STAT+: More frequent, more intense, and longer heat waves pose health risks for Americans

STAT PlusNewsletterMorning Rounds More frequent, more intense, and longer heat waves pose health risks for Americans The presidential fitness test is back, surprising new data on the health risks of obesity, and more Morning Rounds news Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Theresa Gaffney and Chelsea CirruzzoJuly 2, 2026 Theresa Gaffney[email protected]Theresa is the lead Morning Rounds writer, and her stories focus on gender-affirming care, reproductive health, and mental health. You can reach Theresa on Signal at theresagaff.97.Chelsea Cirruzzo[email protected]Chelsea covers the Department of Health and Human Services with a particular focus on power and influence at the top. Confidential tips can be sent via Signal at chelseacirruzzo.42. Get your daily dose of health and medicine every weekday with STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds. Sign up here. Good morning. There’s nothing like a heat wave to welcome in July. The newsletter is off for the holiday tomorrow, and I’m off all next week. Talk to you when I’m back!Advertisement The presidential fitness test is officially back Almost a year after President Trump signed an executive order to revive the presidential fitness test, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the structure of the new test alongside WWE star Triple H at a Monday event. Ultimately, it looks similar to previous iterations: core strength, cardio, and upper-body strength categories, each with two exercises to choose from. Benchmarks, set by age and gender, are competitive. (For example, girls 14 and older who choose a mile run for their cardio test need to hit 7:59 for the top tier award on the test.) STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In health care Submit a correction requestReprints Theresa Gaffney Morning Rounds Writer and Reporter Theresa is the lead Morning Rounds writer, and her stories focus on gender-affirming care, reproductive health, and mental health. You can reach Theresa on Signal at theresagaff.97. Chelsea Cirruzzo Washington Correspondent Chelsea covers the Department of Health and Human Services with a particular focus on power and influence at the top. Confidential tips can be sent via Signal at chelseacirruzzo.42. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Morning Rounds July 1, 2026 FDA says Zyn can market its pouches as safer than cigarettes Morning Rounds June 30, 2026 Half of states sue over Medicaid work requirements Advertisement Morning Rounds June 29, 2026 What’s next for 988 LGBTQ+ services? Morning Rounds June 26, 2026 Supreme Court rules in weedkiller cancer case Morning Rounds June 25, 2026 Another roadblock for DOJ campaign against trans health Subscriber Picks