WNYC News: Archive for Health
Controversial Komen Policy Official Resigns
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Karen Handel, a former Republican candidate for governor in Georgia, resigned her job, effective immediately, as vice president for public policy at Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The departure comes days after the breast-cancer charity reversed course on funding for Planned Parenthood.
Explainer: What Happens to Unused FSA Funds
Monday, February 06, 2012
Use it or lose it! If you have money taken out of your paycheck before taxes for medical expenses, you know you have to use that money by the deadline or kiss it goodbye.
Komen Says Efficiency, Not Politics, Drove Planned Parenthood Change
Thursday, February 02, 2012
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation said it regretted the effect of its new funding policy on groups such as Planned Parenthood. But the group denied politics played any role in its decision and said such allegations were a distraction from the search for cancer cures.
Cuomo Hints at Insurance Company Sale
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Governor Andrew Cuomo perhaps knows something about one of the state’s largest insurance companies that the company itself doesn’t know – that it could be sold as soon as next year.
Why Millions Of Prescriptions Will No Longer Be Filled At Walgreens
Monday, January 09, 2012
Starting this year, many Americans may be surprised to find that their local Walgreens or Duane Reade is no longer in their insurance network. That's because of a dispute between two health care giants. If the back of your insurance card says Express Scripts, you are affected.
Albany to Tackle Health Exchanges in Coming Months
Monday, January 09, 2012
Governor Andrew Cuomo says creating a health insurance exchange for New York is a priority for 2012.
Antiviral Drugs Sparkle In The Race To End AIDS
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
AIDS researchers dealt the disease a major blow in 2011 by showing that antiviral drugs not only save the lives of infected people, they also stop them from spreading the virus.
U.S. Says Details Of Flu Experiments Should Stay Secret
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
In a landmark decision, an expert panel that advises the government on research security says key details of work on the contagiousness of flu viruses should not be published openly. I
For Black Girls, Lack Of Exercise Heightens Obesity Risk
Monday, December 19, 2011
About half of African-American women in the U.S. are obese, compared to 30 percent of white women. Black women not only carry more weight, but they start piling on extra pounds years before their white counterparts. Around age 8 or 9, girls become less active, and the decline is steepest for black girls.
Hospitals' Challenge: Slow Down Revolving Door
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
For years, Joseuly Claudio was a regular at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. The 53-year-old triple-bypass heart failure patient had 20 emergency room visits and overnight admissions last year, costing taxpayers $140,000 through Medicare and Medicaid programs.
State Designates First Official "Health Homes"
Monday, December 12, 2011
State health officials have announced the first round of “Health Homes,” a group of 21 clinics and hospitals in ten areas around the state, that will coordinate care for Medicaid patients with the most complicated health problems.
States Fail In Fight Against Sex Trafficking
Thursday, December 01, 2011
A new report finds that too many states inadvertently provide safe havens when it comes to sex trafficking — even when children bear the consequences. The study graded states on how well they protect children who are pushed into the sex trade and punish adults who use those services. More than half of states got grades of D or F.
Hospitals Offer Alternative Treatments: Acupuncture, Yes; Ginkgo, No
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A survey finds 42 percent of hospitals offer at least one type of complementary or alternative medicine treatment. Those hospitals that offer the options cite patient demand as the top reason. Clinical effectiveness is the No. 2 reason.
Supreme Court Sets Historic Showdown For Health Law
Monday, November 14, 2011
A decision striking down the law in its entirety would end provisions affecting millions of Americans. Opponents and supporters of the law welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to hear arguments about the law and bring a final answer on its constitutionality.
Obama: 'Fit For Duty' And Smoker No More
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Obama's latest cholesterol numbers would be the envy of most 50-year-old American men. His doctors calls them "ideal," and they're down from his last physical in early 2010.
New Law Will Require Broader Disclosures From Insurance Companies
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Purchasers of health coverage in New York who want to know why their premiums are skyrocketing will soon get a better explanation.
Zombie Campaign Creeps Forward at CDC
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Zombies are creeping back into public health and safety literature.
Look Around: 1 In 10 Americans Takes Antidepressants
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Antidepressant use has surged almost 400 percent since the early 1990s. Women and adolescent girls are 2 1/2 times more likely than men and adolescent boys to be taking one of the pills.
For The First Time, 50 Percent Of Americans Say U.S. Should Legalize Pot
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Gallup has asked the survey question since 1969 and this is first time half of Americans think pot use should be legal.
Disease Detective Hot On The Trails Of Anthrax And Cholera
Monday, October 17, 2011
A scientist has used new genetic-sequencing technologies to identify the strain of anthrax in the 2001 attacks, the cause of anthrax contamination in European heroin, and the source of a cholera outbreak in Haiti.