NPR Health Blog

Better Safe Than Sorry: Surgeons Get Help Counting Sponges

Computerized systems for tracking equipment in operating rooms can reduce errors that hurt patients. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota hasn't lost a sponge inside a patient in more than a year and a half. Read More...

Published Wed, Oct 06 2010 11:50 AM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

A Third Of Americans Are Apathetic About Flu Shots

Most American know they should get a flu shot but many aren't planning on it. Some think they can avoid getting sick without vaccination. Others worry about side effects. Public health authorities advise people to drop the excuses and get protected...

Published Thu, Oct 07 2010 12:51 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

Despite Riding Risks, Helmets Still Optional In Some Equestrian Events

When it comes to safety in the horse ring, helmets aren't required for all competitive events. NPR's Julie Rovner, just back from the World Equestrian Games, thinks the professionals are setting a bad example. Read More...

Published Sat, Oct 09 2010 6:01 AM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

India Marks A Year Free Of Polio

The absence of a new polio case in India is a milestone in the decades-long effort to wipe the poliovirus from the face of the planet. Only a few years ago, India reported more polio cases than any other country in the world. Read More...

Published Fri, Jan 13 2012 1:48 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Obesity Epidemic May Have Peaked In U.S.

The obesity epidemic appears to have reached a plateau, according to the latest federal statistics. Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 17 2012 10:08 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Many Older Women May Not Need Frequent Bone Scans

Many older women currently get scans every two years to check for signs of osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that can cause painful spine fractures and broken hips. But a new study suggests perhaps half of women over 67 might not need such bone scans...

Published Wed, Jan 18 2012 3:30 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Why Catholic Groups' Health Plans Say No To Contraceptives, Yes To Viagra

It's a question that Catholic-sponsored employers have objected to the administration's requirement that health plans cover contraceptives at no charge to the insured. What about coverage for medicines to help men with erectile dysfunction? Read...

Published Mon, Feb 13 2012 2:41 PM by Shots - Health Blog

An Oops On The Costco Freebie Menu: Gouda Cheese With E. Coli

Some gouda cheese sold at Costco stores in the West may have been contaminated with a nasty form of E. coli. The cheese, made by Bravo Farms, has been linked to more than two dozen illnesses. Read More...

Published Fri, Nov 05 2010 9:45 AM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

Pfizer's Rheumatoid Arthritis Pill Shows Promise In Big Studies

Human tests of an experimental medicine called tasocitinib show it works pretty well at managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. There are side effects, of course, including an increase in infections. Read More...

Published Mon, Nov 08 2010 6:38 AM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

Health Care Played Bit Role In Voting Booth

The crummy economy, including high unemployment, was the biggest issue on the minds of voters, according to poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Health care ranked fourth on the list of important issues to voters. Read More...

Published Tue, Nov 09 2010 6:07 AM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

Experimental Diet Drug Helped Diabetics Shed Weight, But...

New clinical data show a medicine called lorcaserin helped diabetics shed weight. But the losses were modest, and safety questions remains. So the medicine still faces a tough road at the Food and Drug Administration. Read More...

Published Tue, Nov 09 2010 1:35 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

Most Who Start With HPV Vaccine Don't Finish

Only a third of girls and young women who received the first shot in a three-vaccine regimen against cervical cancer completed the inoculations, researchers have found. Young adults may find it hard to follow through on the recommendations. Read More...

Published Wed, Nov 10 2010 1:01 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

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