Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New Weapons In Fight Against Ebola Raise Hope But Face Real-Time Limitations
The New York Times: New Ebola Tactics Raise Hope But May Sow Confusion
Although there is optimism that the Ebola outbreak in central Africa can still be quickly contained, the fight is already becoming more complex, health experts said this week. Novel tactics — a new vaccine already in use, and new antibody or drug treatments that may be deployed — raise hopes that the outbreak will be quickly extinguished. Nonetheless, they may sow confusion because the treatments are unfamiliar to a wary and terrified population. (McNeil, 5/24)
In other public health news —
The New York Times: Is It A Migraine? Many Patients Don’t Realize What Causes Their Suffering
The first of a new class of drugs to prevent migraines was approved last week. The medication, called Aimovig, reduces the frequency of migraines among those severely afflicted, but the drug rarely prevents these episodes altogether. One expert called it “progress but not a panacea.” Migraine is the most disabling neurological disease in the world among people under age 50, beating epilepsy, strokes and chronic back pain. Yet many who have migraines don’t realize it or ever mention their symptoms to a doctor. (Kolata, 5/24)
CNN: Sleep In This Weekend -- You May Live Longer
Your pets may be pestering you to get up and feed them, and your spouse may want you to get started on that honey-do list, but tell them you're sleeping in this weekend. Science says it may help you live longer, especially if you don't get enough rest during the week. Scientists have long known about the connection between how much you sleep and how long you live. Lack of sleep can have dire consequences for your health. It can give you heart problems or hurt your waistline, and it can leave you anxious and depressed. But channeling your inner cat and sleeping too much can be just as bad for your health, studies have found. (Christensen, 5/25)
The Associated Press: St. Jude: $100M For Children With Cancer Global Outreach
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has helped with the treatment of thousands of cancer-stricken children around the world. Striving to reach so many more, the Memphis, Tennessee-based hospital announced a $100 million plan Thursday to expand its global outreach. President and CEO James R. Downing told doctors and media that the St. Jude Global program's goal is ambitious — to influence the care of as much as 30 percent of children with cancer worldwide in the next decade. He said he hopes the investment will improve access and quality of medical care for many children who might otherwise die. (5/24)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Childhood Leukemia Causes And Treatment: Possible Cause Identified
A leading cancer researcher has suggested the likely cause of childhood leukemia, adding that most cases of the condition may be preventable. ...According to his review, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is the most common type of childhood cancer, is likely caused by a combination of genetic mutations developed while babies are still in the womb, plus an infection with an unknown bacterium or virus. (Lemon, 5/24)
