Latest KFF Health News Stories
Efforts To Diagnose Symptomless Alzheimer’s Early Are In The Spotlight
The Los Angeles Times takes us inside the fight to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease even among people with no memory complaints and normal cognition. Separately, WUFT reports on an outreach program in Florida to help those in rural communities needing Alzheimer’s assistance.
Over Half Of Antibiotics VA Dentists Prescribe Are Unnecessary: Study
Researchers looking into the use of antibiotics in Department of Veterans Affairs dentistry found that most do not have guidelines supporting their use and were likely unnecessary. Meanwhile, other researchers say the world’s leading economies have work to do against antimicrobial resistance.
Teledoc Health Looks At Expanding Overseas To Offset US Costs
Modern Healthcare explains that the startup, which grew during the pandemic’s social-distancing norms, is looking for business overseas to offset the high costs of advertising in the U.S. in order to attract new customers. Also in the news: AbbVie, Yale New Haven Health, Cost Plus Drugs, and more.
GOP Prosecutor Pushes For Fast Decision On Wisconsin Abortion Ban
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, had filed a lawsuit arguing the 174 year-old state abortion ban is too old, but Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski, a Republican, is pushing the state’s Supreme Court to decide on the matter without waiting for a lower court ruling.
Perspectives: Gene Therapy’s Cost Is Inaccessible For Many; Do Weight-Loss Drugs Harm Mental Health?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
CDC Study Finds Teens Use Drugs To Find Calmness
In an ever-noisier, ever more-complex world, it’s perhaps not surprising that a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis found that teens are using drugs to help them find calm and relieve stress. Also in the news: Oregon’s drug decriminalization experiment, and more.
New Covid Vaccine Study Finds Some Potential Adverse Effects
The Hill reports that the largest multi-country study yet into covid vaccinations linked the shots to increased risks of certain adverse effects, including myocarditis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Separately, another study found official U.S. covid death stats are likely an undercount.
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.