January 2012 - NPR Health Blog - The Network of Care

Ending Nightmares Caused By PTSD

Some people suffering from PTSD have recurring nightmares of a single, traumatic event. Researchers are focusing on a specific event during sleep that may be causing the disturbing dream cycle. Read More...

Published Sun, Jan 15 2012 9:01 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Get The Lead Out: Panel Wants Kids' Limits Halved

Children should never live in a house with lead paint, according to a federal advisory committee charged with trying to reduce children's exposure to the toxic metal. The panel recommended lowering the threshold for lead exposure to reflect growing...

Published Thu, Jan 05 2012 12:33 PM by Shots - Health Blog

More Than A Million Condoms Recalled In South Africa

The affected condoms — a government brand called Choice — were distributed early this month as part of the festivities marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress. Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 31 2012 8:36 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Parents Cheat On Booster Seats, Despite Safety Risks

Parents don't always use booster seats for children, even though they're required in 47 states. Only half insisted their child use a booster when riding in the family car with boosterless friends. Read More...

Published Mon, Jan 30 2012 2:24 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Should Doctors Be 'Parsimonious' About Health Care?

The American College of Physicians urges internists to take cost-effectiveness into consideration when making decisions about patient care, triggering a debate. Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 03 2012 9:33 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Stories About High Health Care Costs Win Prizes

A nonprofit group that's trying to get doctors and other health professionals to be more thoughtful about health costs just named winners in an essay contest. Two essays by patients suggest haggling over prices and questioning the necessity of some...

Published Thu, Jan 19 2012 9:05 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

A Bid To Replace Neglect For Tropical Diseases With Attention

The new initiative marks the first time the world's 13 biggest pharmaceutical competitors have agreed to collaborate on a common goal and share their expertise on potential drugs, one of the project's leaders says. Read More...

Published Mon, Jan 30 2012 9:43 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Scratching An Ankle Is Hard To Beat

Scratching an itchy ankle is more satisfying than relieving an itch on your back or arm. Even if you thought you knew that, scientists now have evidence to back up your hunch. Read More...

Published Fri, Jan 27 2012 12:25 PM by Shots - Health Blog

A Computer Beats A Pen For Getting Prescriptions Right

Hospitals see a huge drop in drug mistakes when doctors use a computer to write prescriptions, instead of pen and paper. Software can correct miscalculations, warn of allergic reactions and eliminate doctors' notoriously poor handwriting. But few...

Published Tue, Jan 31 2012 2:20 PM by Shots - Health Blog

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

How Tears Go 'Pac-Man' To Beat Bacteria

Each tear you shed contains an army of enzymatic Pac-Men, ready to chase down and gobble up germs before they infect the sensitive tissues around your eye. Now scientists have found just one molecule of the germ-fighting enzyme is a potent defender. Read...

Published Fri, Jan 20 2012 10:27 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Retail Labs Give Patients Information, But Needle Doctors

The shops, located in retail spaces, offer patients convenience and access to medical tests without a doctor's orders. Physicians say that's precisely the problem. Test results could spark panic in some patients and drive up health costs. Read...

Published Tue, Jan 17 2012 1:00 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

Study: 1 in 14 People Has Oral HPV Infection

Men were much more likely to have an oral HPV infection than women. And people who have had more sex partners and more frequent sex were more likely to be positive for HPV. Read More...

Published Fri, Jan 27 2012 9:50 AM by Shots - Health Blog

January 2012 - NPR Health Blog

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