip," said Dr. Marc Levine, chair of orthopedics at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Before you leave

Orthopedic specialists recommend maintaining regular exercise and stretching routines in the days leading up to a trip, especially exercises that strengthen the core and improve flexibility. Travelers should also pack strategically, placing heavier items in rolling luggage rather than shoulder bags whenever possible.

People with chronic back conditions should pack any medications they may need and consider bringing portable lumbar cushions or neck pillows to improve support during long periods of sitting.

Once underway, movement becomes critical.

Experts advise standing up and walking every 30 to 60 minutes during flights or train rides when it's safe to do so. Drivers should schedule regular rest stops to stretch and walk around before continuing their trip. Even simple movements, such as shoulder rolls, ankle circles and gentle spinal stretches while seated, can help reduce stiffness.

Maintaining good posture is equally important. Doctors recommend sitting with both feet flat on the floor, shoulders relaxed and the lower back supported. Travelers should avoid slouching or leaning forward for extended periods while using phones or laptops.

Hydration also plays a role. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain muscle function, while limiting alcohol can reduce dehydration that may contribute to stiffness.

Know when to seek medical care

Most travel-related back discomfort improves after returning to normal activity. However, doctors advise seeking prompt medical attention if pain is severe, lasts several days after returning home, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or pain radiating down the legs, which could signal a more serious spinal condition.

For travelers with chronic back pain, experts say the goal isn't to avoid vacations, but to travel smarter.

With a little preparation and regular movement, they say most people can enjoy their trips without bringing home an unwanted souvenir: a painful back.

Three name-brand drugs are covered starting July 1

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Medicare begins covering certain GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on July 1 through a new temporary pilot program called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.

• Eligible beneficiaries will pay a flat $50 monthly copayment for approved medications including Wegovy, Zepbound and Foundayo.

• The demonstration, scheduled to run through the end of 2027, marks the first time Medicare has broadly provided coverage for obesity medications prescribed specifically for weight loss.

Beginning Wednesday, millions of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications under a new federal demonstration program that dramatically reduces the cost of the drugs for eligible seniors.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, a temporary pilot program that will provide qualifying Medicare Part D beneficiaries with certain GLP-1 medications for a flat $50 monthly copayment through Dec. 31, 2027.

The initiative represents a significant shift in Medicare policy. Until now, Medicare generally covered GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound only when prescribed for conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or certain cardiovascular diseasesnot for obesity alone, because federal law excludes coverage of drugs used solely for weight loss.

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz called the medications "a major medical advancement" when announcing the program, saying too many older Americans have been unable to afford them because of their high cost.

Who qualifies

The new program is available to eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part D prescription drug coverage who meet specific medical criteria and obtain prior authorization.

According to CMS, the program covers three medications:

• Wegovy (injectable and oral forms)

• Zepbound (KwikPen formulation)

• Foundayo (oral tablet)

The medications are intended for patients who meet body mass index (BMI) requirements and other clinical eligibility standards established by CMS.

A temporary demonstration

Unlike traditional Medicare drug coverage, the GLP-1 Bridge operates outside the normal Part D benefit. CMS is using a centralized system to process prior authorizations, pharmacy claims and payments, allowing beneficiaries to access the medications regardless of which Part D plan they have.

The agency says the demonstration is designed to test a new approach to expanding access to obesity treatments while gathering data on costs, utilization and health outcomes before considering longer-term policy changes.

GLP-1 medications have become some of the most sought-after prescription drugs in recent years because clinical trials have shown they can produce substantial weight loss while also improving health outcomes for many patients with obesity.

However, physicians caution that older adults require careful monitoring. Side effects can include gastrointestinal problems, and experts warn that seniors may face increased risks of muscle loss, frailty and malnutrition if treatment is not paired with adequate nutrition and physical activity.

Healthcare providers also emphasize that the medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, including improved diet and regular exercise.

A new survey finds that victims rarely report the crime

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A new Gallup/Stop Alliance survey finds that one in 10 U.S. adults said someone in their household lost money or gave scammers access to a financial account in 2025.

• Nearly half of affected households reported losses exceeding $500, yet only a small minority reported the crime to law enforcement or federal authorities.

• The findings suggest Americans overwhelmingly believe government and private companies need to do more to stop before they reach consumers.

Americans are facing an onslaught of increasingly sophisticated , but most victims never report the crimes to law enforcement, according to a new survey from Gallup and the Stop Alliance.

The nationwide survey found that about one in 10 U.S. adults said they or another member of their household were tricked by scammers in 2025 into losing money or giving criminals access to a financial account. Nearly half of those households reported losing more than $500.

