Research Roundup: Heart Disease; TB; Lyme Disease; Blood Cancer
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Vaccine Distrust Is Waning; What Role Do Doctors Want AI To Take In Their Practices?
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss vaccine skeptics, A.I. in medicine, overturning Roe and other public health issues.
North Carolina’s Governor Vetoes Bills Aimed At Limiting LGBTQ+ Rights
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
The AP notes that there is a Republican supermajority in North Carolina, but nevertheless its Democratic governor has blocked bills limiting gender care for minors, restricting trans participation in school sports, and limiting what educators can say about gender and sexuality.
That Worryingly High BMI Figure? It’s Not Linked To Higher Death Risk
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
NBC News reports on a new study that says BMI figures considered in the range of overweight or even obese are not necessarily linked with a higher risk of death. Separately, researchers have found that depression after a traumatic brain injury is its own condition, distinct from others.
Delaware To Pilot First-Of-Its-Kind Test For Finding Tranq In Illegal Fentanyl
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Philadelphia Inquirer says tranq, a name for the animal tranquilizer xylazine, has contaminated the region’s illegal drug supply, so the new test may help protect people from its dangers. Meanwhile, California’s governor, also concerned over tranq, is updating the state’s opioid plan to tackle it.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, July 6, 2023
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
KFF Health News is on Instagram! Follow along here as we break down health care headlines and policy.
Your Tap Water May Be Contaminated With Forever Chemicals, Says USGS
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
CNN reports that “almost half” of tap water in the U.S. is contaminated with pollutant PFAS chemicals considered dangerous to human health. And the U.S. Geological Survey couldn’t even test for all PFAS variants. Skin cancer, environmental racism, and more are also in the news.
FDA Expected To Fully Approve Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
The drug, from Eisai and Biogen, could trigger a “new era in treatment,” according to Roll Call, and is expected to cost around $26,500 a year. However, critics say it’s actually based on a flawed theory about the disease, while some predict that the drug could highlight racial disparities in elder care.
Having Private Medicare Doesn’t Mean It’s Easy To Find A Psychiatrist: Study
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
More than half of the counties in a new study lacked even a single psychiatrist participating in a Medicare Advantage plan, The New York Times reports. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is now the world’s biggest health care company by market value, beating UnitedHealth.
HIV Study: Antibody Drugs Can Be Used As Alternative Treatment In Children
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
It was the first time that broadly neutralizing antibodies were tested in combination with antiretroviral drugs against HIV in a pediatric population, Stat reported. Other news is on Humira, Wegovy, and more.
Get Ready To Pull Up Your Sleeves For A Triple-Whammy Of Shots This Fall
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
Federal health officials are hatching plans to roll out new covid, RSV, and flu shots. Everyone should at least get flu and covid jabs, experts say.
Study: People With Cannabis Disorder More Likely To Have Surgical Trouble
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
The most significant complications, the study found, were for blockages of coronary arteries, stroke, injury to the kidneys, blood clots, breathing trouble, infection, and in-hospital death, CNN reported.
Determined To Outlaw Abortion, Iowa’s GOP Governor Calls Special Session
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
The special session is scheduled to begin less than a month after the Iowa Supreme Court deadlocked on Gov. Kim Reynolds’ request to reinstate the “fetal heartbeat” law she signed in 2018, Iowa Public Radio reported. And in Ohio, a rape case that made national headlines comes to an end.
First Edition: July 6, 2023
July 6, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How Health Care May Be Affected by the High Court’s Affirmative Action Ruling
By Michelle Andrews
July 6, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Some medical professionals warn that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against using race as a factor in admissions could have far-reaching implications for the diversity of medical students, the practice of medicine, and patient care. Here’s what you need to know.
Montana Adds Protections for Kids in Private Residential Treatment Programs
By Cameron Evans
Updated July 12, 2023
Originally Published July 6, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Programs in the so-called troubled teen industry will be required to provide a 24-hour hotline and unmonitored video calls with family and be subject to more inspections under a new Montana law.
Why the Next Big Hope for Alzheimer’s Might Not Help Most Black Patients
By Arthur Allen
July 6, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Black patients and other minorities tend to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease, which would exclude them from use of Leqembi. Few Black people were included in the main trial of the drug.
CDC to Reduce Funding for States’ Child Vaccination Programs
By Andy Miller
July 5, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Citing the recent debt ceiling deal, the CDC is trimming its funding to child vaccination programs that focus on communities vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The cuts come despite data showing the percentage of children getting vaccinated has dropped in recent years.
Más estados legalizan la venta de leche sin pasteurizar, a pesar de las advertencias sanitarias
By Tony Leys
July 5, 2023
KFF Health News Original
La pasteurización, desarrollada en el siglo XIX, consiste en someter la leche a un tratamiento de calor para eliminar las bacterias.
Plan To Tackle Generic-Drug Shortages; Potential Lyme Disease Vaccine Shows Promise
July 5, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.