Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on joint replacement, aging, long covid, and more.
New Study Adds To Data Linking Parkinson’s Disease To Gut Issues
The study found people with upper gastrointestinal conditions were much more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease later in life. A separate study found that nearly 1 in 5 cases of dementia may be linked to impaired vision — meaning better eye health could lower diagnosis rates.
HPV Test Kits Based On Self-Sampling Shipping To Doctors’ Offices
Becton, Dickinson and Company’s tests, which were approved in May by the FDA for patients’ use in clinical settings, offer an alternative to traditional pelvic exams.
Whistleblower Reveals Startling Cash Bribery Allegations About Steward CEO
CBS News reports on allegations Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre bragged he could sway foreign officials over hospital contracts with “bags” of cash. Among other health industry news: a physician is sentenced for her role in the Jan. 6 riot; electric air taxis for rural health care; and more.
Teen Asked For Mental Health Help Before Ga. Shooting, Aunt Says
“The adults around him failed him,” said Annie Brown, whose nephew, Colt Gray, 14, is accused of gunning down four people at Apalachee High School. In a historic legal move, Gray’s father, Colin Gray, was charged Thursday with two counts of second-degree murder and four counts of involuntary manslaughter after authorities said he knowingly allowed his son to have a weapon.
Independent Pharmacies Warn Of Delays In New Covid Vaccine Shipments
NBC News says that even as major pharmacy chains are rolling out the new shots, independent outlets are facing issues getting their shipments, which could mean longer waiting times. Arthritis medications and covid lung damage, mpox vaccines in Congo, and more are also in the news.
Massachusetts Raises Risk Levels For Mosquito-Borne Diseases
More cases of West Nile Virus and a third infection of Eastern equine encephalitis — and more mosquitoes testing positive for the virus — have prompted officials to raise the warning.
Alaska Law Stipulating Only Doctors Can Perform Abortions Is Struck Down
In the ruling, the judge notes nurse practitioners and physician assistants are just as capable at providing time-sensitive care as licensed doctors in the largely rural state. Separately, lawmakers would like the FDA to focus on tampon safety after toxic metals were discovered in several brands.
Fewer Kids Are Puffing On Vapes, But More Have Turned To Nicotine Pouches
As U.S. officials celebrate slight progress in steering children clear of tobacco products, Australian researchers say they’ve found a link between vaping and mental health issues.
First Edition: Friday, Sept. 6, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Allergies; PFAS; Wetland Virus; Migraines
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Watch Out For Mosquitoes Carrying EEE; Vaccine Against Fentanyl Offers Hope
Editorial writers discuss these public health issues.
Emergency Responders Burning Out Across The US As Climate Changes
Hundreds of thousands of emergency responders have more challenges such as burnout, PTSD, and budgetary issues, Stateline reports. Among other news: Proposition 36 in California; a Juul payout; bilingual Spanish health care; more.
Fentanyl Vaccine Set For Clinical Trials Starting In Mid-2025
The vaccine, which would prevent the opioid from entering the brain, has seen success in animal studies. Meanwhile, methadone treatments, touted as a key to ending the fentanyl epidemic, remain controversial as clinics push back on politicians’ hopes.
Post-Bankruptcy Rite Aid Will Function As A Private Company
During Rite Aid’s bankruptcy, hundreds of stores were closed and its pharmacy benefit company Elixir was sold. Now that it has restructured, the pharmacy chain will be private with a smaller retail footprint. In other news: DEA allows Vyvanse production to increase to tackle ADHD drug shortages.
Steward Health Care CEO Won’t Answer Senate Subpoena
Ralph de la Torre has been subpoenaed by a Senate committee to answer questions over the failed hospital chain but is refusing to appear, and instead is asking to wait until Steward’s bankruptcy proceedings are finalized. Steward, meanwhile, is selling six Massachusetts hospitals at a loss.
States With Restrictive Abortion Bans Offer Least Help To Most Vulnerable
Low-income families who can’t access abortions do not have the support network they need after a child is born, a study reveals. In other news, the Ohio Supreme Court has blocked a pair of laws that restrict the use of abortion medications.
Months Before Election, We Don’t Have A Clue About Candidates’ Health
Neither Democratic nominee Kamala Harris nor Republican nominee Donald Trump has released medical records that would assure voters they are healthy enough to effectively serve as president.
Animals Farmed For Fur In China Test Positive For Myriad Concerning Viruses
Of the 125 viruses found in 461 diseased animals, 39 had a higher potential of infecting other species, researchers found. Meanwhile, a new MRNA-based vaccine to combat mpox might be coming soon.
Controversial Study Suggests Vaccines Don’t Lower Long Covid Risk
A new study from the Mayo Clinic says that long covid rates are similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, running against conventional wisdom. Critics say the study may be skewed by its sample size. Separately, wearable fitness trackers show promise in spotting covid infections early.
