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Friday, November 16, 2012

Shots - Health News

This Is How Diabetes Swept The Nation

The march of diabetes across the nation.

November 16, 2012 Back in 1995, about 4.5 percent of adults in the U.S. had been diagnosed with diabetes. By 2010, the prevalence had zoomed to 8.2 percent. An interactive map shows how much worse diabetes has become in less than a generation.

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The Salt

Beer, Wine And Spirits: When Counting Our Liquid Calories, Are We Honest?

Not surprisingly, men like these guys cheering Sam Adams love beer. But more women than you might expect do too, according to a new study.

November 16, 2012 Despite the perception that Americans are a bunch of boozers, a new study shows men in their 20s and 30s take in about 175 calories a day in alcohol; for women, it's about 60 calories. Still, the government warns, it's a little more than we should be imbibing on a daily basis.

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Shots - Health News

Mental Disorders And Evolution: What Would Darwin Say About Schizophrenia?

Charles Darwin

November 16, 2012 Given the pressure of evolution, why have genes behind schizophrenia, autism and others disorders persisted? A study that looks at the likelihood someone is to have kids tries to figure it out.

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Shots - Health News

Global Fund Moves To Discontinue Project Subsidizing Malaria Drugs

A controversial pilot project reduced the cost of the most effective malaria drugs by giving manufacturers, such as Guilin Pharmaceutical in China, subsidies.

November 16, 2012 After months of debate, the Global Fund announced plans to wind down a controversial pilot project that subsidizes malaria drugs in Africa. Some health workers in the U.S. fault the decision, saying it doesn't address the major challenges of treating malaria in poor countries.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Shots - Health News

Health Exchange Activity Heats Up As Deadline Is Extended

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman announced Thursday that his state will choose the federal health insurance exchange program.

November 15, 2012 Two Republican governors announced Thursday afternoon that they would not create exchanges in their states. A Democratic governor chose a hybrid model for her state. Then, the federal government pushed back the states' decision deadline, again.

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The Salt

Cheaper Fruits And Vegetables Alone Can't Save Food Deserts

Five days a week, the Peaches & Greens truck sells affordable fruits and vegetables to families on public assistance, people without a car, homebound seniors and even local workers who otherwise would grab fast food or candy for a snack.

November 15, 2012 Researchers found that while consumers are sensitive to price, and more likely to buy fruit when the price drops, many other factors prevent people from buying fruits and vegetables.

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Shots - Health News

Computer Issues May Complicate Launch Of Health Insurance Exchanges

Problems with a computer system could delay work on health insurance exchanges.

November 15, 2012 KHNState insurance regulators learned recently that an electronic system most insurers will use to submit their policies for state and federal approvals won't be ready for testing next month. The unexpected problem could delay work on the exchanges by three months.

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Shots - Health News

Twitter Chat: States Face Deadline On Health Insurance Exchanges

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie listens to a question in Trenton, N.J., Tuesday. He has refused to tip his hand on whether New Jersey will set up a federally mandated health insurance exchange or let the federal government handle the chores.

November 15, 2012 Come Friday, states will have to decide whether they will run their own insurance exchanges under President Obama's sweeping health law. We had a rapid-fire chat about the exchanges on Twitter and captures some of the highlights here.

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Shots - Health News

A Peek Inside Rappers' Brains Shows Roots Of Improvisation

The warmer orange colors show parts of the brain most active during improvisational rap. The blue regions are most active when rappers performed a memorized piece.

November 15, 2012 Scientists have found rappers and jazz musicians use their brains in similar ways when it comes to improvisation. Brain scans show distinct differences in which parts of the brain are most active during rap performances of memorized pieces compared with those that are done freestyle.

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Shots - Health News

Lawmakers Clash With FDA Over Meningitis Outbreak

New England Compounding Center co-owner Barry Cadden went to Capitol Hill for a congressional hearing Wednesday on the fungal meningitis outbreak. Choosing to take the Fifth Amendment, Cadden did not testify.

November 14, 2012 Members of a House committee demanded to know why the Food and Drug Administration let the pharmacy that sold tainted drugs continue shipping them after sending a warning letter about problems in 2006.

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Shots - Health News

Health Care Cuts Are Coming: Here's Where Liberals Say You Can Slice

Two new studies and a proposed class-action lawsuit settlement all have the potential to change dollar signs as lawmakers address the impending fiscal cliff.

November 14, 2012 As the White House and Congress debate taxes and entitlement reform, an influential liberal think tank is offering what appears to be an olive branch: a plan to squeeze savings out of Medicare — long a target of GOP cuts — that Democrats can support.

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Superstorm Sandy: Before, During And Beyond

For Some Sandy Survivors, Medicine's The Big Worry

Pharmacy and medical services stores closed in Coney Island.

November 14, 2012 More than two weeks after Hurricane Sandy, many people in New York and New Jersey are still focused on restoring the basics: food, electricity, water. Most vulnerable are the elderly and sick — many of whom can't get to their doctors or refill prescriptions.

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