Latest KFF Health News Stories
Measles Outbreak At Florida School Prompts Investigation
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County is reported to be looking into four confirmed cases at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston. Other public health news is on the long-term risks of measles, maternal syphilis rates, falls among older Americans, dengue, and more.
Concerns Rise Over Vitamin B3 And Link To Heart Health Risks
News outlets report on worrying results from a study that linked niacin — vitamin B3 — with increased risks of heart attack and stroke. The vitamin is, by law, added to cereal products. Also in the news: lab-grown testicles; inflammatory bowel disease drugs; and more.
Celebratory Gunfire May Be Banned In Missouri After Parade Shooting
With the deadly shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade less than a week ago, the Republican-led Missouri House passed a bill to ban celebratory gunfire in cities. State Democrats are also pushing for stricter gun laws. Also in the news: San Francisco, New York, and elsewhere.
Worries Over Regulation As AI’s Role In Critical Health Care Decisions Rises
Politico says the government is “slow walking” regulation of AI, even as its role in critical health care decisions expands every day. Health tech startups, meanwhile, are reportedly asking for clarity on some rules and on how future regulations will work.
Perspectives: Policies Hurting Prenatal Care; Weight-Loss Drugs’ Impact On Mental Health
Editorial writers tackle prenatal care, weight-loss drugs, data security, caregiving, and more.
Alabama Supreme Court’s Frozen Embryo Decision Could Jeopardize IVF
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled 7-1 on Friday that frozen embryos qualify as children under state law. Reproductive rights advocates say that the decision could have a wide-ranging impact on in vitro fertilization.
Red States Eye More Medicaid Work Rules Under A Second Trump Term
Politico reports that some states’ Republican officials are already laying the groundwork for new Medicaid requirements that they would expect a new Trump administration to approve. Other federal health policy news reports on weight-loss drug coverage under the ACA, SNAP application errors, and ACO accreditation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle addiction treatment, allergy labels, age discrimination, and more.
Number Of Young Americans Using Wegovy For Weight Loss Rises Rapidly
In other pharmaceutical news, a new study suggests a link between erectile dysfunction meds like Viagra and a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease—though some doubt is expressed about the data. Also: a new synthetic molecule may beat drug-resistant bacteria.
Hearing Loss From Loud Noises Might Be Tied To Excess Zinc In The Inner Ear
A new study may have revealed a biological cause for some adults’ hearing loss. Also in the news, smoking drugs is now linked to more overdose deaths than injected drugs; rising Lyme disease reports; and more.
Justice Department Reports 187 Federal Prisoners Died By Suicide Over 8 Years
NPR highlights words from the Justice Department’s inspector general who said the deaths were from “numerous operational and management deficiencies.” Separate research shows that doulas improve health outcomes for pregnant women with Medicaid.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on AI, space research, Puerto Rico, cannabis, and more.
Abortion Medications Prescribed By Telehealth Are Safe, Effective: Study
Researchers examined the records of 6,000 patients who were prescribed abortion pills via telehealth and received them from a mail-order pharmacy. Of the people who took the medication, 99.7% of the abortions were not followed by any serious adverse events.
Public Health Crisis: Secret List Reveals The Top Sellers Of Guns Used In Crimes
Stores connected to mass shootings appear on the list, including Bass Pro Shops in Denver, which sold a Glock handgun and a Remington shotgun involved in the mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater in 2012 that left 12 dead. As USA Today reported, the list is seen as a warning to the shops that criminals are targeting them for gun trafficking and straw purchasing.
CDC Considers Recommending A Spring Covid Booster For Some
People at risk of severe complications from a covid infection may be recommended to get yet another covid shot in the coming months. Meanwhile Americans’ falling confidence in vaccines was the subject of a House hearing, though some in the room even used the time to spread covid misinformation.
Over Half Of Health Workers Say Racial Discrimination Against Patients Is A Major Problem
In a survey of U.S. health workers, 47% said they have personally witnessed racism or discrimination against patients. That number is higher among Black and Latino health care professionals.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published Monday, Feb. 19, in celebration of the Presidents Day holiday. See you Tuesday!
Viewpoints: Are Weight-Loss Drugs Effective Or Dangerous?; Independent Physicians Are Disappearing
Editorial writers tackle weight-loss drugs, independent doctors, abortion bans, and more.
Research Roundup: Antibiotic Overuse; Heart Disease; Covid; Alzheimer’s
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.