By Conor Grant

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Home births are on the rise among women who feel dismissed by or skeptical of the medical establishment, though they're still rare. Romanticized stories -- often shared on social media -- are a gateway to birth plans that some women say are more natural. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says it believes hospitals and accredited birth centers are the safest settings for childbirth.

How to Set Up Your Home to Age in Place for $1,500

Many Americans spend thousands transforming their spaces for their later years. But modifying your home doesn't require a huge renovation or budget. Here are some ways to keep costs down by focusing on two challenges people face as they age: preventing a fall and getting around after a hospital stay.

Which Food and Drinks Are Linked To Cancer? Take Our Quiz

Some 40% of cancer cases in the U.S. are linked to risk factors that people can control, including what they eat and drink, per the American Association for Cancer Research. Understanding these risks can help prevent the disease. Test your knowledge here.

In the News

Senate negotiators said talks to renew expired healthcare subsidies had collapsed, likely ending the hopes of 20 million Americans that the tax-credit expansion could be revived and lower their monthly insurance premiums.

The White House launched its drug-pricing website, dubbed TrumpRx. It's the culmination of efforts by the administration to bring down pharmaceutical costs for some consumers. When it launched, it had roughly 40 drugs available.

Pfizer said demand for its Covid-19 vaccine and antiviral drug continued to decline, reporting a fourth-quarter loss of $1.65 billion and a sales decrease of 1%.

The Number

The life expectancy at birth for the average American in 2024 -- a record high, according to a new report from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. The increase signals a rebound from declines in life expectancy during the pandemic and progress in combating the opioid crisis, though the U.S. still lags behind peer nations.

Quoteworthy

Beyond WSJ

   -- Research linked children's heart health to their fathers' parenting style, 
      but found no such link with mothers. (The New York Times) 
 
   -- This 82-year-old runner's body holds clues to healthy aging. (The 
      Washington Post) 
 
   -- Why are some women training for pregnancy like it's a marathon? (Wired) 

About Us

The Health newsletter is your weekly guide to all the news that affects your health and well-being. This edition was curated and edited by Conor Grant -- send him feedback or questions at conor.grant@wsj.com (if you're reading this in your inbox, you can just hit reply). Got a tip for us? Here's how to submit.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 06, 2026 09:55 ET (14:55 GMT)

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