Editorial pages focus on these public health topics and others.
Research Roundup: ‘Public Charge’ Policy; Medicare Part B; And Romaine Lettuce Contamination
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
State Highlights: New York Grappling With Worst Measles Outbreak In Decades; Report Highlights Failures By Fla. Child Welfare Agencies In 2-Year-Old’s Death
Media outlets report on news from New York, Oregon, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Ohio, Idaho, California, Georgia, Texas and Tennessee.
Task Force In Delaware Says State Should Enact Its Own Individual Mandate To Bolster Security Of Marketplace
The task force’s report recommends that Delaware impose its own individual mandate, including a penalty to subsidize the state’s health law marketplace, which saw enrollment drop about 7 percent last year. State marketplace news comes out of Minnesota, as well.
Minnesota’s Lawmakers Get A Lesson On Public Health Dangers Of Climate Change
A doctor from Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate met with a new climate policy committee to inform them about the dangers of greenhouse gas emissions and how to regard legislative proposals about it. The advocacy group plans to travel to Washington, D.C. later this year to meet with more lawmakers. Legislative news comes out …
Third-Party Manager To Take Over Nursing Facility Where Comatose Woman Gave Birth
Arizona agencies cited Hacienda HealthCare’s “critical failures” in protecting the safety of the comatose woman. The facility has until 5 p.m. Thursday to respond to the state’s demand for a third-party manager, “or the state will pursue any and all of remedies legally available to it.”
For Children With Food Sensitivities, Sometimes Isolation Can Be More Detrimental Than The Allergy Itself
A recent court case over a theater program and a child with a peanut allergy highlights the social isolation some young people deal with when they have a food allergy. “The child starts to feel like he or she is the problem,” said Dr. James Baker Jr., the director of the Mary H. Weiser Food …
As Teen Vaping Epidemic Continues To Increase, No Therapy Exists To Help Break Addiction
The anti-smoking therapies on the market — such as nicotine patches and gums — are not approved for children. Teens who become addicted will just have to ”discipline” to quit, some experts say. In other news on the epidemic, researchers say e-cigarettes seem to be more appealing to teens than tobacco and are causing more …
Medicare Advantage Membership Growth Slows Even As Insurers Jockey To Get A Piece Of Predictably Lucrative Field
Despite the slower pace, though, many Advantage insurers still experienced big enrollment increases as they picked up more market share. Other industry news looks at UnitedHealth’s court loss over withholding payments to out-of-network physicians and Dr. Atul Gawande’s decision to step out of a major health care conference.
Reports That Trump Administration May Allow States To Block Grant Medicaid Infuriates Hospitals
Hospital groups say that states already have flexibility under federal waivers to make changes to Medicaid so there doesn’t seem to be a need to install a block-grant program. CMS has not confirmed it is looking at a block-grant waiver program, but a spokesperson said that the CMS is open to giving states the option …
First Edition: January 17, 2019
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A ‘Sentimental Journey’ in the Cancer Clinic
I am a firm believer in the ability of music to help people express their emotions, hopes and fears, making their medical conditions more tolerable.
Why Older Adults Should Eat More Protein (And Not Overdo Protein Shakes)
Navigating Aging Navigating Aging focuses on medical issues and advice associated with aging and end-of-life care, helping America’s 45 million seniors and their families navigate the health care system. To contact Judith Graham with a question or comment, click here. Join the Navigating Aging Facebook Group. See All Columns Older adults need to eat more protein-rich foods …
A Cancer Rap, With Thanks to Nina Simone
After too many cancer-related setbacks and deaths I started belting Nina Simone’s protest with new words, invigorated by her spirit of indignant fury.
The Electronics Industry Sees Money In Your Health
LAS VEGAS — If the scores of personal health care devices at the Consumer Electronics Show last week are any indication, it’s clear that the Apple Watch has kicked off a rush by high-tech companies to capitalize on people’s worries about their health. The latest version of the watch, which was announced last fall, detects …
What Professional Organizers Really Do, and How They Can Help You
When you hear ”professional organizer” you may think “reality TV,” but you shouldn’t. Professional organizers can help with projects large and small, and with the psychology of clutter, to boot.
High-Dose Vitamin D No Better Than Low-Dose
There was no difference in changes in bone mineral density or number of fractures in older men and women who took high versus low doses of vitamin D.
Sleeping Less Than 6 Hours a Night Tied to Heart Disease
An argument for a good night’s sleep: People who slept less than six hours were at higher risk for hardening of the arteries, a new study found.
In a Children’s Theater Program, Drama Over a Peanut Allergy
The conflict over accommodating a child’s allergy turned into a legal battle that highlights the isolation that people with food allergies often face.
Acupuncture for All
A new wellness studio in the Flatiron district aims to make acupuncture as accessible as a Drybar blowout.
Viewpoints: Soaring Veteran Suicide Rate Is A National Scandal; Shutdown Complicates Cancer Treatments
Editorial writers focus on these health care topics and others.
State Highlights: Wash., Iowa Governors Spotlight Mental Health Agendas; Fla. Nursing Homes Struggling To Meet Generator Requirements
Media outlets offer news from Washington, Iowa, Florida, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, California, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
Maryland’s New Red Flag Law Is Saving Lives In Fight Against Gun Violence, Police Say
At least nine states have adopted a law allowing family members and friends to request court orders preventing people from having guns. In Maryland, police say it’s already working.
New Legislation About Drug Trials Offers Hope For Children With Incurable Cancers
The U.S. is set to begin testing drugs on children, a step researchers say many drugmakers skipped because it was risky and costly. “It is an incredibly exciting time,” said Crystal Mackall, a pediatric-cancer researcher. “We have lots of drug companies who want to speak with us suddenly.” Other public health news focuses on a …
UnitedHealth, Largest U.S. Health Insurer, Beats Expectations For Fourth-Quarter Profits
UnitedHealth says higher-than-expected medical costs in the fourth quarter of 2018 were limited to states for which it manages their Medicaid benefits.