January 2012 - NPR Health Blog - The Network of Care

How Health Care Dropped Out Of The Presidential Conversation

The public remains deeply divided over the law overhauling the health system. And a new poll finds a majority of Americans believe the law's insurance mandate will be found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Read More...

Published Thu, Jan 26 2012 12:39 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Working Long Hours Can Be Depressing, Truly

People who work long hours are more likely to become depressed, even if they're working in the executive suite. That's according to a study of British civil servants. Other studies have found that people with higher incomes are less vulnerable...

Published Thu, Jan 26 2012 11:09 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Home Births Grow More Popular In U.S.

Advocates of home births applaud the trend, but some doctors caution there are risks when deliveries come with complications. The federal data suggest the trend appears to be driven primarily by the choices of older, white women. Read More...

Published Thu, Jan 26 2012 9:36 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Start Early To Curb Heart Risks For A Lifetime

Middle-aged men with two common risk factors have a 50-50 chance of having a serious heart attack or stroke as they grow older, a new study finds. The findings suggest that taming risks early in life can make big difference later on. Read More...

Published Wed, Jan 25 2012 2:35 PM by Shots - Health Blog

With Age, Men May Lose Thinking Ability Faster Than Women

Men are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment earlier than women, perhaps because of physical health issues. That's the word from a study of older people in Minnesota. But by their mid-80s, both men and women suffer the same level of loss of thinking...

Published Wed, Jan 25 2012 2:13 PM by Shots - Health Blog

L.A. Mayor Makes Condom Use The Law In Porn Films

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed the controversial ordinance into law this week. After the city clerk posts the rule, it would take effect in 41 days. Some makers of adult films have said they would shoot elsewhere rather than comply. Read More...

Published Wed, Jan 25 2012 10:54 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Shortage Of Research On When There's Too Much Health Care

Published research on excess use of health care is in pretty short supply, so rooting out waste by looking at the existing studies can be a little like limiting your late-night search for lost car keys to the spots right under streetlights. Read More...

Published Wed, Jan 25 2012 6:51 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Common Chemicals Could Make Kids' Vaccines Less Effective

Researchers found that children whose blood contained high levels of chemicals used in nonstick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics were less responsive to vaccination. The finding suggests, but doesn't prove, that these chemicals may make some children...

Published Tue, Jan 24 2012 1:05 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Your Brain On Psilocybin Might Be Less Depressed

Magic mushrooms remain popular at music festivals. But scientists say their mind-altering effects might help people with depression. Happy memories are stronger in people tripping on psilocybin, a new study finds, while brain areas overactive in depression...

Published Tue, Jan 24 2012 11:37 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Hospitals Take Page From Frequent Traveler Programs

To attract and keep new patients, hospitals are offering a range of special benefits, including free or low-cost health screenings and educational sessions on diet and exercise. There's also free valet parking for a lucky few. Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 24 2012 7:22 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Women Report More Pain Than Men From Same Ailments

Women don't suffer in silence. They report feeling more pain than men from such common conditions as ankle sprains and sinus infections, a Stanford study finds. A better understanding of gender differences in pain could lead to better treatments....

Published Mon, Jan 23 2012 12:26 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Stem Cells Show Promise As Blindness Treatment In Early Study

Human embryonic stem cells show promise in an early study involving two patients suffering from incurable, progressive forms of blindness. Both experienced marked improvement in their eyesight. Read More...

Published Mon, Jan 23 2012 8:46 AM by Shots - Health Blog

A Permanent Home That Allows Drinking Helps Homeless Drink Less

Homeless people may stand a better chance of improving their health when offered a permanent place to live without a requirement for sobriety, the results from a Seattle center suggest. Read More...

Published Mon, Jan 23 2012 8:08 AM by Shots - Health Blog

When It Comes To Depression, Serotonin Isn't The Whole Story

The antidepressant Prozac selectively targets the chemical serotonin. When the drug was introduced in the 1980s, it helped solidify the idea in many minds that depression was the result of a chemical imbalance. But the real story is far more complicated...

Published Sun, Jan 22 2012 9:01 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Administration Stands Firm On Birth Control Coverage

Final rules requiring insurance plans to cover prescription contraceptives will give religious-based hospitals and other organizations whose primary purpose is not religious an extra year to come into compliance. But the requirement remains, despite vigorous...

Published Fri, Jan 20 2012 2:23 PM by Shots - Health Blog

January 2012 - NPR Health Blog

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