Category: Public Health

Blood, Sweat And Workplace Wellness: Where To Draw The Line On Incentives

Uncertainty over federal standards for these cost-saving programs could trigger different perks for employees and change what they must do to qualify.

Bad Air And Inadequate Data Prove An Unhealthy Mix

San Joaquin Valley residents breathe some of the dirtiest air in the country, but it can be a challenge for them to find accurate and timely information on the air quality in their neighborhoods. This summer, nonprofit organizations began distributing 20 small air monitors to hard-hit families, and next year, the state is expected to install monitoring systems in some communities.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Health On The Hill

In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Joanne Kenen of Politico talk about a spate of health-related legislative action on Capitol Hill, including Senate passage of a bill to address the opioid epidemic. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week.

Chaos And Agitation: Helping A Patient Survive A Hurricane

For families living with dementia, natural disasters can be particularly terrifying, heightening confusion, disorientation, anxiety and paranoia.

Despite Red Flags At Surgery Centers, Overseers Award Gold Seals

A decade ago, California stopped licensing surgery centers and then gave approval power to private accreditors that are commonly paid by the same centers they inspect. That system of oversight has created a troubling legacy of laxity, a Kaiser Health News investigation finds.

Day-Tripping To The Dispensary: Seniors In Pain Hop Aboard The Canna-Bus

Marijuana dispensaries are reaching out to seniors seeking help with the aches and pains of aging. They’re discovering an array of products, and some interesting side effects.

Half As Many People Are Trying Heroin, But Marijuana Use Grows

An annual government survey of drug use and health shows a dramatic drop in the number of people who tried heroin but an uptick in pot use.

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health articles from the week so you don’t have to.

Discreetly Tracking Down Sex Partners To Stop A Surge In STDs

In response to a spike in syphilis and gonorrhea cases, one Oregon county is sending medical sleuths to break the bad news in person. Some people have no idea they’ve been exposed to an infection.

4 Takeaways On Puerto Rico’s Death Toll, In The Wake Of Trump’s Tweet Storm

The controversy over the death toll from Hurricane Maria continues as the president tweets that the official estimate adopted by territory officials is a political ploy.