health and wellness
The Truth About Women and Heart Disease
(Family Features) Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Although it is largely preventable, each year more than 300,000 women, or 1 in every 5, die from heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Heart Disease
About 1 in 16 women ages 20 and older have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease, and 75% of women 20-39 years old have one or more risk factors. These include diabetes, hypertension (also known as high blood pressure), high cholesterol, currently smoking or obesity. For African American and Hispanic/Latina women, the risk of heart disease is even greater.
Among women 20 years and older, more than half of African American women and one-third of Hispanic/Latina women have hypertension, which when left uncontrolled greatly impacts the risk for heart disease or stroke.
In an effort to educate women about heart disease at younger ages, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) The Heart Truth® program launched an initiative called Yes, YOU!
The initiative is focused on empowering younger women to know the facts about heart disease, understand their personal risk factors and equip themselves with resources to take action to protect their hearts.
The key takeaway is it’s never too early, or too late, to adopt heart-healthy behaviors. One of the first steps heart health experts recommend is learning more about any family history of heart disease and about risk factors that you can change with healthy lifestyle choices.
“Awareness is the first step toward reducing risk,” said Gina S. Wei, M.D., M.P.H., associate director of NHLBI’s Division of Cardiovascular Sciences and NHLBI’s senior scientific advisor on women’s health. “Women need to be empowered to know the facts so they can take action to protect their hearts.”
Consider these recommended steps from the Yes, YOU! initiative for women looking to improve their heart health:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole greens and low in saturated fat, sodium and sugar.
- Increase physical activity by aiming for at least 150 minutes each week
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
- Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night
- Talk to your health care provider about resources to help quit smoking
- Manage stress by practicing self-care and having positive social support
In addition to a public service announcement, the initiative’s webpage features fact sheets in English and Spanish, social media resources to promote heart health and video testimonials from women who share their heart health experiences. For more information about heart disease in women and tools to help create a heart-healthy lifestyle, visit go.nih.gov/YesYOU.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
health and wellness
Flu Season Arrives Early: Walgreens Launches 2026-2027 Flu Index as Activity Rises Across the U.S.
The 2026-2027 flu season is tracking four weeks ahead of recent years. Explore Walgreens’ new Flu Index, rising activity, and ways to stay protected.
Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by Daily News Staff
2026-2027 Flu Season: New tracking data suggests influenza activity is running approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons, with increases reported across western states and Florida.
2026-2027 Flu Season Starts Early as Walgreens Launches New Flu Index
STM Daily News | Health & Wellness
October 30, 2026
Flu season may be getting an early start this year, and a new online tracking tool from Walgreens is giving Americans a closer look at respiratory illness activity in their communities.
On October 21, Walgreens announced the launch of its 2026-2027 Flu Index, an interactive tool that monitors influenza, COVID-19, and other acute respiratory illnesses across the United States.
According to the company’s initial findings, national flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent flu seasons, with increasing activity reported across several western states and Florida.
The early trends serve as a reminder that influenza doesn’t necessarily wait until winter to begin spreading.
Flu Activity Is Increasing Earlier Than Expected
Walgreens reports that its early-season data indicates influenza activity is already increasing in multiple parts of the country.
The company’s findings include:
- Earlier flu activity: National flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons.
- Regional increases: Several western states and Florida are experiencing rising activity.
- More antiviral prescriptions: Walgreens reports dispensing more flu antiviral medications than during the same period in 2025.
- Growing demand for cold and flu products: Sales of cold and flu medications, at-home respiratory illness tests, cough drops, and tea have increased by double-digit percentages compared with last year.
Although these indicators suggest respiratory illness activity is increasing, they do not necessarily mean the current flu season will be more severe than previous seasons.
Increased purchases of cold medications and testing products can reflect changes in consumer behavior as well as illness trends.
The findings come from Walgreens’ pharmacy and retail data and should be considered alongside public health surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What Is the Walgreens Flu Index?
The Walgreens Flu Index is an interactive online platform designed to help consumers understand where respiratory illnesses are circulating and how activity is changing over time.
The tool combines several types of information, including:
- Flu and COVID-19 testing data from Walgreens locations
- Prescription antiviral medication trends
- Over-the-counter cold and flu product purchases
- Geographic patterns in respiratory illness activity
Using these indicators, Walgreens calculates an activity score ranging from 0 to 10.
