Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Study Shows Child Visits To The ER For Swallowing Magnets Are Up 400%
HealthDay: Kids' ER Visits For Swallowed Magnets Soars
Calls to U.S. poison centers about incidents involving children and high-powered magnets surged more than 400% after a court overturned a ban on the magnets, a new study finds. "Regulations on these products were effective, and the dramatic increase in the number of high-powered magnet related injuries since the ban was lifted - even compared to pre-ban numbers - is alarming," said Dr. Leah Middelberg. She's lead author of the study and emergency medicine physician at Nationwide Children's Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. (Preidt, 3/18)
CNN: Melatonin For Children: Experts Say To Use Caution
Melatonin is a popular over-the-counter sleeping aid, touted as a natural way for adults to fall asleep and used by millions around the world. So why wouldn't it be good for children, too? "There is a view that if it's natural, then it can't hurt," said Rebecca Robbins, an associate scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, who studies sleep. "The truth is, we just really don't know the implications of melatonin in the longer term, for adults or kids," she said. (LaMotte, 3/22)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Study: 94% Of Older Adults Prescribed Drugs That Raise Risk Of Falling
If your parents or grandparents take antidepressants, high blood pressure medication, or tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax, you might want to keep an eye on them. A new study from the University of Buffalo shows nearly every older adult was prescribed medication that increased their risk of falling in 2017. In 1999, the researchers found, 57% of adults age 65 and older were prescribed drugs that might cause them to lose their balance. In 2017, however, that percentage leaped to 94%. (Clanton, 3/18)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Key To Lowering Blood Pressure Could Be In Your Tea, Research Shows
Next to water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, and in the U.S., the drink can be found in nearly 80% of households, according to the Tea Association of the USA. Now, research has shown that consuming the beverage could have blood pressure-lowering benefits. Since, high blood pressure, also called hypertension, puts people at risk for developing heart disease and stroke — two leading causes of death in the U.S. — the news of tea’s antihypertensive properties could lead to developing new blood pressure-lowering medications. (Willis, 3/18)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: More Body Fat May Better Protect Women From Heart Disease Death
Amid regular chatter about burning body fat, good news has emerged about the potential benefits of having it. New research shows that higher rates of body fat in women may offer more protection against dying from heart disease. The findings come from a recent UCLA study where researchers analyzed data from two studies. One set of data was focused on body composition and came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. Another data set came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2014 and focused on cardiovascular disease. (Willis, 3/19)
In other public health news —
Bloomberg: Cruising Plans Its Official Comeback For June
On the heels of Crystal Cruises’ announcement this week that it would circumvent the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by launching Bahamas-only trips this summer, two further lines will open itineraries in the Caribbean as soon as June. The latest announcements came from Royal Caribbean International, which will sail a ship from Nassau, the Bahamas, to Cozumel, Mexico, and sister line Celebrity Cruises, which will explore southern Caribbean itineraries from Sint Maarten. Additional cruise lines are expected to follow with similar announcements in the coming days and weeks. (Golden, 3/21)
CNBC: Returning To Pre-Pandemic Life: Tips To Cope With Fear, Anxiety
People around the world have anticipated the moment when life can return to “pre-pandemic normal.” But as that reality seems within sight, many are now feeling increased anxiety about getting back into life. A recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that 49% of adults reported feeling uncomfortable about returning to in-person interactions when the pandemic ends. Even 48% of who have received the Covid vaccine report feeling the same way. (Stieg, 3/21)
