Latest KFF Health News Stories
Cases Of Vaping-Related Lung Illness Are Still Climbing But At A Slower Pace
The illness has killed 42 people so far in 24 states and Washington, D.C. The only state left untouched by cases of the epidemic is Alaska. Other news on vaping comes out of New Hampshire, Oregon and Maryland. Meanwhile, a new report finds that cigarette smoking among adults hit an all-time low.
The EPA under the Trump administration originally proposed only assessing the risks of chemicals, like asbestos, that were entering the marketplace, and not concentrate on the products that were already laced with the toxins. A coalition of unions, safety advocates and scientific groups had sued to block the EPA proposal released in 2017.
Through Apple’s various products, researchers have been able to run sweeping studies that would have never been possible before. But doctors wonder if it will really lead to improvements in health outcomes. “This is the big question. Is this ‘so what’? Or are we going to learn something meaningful we don’t know yet?” asked Dr. Ethan Weiss, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California. Meanwhile, details continue to come out about “Project Nightingale,” Google’s initiative to collect patients’ health data.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick served on the boards of American Well Corp., a telemedicine company, and Global Blood Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical firm. His links to the health sector are unlikely to serve him well in an election where the industry often serve as the common enemy. In other news from the 2020 campaign trail: the “Medicare for All” debate, veteran suicides, and emergency preparedness.
Two Students Dead, Three More Victims Wounded At California High School In Latest Mass Shooting
Saugus High School in Los Angeles is the latest site of a mass shooting, where a 16-year-old gunman opened fire on his fellow students and then turned the weapon on himself. There have been a total of 84 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2019, according to nonprofit group Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country.
First Edition: November 15, 2019
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Surgeon General’s Marijuana Warning Omits Crucial Context
Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the drug has a “unique impact” on the developing brain — technically true, but neglecting a vital comparison to other drugs, as well as shortcomings in the existing research.
KHN’s ‘What The Health’: Spending Bill Slowdown
It’s November, do you know where your HHS spending bill is? Still stuck in Congress. Meanwhile, lawmakers move ahead on restricting tobacco products for youth while the administration’s proposal is MIA. Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more health news from the week. Also, Rovner interviews Dan Weissmann, host of the podcast “An Arm and a Leg.”
Más dolor de cabeza para oficiales federales por la promoción del vapeo en internet
Mientras Washington se esfuerza por tomar medidas enérgicas contra la naciente industria del vapeo, los “influencers” de internet tienen su propia agenda.
Nursing Home Safety Violations Put Residents At Risk, Report Finds
A federal audit of 19 California nursing homes released today found hundreds of violations of safety and emergency standards, putting vulnerable nursing home residents at increased risk of injury or death during a wildfire or other disaster.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health topics and others.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from New York, New Hampshire, Ohio, Georgia, California, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, and Florida.
Federal regulators have launched an investigation into Google’s “Project Nightingale,” in which the company was amassing health data on millions of patients without their knowledge. Ascension, the hospital group involved in the initiative, said that the project is covered by what’s known as a business associate agreement. Meanwhile, a new study confirms that Apple’s smartwatches are able to accurately detect the most common type of irregular heartbeat.
Doctors Paint Dire Picture Of Climate Change’s Negative Health Effects On Children
A new report lays out health problems that will face the coming generations ranging from infectious diseases and worsening air pollution to rising temperatures and malnutrition.
Following Stark Report On Increase In Hate Crimes, Advocates Say Congressional Action Is Needed
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights says legislation is needed to incentivize police to report hate crimes. An FBI report this week showed the highest levels of violent hate crimes in the U.S. since 2001. In other public health news: alcohol, the pneumonic plague, trial results, gene editing, and texting while walking.
Talking About Mental Health At Work Can Still Be Taboo, But That Costs Businesses In The End
Mental health issues that are kept hidden can be an expensive problem for businesses. Depression alone costs the U.S. economy $210 billion a year, half of which is shouldered by employers in the form of missed work and lost productivity.
The children were the first generation to be raised at home rather than in institutions. But as their parents age, families and advocates wonder what will happen to the vulnerable population. In other health industry news: sky-high medical bills, supply chain tweaks, hospital care at home, and more.
The movement in Congress over e-cigarettes comes as the nation awaits the Trump administration’s decision on the matter.
So far, more than 932,000 people have signed up for 2020 health insurance coverage down from 1.1 million sign-ups this time last year despite the marketplace being stronger than ever.