Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Transgender Woman’s Quest For Surgery Caught In Political Crosswinds
Dramatic policy swings, from an unprecedented expansion of transgender rights under the Obama administration to the unpredictable reduction of trans rights under President Donald Trump, have left many trans Americans feeling the whiplash.
How To Save A Choking Senator: Heimlich Heirs, Red Cross Disagree On Technique
The Red Cross and some other organizations suggest that first aid for choking begin with five slaps on the back. The family of Dr. Henry Heimlich, who developed the abdominal thrusts to dislodge objects that prevent breathing, is launching a campaign to demand proof of why back slaps should come first.
Long Waits To See Doctors In Puerto Rico, Where Medical Needs Are Great Post-Maria
KHN senior correspondent Sarah Varney reports on how the island’s mounting physician shortage is making it even more difficult to get care.
Hurricane Maria Still Taking A Toll On Puerto Rico’s Seniors
KHN senior correspondent Sarah Varney reports on the challenges of providing health care to older people on the island.
State Prisons Fail To Offer Cure To 144,000 Inmates With Deadly Hepatitis C
A survey of 49 states reveals that an estimated 144,000 inmates with hepatitis C, a curable but potentially fatal disease, can’t get the expensive drugs they need to cure it.
What A U.S.-China Trade War Could Mean For The Opioid Epidemic
The nation’s effort to combat this public health crisis could get caught in the crossfire of the Trump administration’s trade policies.
Under Pressure, California Lawmakers Ban Soda Taxes For 12 Years
In a major coup for the beverage industry, California lawmakers agreed to ban cities and counties from adopting soda taxes for the next 12 years. In exchange, the beverage industry agreed to pull an initiative off the November ballot that, if passed, would have made it much harder for local governments to raise taxes.
Squeezing Water From Air: Mysterious Machine Is A Lifeline On Battered Island
Moses West a retired Army officer, is hoping to showcase his atmospheric water generator in Vieques, Puerto Rico, and stir up business.
Unlocked And Loaded: Families Confront Dementia And Guns
As more Americans are diagnosed with dementia, families who have firearms struggle with ways to stay safe. A KHN investigation uncovered dozens of cases of deaths and injuries.
Worried About Grandpa’s Guns? Here’s What You Can Do.
When a loved one gets dementia, many families get no guidance on what to do about that person’s guns. Here are legal and practical steps to stay safe.
Doling Out Pain Pills Post-Surgery: An Ingrown Toenail Not The Same As A Bypass
As the opioid epidemic rages, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and researcher is leading an effort to curb overprescribing by offering procedure-specific guidelines to ensure that post-surgical patients leave the hospital with enough, but not too much, pain medication.
1 In 5 Immigrant Children Detained During ‘Zero Tolerance’ Border Policy Are Under 13
The White House’s latest immigration strategy has created challenges for the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement, which is now responsible for more children — many far younger than in previous administrations.
After Opioid Overdose, Only 30 Percent Get Medicine To Treat Addiction
Patients revived from an opioid overdose who get methadone or Suboxone treatment for addiction afterward are much more likely to be alive a year later, says a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Puerto Rico’s Water System Stutters Back To Normal
Efforts to restore tap water service has been delayed in many rural areas of Puerto Rico, but even in the cities running water can be interrupted by electrical power outages at pumping stations.
Poison Ivy, A ‘Familiar Stranger’ That Could Ruin Your Summer
Spotting poison ivy is tricky because it can come in several forms. And bad rashes may need to be treated by a doctor. Warning: This story might make you itch.
He Started Vaping As A Teen And Now Says Habit Is ‘Impossible To Let Go’
Public health officials worry vaping is an emerging disaster that could reverse years of decline in smoking by young people. What’s the latest evidence that e-cigarettes are a gateway to tobacco?
Listen: What You Need To Know About The News On Breast Cancer And Chemo
KHN senior correspondent Liz Szabo joins a panel on WAMU’s radio show “1A” to discuss new insight into breast cancer treatment.
With The Rise Of Legal Weed, Drug Education Moves From ‘Don’t’ to ‘Delay’
Today’s drug prevention messaging is a far cry from the “Just Say No” days. Schools want to give kids the facts to make informed decisions about whether and when to try drugs or alcohol.
Facebook Live: Sorting Out The Truth About Vitamins
From A to zinc and all the dietary supplements in between, KHN senior correspondent Liz Szabo gives you the dope on whether popping vitamins does you any good.
Listen: Disrupted Lives, Delayed Care And A Revised Death Toll In Puerto Rico
KHN senior correspondent Sarah Varney, who has seen firsthand how devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria has harmed residents of Puerto Rico, discusses the new statistics on the number who perished in the storm.
