November 2011 - NPR Health Blog - The Network of Care

Clear The Air: Scented Candles, Air Fresheners Can Be Irritating

Allergists see an uptick in problems reported by people sensitive to chemicals in products used to freshen up the home. The symptoms can be mistaken for allergies, but the treatment is different. Read More...

Published Tue, Nov 08 2011 7:22 AM by Shots - Health Blog

The Case For A 'Check In' Instead Of A Checkup

Instead of an annual check-up, many doctors suggest that a regular "check-in" is a better idea. At a check-in, you can discuss any health concerns you have and get the limited tests and preventive screenings that are appropriate and helpful...

Published Tue, Nov 01 2011 6:10 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Conservative Appeals Court Judge Writes Opinion Upholding Health Law

The 2-1 ruling by the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., affirms the health insurance mandate at the core of law. The majority found the mandate to be consistent with Congress' constitutional authority to regulate interstate commerce. Read...

Published Tue, Nov 08 2011 10:32 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Medicare Offers Expanded Coverage To Battle Expanding Waistlines

Medicare will now cover screening and counseling for obesity as a free preventive service. Advocates hope the decision will encourage private insurers and Medicaid to do the same. Read More...

Published Wed, Nov 30 2011 2:53 PM by Shots - Health Blog

What Not To Buy Online: Lollipops Laced With Chickenpox

As an alternative to vaccinations, a Tennessee woman offered lollipops smeared with chickenpox virus. Health officials said that the chickenpox vaccine is much safer, and that mailing pathogens is both illegal and dangerous. Read More...

Published Mon, Nov 07 2011 9:18 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Does Milwaukee's Campaign Against Sleeping With Babies Go Too Far?

Eleven babies have died while sleeping next to adults this year in Milwaukee. The city's health department has started an anti-bed-sharing campaign aimed at preventing more infant deaths, but critics say the grim images demonize parents rather than...

Published Tue, Nov 29 2011 9:01 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Study Lends Support To Long-Term Treatment With Statins

The latest update to a large study started in 1994 should go a long way toward dispelling any lingering worries that statins might increase risks of some illnesses, such as cancer. That was an early concern with the medicines, but one that hasn't...

Published Wed, Nov 23 2011 8:37 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Does Diabetes Need A Blue Button To Establish Its Disease Cred?

*** cancer has a pink ribbon — and a lot of money and awareness as a result. Diabetes affects far more people, but it's a disease that still gets lost in the shuffle. Advocates say uniting behind the color blue would give diabetes patients much needed...

Published Mon, Nov 21 2011 10:22 AM by Shots - Health Blog

When Weighing Painkillers, Americans Worry: 'Will I Become An Addict?'

Nearly a third of people said they'd questioned or refused a doctor's recommendation of painkillers, according to findings from the latest NPR-Thomson Reuters Health Poll. Fear of addiction and worries about side effects were common concerns....

Published Tue, Nov 22 2011 10:51 AM by Shots - Health Blog

GOP Governors Hedge Bets On Health Insurance Exchanges

Thirteen states are receiving $220 million in a new round of grants to help them set up health insurance marketplaces under the health overhaul law; nine of those states are headed by GOP governors. Seven of those governors are part of a multi-state lawsuit...

Published Tue, Nov 29 2011 3:28 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Insurance Penalties For Smokers Draw Wide Support

A solid majority — 59 percent — say that smokers should pay more for health insurance than nonsmokers in the latest NPR-Thomson Reuters Health Poll. Read More...

Published Thu, Nov 03 2011 12:47 PM by Shots - Health Blog

With Help, Teens Can Manage Epilepsy

Though epilepsy is a serious condition, it can be managed. Parents of teens with epilepsy share tips for helping their children lead full, independent lives. Read More...

Published Tue, Nov 29 2011 8:03 AM by Shots - Health Blog

To Get Kids Vaccinated, Some Pediatricians OK With Delays

The majority of pediatricians are okay with delaying childhood vaccines if parents ask to do that, according to a new survey. But they still overwhelmingly support vaccines and the current schedule, which requires 25 vaccines before age 2. Read More....

Published Mon, Nov 28 2011 8:41 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Fighting Childhood Obesity: It's A Family Affair

A Northern California program offers a model for how parents can work with their kids to lose weight and keep it off. The approach is remarkably straight forward — and successful. Read More...

Published Sun, Nov 27 2011 9:01 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Why Doctors And Patients Talk Around Our Growing Waistlines

In a country with a rampant obesity epidemic, many doctors aren't talking to patients about the health consequences. But doctors often complain that when they do bring up the issue, nothing changes. Read More...

Published Mon, Nov 14 2011 12:26 AM by Shots - Health Blog

November 2011 - NPR Health Blog

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