Latest KFF Health News Stories
Depression During Or After Pregnancy Linked To Higher Suicide Risk
New research shows that people who develop depression during pregnancy or soon after are at a greater risk of attempting suicide for a number of years after. Other reproductive health news reports on postpartum depression, midwifery services, and more.
FDA: No Link Between Suicidal Thoughts And Weight-Loss Drugs
In positive news for the millions of people already taking GLP-1 drugs, the pharmaceuticals are not linked to adverse-event reports of suicidal thoughts or actions, preliminary analysis by the FDA found. It wasn’t possible to rule out a “small risk” however, and further monitoring will now happen.
Fentanyl Poisonings Pushed Teen Overdose Rates To Record High In 2022
The fentanyl overdoses came from counterfeit pills, a new study based on CDC data says. Meanwhile, rapper Jelly Roll spoke in front of Congress to tackle the deadly spread of fentanyl across the country. Also in the news: A landmark study finds prescribed opioids can reduce deaths and overdoses.
Hormone-Disrupting Plastic Chemicals Cost US Billions Annually
In 2018 alone, the tally reached $249 billion, a new study found. The endocrine-disrupting chemicals from plastics are linked with illnesses that drive up health care costs, CNN explains. Also in the news: the role “high touch” surfaces like bed rails have in spreading pathogens in hospitals.
In Philly Measles Outbreak, A Child Was Sent To Day Care, Breaking Quarantine
NBC News says that during the outbreak, which has affected at least eight people, an unvaccinated child who had been exposed to measles was then was sent to day care, despite quarantine instructions. Measles in a children’s hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, is also in the news.
Senate Preps For Stopgap Funding Measure While House At Impasse
Lawmakers are now in recess for the holiday weekend, while the clock ticks down on a first deadline before a partial government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson continues to try to navigate between the demands of hard-right Republicans and the rest of his caucus.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: First Edition will not be published Monday, Jan. 15. Look for us in your inbox Tuesday.
FDA Says French Syphilis Drug Can Be Imported To Tackle Shortages
In June, Pfizer warned it would run out of its Bicillin L-A drug in the face of high demand, so the FDA has now temporarily allowed import of a drug from France’s Laboratoires Delbert. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, authorities seized a poisonous solvent that was used in cough syrup.
Spotlight Falls On US Diet Panel Member’s Ties To Alcohol Industry
The New York Times says the national organization charged with assembling a committee to examine evidence about drinking and health has chosen a new panelist who has financial ties to the alcohol industry shortly after it dropped two scientists with financial interest conflicts.
Study Found 60% Of Doctors On DSM-5 Panel Received Industry Payments
The payments totaled over $14 million, the study found, and raise questions about the editorial independence of the psychiatric “bible.” A separate study looked into ADHD treatment during the pandemic and concluded that prescriptions for adults surged, helping to fuel drug shortages.
Your High Rent May Be Hurting Your Health, Shortening Your Life: Report
A recent study linked paying a higher proportion of income on rent with poorer health experiences and a greater risk of premature death. Meanwhile, other researchers found Black Americans are facing higher stroke risks at a younger age than white patients, although overall stroke rates fell.
Reflecting Growing Demand For Care, Gender Dysphoria Cases Are Rising
Nearly every state saw a rise in gender dysphoria diagnoses between 2018 and 2022, a new report shows, with only South Dakota showing a fall. The report suggests increases are due to trans and gender issues being “more accepted by society.” In Ohio, the House voted to restrict gender care for minors.
Editorial writers discuss private equity firms, transgender health care, botox and more.
Research Roundup: Neurodegenerative Diseases; Covid; Mpox; More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Record-Breaking 20 Million Sign Up For 2024 Obamacare Plan
With the Jan. 17 open enrollment deadline approaching, CMS announced Wednesday that over 20 million people have signed up so far for an Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance plan. That number surpasses last year’s record tally of 16 million.
Anti-Hunger Programs For Kids May Lose Out In Spending Negotiations
While demand for WIC increases, Congress appears poised to not add any money to federal spending as negotiations to avert a shutdown continue. The Agriculture Department warns that could leave many mothers and kids without food assistance. In related news, find out if your state opted in or out of a new federal program to help feed children over the summer.
Austin’s Secret Cancer Battle Seen As Missed Chance To Spread Awareness
The Defense Department chief had an opportunity to educate both his troops and other men about the risks of prostate cancer, which affects 1 in every 6 Black men during their lifetime. There are many reasons why people keep their diagnoses secret, and it’s hardly new among public officials.
‘Not Acceptable’: WHO Reports Almost 10,000 Died From Covid In December
The WHO also notes that hospital admissions in almost 50 countries jumped 42% in December, mostly in Europe and the Americas. Inside the U.S., ABC News reports on the last week of complete CDC data, showing 1,614 covid deaths during the week ending Dec. 9.
Maine Democrats To Push For Abortion-Rights Protections In Constitution
Maine Senate Democrats announced that the Judiciary Committee would hold a public hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment this month. And in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, used his State of the State address to condemn attacks on abortion rights.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.