Latest KFF Health News Stories
Death Rates Dipping For Some Of The Most Common Cancers
A new report finds the biggest improvements among the rate of people dying from lung cancer and melanoma. But death rates against major cancers, like colorectal or breast, are either flat or higher.
Gates Foundation’s Future Hammered Out, With Health Charity Work At Stake
As part of their divorce negotiations, Bill and Melinda French Gates agree to continue jointly running their foundation for the next two years. If that arrangement is unsuccessful, he can buy her out after that period.
Texas Republicans Push Back At Biden’s Vaccine Push
Texas’ Attorney General Ken Paxton said “not on my watch!” in reaction to President Joe Biden’s plan to go door to door to promote covid shots. News outlets from different states investigate reasons for vaccine hesitancy, including politics and concerns of side effects.
Lingering Covid Effects Show Up In Fitbit, Apple Watch Data
Data from wearable health tech devices seem to show that long-term effects from a covid infection include an elevated heart rate that persists for weeks or months. Other reports note that low testosterone in men is linked to a severe covid infection.
Covid May Have Killed More Prisoners Than Officially Counted
The New York Times reports on questions over the death toll from the prison system since some prisoners were released before they died of covid. A report from here at KHN notes that while many inmates are vaccinated, their guards are likely not.
Millions At Risk In Unvaccinated Clusters Spanning 8 States: Report
A new report identifies undervaccinated pockets in the Midwest and Southwest that leave local residents unprotected from the delta variant and threaten progress nationwide. Meanwhile, a federal surge team arrives in Missouri, which currently ranks 40th among 50 states in vaccination rates. Elsewhere, new cases are also on the rise in Arkansas, Utah, Iowa, Texas and Colorado.
Dominant Delta, Other Variants Prompt Testing Debate For Breakthrough Cases
Public health experts are weighing any policy changes in light of the uptick in U.S. covid cases in almost half the states.
Covid Claims 4 Million People. And The Death Toll Is Mounting
The World Health Organization warns nations against reopening too soon, as the global death tally surpasses a heartbreaking 4 million humans. In the U.S., it’s estimated that an additional 250,000 lives would’ve been lost by now if it weren’t for vaccinations.
Olympics To Happen Under Covid State Of Emergency, Likely Without Fans
Japan declared a new pandemic state of emergency, which will last though the Olympics. The move means it’s likely that no fans will be permitted at events. Separate reports say Japan is battling to remove vaccine bottlenecks that are slowing rollout efforts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle nursing burnout, mental health and drug prices.
Viewpoints: Should Biden Mandate Vaccination?; Disability Programs Prepare For Covid Long Haulers
Opinion writers consider these covid and vaccine issues.
Perspectives: The Pros, Cons Of Walmart’s Insulin
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
UK’s Unlocking Plan Causes Worries Of Long Covid Surge In Young
The decision by the U.K. government to almost fully unlock on July 19 is stirring fears about its consequences, including a potential surge in long covid among unvaccinated youth. Europe’s vaccine passport, Mexico and South Africa are also in the news.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
California To Compensate Victims Of Forced Sterilizations
Reparations of up to $25,000 each will go to thousands of people forced or coerced into sterilizations by state officials decades ago. Separately, Milwaukee was awarded a $4 million grant to help reduce racial disparities exposed during the pandemic.
More Surgeries Postponed As Donated Blood Supply Is ‘Dangerously’ Low
Meanwhile, Stat reports on how the organ transplant system “scrambled” to keep donated organs getting to people who needed them during the pandemic. Another report covers a rare heart-lung transplant in a young man in Wisconsin.
Menthol Cigarettes Linked To Greater Difficulty In Quitting Smoking
A new study finds that people who smoke menthol cigarettes are less likely to have success when it comes to quitting the habit. A separate report notes Americans drank a lot more alcohol during the pandemic.
Uninsured People Often Charged The Most By Hospitals, Data Show
The Wall Street Journal reports an investigation into hospital pricing and the uninsured. Reports from Atlanta show that language barriers are linked to low access to health care. Separately, HIV prevention clinics are worried about Gilead reimbursement cuts.
Sugary Drinks May Increase Risk Of Colon Cancer, Study Finds
In the new study, researchers found a 16% increase in risk for each 8-ounce serving of sugary drink added per day. In ages 13 to 18, each serving was linked to a 32% increased risk of eventually developing colorectal cancer before age 50.
