Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Giving Kids Digital Tablets Too Young Can Lead To Anger Flare-Ups
A new study highlights the risk of giving electronic tablets to young children. Separately, officials link a cooling tower to five cases of Legionnaires’ disease in New Hampshire. Also in the news: risks of ever-longer mosquito seasons, and a new food advocacy group that’s tackling additives.
Editorial writers discuss these issues and others.
A Drink A Day Won’t Keep Ailments Away, Researchers Find
A new study debunks the claim that light to moderate drinking is good for the heart. It also found alcohol consumption raises the cancer risk “from the first drop.” A separate study projects cancer deaths among men worldwide will skyrocket 93% by 2050.
Arizonans Will Vote On Abortion This November
The state confirmed Monday that abortion-rights supporters submitted enough signatures for the issue to appear on the ballot. Under current law, abortions are banned after 15 weeks. If the measure passes, abortions would be protected by the state constitution and available until viability, around 24 weeks.
None Of The 25 Most-Used Lab Tests Can Diagnose Long Covid, Study Finds
The goal is to provide a diagnosis so that people suffering with long covid can receive appropriate care as quickly as possible. In a separate study, researchers discovered that among all age groups, teenagers were at greatest risk for severe covid.
Health Care Nonprofits’ Cash Reserves Fell To 10-Year Low, Report Says
New debt coupled with less cash on hand could spell trouble for providers later this year and beyond, researchers warn. Also in the news: ACO REACH revisions, home health hiring, and more.
All 99 Eligible North Carolina Hospitals Join Medical Debt Relief Initiative
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s plan gives extra payments to hospitals that forgive debt and improve charity care. “This is a major deal,” said Deborah Maxwell, president of the North Carolina NAACP, who had urged hospital CEOs to participate.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Rural NC County Aims To Reopen Hospital Using New Federal Program
The effort is happening in Martin County and leverages a federal program set up by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to try to reopen a facility closed in 2023 for financial reasons. Boosted nursing programs in North Carolina are among other news.
Study Finds Women, Black People Have Lower Survival Chances After CPR
The causes for the stark differences in survival rates found in the study are not clear. White people were three times more likely to live than Black people, and men were twice as likely to survive as women. In other news, an infant formula recall, health labeling for alcoholic drinks, and more.
Viewpoints: Overturning Roe Has Had Worldwide Consequences; We Must Get Mpox Under Control
Editorial writers tackle these issues and others.
FDA Rejects MDMA As PTSD Treatment
California-based Lykos Therapeutics plans to ask the agency to reconsider its decision after concerns were raised about the data surrounding the psychedelic drug’s effectiveness. Separately, the FDA gave the go-ahead for an epinephrine nasal spray to treat allergic reactions.
Schumer Vows To Block Measure That Would Slash CDC Funding 22%
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., says he’ll reject any legislation that includes the cut. A current bill in the House also aims to pare spending on programs that address firearm injuries and opioid overdose prevention.
Michigan Health Department Reports Human Case Of Swine Flu
The state’s Department of Health and Human Services says the source of the patient’s exposure is still under investigation but that the risk to the public is low. The person has recovered.
Covid Is Now Categorized As Endemic Disease, US Health Officials Say
The revised classification means covid is here to stay, but we can manage it better because it is now predictable. The change in stance does not affect any guidance on how to deal with the disease and comes as reports show most areas of the U.S. are seeing consistent rises in covid infections.
Harvard Says It Will Keep Sackler Name On Campus Buildings Despite Protests
The decision runs counter to several other institutions who have removed the name, including Tufts University and the Louvre in Paris. In other news: An employee who died at a California prison may have been exposed to fentanyl while opening mail.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 12, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
15 GOP-Led States Sue Biden Admin Over Health Coverage For ‘Dreamers’
Effective Nov. 1, DACA immigrants will have access to insurance and related assistance such as lower out-of-pocket costs. The lawsuit filed Thursday says the rule violates federal law. Plus: In a loss for the pharmaceutical industry, an Ohio judge has tossed out a Medicare drug negotiation lawsuit.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on undiagnosed diseases, covid, elder care, Neuralink, and more.