A score of zero represents the lowest level of activity, while a score of ten represents the highest.
The index provides weekly information for states and territories, along with more than 1,500 counties where sufficient Walgreens data is available.
The map is updated every Monday, allowing users to compare current activity with previous weeks and the prior flu season.
Importantly, Walgreens emphasizes that the index measures relative illness activity, not disease severity. A higher score does not necessarily indicate more hospitalizations, more serious infections, or a greater risk of complications.
The index also does not represent a complete count of influenza cases nationwide.
Explore the interactive map:
https://www.walgreens.com/seasonal/respiratory-illness-index
Why Local Flu Activity Matters
Influenza does not spread evenly across the country.
Some communities may experience increasing cases weeks before others, making local information useful for families, schools, healthcare providers, and individuals who may be at higher risk of complications.
“Flu activity can vary significantly from one community to another, and knowing what’s happening locally can make a real difference,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens’ chief pharmacy and enterprise external affairs officer.
Gates added that the index is intended to help people make informed decisions about prevention, including vaccination before influenza becomes more widespread in their communities.
For residents of states such as Arizona, California, Nevada, and other western states, the reported regional increases make monitoring local respiratory illness trends particularly relevant.
However, the company’s announcement does not establish that every western county is experiencing elevated flu activity. Readers should consult the latest local data for a more accurate picture.
Why Getting a Flu Shot Still Matters
Annual influenza vaccination remains an important tool for reducing the risk of flu illness and serious complications.
Because influenza viruses change over time, flu vaccines are reviewed and updated each season to target strains expected to circulate.
The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for most people ages six months and older, with rare exceptions.
Vaccination is especially important for people who face a greater risk of serious complications, including:
- Adults ages 65 and older
- Young children, particularly those younger than five
- Pregnant individuals
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- People with weakened immune systems
For adults 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends certain enhanced influenza vaccines, including higher-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted options, when available.
Walgreens says its pharmacies offer standard-dose and higher-dose vaccines, along with a new mRNA influenza vaccine at select locations.
Vaccine selection should follow current CDC recommendations, individual eligibility, and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
It generally takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protective antibodies.
Even if influenza is already circulating locally, vaccination can still provide benefits throughout the season.
Practical Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick
Vaccination is an important preventive measure, but it is not the only step people can take to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Public health guidance also encourages several everyday precautions.
Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water, particularly after touching shared surfaces or being in public places. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help when soap and water are unavailable.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
Improve indoor air quality. Opening windows when practical, improving ventilation, and using appropriate air filtration can help reduce exposure to airborne respiratory viruses.
Avoid close contact when sick. Staying home when experiencing respiratory illness symptoms can help protect coworkers, classmates, friends, and family members.
Consider wearing a well-fitting mask. Masks can provide an additional layer of protection, particularly in crowded indoor spaces or around people at higher risk.
Pay attention to symptoms. Fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, and congestion can occur with influenza and other respiratory infections.
Because flu and COVID-19 can produce similar symptoms, testing may help determine the cause of an illness.
People at higher risk of complications should contact a healthcare professional promptly if flu symptoms develop. Prescription antiviral medications work best when started early, ideally within the first two days of symptoms, although treatment can still benefit some patients later.
Walgreens Expands Vaccination Access for the 2026–2027 Season
Alongside the launch of its Flu Index, Walgreens announced several efforts to make seasonal vaccinations more convenient.
The company says it is increasing pharmacy staffing, expanding appointment availability, and allowing customers to schedule vaccinations further in advance.
Customers can arrange appointments through several methods:
- Online: https://www.walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine
- Mobile: Walgreens app
- Text: Send “Flu” to 66879
- Telephone: 1-800-WALGREENS
- Walk-in: Participating Walgreens pharmacies, subject to availability
Walgreens also announced promotional Walgreens Cash rewards for eligible myWalgreens members receiving vaccinations.
Under the limited-time promotion, qualifying members may earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases, along with an additional 10% back on qualifying purchases for a limited period.
Restrictions, exclusions, geographic limitations, and promotional deadlines apply. Customers should review the official terms before participating.
What About COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses?
Although influenza is the primary focus of the seasonal announcement, the Walgreens Flu Index also tracks COVID-19 and broader acute respiratory illness trends.
