Hannah Norman, Kaiser Health News

Author's posts

Raincoats, Undies, School Uniforms: Are Your Clothes Dripping in ‘Forever Chemicals’?

The full health risks of wearing apparel made with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are still unknown. But states are taking action so clothing makers will remove them.

Weight Loss Gadgets: They Provide Data to Help Consumers Achieve Diet Goals, but It Still Won’t Be Easy

You may have seen the ads that promise weight loss and better health — phone apps, rings, and other devices — by giving you data on how your body reacts to food, exercise, and sleep. Is this information enough to help consumers achieve their goals?

Watch: Navigating Social Media After Mass Shootings

Click here for a transcript of the interview. A University of Pennsylvania professor shares advice on navigating the intersection of gun violence and social media as part of KHN’s new “Spotlight” interview series. Buffalo, New York. Uvalde, Texas. Highland Park, Illinois. Graphic imagery and news about the recent string of mass shootings has ricocheted across […]

Watch: UVA Doctor Talks About the State of the Pandemic and Health Equity 

KHN checks back in with Dr. Taison Bell to pinpoint changes in health care equity since the rollout of the covid-19 vaccines.

Travel Nurses See Swift Change of Fortunes as Covid Money Runs Dry

Travel nurse contracts that were plentiful and paid the temporary nurses far more than hospital staff nurses are vanishing. Hospitals nationwide are turning their energies to recruiting full-time people.

Black Therapists Fight to Be Seen on TikTok. When They Are, They Find Solidarity.

Black mental health therapists talk openly on TikTok about working in a predominantly white field, while at the same time making mental health care more accessible for people of color who might be shut out of the health care system.

Why At-Home Rapid Covid Tests Cost So Much, Even After Biden’s Push for Lower Prices

Germans pay less than $1 per test. Brits get them free. Why do Americans pay so much more? Because companies can still demand it.

Microbiome Startups Promise to Improve Your Gut Health, but Is the Science Solid?

A raft of startups are charging consumers hundreds of dollars to analyze the microbes in their gut and offer dietary advice based on the results. But scientists say scant research has been done, and as customers of one company have learned the hard way, the experience isn’t always smooth.

The Pandemic Made Telemedicine an Instant Hit. Patients and Providers Feel the Growing Pains.

Patients seem to like remote visits, and health care providers now depend on them. But outages, freezing and other glitches cost time and money, and compromise quality of care.

Backed by Millions in Public and Private Cash, Rapid Covid Tests Are Coming to Stores Near You

Over-the-counter covid tests could help speed the economy’s recovery, allowing students and workers to test themselves at home and get quick results. Could they become as ubiquitous as toothpaste and cold remedies on store shelves, or will demand dry up as the nation gets vaccinated?