FDA Warns Of High Lead Levels In Some Cinnamon
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
The FDA said ground cinnamon sold at discount stores including the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contains potentially unsafe levels of lead — particularly for children. Meanwhile, a lab found high levels of cancer-causing benzene in acne treatments.
Surgeons Are Finding Plastic Particles Lodged In Patients’ Arteries
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
In one study, 58% of 304 patients who underwent procedures in their neck had microscopic and nanoscopic pieces of “jagged-edged” plastic in the plaque lining the blood vessel. Other news is on HIV, exercise, and ketamine.
Extra Pregnancy Protections End For Government Workers In Texas
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
A federal law granting extra protections no longer applies to Texas state employees as of Wednesday. Also in Texas, a report shows it’s hard to find the overdose-reversal drug Narcan in pharmacies, even though it’s over-the-counter.
Research Roundup: Covid; Menopause; Injectable Hydrogel
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Health Care System Unprepared For Cyberattacks; How To Fix Medical Schools’ Diversity Problem?
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers examine hackers in health care, diversity in medical schools, and more.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, March 7, 2024
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
Rural hospital finances, IVF, drug costs, nursing home profits, gun violence, ketamine, long covid, and more are in the news.
House Passes Spending Bill That Addresses Medicare Doc Pay, DSH Cuts
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
The legislation as passed by the House on Thursday would: delay an $8 billion reduction in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments for a year; reduce the Medicare physician pay cut; and extend funding for federally qualified health centers for four years. The Senate is expected to take up the measure Friday.
Alabama Passes Law To Protect Access To IVF
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
In the wake of a crisis caused by a “fetal personhood” ruling, Alabama passed a bill to protect fertility clinics and doctors from prosecution over “death” of embryos as part of the IVF process. Two clinics will now resume service.
Gunman Behind Deadly Maine Shooting Had Profound Brain Damage
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
The gunman was a grenade instructor in the Army Reserve; an autopsy found evidence of brain damage similar to that seen in veterans exposed to weapons blasts. Also in the news: cancer worries in military who guarded nuclear weapons.
Study Finds Some Nursing Homes Shunt Profits Off-Book To Hide Them
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
Some homes were moving the majority of their profits to “related parties,” companies owned under the same umbrella, in an effort to appear less well-off. Meanwhile, private equity in health care is in the spotlight again.
Biden’s Speech To Focus On Efforts To Reduce Drug Costs
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
The White House has released an outline of the State of the Union speech President Joe Biden will deliver tonight. It includes several health policy proposals such as expanding the number of medications eligible for Medicare price negotiations from 20 to 50, and capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.
First Edition: March 7, 2024
March 7, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
When It Comes to Ketamine, Meta’s Posting Policy Is No Party to Decipher
By Darius Tahir
March 7, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Despite growing awareness that the party drug is dangerous, the social media company is open to promotion of the drug in treating mental health.
Operating in the Red: Half of Rural Hospitals Lose Money, as Many Cut Services
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez
March 7, 2024
KFF Health News Original
A recent report finds half of America’s rural hospitals are losing money, and many are struggling to stay open. Researchers and advocates worry the hospitals’ financial spiral will have immediate and long-term health effects on their communities.
Viewpoints: FDA Can Make Healthy Eating Easier; Fetal Personhood Ruling Opens Pandora’s Box
March 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss nutrition labels, reproductive rights, addiction, and more.
Flu Vaccines Set To Change Because Some Strains May Be Extinct
March 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, Stat reports that Florida health officials aren’t being forthcoming with data on measles cases. Also in the news: a plea deal in a case over 2012 fungal meningitis deaths from mold-tainted drugs; spreading avian flu; and more.
After Getting 217 Covid Shots, German Man Becomes A Walking Experiment
March 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
The 62-year-old got the shots on purpose over 29 months. The “hypervaccination” didn’t harm his health but also didn’t boost his immune response.
About 1,000 Minneapolis–Saint Paul Nursing Home Staff Go On Strike
March 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
CBS News notes it’s one of the biggest strikes seen in the industry in Minnesota. In Connecticut, Gov.Ned Lamont and the state’s largest health workers union announced a deal for a 26% rise for home care aides.
Fledgling New York Hospital Could Get $84 Million Cash Injection
March 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
CBS News reports on a fraught town hall meeting to discuss the Nassau University Medical Center’s financial challenges. Separately, Salesforce’s CEO donated $150 million to two Hawaii hospitals to allay worries over his land buy-ups.
New Study Links Sleep Issues With Increased Diabetes Risk
March 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Having too few hours of sleep may contribute to increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, scientists say. Separately, Allegheny Health Network is trying a new cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for chronic insomnia.