NPR 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

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

Porn Industry Faces Condom Requirement In Los Angeles

Under the rule, filmmakers would only get a permit to make a porn film if they require condoms on the set. The measure aims to reduce the transmission of disease. But some in the industry say the rule goes too far. Read More...

Published Wed, Jan 18 2012 11:53 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

Listen Up, Walkers: Watch Out For Traffic When Wearing Headphones

A study of accidents involving pedestrians wearing headphones suggests a real risk from the audio distraction. Fumbling with or listening to music players can divert attention from dangers. The audio can also drown out sounds of trouble. Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 17 2012 12:10 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

Seeing Doctors' Notes Could Help Patients Change Ways

For patients, the effect of seeing their doctors' notes in black and white can be huge. A note labeling a patient as obese, for example, may be much more effective than a physician's advice to lose weight. Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 17 2012 8:35 AM by Shots - Health Blog

The Sleep Apnea Business Is Booming, And Insurers Aren't Happy

Sleep apnea is a condition that can raise the risk of several serious illnesses, including heart disease. Testing for the condition is a lucrative business, and sleep labs have sprung up across the country. But as spending skyrockets, insurers are rethinking...

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

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

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

Woman Injects 'Bath Salts,' Loses Arm to Flesh-Eating Bacteria

A woman injected the illicit drug bath salts to get a party high, only to be attacked by flesh-eating bacteria. Her right arm and shoulder were amputated to save her life. It's the first case of serious infection reported from this increasingly popular...

Published Fri, Jan 13 2012 12:46 PM by Shots - Health Blog

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