World News: Simone Biles is a role model

Wednesday, July 28

Simone Biles is prioritizing her own mental health

Good morning. We have all the columns you're going to need today.

The news of Simone Biles announcing she was decided to withdraw from a Toyko Games competition to focus on her mental health was met with the usual mixed bag of reactions. But our columnist offers up that Biles is doing the correct thing for herself and her fans.

Simone Biles is a role model

Simone Biles is helping young people realize that it's OK to take care of themselves. She's teaching them to prioritize their bodies because mental health and physical health are inextricably linked.

Biles has been open about her depression after being sexually abused by team doctor Larry Nassar. She has overcome so much in her young life. Yet those now criticizing her actions exemplify the harsh reality of how stigmatizing issues of mental health are, particularly in the world of athletics.

Today's editorial cartoon

Andy Marlette, USA TODAY Network

USA TODAY Network

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FDA sullies reputation in drug approval

In June, the FDA approved Aduhelm (generic name aducanumab), the first new treatment for Alzheimer's disease in two decades. As bioethicists who work in the areas of Alzheimer's disease and pharmaceutical policy, we can attest that this decision has generated more controversy than enthusiasm – and for good reasons.

The drug has questionable benefits, substantial risks, a prescription label that remains overbroad and a hefty price tag.

The FDA's cozy interactions with pharmaceutical company Biogen, and its use of the accelerated approval pathway without consulting its committee of independent advisers, also raises concerns.

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