For One Father And Son In Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria’s Cloud Has Not Lifted
The deadly storm turned a health challenge into a full-blown medical crisis for one young man with unconfirmed multiple sclerosis. And still he waits to see a neurologist.
Are There Risks From Secondhand Marijuana Smoke? Early Science Says Yes.
Scientists are finding that, just as with secondhand smoke from tobacco, inhaling secondhand smoke from marijuana can make it harder for arteries to expand to allow a healthy flow of blood.
With Some Republican Support, Virginia Edges Closer To Medicaid Expansion
More than a dozen Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates voted to expand Medicaid, and at least one state senator may be leaning in favor of expansion. It will be the hot topic as legislators are called back to Richmond to hash out a budget in the special session starting April 11.
When Wildfire Smoke Invades, Who Should Pay To Clean Indoor Air?
Public health agencies are set up to regulate easily controlled sources of air pollution. Wildfire smoke presents a different set of expensive challenges.
Mental Health Funding Tied To Florida’s Controversial Gun Legislation
The same Florida bill that would put more guns in schools would provide the state with $90 million more for mental health resources, including $69 million for schools. Advocates say those funds for mental health care are desperately needed.
Jury’s In: Opioids Are Not Better Than Other Medicines For Chronic Pain
A new study followed patients with severe chronic pain for a year and found that opioids relieved pain and increased function no better than common drugs like acetaminophen and lidocaine. But the opioids carry the risk of more serious side effects, including addiction and death.
Estudio: los opioides no son mejores que otras medicinas para tratar el dolor crónico
Una nueva investigación revela que estos crontroversiales medicamentos no son eficaces para tratar el dolor de largo plazo.
While Talk About Opioids Continues In D.C., Addiction Treatment Is In Peril In States
The Trump administration has talked about prioritizing the opioid crisis, but states have seen little in the way of new resources. And, in some states, getting into treatment is becoming even harder.
Following The Fire: Montana Scientists Seize Chance To Scrutinize Smoke Exposure
The health effects of extended smoke exposure are largely unknown because it’s difficult to conduct studies. But last summer’s wildfire season has handed scientists a unique opportunity for research.
KHN On NPR: The Uniquely American Problem Of High Prescription Drug Costs
Kaiser Health News Editor-in-Chief Elisabeth Rosenthal discusses drug costs with Scott Simon, the host of NPR’s Weekend Edition. Listen to the broadcast and read a transcript of that conversation.
Nurse Calls Cops After New Mom Seeks Help For Depression. Right Call?
A package of mental health bills in California aims to ensure that all new moms are screened for postpartum depression and that more support is available for those who struggle with the malady.
My Grandmother Was Italian. Why Aren’t My Genes Italian?
Popular DNA ancestry tests don’t always find what people expect. That’s because of how DNA rearranges itself when egg meets sperm — and the quirks of genetic databases.
After Months In Limbo For Children’s Health Insurance, Huge Relief Over Deal
The Children’s Health Insurance Program drew bipartisan support for two decades. After brinkmanship over the federal budget, an agreement to end the shutdown has assured CHIP funding for six years.
It’s In The Mail: Aetna Agrees To $17M Payout In HIV Privacy Breach
In a low-tech snafu, information about HIV treatment was visible through the cellophane window on envelopes sent to about 12,000 consumers.
Listen: How A ‘Hippie Clinic’ In San Francisco Inspired A Medical Philosophy
The Haight Ashbury Free Clinic still serves people living on the fringes in San Francisco. This radio story recounts its 51-year history.
From Retirement To The Front Lines Of Hepatitis C Treatment
This doctor came out of retirement with the goal of treating every patient at high risk for hepatitis C he encounters. The problem is finding them.
Reverberations From War Complicate Vietnam Veterans’ End-Of-Life Care
Vietnam veterans’ wartime experiences — and their lasting psychological toll — can make it harder to treat their physical and emotional pain as they approach death.
