Texas Revamps ‘Active-Shooter’ Drills at K-12 Schools to Minimize Trauma
By Renuka Rayasam and Colleen DeGuzman
October 21, 2022
KFF Health News Original
School lockdown drills are designed to prepare students for violent threats. But for some students, especially those with special needs, the drills can trigger or exacerbate mental health problems. Texas is taking a step toward balancing safety and mental health with new regulations around how the drills are conducted. “If some kids are coming away traumatized or we’re magnifying existing trauma, we’re not moving in the right direction,” one expert says.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on hospital payment systems, psychedelics, the hypothesis of “depressive realism,” and more.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Biden Hits the Road to Sell Democrats’ Record
October 20, 2022
KFF Health News Original
With the midterm elections rapidly approaching, President Joe Biden has taken to the road to convince voters that he and congressional Democrats have delivered for them during two years in power. Among the health issues highlighted by the administration this week are pandemic preparedness and the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids. The president also promised to sign a bill codifying the abortion protections of Roe v. Wade if Democrats maintain control of the House and Senate — even though it’s a long shot that there will be enough votes for that. Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Mary Agnes Carey of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these topics and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.
Genetic Legacy Of Medieval Plague: Outbreak Still Shapes Our Immunity
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
Researchers explored the DNA of people who survived or died from the “Black Death” — the 14th century outbreak that was the deadliest in recorded history — and traced those outcomes to human immune systems today.
Research Roundup: Codeine And Tramadol Use In Kids; Vitiligo; Covid
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Michigan Study Finds Manufacturing Jobs Linked To ALS Risks
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Detroit Free Press covers a University of Michigan study that links worker exposure to metals, solvents or pesticides with a higher risk of developing ALS. Meanwhile, in Washington state, the air quality in Seattle was just ranked as the worst in the world due to wildfire pollution.
People Can Now Select Preferred Gender In Social Security Records
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Social Security Administration also said it was exploring allowing people to use an “X” designator in the future. Meanwhile, NBC News reports on a national “Don’t Say Gay” bill effort by Republicans. Memory boosts, running benefits, and “voice biomarkers” are also in the news.
Patients With Disabilities? No Thanks, Say Some Doctors
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
A group of doctors expressed their disinclination to work with patients with disabilities during anonymous or first-name-only surveys, citing reasons like the shortened amount of time they’re able to spend with individual patients. The research was published in Health Affairs. Also: problems with the VA electronic record system, provider racism in cardiac care, and more.
CDC Study Finds Antihistamine Link In Opioid Overdose Deaths
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
CDC researchers found that 18% of victims of opioid overdoses in 2019 and 2020 tested positive for antihistamines. Separately, parents are warned, again, to check for drugs mixed with candy during Halloween after a fentanyl bust found drugs in candy wrappings.
FDA Advisers Agree Premature Birth Drug Makena Should Be Withdrawn
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Food and Drug Administration has been making an effort to withdraw the controversial drug, Stat notes, and now a panel of expert advisers has voted to support that goal. Separately, Pittsburgh-based insurer Highmark chose to cover prescription digital mental health therapies.
Covid Linked To A Quarter Of Deaths In Pregnancy During 2020, 2021
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
An oversight report to Congress, released yesterday, also shows that pregnancy mortality rates were nearly 3 times higher for Black Americans. AP reports that the percentage of preterm and low birthweight babies also rose in 2021 after being steady for years.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, October 20, 2022
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
Thursday’s roundup covers covid vaccines, maternal deaths, variants, digital health records, opioids, disabilities, ALS risks, and more.
FDA Allows A First Booster Dose Of Novavax Covid Vaccine
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
The additional dose of the Novavax shot can be administered at least six months after initial vaccination for those adults who would otherwise not get a booster. The CDC has signed off on the authorization.
CDC Moves To Ensure Covid Vaccines Remain Free For Uninsured Kids
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel voted Wednesday to add covid shots to the Vaccines for Children program that ensures free inoculations for kids who are uninsured or qualify for Medicaid. Also, misinformation about child vaccinations is debunked.
First Edition: Oct. 20, 2022
October 20, 2022
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
5 Things to Know About Montana’s ‘Born Alive’ Ballot Initiative
By Matt Volz
October 20, 2022
KFF Health News Original
A ballot measure that seeks to protect infants following failed abortions would impose stiff penalties on health care providers in Montana.
Blind to Problems: How VA’s Electronic Record System Shuts Out Visually Impaired Patients
By Darius Tahir
October 20, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Veterans Affairs’ electronic health records aren’t friendly to blind- and low-vision users, whether they’re patients or employees. It’s a microcosm of America’s health care system.
Family Caregivers Find Support on #dementia TikTok
By Kate Wells, Michigan Public
October 20, 2022
KFF Health News Original
The TikTok hashtag “dementia” has billions of views. Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias have been using the site to swap tips and share the burdens of life with dementia.
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By Kathleen Hayden
October 19, 2022
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