Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
GLP-1 Drugs Linked With Lower Risk Of Suicidal Thoughts Among Juveniles
Researchers found that 1.4% of adolescents on weight loss medications had a suicide attempt or ideation, compared with 2.3% of children who weren’t taking the medicines. Separately, anxiety is found to be more likely in firstborn and only children.
Experts May Have Found A ‘Smoking Gun’ Underlying Long Covid
The Boston Globe reports on findings from researchers at Mass General Brigham who examined “reservoirs” of the covid virus that hide inside people after their acute infections have ended. Also in the news: the KP.3.1.1 variant, more dengue cases in Los Angeles County, an enoki mushroom recall, and more.
Walgreens Has A Prescription For Its Struggling Drug Store Chain
The retailer joins CVS and Rite-Aid in closing stores and making other changes as it shores up its business model after a shift in customer habits.
Epic’s AI Early-Warning Health Tool Found Lacking: Yale Study
In a study published Tuesday, researchers found that AI algorithms used to predict the decline of patients are largely untested and don’t always perform as well as expected. Included in this study was Epic Systems’ algorithm, used widely during the covid pandemic, which did not fare well.
The latest story in Stat’s investigation of UnitedHealth’s influence looks at the company’s strategy to enlist its doctors to pile moneymaking diagnoses onto patients covered by Medicare Advantage, using incentive tools like $10,000 bonuses and a doctor leaderboard. Other Medicare news is on low-cost drugs, value-based care, and more.
Court Appears Open To Fired Trucker Who Sued Over THC-Tainted Product
The driver claims Medical Marijuana Inc. injured his “business or property” under federal racketeering laws when it shipped the product to him, after he was assured it had none of the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Justices will hear arguments about VA disability claims today.
Senators from Pennsylvania and Texas jabbed and dodged their way through debates Tuesday. Plus: Why a district race in Tennessee could play a pivotal role for Democrats in the November election.
Biden Invokes Wartime Powers To Speed Rebuilding Of IV Fluid Factory
The North Carolina factory, run by medical supplier Baxter, was badly damaged during Helene. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. IV supplies had relied on the plant’s production. Separately, the Pentagon is changing the discharge records for 820 veterans who had been dismissed from the military for their sexual orientation.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
20% Of US Adults Say They Feel Lonely On A Daily Basis
The Gallup survey did not ask respondents why they were feeling that way. It’s the highest rate over the past two years but lower than the 25% peak during the pandemic years. Also: facing dementia alone, addressing gambling addiction in Massachusetts, co-responder programs in Colorado, and more.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Kids’ Lead Poisoning Rates 2 to 3 Times Worse In Cleveland Than In Flint, Mich.
A study showing elevated lead poisoning rates, shared Monday in Cleveland’s lead poisoning hearing, caused municipal leaders to call for a revision of City Hall’s landmark 2019 lead-safe law. Meanwhile in Missouri, lawmakers plan to study and regulate the effect of nuclear weapons production in the St. Louis area.
Naloxone Access Likely Helping Decline In Opioid Overdose Deaths: Study
A study finds that the increased administration of naloxone by non-medical bystanders could be contributing to the 2023 decline in opioid overdose deaths. News outlets look at how that trend is playing out in Western states.
Helene-Hampered Baxter Begins Bringing In IV Solutions From Abroad
The medical supply company is leaning on its plants in Canada, China, Ireland, and the U.K. to shore up reserves hurt by flooding of its North Carolina plant.
Former CEO Of Chicago Hospital Charged In $15M Embezzlement Scam
Several others, including Loretto Hospital’s CFO, also have been charged in the scheme in which the administrators are accused of directing contracts to a particular businessman’s companies and accepting bribes to do so. More industry news is about layoffs and health system financial woes.
Odds Of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Is Greater In Kids Who Catch Covid
The risk of being diagnosed with the metabolic disorder was even more pronounced among children who were hospitalized with an infection, a study has found. More covid-related news examines why young ones are largely spared severe infection and how cancer diagnoses might have been missed.
California Tests 5 More People For Bird Flu Amid Outbreak
In other news, whooping cough is on the rise nationwide, with more than 5 times as many cases so far this year compared with the same time frame last year. Also, 10 million pounds of meat are recalled due to listeria concerns, and scientists prove our sense of smell is not the “slow sense” once thought.
Health Systems Face New Challenges In The Wake Of Hurricane Milton
Hospitals have been tested this month after back-to-back hurricanes, causing them to reevaluate what it means to be prepared. Meanwhile, water shortages and sewage leaks raise fears of potential spikes in illnesses and disease, and lead to some health services being cut.
Trump Says National Abortion Ban Is ‘Off The Table’ For Now
Meanwhile, Florida’s Office of Election Crimes and Security says it has found “fraudulent petitions” used to get abortion measure on the ballot. Also, the American Hospital Association urges a federal appeals court to allow exceptions to the Idaho abortion ban to save women’s lives.
