Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on tattoos, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), monkeypox, CTE, yoga, the science of love, and more.
Los Angeles Schools To Get Naloxone To Combat Overdoses
The move comes after what the L.A. Times calls a “string” of teen overdoses linked to the nationwide opioid crisis and illegal fentanyl. In Nevada, a free discount card for prescription drugs is launched, and in Oregon, a judge ruled against a county’s ban on flavored tobacco.
Most States Try To Limit Opioid Treatment Access, Despite Low Uptake
Though federal data show most people needing opioid disorder treatment don’t get it, Side Effects Public Media reports nearly every state has laws limiting access to the programs. In other news, Black and Hispanic kids suffer more from asthma; the dangers of reusable contact lenses; and more.
NIH Reveals Extra $600 Million Funding To Unravel Brain’s Mysteries
The fresh funding adds to the National Institutes of Health’s existing $2.4 billion investment and will go to scientists across the country who are working to better understand the brain and to devise new ways to treat the brain with therapeutics. Also: falling cancer deaths, research into intelligence, and more.
University Of Michigan, 6,000 Nurses Reach Deal To Avert Work Stoppage
The groups had been bargaining since March 15, and the contract expired June 30, Crain’s Detroit Business reported. Also in the news: Humana, Mass General Brigham, Northwell Health, IU Health, St. Vincent Healthcare, and more.
Inflation Drives Drug Prices To Fall In Real Terms
Data reported in Stat show that brand-name drugmakers lifted wholesale prices 4.9% in 2022’s second quarter, but when inflation is included in calculations, prices effectively fell 3.7%. Meanwhile, Axios says Republicans are calling for the repeal of the new drug price limiting law.
States Can’t Punish VA Doctors For Providing Abortions, Biden Admin Says
Meanwhile, an unidentified VA medical center recently performed its first abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The VA did not previously provide abortion services, NBC News reported. In other news, Indiana has temporarily restarted providing abortions.
Study Finds Link Between Covid And Long-Term Brain Injury Risks
Reuters reports the results of a new year-long study into brain health after a covid infection, finding increased risk of a host of brain injuries compared with people who hadn’t caught covid. Separate studies link covid to lung damage and increased diabetes risk in kids.
It’s Getting Harder To Track New Covid Variants
The World Health Organization, CNBC reports, is finding it hard to identify emerging covid variants, which could endanger the fight against the virus. Meanwhile, AP reports 4.4 million Americans have received the updated booster shots designed to target omicron covid.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Formula Shortage Isn’t Over; Male Lawmakers Aren’t Doing Their Jobs As Fathers
Editorial writers discuss the baby formula shortage, abortion, and more.
Research Roundup: Covid; Long Covid; Monkeypox; Antibiotics
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
California’s Office To Fight Gun Violence Will Be First In US
Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the state’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention on Wednesday. In other news from the states, New Mexico expects a Medicaid exodus, Rhode Island approves a health insurance rate increase, and more.
Eating Kale Makes Babies Scowl In Utero, Study Finds
A surprising study reported at NBC News shows how food eaten during pregnancy makes fetuses respond to flavors: carrots lead to smiles, but kale doesn’t. A separate report at USA Today covers a study suggesting that snacking on apples is better for mental health than potato chips.
US Ratifies Treaty To Phase Down Polluting HFC Gas Used In Inhalers
The decision to phase down use of hydrofluorocarbons, found in pharmaceutical inhalers, air conditioners and fridges, came nearly six years after the global climate treaty effort began. Meanwhile the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel covers lead water pipe removal efforts, which may take decades.
FDA Received Over 100 Reports On Side Effects From Delta-8 THC
Reports say that the variant of THC is being sold in places across the U.S. even where pot remains illegal. Concerns are growing about contaminants and worrisome side effects. Separately, marijuana lounges are approved in Las Vegas, and two Georgia companies are approved for medical marijuana.
Investing In Mental Health Saves Lives, Brings Financial Benefits: Lawmakers
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat, and Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican, spoke at a “Cost of Mental Health Inequities” event, held by media outlet The Hill. Other industry news is from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Oregon, Texas, and elsewhere.
Some Medtronic Insulin Pumps Can Be Hacked, FDA Warns
An unsettling report at Reuters centers on certain types of MiniMed pump systems made by Medtronic, which the Food and Drug Administration warned on Tuesday may be vulnerable to cyberattacks, impacting insulin delivery to patients with diabetes.
