December 2011 - NPR Health Blog - The Network of Care

Bedbug Infestations Are A Family Affair

Bedbugs' eagerness to mate with their kin is one reason their populations have taken off so dramatically, new research suggests. Inbreeding comes naturally to them, and it doesn't seem to hurt their offspring much, as is the case with most other...

Published Tue, Dec 06 2011 8:52 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Teenage Girls Will Still Need A Prescription For 'Plan B'

The Food and Drug Administration had decided that a version of the morning-after emergency contraceptive pill could be sold without a prescription to buyers of any age. But the head of the Department of Health and Human Services overruled the FDA. Read...

Published Wed, Dec 07 2011 10:10 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Women's Groups Outraged By Ruling On Morning-After Pill

The Health and Human Services secretary overruled the FDA's opinion that the "Plan B" emergency contraceptive pill is safe and effective enough to be sold without a prescription — and without any age restrictions. Women's health advocates...

Published Thu, Dec 08 2011 2:00 AM by Shots - Health Blog

A Deadly Fire That Changed How Hospitals Are Built

A ferocious fire at the largest hospital in Hartford, Conn., killed 16 people 50 years ago. The results of an investigation into the blaze led stricter fire codes and construction standards for hospitals across the country. Read More...

Published Fri, Dec 09 2011 10:27 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Care For Earliest Preemies Improves, But Low Birth Weight Remains Risky

Even very tiny preemies sometimes turn out OK, as shown by the stories of two girls who were among the smallest preemies to survive. But infants born very early and weighing very little can face a lifetime of health problems. Read More...

Published Mon, Dec 12 2011 12:55 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Medicaid Takes Growing Slice Of States' Spending

These days the health program for the poor is claiming a bigger slice of states' spending than even K-12 education, says a report from the National Association of State Budget Officers. Read More...

Published Wed, Dec 14 2011 8:34 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Wyden-Ryan Medicare Plan Shakes Up Politics More Than Policy

The plan would include a cap on total Medicare spending and feature more private competition than under the current program. Even if the proposal draws support, it won't be introduced as legislation until after the 2012 election. Read More...

Published Thu, Dec 15 2011 11:12 AM by Shots - Health Blog

States Would Get More Flexibility On 'Essential Benefits' Under Proposal

The Obama administration's plan would let states match benefits with existing plans. That idea is drawing criticism from both sides of the health care debate. Read More...

Published Fri, Dec 16 2011 2:44 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Hospitals That Serve The Poor Struggle With Readmissions

Hospitals that treat many poor people face challenges in managing their care. The problem is compounded by the fact that the same hospitals often have fewer resources at their disposal. Read More...

Published Tue, Dec 20 2011 6:52 AM by Shots - Health Blog

After 25 Years In Woman's Stomach, A Pen Still Writes

A British woman who saw a spot on a tonsil tried to get a better look using a pen and a mirror. She slipped and the pen went down her throat. Nobody believed her. Now that they pen has been removed they do. Read More...

Published Wed, Dec 21 2011 9:02 AM by Shots - Health Blog

End Of An Era: Lipitor Goes Generic

The end of Pfizer's patent on its blockbuster cholesterol-lowering drug means consumers should see big price drops in coming months. Read More...

Published Thu, Dec 01 2011 9:15 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Catholic Groups Fight Contraceptive Rule, But Many Already Offer Coverage

Catholic bishops are lobbying the Obama administration to change new regulations requiring most employers to offer prescription birth control at no cost as part of their health insurance plans. They say it violates their religious beliefs, but many Catholic...

Published Thu, Dec 01 2011 9:01 PM by Shots - Health Blog

US AIDS Chief Says Tipping Point Is In Sight

The cost to treat HIV-positive people in the developing world has dropped dramatically. And a key U.S. official says that the lower costs make it possible to treat many more people without increasing spending. Read More...

Published Fri, Dec 02 2011 1:33 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Young People Put Dent In Nursing Shortage

Persistent shortages of nurses may be coming to an end. The ranks of registered nurses are expected to grow at roughly the same rate as the population between now and 2030, a new study finds. Read More...

Published Mon, Dec 05 2011 1:06 PM by Shots - Health Blog

December 2011 - NPR Health Blog

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