Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Why Is Everyone Sick?; Violence Against Medical Workers Is A Growing Problem
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Different Takes: Do We Finally Know The Origin Of Covid-19?; Here’s How The Lab Leak Theory Spread
Opinion writers examine the latest on covid.
Ohio Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Labels Them ‘Modern Gangsters’
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who accused PBMs of illegally driving up drug costs, said: “Insulin is just a symptom of the problem; PBMs are the disease.” Meanwhile, a New York family struggling to pay for a child’s insulin pump is the focus of a USA Today piece about diabetes care costs.
Study Shows Heart Health Benefits Of Losing Weight, Even With Regains
A fresh study shows that losing weight may help long-term heart health, even if some of the weight is gained back. A separate study links being an early bird sleep apnea sufferer with longer CPAP use. Other research demonstrates that high rent prices negatively impact renters’ mental health.
Indiana, Idaho Legislatures Pass Bans On Transgender Health Care For Youth
AP notes Idaho’s measures would bar medical professionals from prescribing hormones or puberty blockers to transgender or transitioning minors or those with gender dysphoria. A similar measure is under consideration in Texas, as well.
Juul Trial Begins: E-Cigarette Maker Accused Of Marketing To Minors
Minnesota sued Juul in 2019, AP notes, but it’s now seeking to force the e-cigarette maker and its former largest investor, Altria Group Inc., to pay for remedies for harms caused by addiction. Cholesterol drugs, breast cancer drugs, and more are also in the news.
Kansas High Court Affirms Abortion Access Still ‘Fundamental Right’
AP says that despite legislative efforts in the state to restrict abortion rights, Kansas’ highest court said that it remains a right under the state constitution. Separately, a case trying to overturn Georgia’s six-week abortion ban is in the state’s Supreme Court this week.
Covid Virus Can Alter Genomic Structure Of Cells, Study Finds
Researchers say the discovery could help explain the symptoms people infected with the virus experience, as well as some of the mysteries around long covid.
North Carolina Becomes 40th State To Expand Medicaid
After years of division in North Carolina over the expansion issue, Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, signed the bill Monday recently passed by the Republican-controlled legislature. The new law is expected to qualify an additional 600,000 residents for Medicaid, though it’s unclear when enrollment will begin due to a budget proviso.
GOP Dismisses More Gun Control Amid Anguish Of Another School Shooting
Senate Republicans have already “cast doubt” on hopes for tighter gun-control laws after a shooter killed six people Monday at a private Christian elementary school in Nashville. “I would say we’ve gone about as far as we can go,” said Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, again pressed Congress for an assault weapons ban.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
That Store Receipt Might Contain Toxic Chemicals
CBS News reports that about 80% of receipts from 144 major stores across the states contained bisphenols. Another report says chemicals in vehicle exhaust and common products may be causing eczema. Also, a chemical spill that potentially hit Philadelphia’s water supply is being monitored.
FDA Proposes Salt Substitutes In Food To Lower Americans’ Intake
To meet its goal of tackling sodium intake, the Food and Drug Administration has now suggested allowing salt substitutes in everyday foods including cheese, frozen peas, and canned tuna. Separately, researchers say early Alzheimer’s could be diagnosed via an eye test.
Drug Shortage Prompts Idaho To Allow Executions By Firing Squad
The method will be allowed only if lethal injection drugs aren’t available. As AP explains, pharmaceutical companies increasingly have barred executioners from using their drugs, saying they were meant to save lives. Also in the news: Fines for L.A. Care; California’s plan for cheap insulin; Medicaid for housing; and more.
Bayer Shifts Drug Research Away From Women’s Health
Reuters reports women’s health has been a “traditional pillar” of the drugmaker, Germany’s largest, but now in statement it says it will focus on oncology, cardiovascular, neurology, and rare diseases. Also: the FDA’s approval process for cancer drugs, insulin costs and more.
Lawsuit: University Of Louisville Health Shared Patient Data With Facebook
The Courier-Journal says the lawsuit, from a mother of a pediatric psychiatric patient, could become a class action. Separately, reports say Northern Light is ending some eye surgeries in Bangor Hospital, a lack of Cantonese services creates health care obstacles in S.F., and more.
Data Show Wealth, Education Linked To Better Covid Outcomes
Other research shows that covid “exploited” political divisions, along with racial and health disparities among Americans, with a fourfold difference in covid deaths across the states. States with higher poverty and lower education levels experienced the worst outcomes.
US And Mexico Talk Tactics To Stem Flow Of Fentanyl Across Border
NBC News reports that the two nations are close to a deal that would prompt the Mexican government to crack down on the production and smuggling of fentanyl into the U.S., while the Biden administration would work to better control guns being sent to Mexico.
Bishops Issue 14-Page Doctrine Against Transgender Care In Catholic Hospitals
There are more than 600 Catholic hospitals in the United States, and in many communities, they are the only option. In other news, Kentucky’s Democratic governor vetoed a sweeping anti-transgender bill on Friday, saying, “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God, and Senate Bill 150 will endanger the children of Kentucky.”
