Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Warns Of Risks From Shellfish Poisoning, Mushroom Chocolate Bars
Shellfish from Oregon and Washington state may be contaminated with toxins that can cause paralytic poisoning, with at least 31 people in Oregon sickened so far. Meanwhile, Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars have sickened at least eight people.
Suicides Increase In US, With Guns Being Used Majority Of The Time
Moreover, gun suicides have consistently outpaced gun homicides, data show. The New York Times takes a closer look at Montana, a state struggling with the highest suicide rate in the nation.
With Key Lawmakers On Board, Senate Poised To Block Nursing Home Staffing Rule
Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Joe Manchin (I-W. Va.) are sponsoring a bill, that all Republicans are expected to support, to override President Joe Biden’s minimum staffing mandate for nursing homes. Biden has the votes to uphold a veto of the resolution.
Advisory Panel Recommends That FDA Approve Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s Drug
FDA advisers voted unanimously Monday to back donanemab after reviewing data showing its effectiveness at slowing mild dementia. If cleared by the agency, Eli Lilly’s treatment would only be the second Alzheimer’s drug approved in the U.S.
Side Effect Of Flavored Vape Bans: Unintended Increase In Teen Smoking
Also in tobacco-related news: The Justice Department and FDA announce a new law enforcement unit aimed at tackling illegal e-cigarettes, with a particular focus on the impact the devices have on kids and adolescents.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
New York Moves To Import Cheaper Canadian Drugs In Bulk
The move follows a similar policy in Florida to try to tackle high drug prices. Also in the news: Bird flu variant that infected Texas dairy worker found lethal to ferrets in experiments; layoffs at Oregon Health and Science University; and more.
Kroger Health To Offer GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs At In-Store Clinics
In other industry news: providers push for expanded billing codes for remote patient monitoring; rural pharmacies finding it hard to stay open; the rise of unregulated home testing; CityMD will pay $12 million to Justice Department over alleged covid payments violations; and more.
Alzheimer’s Can Be Slowed By Healthy Diet, Exercise: Study
Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease patients in a group who made intensive lifestyle changes saw their dementia symptoms stabilize, a study found. Meanwhile, other researchers found higher rates of drug-resistant organisms in areas with more economic deprivation.
Verbal And Physical Aggression Is Recurrent In Long-Term Care Homes
Resident-against-resident incidents that could be classified as abuse in individual homes – verbal aggression and physical events that can even be violent – can affect large numbers of people living in elder-care group settings.
Uninsured Rates Among Minorities Took A Nosedive Under The ACA
Research out from the Department of Health and Human Services Friday points toward an impact of the Affordable Care Act on minority groups in the U.S: There was an increase in the number of those with health insurance between 2010 and 2022. In other news, Former President Donald Trump tries to take credit for insulin pricing.
Editorial writers discuss reproductive rights, Alzheimer’s, childhood diseases, and more.
United To Take Down Roe V. Wade, Conservatives Now Find Themselves At Odds
Defeats at the ballot box have prompted Republican lawmakers to consider what comes next in the abortion debate and how far they’re willing to go. Meanwhile, Democrats seize on the public backlash in hopes of boosting President Joe Biden’s chances in battleground states.
With Info Gleaned From MDMA Vote, Developers Press On With Psychedelics
Enthusiasm has not diminished among researchers, biotech executives and investors to find a new treatment for patients with mental health disorders—though some say it’s time to look elsewhere. Also, Stat examines Lykos’ journey to the thumbs-down FDA panel vote.
As Climate Change Hits Health, Debate Deepens On How Many People It Kills
NPR reports on the question of how many people climate change is killing: It depends on who you ask and how they’re counting. Separately, as utilities cut power to limit wildfires, the power outages are hitting nursing homes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Ideas For Combating Medical Misinformation; Congress Must Act On Substance-Use Disorder
Editorial writers discuss these issues and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on artificial intelligence, IVF, outdoor therapy, the Sonoran Desert toad, plague, and more.
Texas Officials Reject Insurers’ Pleas Against Medicaid Shakeup
A plan that will shake up coverage for 1.8 million low-income Texans was resisted by several major insurers, but officials rejected their attempts. Also in the news: New Hampshire moves toward legalizing marijuana.
Your Sugar-Free Xylitol Gum? It Might Increase Heart Attack, Stroke Risk
A study links the popular sugar substitute, an alternative for people who are diabetic or trying to lose weight, to an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Separately, a new drug combination is being tested as a post-stroke therapy.