Latest KFF Health News Stories
Toxins In Tennessee Fish Prompt Safety Alerts For At-Risk Groups
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation reported tests in reservoirs revealed high levels of some toxins like mercury, so some people are advised not to eat fish caught there. Meanwhile, in California, a bacterial outbreak at two hatcheries led to mass fish euthanizations.
Lawsuit Claims Facebook Is Gaining Access To Some Patients’ Health Data
The data transfer is said to occur when patients access web portals for some providers, potentially violating federal and state laws. An investigation by The Markup found at least 33 top U.S. hospitals send sensitive data to Facebook via a tracking pixel. Medical debt issues are also in the news.
‘Father Of The HMO’ Dies At 95; Idea Didn’t Turn Out Like He Envisioned
As The New York Times noted in his obituary, Dr. Paul Ellwood Jr. gave up practicing pediatric neurology in the late 1960s to devote himself to national health reform. But as health maintenance organizations became hugely profitable, Ellwood repeatedly voiced disappointment with the way his original ideas had worked out in practice.
Once-Predictable Pattern Of Infections, Surge Of Deaths Appears To Be Shifting
The two occurrences used to be intricately linked. But now, because so many Americans have been vaccinated, infected with covid, or both, the number of people whose immune systems are unprepared for the virus has dwindled, The New York Times says.
Iowa Supreme Court Says Abortion Rights Not Constitutionally Guaranteed
The decision, which allows a 24-hour waiting period for abortion to go into effect, is a shift for the court. In 2018, it ruled that the state constitution protected abortion rights. But the makeup of the court has changed since then. News outlets also look at efforts to teach abortion procedures to medical students, the effect that abortion restrictions may have on maternal health and more.
WHO Stresses A ‘Unified’ Global Monkeypox Strategy Needed
The World Health Organization is changing how it reports case numbers, no longer distinguishing between endemic and non-endemic nations. Other news reports on the viral science and more U.S. infections.
Medicare Could Save Billions Through Mark Cuban’s Generics Pharmacy
Harvard Medical School researchers estimate that in 2020 alone, Medicare could have spent $3.6 billion less on generic acid-reflux, cancer and other drugs if purchased through Cost Plus Drug Company, a new online pharmacy backed by Mark Cuban. The analysis finds that other insurers could also benefit from the business model.
Long Wait Over: Nearly All Kids Can Now Get A Covid Vaccine
Following FDA and CDC approval over the weekend, covid shots started going in the arms of kids over 6 months old Monday. But a majority of parents may not be in a rush to do so: an April survey found only 18% would immediately vaccinate their child.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Heat Waves Harm Health; Small Steps Needed To Improve Refugee Health Care
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
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 autism, weight-loss drugs, genital cutting, Lizzo, mastectomy, and more.
Reversing A 5-Week Decline, Covid Deaths Rise Globally: WHO
In its most recent pandemic update, the World Health Organization said deaths are rising again after a long period where they’ve been declining. And the World Trade Organization approves a covid vaccine patent waiver with the aim of boosting production of shots in poorer nations.
Backlash Grows Over Va. Official Who Says Racism Isn’t A Public Health Crisis
Black state lawmakers are “nothing short of outraged” after state health commissioner Colin Greene told The Washington Post that invoking racism alienates white people. Other state news is from Ohio, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Alaska, and Missouri.
Study: US Life Expectancy Up Slightly, But Not If You Are Native American
A study of U.S. life expectancy over the two decades before covid showed the only groups not to see a rise in life expectancy are Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Child hepatitis cases, a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and dementia, dangerous heat, and more are also reported.
Iowa Supreme Court To Rule On Waiting Periods For Abortions
An appeal from the state seeks to overturn a lower court’s decision blocking a 2020 law imposing a 24-hour waiting period. Other state abortion and Supreme Court news is also reported.
Roche Alzheimer’s Drug Fails Long-Running Trial
A study of the drug crenezumab showed it failed to prevent the advance of Alzheimer’s among a community in Colombia with a severe genetic risk of developing the disease. Other pharmaceutical news includes illegal drug rebate schemes, Walgreens and diversity in drug trials, and more.
Postpartum Health Care Coverage For Lower-Income Women Expands
The money for the expanded federal program, announced by Vice President Kamala Harris, comes from the $1.9 trillion stimulus fund. Employee costs for health insurance screening, Medicare data problems, a HHS health IT task force, and more are also in the health industry news.
Covid Shot Hesitancy Spills Over To Flu Vaccine Program: Study
Research reported in CIDRAP shows that worries over covid vaccines are negatively impacting the adult flu vaccination effort. Separate research shows covid hits children ages 5 and younger harder than influenza does.
CDC Updates Monkeypox Symptom Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detailed how the disease is presenting based on newly reported cases. The New York Post says the CDC has also released “bizarre” sex tips to try to reduce exposure risks. Meanwhile, more cases are reported across the states.
How Well Did Your State Handle Covid? Rankings List Best To Worst
Using criteria like vaccination and death rates as well as hospitalization stats, the Commonwealth Fund ranked Hawaii and Maine as the states that performed the best during the pandemic, while Oklahoma, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia were at the bottom of the list.
