More Alzheimer’s Vaccines Enter Clinical Trials
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets say that recent breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatments have triggered a renewed vigor among Alzheimer’s research into vaccines: Trials have begun for at least seven vaccines. Separately, a study found belly fat inflammation may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease long before symptoms begin.
Scientists: Getting Flu Shots Can Lower Your Heart Attack Risk
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
A new meta-analysis showed a 26% drop in heart attacks among people who’d received a flu shot, and an even higher 33% fall in heart illness death risks. Meanwhile, Indian researchers reaffirmed covid vaccine safety by finding no link between shots and sudden unexplained deaths.
Listeria Outbreak Drives Recall Of Certain Fruits Sold Nationwide
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
The multi-year outbreak, which has resulted in 11 illnesses, including one death, is linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines from California’s HMC Farms. Though the fruit has been pulled from shelves, the FDA is urging consumers to check freezers and discard any affected produce.
New York Hospitals Used To Plug Social Safety Net Holes: Report
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
The New York Times investigated the state’s social safety net data, and found some worrying trends — including failures to keep mentally ill people from “unraveling on the streets” and more. Meanwhile, in New Jersey a menthol cigarette ban may also cover oral nicotine pouches.
Viewpoints: Are Pharmacy-Dispensary Hybrids The Future?; Biden Is Taking Steps To Curb Fentanyl Abuse
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers delve into cannabis dispensaries, fentanyl overdoses, health care sharing ministries and more.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, November 21, 2023
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
High medical bills, Medicaid enrollment, overdoses, covid tests, Alzheimer’s, abortion law, flu shots, and more are in the news.
Another Round Of Free Covid Tests Offered Ahead Of Virus Season
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
This time of year has ushered in a surge in covid — as well as flu and RSV — for the past 2 years. With this year expected to bring the same, the federal government is making another round of free covid tests available while other protective measures are urged.
Missouri Supreme Court Deals Blow To Abortion Rights Ballot Opponents
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Opponents of ballot initiatives to legalize abortion in the state had been pressing cases over the ballot summaries and costs, but the state’s Supreme Court declined to take up the cases Monday. Meanwhile, a new survey shows that abortion rights support is at near record national levels — but remains highly polarized, politically.
First Edition: Nov. 21, 2023
November 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Evolving Overdose Crisis Shakes Previously Effective Treatments
By Taylor Sisk
November 21, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The prevalence of synthetic drugs is undercutting a previously effective and widely embraced opioid use disorder treatment tactic. Now, the model pioneered in Vermont a decade ago and adopted at sites nationwide, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas, is being forced to evolve.
Lost in the Mix of Medicaid ‘Unwinding’: Kentucky Cut Off Her Health Care Over a Clerical Error
By Rachana Pradhan
November 21, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The state canceled Beverly Likens’ coverage — days before surgery — without considering other ways she qualified for Medicaid, which experts say violated federal regulations.
Out for Blood? For Routine Lab Work, the Hospital Billed Her $2,400
By Rachana Pradhan
November 21, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Convenient as it may be, beware of getting your blood drawn at a hospital. The cost could be much higher than at an independent lab, and your insurance might not cover it all.
Biden Administration Nibbles at the Maternal Health Crisis
By Phil Galewitz
November 20, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Choosing where to give birth typically comes down to what hospital is most convenient to your home, where your obstetrician practices and your insurance company’s provider network. Now, the Biden administration has given expectant parents another factor to consider: whether their hospital has won the government’s new “birthing friendly” designation. But don’t worry — a […]
Viewpoints: Current Method For Helping Struggling Teens Is Backfiring; Why Is Organ Donation So Difficult?
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss teen mental health, organ donation, patient-doctor relationships and more.
Fentanyl-Laced Suspicious Letters Trigger Officials To Stock Naloxone
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Voting centers and government buildings in six states have received the tainted letters. Separately, news outlets explain how older Americans are embracing cannabis more than ever; other drugs, including psychedelics, are becoming more acceptable; Oregon is facing pushback over its drug decriminalization program; and more.
Analysis Debunks Idea That Women Aren’t Good Clinical Test Subjects
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
The issue centers on ideas that women’s cycles and body temperatures make them less suitable as drug trials subjects. Separately, other researchers find that kids’ sleep problems may be inherited, that a neck injection could help with smelling issues in long covid sufferers, and more.
Bayer Must Pay $1.56 Billion Over Claims Roundup Caused Cancer
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
A Missouri jury ordered the drug manufacturer to pay the compensation to four plaintiffs who claimed the weedkiller caused injuries. Meanwhile, Bayer also suffered a loss as it aborted a large late-stage drug trail into a new anti-clotting drug because it wasn’t effective.
As More Kids Fall Ill From Lead, FDA Screens Imported Cinnamon
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
Until now, news headlines have centered around fruit pouches as a source for lead poisoning that’s sickened children across at least 22 states, but now the FDA seems to be narrowing in on a potential cause: some imported cinnamon. Meanwhile, dozens have fallen ill from salmonella from cantaloupes.
Senators Ask Drugmakers To Explain Shortages Of RSV Drug For Infants
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
A group of Senate Democrats wrote a letter to AstraZeneca and Sanofi, asking about low supplies of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that prevents respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants.
Ozempic Set To Change This Year’s Thanksgiving Food-Fest
November 20, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report on how weight-loss drugs are changing some people’s perceptions of food as Thanksgiving approaches. The cost of the blockbuster drugs is also forecasted to drive up employers’ medical costs next year. Also: how to help teens battle diet culture.