Latest KFF Health News Stories
Media outlets report on news from Michigan, District of Columbia, North Carolina, California, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Florida, New York, Louisiana and Iowa.
Editorial pages focus on proposals to stop mass shootings.
Climate Change Raises New Concerns About Large Areas Of World That Could Run Out Of Water
News on the environment looks at the increasing risk of running out of water, a real possibility in 17 countries that use almost all their water, and new evidence that using fans really is OK during extreme heat waves despite warnings to the contrary. Other environmental news comes from California, Georgia and New York.
The duodenoscope cannot be sterilized through the methods most often used on such tools. They have to be hand-scrubbed and run through a dishwasher-like machine, which means they can retain dangerous bacteria. In other public health news: HIV, Alzheimer’s, measles, sleeping aids, medical mysteries, and more.
Along with the opioid guidance, CMS also is directing states to design and implement a program to track and manage the prescribing of antipsychotic medications for children in Medicaid. Other Medicaid news comes out of New York, Louisiana and Kansas, as well.
A proposal to allow all 34,000 jurisdictions to vote on settlement offers is being contested now at the state level. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Cleveland before the federal judge who is overseeing the cases. News on the opioid crisis comes from Minnesota, as well.
Innovative Medicines Canada has in early drafts even urged the country to ban drug exports “unless otherwise permitted by regulation.” The group’s efforts suggest the industry is eager to derail the Trump administration’s plan to allow Americans to import cheaper drugs from their northern neighbor.
President Donald Trump and other lawmakers are boosting the idea of red flag laws, which allow loved ones and law enforcement to take guns away from someone they suspect may hurt themselves or others. Although there’s strong evidence that they reduce suicides, beyond that little research has been done on such protection orders’ effectiveness. Furthermore, psychology experts say a significant number of mass shooters are in their late teens to early 20s, when signs of severe mental illness may not yet be observable.
Following Cries Of ‘Do Something,’ Ohio Governor To Lay Out Proposal On Gun Violence
Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) said anything was on the table but that any changes must be consistent with the Second Amendment and must be able to pass the Republican-dominated legislature — which could be a tall order. Republican state lawmakers previously opposed former Gov. John Kasich’s attempt to pass a red flag law.
California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) is taking further action following the weekend shootings. Newsom also said that leaders must address the fact that most shooters are male while talking about prevention. Meanwhile, data show that California’s new ammo background check legislation blocked more than 100 illegal sales in July. Media outlets look at how gun violence is being addressed across the country in the wake of the attacks.
Media outlets cover the aftermath of the latest two mass shootings, including a warning from federal officials that the incidents could spark others across the country. “The FBI asks the American public to report to law enforcement any suspicious activity that is observed either in person or online,” the agency says.
“The overwhelming majority of people with mental illness are not violent and far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators of violence,” said the American Psychiatric Association. “Rhetoric that argues otherwise will further stigmatize and interfere with people accessing needed treatment.” But what does cause these shooters to lash out? Experts say it isn’t the video games that are also often blamed. There are contributing factors, like a radicalization of ideology, that can prove to be warning signs however.
Congress failed to pass significant reforms following mass shootings in the past, but action following this weekend’s events is especially unlikely considering lawmakers just left Washington, D.C. for a five-week recess. However, President Donald Trump and leading Republicans hint at support for strong background checks and red flag laws.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation after two mass shootings over the weekend, pointing to internet bigotry, white supremacy and mental illness as root causes. “Hate has no place in America. Hatred warps the mind, ravages the heart and devours the soul,” he said. However, the president stopped short of endorsing any sweeping gun control measures, nor did he address charges that his own language and behavior contributes to the culture of racism and violence.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics and others.
Different Takes: Lessons On How To Deal With Domestic Terrorism From White Nationalists
Editorial pages focus on how to bring an end to mass shootings.
The Washington Post looks back at some of the ways state leaders and public health officials reacted during the spread of the measles outbreak this year. “The new normal is getting more nuanced in our communication and better understanding these communities that are vaccine-hesitant,” said Michael Fraser, executive director of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
Media outlets report on news from California, New Hampshire, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Wisconsin, Texas, Seattle, Louisiana and Iowa.
The test, which reveals if amyloid is forming in the brain, can cost $5,000 to $7,000 and isn’t covered by insurance. But don’t rush to judgement, experts warn: amyloid occurs commonly in older people’s brains, yet not everyone with amyloid will develop dementia. Nor does a negative PET scan mean someone won’t develop dementia. Public health news also looks at: racism, binge drinking, trust in science, stylish clothes for disabled teens, heatstroke, sun screen safety, alternative pain management, art therapy, unproven stem cell injections, hospice care, nut allergies and dying well.
