Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Skin-Lightening Cream Put A Woman Into A Coma. It Could Happen Again.

KFF Health News Original

A Sacramento woman is in a coma after using a face cream from Mexico. It is the nation’s first case of methylmercury poisoning from a cosmetic, and public health officials can do almost nothing to prevent other contaminated cosmetics from hitting the shelves.

States Target Vaping With Bans. In California, The Action Is Local.

KFF Health News Original

Several states have adopted bans on vaping products, but California isn’t going that far. Instead, cities and counties in the Golden State are stepping in to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products within their jurisdictions — or ban the sale of e-cigarettes altogether.

In Tiny Doses, An Addiction Medication Moonlights As Treatment For Chronic Pain

KFF Health News Original

Naltrexone, commonly used for opioid and alcohol use disorders, may also help patients with chronic pain — when prescribed in low doses. But few doctors or patients seem to know about it.

Conoce a los oficiales de salud que alertaron sobre la enfermedad del “vapeo”

KFF Health News Original

La epidemia ha provocado indignación por la falta de supervisión federal sobre el “vapeo”, pero también hay una historia de éxito de salud pública local que contar.

Meet The Health Officials Who Alerted The World To The Alarming Vaping Illness

KFF Health News Original

Without the teamwork, communication and quick action of several veteran health officials in Wisconsin, the world might not know about the vaping illness the U.S. is battling today. This is their story.

¿Cómo prevenir suicidios? Busca pistas en moteles, consultorios y refugios de animales

KFF Health News Original

Un programa en un condado de Oregon ha logrado reducir la tasa de suicidios investigando las decisiones que toman las personas que piensan en el suicidio días antes de cometerlo.

Want To Reduce Suicides? Follow The Data — To Medical Offices, Motels And Even Animal Shelters

KFF Health News Original

An Oregon epidemiologist is using data to find patterns in suicides, then offering prevention training at the motels where people keep taking their lives, the animal shelter where they give away their pets, the pain clinics where patients struggle. Her model is spreading to New York, California and elsewhere.

Invasive Mosquitoes Plunge Deeper Into California

KFF Health News Original

Invasive mosquito species capable of carrying dangerous viruses such as Zika, dengue and yellow fever have been detected in 16 California counties. There’s no evidence the mosquitoes have transmitted these diseases within the state, but health officials urge residents to take steps to slow their spread.

Camouflaged Vaping Devices Are Hoodwinking Parents And Schools

KFF Health News Original

The vaping hoodie. The vaping watch. The vaping phone case. Each ready to deliver a puff of nicotine (or marijuana) anywhere, anytime. The vaping market is crowded with sleek, camouflaged devices that have teachers and parents struggling to monitor illicit usage of a product that has surged in popularity among high schoolers.

Doctors And Nurses With Addictions Often Denied A Crucial Recovery Option

KFF Health News Original

Programs for health care professionals addicted to opioids generally bar a proven recovery method: the use of drugs like buprenorphine and methadone to relieve cravings.

Voices: How Should California Address The Needs Of Its Aging Population?

KFF Health News Original

By 2030, an estimated 1 in 5 Californians will be 65 or older, and the state is creating a “master plan” to address their needs. Lawmakers, advocates, local officials and others gathered in Sacramento on Monday to tackle issues of greatest concern, such as long-term care and housing for low-income seniors.

As Texas Cracks Down On Abortion, Austin Votes To Help Women Defray Costs

KFF Health News Original

The Austin City Council is setting aside $150,000 in city funds to help local women seeking an abortion pay for related costs, such as transportation or child care.

Proveedores de medicamentos en el mercado negro enfocan en inmigrantes

KFF Health News Original

Inmigrantes, no sólo de países hispanos, sino de todo el mundo, y algunos no inmigrantes también, están comprando una amplia gama de medicamentos ilegales en todo el país,