The findings paint a picture of a country inundated by fraud attempts while lacking confidence that reporting will make a difference.

According to the survey, many victims chose not to contact authorities because they doubted they would recover their money or were unsure where to report the crime. Only a small share reported to local police or federal agencies, although more than half notified their bank or financial institution.

Just part of modern life

The Gallup findings mirror those of a separate Associated Press-NORC poll, which found that scam attempts have become a routine part of daily life for many Americans. More than half of adults said they receive suspicious texts, emails, phone calls or online messages every day, while older Americans reported the highest rates of daily scam attempts.

The survey also found that scam losses are widespread. About half of the households that fell victim reported losing between $125 and $2,000, and roughly one in 10 adults said they had been scammed multiple times.

No confidence

Despite the prevalence of fraud, Americans expressed little confidence that enough is being done to combat it. According to the Gallup survey, about 80% of respondents believe the federal government is not doing enough to protect consumers from . Many also said banks, telecommunications companies, technology firms and social media platforms should play a larger role in preventing fraudulent communications from reaching consumers.

The Stop Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates public-private cooperation to combat financial fraud, says prevention should become the primary focus. The organization argues that stopping scam calls, texts and online messages before consumers ever see them would be more effective than relying on victims to recover losses afterward.

The case for letting kids take more age-appropriate risks

• Some experts say parents are overprotecting kids: Shielding children from every setback may limit resilience and independence.

• Challenges help children grow: Age-appropriate risks and occasional failure can build confidence and problem-solving skills.

• Step back when it's safe: Let kids solve problems, handle disappointment, and earn more independence over time.

For years, parents have been told that their job is to keep children safe.

Don't let them climb too high. Don't let them get dirty. Don't let them walk alone. Don't let them fail. Don't let them get hurt.

But some experts argue that modern parents may have swung too far in the other direction, creating a generation of kids who have fewer opportunities to build resilience, confidence, and independence.

That's the central argument behind a recent essay in The Free Press, by Charlotte Grinberg, MD, which suggests that many parents are spending so much energy trying to eliminate every risk that they may be unintentionally limiting valuable childhood experiences.

Why experts are concerned

Dr. Grinbergs argument is that children learn through experience. They learn by climbing, falling, solving problems, making mistakes, navigating disagreements with friends, and figuring things out without constant adult intervention.

Yet many childhood activities that were common a generation ago have become increasingly rare. Walking to a friend's house alone, riding bikes around the neighborhood, playing unsupervised at the park, or simply spending hours outdoors without adults hovering nearby are far less common than they once were.

Some child development experts worry that excessive protection can limit opportunities for kids to develop confidence and independence.

When adults constantly step in to solve problems, children may miss opportunities to practice problem-solving on their own.

The hidden cost of overprotection

Dr. Grinberg argues that parenting should focus on preparing children for independent adulthood rather than shielding them from every possible risk.

That means kids need opportunities to practice making decisions, managing disappointment, handling conflict, and recovering from mistakes before they leave home.

A child who never experiences failure may struggle more when they encounter it in college, at work, or in relationships.

Likewise, a child who is shielded from every uncomfortable situation may have a harder time developing the confidence needed to handle challenges independently.

The key is allowing age-appropriate risks while maintaining reasonable safety boundaries.

Tips for parents who want to raise confident, capable kids

Finding the right balance between protecting children and preparing them for adulthood isn't always easy. But experts say parents can help build resilience by giving kids opportunities to solve problems, make decisions, and learn from manageable mistakes.

• Ask yourself whether it's actually dangerousor simply uncomfortable. Every scraped knee, awkward conversation, or disappointing outcome doesn't require a parent's intervention. If the situation isn't putting your child in real danger, consider whether stepping back might give them a chance to build confidence and independence.

• Resist the urge to solve every problem. When children run into challenges with homework, friendships, teachers, or everyday responsibilities, encourage them to work through the issue before stepping in. Knowing a parent is available for guidance is important, but learning how to solve problems on their own is an essential life skill.

• Prepare children for the world instead of trying to remove every obstacle. Life will always include setbacks, disagreements, and uncertainty. Rather than trying to eliminate every challenge, focus on teaching children how to think critically, ask questions, adapt, and recover when things don't go as planned.

• Give kids more freedom as they earn it. Independence doesn't have to happen all at once. As children demonstrate responsibility whether that's walking to a friend's house, managing their own schedule, handling money, or communicating with teachers gradually give them more opportunities to make decisions on their own. Small steps today can build the confidence they'll need as adults.

• Let them experience disappointment. Not making the team, getting a lower grade than expected, or losing a competition can be valuable learning experiences. Children build resilience by working through setbacks, not by avoiding them.