This distinction matters because several respiratory viruses can circulate simultaneously during the fall and winter months.
Influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common cold viruses can produce overlapping symptoms, but their potential complications and recommended treatments differ.
Vaccination eligibility and recommendations also vary by disease, age, and individual health circumstances.
Readers should consult current CDC guidance and their healthcare providers when considering flu, COVID-19, or RSV vaccination.
The Bottom Line: Flu Season May Be Early, but Prevention Still Matters
The launch of the 2026–2027 Walgreens Flu Index offers another resource for Americans who want to monitor respiratory illness activity in their communities.
While Walgreens’ early findings suggest influenza activity is increasing sooner than in recent years, it is still too early to determine how severe the overall season will become.
The most important message for consumers is to prepare before respiratory illnesses become widespread.
Staying current with recommended vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, monitoring local illness trends, and seeking medical attention when appropriate can help reduce the risk of serious illness.
With flu activity already rising in some regions, now is a good time for families to review their seasonal health plans.
Related Links for Further Information
Walgreens Resources
- Walgreens Respiratory Illness Index — Interactive map showing respiratory illness activity across the United States.
- Walgreens Vaccination Scheduling — Schedule a flu vaccination or explore available vaccines.
Public Health Resources
- CDC Seasonal Influenza Information — Information about influenza symptoms, prevention, vaccination, and treatment.
- CDC FluView Surveillance — National influenza surveillance and weekly activity reports.
- CDC: Flu and People 65 Years and Older — Guidance for older adults and influenza vaccination.
- CDC Respiratory Illnesses — Prevention information for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
Source: Walgreen Co., press release, October 21, 2026, Walgreens Launches 2026–2027 Flu Index as Activity Tracks Four Weeks Ahead of Recent Seasons.
Editor’s Note: This article summarizes information from Walgreens’ October 21, 2026, announcement. The reported early-season trends reflect the company’s findings at that time and are not a substitute for current CDC surveillance or medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals about individual vaccination and treatment decisions.
STM Daily News — News You Can Use This Moment!
(Feature Impact) Menopause is a phase of life every woman knows will come eventually yet few are truly prepared for. Beyond stereotypical symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, the other realities of menopause can be mysterious, taking women by surprise when their experiences differ from expectations.
Rather than being a single event, menopause involves a gradual transition that happens as estrogen production changes – meaning symptoms can appear and evolve unpredictably. According to a survey commissioned by the National Menopause Foundation, 63% of U.S. women ages 35-54 experienced symptoms they believed may be related to perimenopause or menopause, yet nearly half (49%) said they weren’t prepared for the changes beforehand.
When women and their loved ones understand what they’re facing, they can approach this time with patience and compassion, which can make a real difference to the 71% of women who wished the people in their lives understood more about perimenopause or menopause. Consider these five facts to help fill in the menopause knowledge gap.
Perimenopause Can Start Years Before Menopause
The physiological transition to menopause can happen up to 10 years before a woman’s final menstrual period, although the average length of perimenopause is about four years. Symptoms may quietly begin in a woman’s 30s, 40s or 50s, and what might look like an isolated problem at first – like brain fog, a night of insomnia or an irregular monthly cycle – could be connected to broader hormonal changes.
Menopause Is More Than Just “Hot Flashes”
Since more than half of women surveyed were already aware of menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, anxiety and fatigue, these may not take them by surprise. Little-known symptoms are a different story – the majority of respondents didn’t anticipate menopausal issues like rage, inner-ear itching or reduced joint mobility. According to the National Menopause Foundation, women may also experience sleep disturbances, sweating, changes in libido, vaginal dryness, incontinence, weight changes and more.
Every woman’s experience is unique, so these symptoms could present in different combinations and intensities during menopausal years or may not appear at all.
Talking About Menopause Can Be Difficult
Even as women go through these physical and emotional shifts, many struggle to open up about their experiences. In fact, women rank menopause symptoms (17%) more difficult to discuss than hot-button topics like political views (13%), weight (13%) and religious beliefs (10%).
However, suffering in silence can lead to feelings of isolation, relationship misunderstandings and hesitation to seek help, which is why 66% of women said the lack of open discussion about menopause makes the experience worse.
