NPR Health Blog

Americans Are Fat, And Expected To Get Much Fatter

More than three-quarters of Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020 if current behavior continues, new research days. Rates of diabetes would rise, too. That's bad news for cardiovascular health, despite the fact that people are doing better...

Published Thu, Nov 17 2011 10:50 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Bedbug Infestations Are A Family Affair

Bedbugs' eagerness to mate with their kin is one reason their populations have taken off so dramatically, new research suggests. Inbreeding comes naturally to them, and it doesn't seem to hurt their offspring much, as is the case with most other...

Published Tue, Dec 06 2011 8:52 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Teenage Girls Will Still Need A Prescription For 'Plan B'

The Food and Drug Administration had decided that a version of the morning-after emergency contraceptive pill could be sold without a prescription to buyers of any age. But the head of the Department of Health and Human Services overruled the FDA. Read...

Published Wed, Dec 07 2011 10:10 AM by Shots - Health Blog

After 35 Years, Unlikely Navy Caregivers Receive Recognition

The USS Kirk's rescue of 20,000 to 30,000 Vietnamese refugees in the last days of the Vietnam War is now being heralded as one of the most important humanitarian missions in the history of the U.S. Navy. Read More...

Published Wed, Sep 01 2010 2:42 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

In Weight-Loss Struggle, Americans Are Leery Of Pills

Out-of-pocket costs and side effects are two reasons people are reluctant to try diet drugs or supplements, according to a nationwide survey conducted for NPR. So how much weight would someone have to lose to consider taking them? Read More...

Published Thu, Sep 02 2010 12:30 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

What You Can Do For Health Care This Weekend? Fix It

Your bright ideas for cutting the cost of health care could earn you some money. A group that's trying to raise health professionals' awareness about costs is holding an essay contest to find the best suggestions. Read More...

Published Fri, Sep 03 2010 12:42 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

Costs Of Defensive Medicine May Be Overstated

The costs of defensive medicine practiced by doctors guarding against lawsuits are real, but not nearly as high as some have claimed. Even so, it's probably worth trying to tame them, some policy analysts say. Read More...

Published Tue, Sep 07 2010 1:45 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

America Hits Wall In Smoking Fight, But Some States Make Progress

Smoking rates are stuck around 20 percent in the United States. But health advocates say lower rates in some states suggest progress can still be made. Read More...

Published Wed, Sep 08 2010 1:45 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

Women's Groups Outraged By Ruling On Morning-After Pill

The Health and Human Services secretary overruled the FDA's opinion that the "Plan B" emergency contraceptive pill is safe and effective enough to be sold without a prescription — and without any age restrictions. Women's health advocates...

Published Thu, Dec 08 2011 2:00 AM by Shots - Health Blog

A Deadly Fire That Changed How Hospitals Are Built

A ferocious fire at the largest hospital in Hartford, Conn., killed 16 people 50 years ago. The results of an investigation into the blaze led stricter fire codes and construction standards for hospitals across the country. Read More...

Published Fri, Dec 09 2011 10:27 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Care For Earliest Preemies Improves, But Low Birth Weight Remains Risky

Even very tiny preemies sometimes turn out OK, as shown by the stories of two girls who were among the smallest preemies to survive. But infants born very early and weighing very little can face a lifetime of health problems. Read More...

Published Mon, Dec 12 2011 12:55 PM 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

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

Women's Health Groups Launch Campaign For Copay-Free Birth Control

Planned Parenthood and a leading group of gynecologists are pushing to have prescription birth control covered by insurers without copays. There's a chance it could be added to a list of preventive services required under the health overhaul. Read...

Published Tue, Oct 12 2010 12:19 PM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

Salt, Calories And Info On Key Fats Belong On Front Of Foods

The Institute of Medicine left sugar off its list of top nutrients that should be included in the information on the front of food boxes and cans. It says there's no scientific agreement about how added sugar impacts health. Read More...

Published Wed, Oct 13 2010 11:28 AM by NPR Blogs: Shots - Health News Blog

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