NPR Health Blog

When Religious Rules And Women's Health Collide

A survey of more than 1,000 ob-gyns who work in religious hospitals finds that more than one-third report they've had a conflict regarding religious-based policy for patient care. At Catholic hospitals, the figure was 52 percent. Read More...

Published Tue, May 08 2012 10:40 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Why Your Drug Copay Could Change

Insurers and employers are looking to stem the rising costs of expensive specialty drugs. One approach is to vary the copayment depending on the health value they calculate the drugs provide. Read More...

Published Tue, May 08 2012 6:46 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Moms Often Overlook Toddlers' Weight Problems

More than two-thirds of the mothers participating in a recent study were inaccurate in their assessments. And the biggest problem was moms who thought their overweight toddlers were just fine. Read More...

Published Mon, May 07 2012 3:09 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Even A Small Slowdown In Obesity's Rise Would Save Big Money

Trimming the rise in obesity in the U.S. by just 1 percent over the next two decades would reduce health care costs by by $85 billion. The fight isn't likely to be cheap. But new researchers shows that even a small dent in obesity rates could pay...

Published Mon, May 07 2012 8:49 AM by Shots - Health Blog

'Wired To Run': Runner's High May Have Been Evolutionary Advantage

Endurance athletes sometimes say they're "addicted" to exercise, and research suggests that may not be an overstatement. "Our brains have been sort of rewired from an evolutionary sense to encourage these running and high aerobic activity...

Published Sun, May 06 2012 11:38 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Is It Possible To Walk And Work At The Same Time?

When it comes to walking, the easy part is understanding the benefits: regular, brisk walks can strengthen our bones, help control blood sugar, help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and the list goes on. But the hard part? Time — finding the time...

Published Sun, May 06 2012 11:37 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Arrests Made In $75 Million Prescription Drug Heist

Federal authorities brought charges yesterday against 22 people they say were part of an organized crime ring that stole $100 million of prescription drugs and other goods. Such drug thefts still pose threats to consumers and the pharmaceutical industry...

Published Fri, May 04 2012 10:37 AM by Shots - Health Blog

School Bake Sales Draw Fire In Obesity Battle

The bake sale, a staple of school fundraising for generations, is getting squeezed. The epidemic of childhood obesity is leading some districts to restrict the kinds of foods sold or to ban the sales altogether, Bloomberg Businessweek's Stephanie...

Published Fri, May 04 2012 7:01 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Why Do Bike-Share Riders Skip Helmets?

Researchers found that only 20 percent of riders using shared bicycles wear helmets, despite the risk of injury. We took to the streets of Washington, D.C., to ask bicyclists, with and without helmets, about their choices. Read More...

Published Thu, May 03 2012 1:57 PM by Shots - Health Blog

CDC Says Helmets Are No Match For Tornadoes, But They Might Not Hurt

Last year, tornadoes claimed the lives of more than 500 people in the U.S. Some safety advocates say protecting your head with a sturdy helmet could help reduce injuries and deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's unaware...

Published Thu, May 03 2012 10:40 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Energy Drinks Can Take Teeth On An Irreversible Acid Trip

Dental researchers found that regular consumption of sports and energy drinks can contribute to tooth decay by because the acid in the beverages can erode the protective enamel. Read More...

Published Thu, May 03 2012 7:09 AM by Shots - Health Blog

A Step Forward For Gene Therapy To Treat HIV

Years after more than 40 patients with HIV received immune cells designed to attack and kill cells infected with HIV, the specialized cells are still present in their bloodstreams. There's been no sign the cells, a form of gene therapy, caused any...

Published Wed, May 02 2012 12:14 PM by Shots - Health Blog

First Of Controversial Bird Flu Studies Is Published

The paper describes experiments that suggest just a few genetic changes could potentially make a bird flu virus capable of becoming contagious in humans and causing a dangerous pandemic. A fierce debate has raged over this study for months, because of...

Published Wed, May 02 2012 11:41 AM by Shots - Health Blog

In Global Rankings, US Fares Poorly On Premature Births

Babies are born too soon at a higher rate in the United States than in 125 other countries. The first worldwide rankings of preterm births show the problem isn't limited to the developing world. Read More...

Published Wed, May 02 2012 10:33 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Costly Heart Procedures Thrive In Some Places, Despite Cheaper Alternatives

In Michigan, areas with more cardiac catheterization labs — places where patients are diagnosed for heart problems — tended to have more interventions than those with fewer labs. Read More...

Published Wed, May 02 2012 6:14 AM by Shots - Health Blog

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