Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Red Meat Consumption Has Health Consequences; Why Are Young People Getting So Sick?
Editorial writers examine red meat consumption, disability in young Americans, abortion and more.
Bags Of Precut Onions Linked To Salmonella Outbreak In 22 States
73 people fell ill, including 15 who were hospitalized, in a salmonella outbreak linked to bagged, precut onions. Consumers who have relevant bags from Gills Onions of Oxnard should not eat or serve them, health officials said. Meanwhile, in San Diego a restaurant is linked to 13 E. coli cases.
Research Roundup: Pneumonia; Vitamin C; Heart Balloons; And More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Since Roe V. Wade Ended, Abortions Have Risen 6% In California
In other news, U.S. senators are exploring a new way to go around Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s military blockade over Pentagon abortion rules.
Advisers Say High-Risk Men Should Get Mpox Shots Even After Outbreak
Government health experts advised the CDC director that gay and bisexual men at high risk for mpox infection should get vaccinated after the current outbreak comes to an end. Among other news, an anti-mask mandate passes in the Senate; Texas’ House approves a ban on covid shot mandates; more.
As Hacks Hit Health Care, Biden Admin Launches New Cybersecurity ‘Toolkit’
The goal of the new toolkit, available at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency website, is to help health care services protect their systems, and it includes both basic cyber hygiene and complex tools. Meanwhile, key Republicans signaled opposition to CMS nursing home staff rules.
Millions More Americans Were Hit By Hunger In 2022 Than 2021
Food insecurity rose across the U.S. in 2022 according to new Department of Agriculture data, with 10.3 million more people living in households hit by hunger than in 2021. The upswing ended a nearly decade-long decrease in reported food insecurity.
Flu Shots May Lower Alzheimer’s Risk; Adult ADHD Tied To Dementia
In surprising news, researchers found regular vaccinations against flu and other infectious diseases may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementias. Separately, new research shows adult ADHD is linked to a higher likelihood of developing dementia.
Speaker Johnson Has Pushed For Medicare, Medicaid Cuts And Defunding Planned Parenthood
News outlets examine the past positions and potential future agenda of newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, on key health issues like Medicare, Medicaid, abortion, SNAP, and others.
Senate Committee Advances NIH Nomination Of Bertagnolli
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday voted 15-6 to advance the nomination of Monica Bertagnolli to head up NIH. In other news from the Hill, Sen. Bernie Sanders’ measure on drug pricing takes a political blow.
Survey: Over Half Of American Adults Struggled With Health Bills This Year
A new Commonwealth Fund survey shows over half of working-age Americans said they’ve struggled to afford health services this year — evidence of the high cost of care, even for the insured. Meanwhile, another poll shows nearly 6 in 10 respondents worry over health care costs in retirement.
At the time of publication, police were still searching for the man, identified from surveillance video as Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine. A police bulletin said Card had been placed in a mental health facility this summer. The number of victims isn’t yet clear, with at least 16 killed in two shootings.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: US Health Insurance Is Broken; EBSA Will Hold Insurance Providers Accountable For Care
Editorial writers tackle health insurance in America as well as dementia villages, spicy food and nursing staffing.
Perspectives: Knock-Off Ozempic Could Be Dangerous; Does Your OTC Decongestant Really Work?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Fetterman Decries School Lunch Resolution Over Gender Discrimination
Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, took issue with a school lunch resolution from Sen. Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, over the notion that school lunch could be denied to a student based on a provider’s religious discrimination over the student’s gender. In other news, “farm to school” food efforts expand.
Potential Breakthroughs For ADHD, Dwarfism, And More
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
HHS Says Nursing Homes Will Get Covid Shots After Delay Complaints
Some nursing homes had complained of struggles to obtain doses of the updated covid vaccines for their residents, with blame aimed at the shift from government distribution to commercial models. The CDC director says that although only 3% of Americans have gotten new shots, the program is on track.
Doctor Trying To Rescind Mifepristone Supports Cancer Therapy That Uses It
Dr. George Delgado is now a member of the scientific advisory board of Res Nova Biologics, which is developing a breast cancer treatment using the abortion drug. Explaining this contradiction, Delgado said, “The effects of the abortion pill in life-saving as opposed to a life-taking scenario is extremely exciting.” Plus: breakthroughs for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and more.
Your Friendly Nurse Likely Experienced More Workplace Harassment Recently
The expectation of an upbeat “bedside manner” from medical staff seems at odds with new findings from the CDC that show workplace harassment of health care workers doubled between 2018 and 2022 — and that harassed workers suffered more anxiety, depression, and burnout.