Menopause Isn’t All Bad News
Although this season of life comes with challenges, there are joys to embrace as well. Women navigating midlife can come out the other side with more resilience, emotional awareness and a stronger sense of self. In fact, 44% of women surveyed said their outlook on life became more positive since their transition.
What Loved Ones Can Actually Do
Menopause is a highly individual experience, but that doesn’t mean women have to navigate it alone. Support from partners, families and friends can lift women up during difficult moments, and it can be as simple as taking the time to ask questions, listen and learn about how menopause is affecting their lives. With 30% of women in the U.S. labor force – approximately 15-16 million – in the age range corresponding to menopausal transition (ages 45-60), workplaces can also take steps to become more menopause friendly.
For more resources to help understand symptoms and discuss the transition with loved ones, visit nationalmenopausefoundation.org.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Health and Life Insurance
Things Can Change So Review Your Medicare Coverage Options: Open Enrollment is Through Dec. 7
It’s time to visit your Medicare Coverage Options. Medicare Open Enrollment is your opportunity to give your Medicare plan a check-up. Plans change every year, and now is the time to check if a new plan could be better for you.
Things Can Change So Review Your Medicare Coverage Options: Open Enrollment is Through Dec. 7
(Feature Impact)Medicare Open Enrollment is your opportunity to give your Medicare plan a check-up. Plans change every year, and now is the time to check if a new plan could be better for you.
If you have Medicare, taking the time to review your coverage options each fall is one of the most important health decisions you can make.
Give Your Medicare Plan a Check-up
- Check your coverage. Ensure your preferred doctors, prescriptions and preferred pharmacies are covered.
- Check your costs. Look at premiums, deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Check for changes. See what will be different in your plan for the coming year.
- Check your options. Compare plans side by side based on the prescriptions you take. Find the right plan for your health needs and your budget. Make sure your drugs are covered.
Now is the one time you can make changes to your health and prescription drug plans and find a plan that’s better for you. Medicare Open Enrollment is your opportunity to review and compare options and take control of your expenditures and coverage.
Medicare plans change annually and so does your health. What worked for you last year may be different than what will work best this year. A review of your options can help you secure a plan best fit to your current lifestyle and health needs – while potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on out-of-pocket costs.
For instance, a person with Medicare compared drug plans to find the best costs and coverage for their prescriptions, including a blood thinner and a common cholesterol medication. Using medicare.gov, they found the yearly cost for a Medicare drug plan and these prescriptions ranged from $1,356-2,965. By choosing the lowest-cost plan, they saved more than $1,600 while keeping their essential medications covered.
Medicare.gov is the Official Source
For all your Open Enrollment needs, Medicare.gov is your official source. It’s the trusted resource to help you navigate Open Enrollment, allowing you to explore and compare every available Medicare health and drug plan available in your area. If you prefer speaking with someone directly, call 1-800-MEDICARE to connect with a team of experts who are available 24/7 to help you review your options and answer any questions about your Medicare coverage.
To get started, go to Medicare.gov and click on “Find Plans Now.” For the best shopping experience, log in or create a Medicare account. You can easily compare plan costs, side by side, based on the medications you take. Make sure the plan you choose covers your prescription drugs and your doctors.
Don’t Wait – Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7
If you miss the Dec. 7 deadline, you may need to wait a full year before you can make any changes to your coverage. That’s why getting started early is important. Make sure you give yourself enough time to review and compare your options. You’ll want to consider factors like costs, benefits and prescription drug plans.
Medicare Open Enrollment is the perfect time to plan for the future and prioritize your health. Making sure you have a health plan that can support you in your wellness journey is critical, so don’t wait. Start reviewing your Medicare plan options today at Medicare.gov.
Stay Vigilant Against Medicare Fraud
Stay vigilant against Medicare fraud, especially during Medicare Open Enrollment. Scammers take advantage of this time of year; they may pretend to be from Medicare or an insurance company in order to steal your personal information.
Remember that Medicare will never contact you unsolicited. If someone you do not know calls, texts or emails you about Medicare, simply hang up or delete the message. By staying alert, you can help stop fraud before it starts.
If you suspect Medicare fraud, report it immediately to Medicare at Medicare.gov/fraud or at 1-800-MEDICARE. As always, remember to never give out your Medicare Number, Social Security Number or financial information to anyone you don’t know.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
