Viewpoints: Is Home Research Hurting The Doctor-Patient Relationship?; What To Look For With H5N1
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers discuss doctor-patient relationships, bird flu, colorectal cancer, and the health of children.
Class-Action Lawsuit OK’d Against Florida’s ‘Unwinding’ Of Medicaid
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
The suit alleges Florida did not properly tell people that they were going to be disenrolled from the program. Meanwhile, Mississippi lawmakers might vote this week on a proposal to expand Medicaid.
Walmart’s Closure Of Clinics Is Part Of Larger Retail Retreat From Health Care
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Walmart will shut down all 51 of its health clinics and its virtual care services, citing costs and the challenges of reimbursements as the force behind its change of strategy.
Watchdog Report: Hospital Patient Grades Up For First Time Since Covid
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization, finds that the improved patient experience scores in at least 70% of hospitals have helped drive an improvement in overall safety grades for spring 2024.
Scientists: Influenza A Virus Found In Wastewater Triggers Bird Flu Concerns
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
A new study about the possible spread of H5N1 through dairy cattle includes observations of spiking levels of influenza A virus in wastewater samples. Meanwhile, the USDA is testing ground beef for bird flu particles, though it stresses meat is safe.
Trump: Pandemic Office Isn’t Needed; Biden Campaign Slams His Words
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
“Pandemic preparedness isn’t abstract to the millions of Americans that lost a loved one” during former President Trump’s covid leadership, Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz said, after Donald Trump said the preparedness office was “a way of giving out pork.”
CDC: Rural Americans More Likely Than Urban Americans To Die Early
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
The federal data, published in a report Tuesday, covers 2010 through 2022 and finds rural Americans to be at higher risk of early death from one of the five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory disease.
Morning Briefing for Wednesday, May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Airborne disease spread, breast cancer screenings, pot classification, Medicaid, abortion law, hospital safety, and more are in the news.
Biennial Breast Cancer Screening Should Start At 40, Task Force Suggests
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
The group based its recommendation to bump up mammograms by 10 years on studies showing “moderate net benefit.” The group also found that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. Experts from other groups contend testing every other year isn’t enough.
Gigantic DEA Policy Shift May See Pot Classified As Less Dangerous
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
The AP reports that the DEA is moving to reclassify marijuana, though the drug will remain listed as a controlled substance. News outlets examine what the ripple effects of reclassification will be, including facilitating research into the drug.
Florida’s Abortion Ban After 6 Weeks Now In Effect
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Starting today, the window in which a pregnant person can get an abortion in Florida was reduced from 15 weeks to six. Leading up to the new law taking effect, abortion clinics rushed to treat as many patients as possible.
First Edition: May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
La OMS confirma cómo se propagan los virus por el aire. Los CDC tal vez miren para otro lado
By Amy Maxmen
May 1, 2024
KFF Health News Original
La OMS concluyó que la transmisión aérea ocurre cuando las personas enfermas exhalan patógenos que quedan suspendidos en el aire, contenidos en pequeñas partículas de saliva y moco que, a su vez, son inhaladas por otros.
WHO Overturns Dogma on Airborne Disease Spread. The CDC Might Not Act on It.
By Amy Maxmen
Illustrated graphics by Oona Zenda
May 1, 2024
KFF Health News Original
After grave missteps in the covid pandemic, the World Health Organization revisited the science and now confirms that many respiratory viruses are inhaled as airborne particles. The new framework implies that stopping transmission relies on costly measures like ventilation and masking.
AC, Power Banks, Mini Fridges: Oregon Equips Medicaid Patients for Climate Change
By Samantha Young
May 1, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Oregon is giving Medicaid patients air conditioners and other equipment to help them cope with soaring heat, smoky skies, and other dangers of climate change. Oregon health officials hope to show other states and the federal government that they can save lives and money.
The Neglected U.S. Victims of Agent Orange
By Hannah Norman
April 30, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The Department of Veterans Affairs has long given Vietnam veterans disability compensation for illness connected to Agent Orange, widely used to defoliate Southeast Asian battlefields during the U.S. war. Less well known: The powerful herbicide combination was also routinely used to kill weeds at domestic military bases. Those exposed to the chemicals at the bases are still waiting for the same […]
Troubled CPAP Manufacturer Philips Reaches $1.1 Billion Settlement Deal
April 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
USA Today reminds us that Philips has had to recall over 15 million CPAP breathing devices since 2021 over concerns of health injuries from inhaling eroded foam inserts in the machines. Also in the news: the FDA grants full approval of Pfizer’s cervical cancer drug Tivdak.
As Population Ages, Connecticut House Passes Bill To Overhaul Elder Care
April 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
The bill includes more oversight of home care work, speeding up Medicaid access, and a new registry to make finding caregivers easier. In other health news across the country, addiction treatment in Massachusetts, autism support efforts in Florida, toxic gas in Memphis, and more.
Teens Who Often Vape Have High Uranium, Lead Levels In Their Bodies
April 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
Researchers have found a troubling link between teens who frequently vape and levels of potentially toxic metals in their urine. Separately, a study links e-cigarettes to a higher risk of heart failure — with just one vaping experience having a significant influence on risk.
If Early Death Is Written In Your Genes, A Healthy Life Can Fight It: Study
April 30, 2024
Morning Briefing
A new study shows that living a healthy lifestyle can significantly battle increased risk of early death due to genetic predisposition — nearly 2 in 3 people with risky genes can mitigate the risk. Separately, a study links physical fitness to better mental health in young people.