Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Viewpoints: Hair Relaxers Have Hidden Health Dangers; How Do We Ensure AI In Health Care Is Ethical?
Scientific American: Hair Relaxers Will Be Safer Without Formaldehyde, But It's Just A Start
Last year, one study found women who used formaldehyde hair straighteners at least four times a year doubled their risk of developing uterine cancer. Formaldehyde has long-term effects like asthma exacerbation and headaches and other short-term effects like nausea, dizziness and respiratory problems. More than 150 chemical hair-straightening products, such as keratin treatments or Brazilian blowouts, contain formaldehyde. Activists have also accused companies of hiding formaldehyde in their ingredient list. (Amanda Joy Calhoun, 12/7)
Stat: A Hippocratic Oath For Medical AI
It was no surprise when the Biden administration recently outlined in a broad executive order the challenges AI poses and what is needed to address them, including within health care. AI has enormous potential to shape health care’s future, but its use comes with serious ethical responsibilities. (Peter Shen, 12/8)
Newsweek: Competition Is What's Needed To Break Drug Pricing Fever
Decades of drug price inflation have reached a fever pitch that finally has lawmakers in both political parties itching for action. But, as is often the case in Washington, good intentions don't always equate to good ideas or outcomes. The government's drug price controls enacted last year in the Inflation Reduction Act are already killing innovation, as drug makers abandon research into therapies for certain cancers and blindness. A study warns the law will result in 135 fewer new drugs, and that may well be a conservative estimate. (Senator Chuck Grassley, 12/8)
Stat: When International Conflict Invades The Therapy Room
“Can I tell you what I really think about what’s going on?” she asks, looking down and clutching her coffee, her right sneaker tapping. I had been fairly sure about two things ahead of our session: one, that she would talk about the Conflict, and two, that I would dislike what she was going to say. (Sarah Darghouth, 12/8)
The CT Mirror: CT Legislature Should Mandate Nurse Staffing Ratios
As a registered nurse in Connecticut — one who graduated in 2019 shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic made its boisterous presence — I have seen firsthand the detrimental effects that inadequate staffing and unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios can have on the health of your loved ones. (Kristin Henry, 12/8)
Dallas Morning News: Mental Health Picture For North Texas Kids Is Grim, But There Is A Silver Lining
It is heartbreaking, although not surprising, to learn that our kids are struggling with their mental health. A recent report by Children’s Health is just a confirmation of a national trend previously reported by the Centers for Disease Control. (12/8)
