NPR Topics: Health http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1128&ft=1&f=1128 Health Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:26:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Health http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1128&ft=1&f=1128 yes 'Public Option' Remains Possible Snag As Vote Looms Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs 60 votes — that's every Democrat and both Independents — to clear the way for a vote on historic heath care legislation Saturday. The final two Democrats fell in line Saturday afternoon — Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. But the holdouts still expressed strong reluctance about the "public option" in Reid's bill. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:26:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120653061&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120653061&ft=1&f=1128 Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs 60 votes — that's every Democrat and both Independents — to clear the way for a vote on historic heath care legislation Saturday. The final two Democrats fell in line Saturday afternoon — Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. But the holdouts still expressed strong reluctance about the "public option" in Reid's bill. 201 no Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs 60 votes — that's every Democrat and both Independents — to clear the way for a vote on historic heath care legislation Saturday. The final two Democrats fell in line Saturday afternoon — Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. But the holdouts still expressed strong reluctance about the "public option" in Reid's bill.

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]]> Breast Cancer Guidelines' Impact On Black Women White women have higher breast cancer rates overall, but black women get the disease more often before age 40. They also tend to have more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates. That concerns Dr. Marisa Weiss, a Philadelphia oncologist. She tells host Guy Raz how the breast screening recommendations released this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force could have an especially rough impact on black women. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120652943&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120652943&ft=1&f=1128 White women have higher breast cancer rates overall, but black women get the disease more often before age 40. They also tend to have more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates. That concerns Dr. Marisa Weiss, a Philadelphia oncologist. She tells host Guy Raz how the breast screening recommendations released this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force could have an especially rough impact on black women. no White women have higher breast cancer rates overall, but black women get the disease more often before age 40. They also tend to have more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates. That concerns Dr. Marisa Weiss, a Philadelphia oncologist. She tells host Guy Raz how the breast screening recommendations released this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force could have an especially rough impact on black women.

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]]> 'Army Strong' Now Means Mental Toughness, Too The Army has always trained its soldiers to be physically strong. With its Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, it's aiming to make soldiers and their families psychologically strong as well. Host Scott Simon speaks to the program's director, Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646670&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646670&ft=1&f=1128 The Army has always trained its soldiers to be physically strong. With its Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, it's aiming to make soldiers and their families psychologically strong as well. Host Scott Simon speaks to the program's director, Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum. 297 no The Army has always trained its soldiers to be physically strong. With its Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, it's aiming to make soldiers and their families psychologically strong as well. Host Scott Simon speaks to the program's director, Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum.

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]]> A Week Of Changes For Women's Health For the second time in a week, a panel of medical experts has recommended that younger women be tested less frequently for cancer. The latest advice is that women can wait until 21 to have their first Pap test for cervical cancer. Many women can skip annual Pap smears after that. The guidance comes after another recommendation earlier this week that routine mammograms needn't start until age 50. NPR digital health correspondent Scott Hensley has been following the changes and joins host Scott Simon to talk about it. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646686&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646686&ft=1&f=1128 For the second time in a week, a panel of medical experts has recommended that younger women be tested less frequently for cancer. The latest advice is that women can wait until 21 to have their first Pap test for cervical cancer. Many women can skip annual Pap smears after that. The guidance comes after another recommendation earlier this week that routine mammograms needn't start until age 50. NPR digital health correspondent Scott Hensley has been following the changes and joins host Scott Simon to talk about it. 225 no For the second time in a week, a panel of medical experts has recommended that younger women be tested less frequently for cancer. The latest advice is that women can wait until 21 to have their first Pap test for cervical cancer. Many women can skip annual Pap smears after that. The guidance comes after another recommendation earlier this week that routine mammograms needn't start until age 50. NPR digital health correspondent Scott Hensley has been following the changes and joins host Scott Simon to talk about it.

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]]> Overlooked In The Rush To Digitize Medical Records The administration has made $45 billion available for doctors and hospital across the country to digitize medical records. This money, part of the government's stimulus plan, promises what amounts to a gold rush for major technology firms, who have begun competing to win those accounts. But Fred Schulte, senior reporter for the Huffington Post Investigative Fund, says some health care professionals wonder if the promise of electronic medical records has been exaggerated. Host Scott Simon talks to Schulte about the potential pitfalls. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646690&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646690&ft=1&f=1128 The administration has made $45 billion available for doctors and hospital across the country to digitize medical records. This money, part of the government's stimulus plan, promises what amounts to a gold rush for major technology firms, who have begun competing to win those accounts. But Fred Schulte, senior reporter for the Huffington Post Investigative Fund, says some health care professionals wonder if the promise of electronic medical records has been exaggerated. Host Scott Simon talks to Schulte about the potential pitfalls. 350 no The administration has made $45 billion available for doctors and hospital across the country to digitize medical records. This money, part of the government's stimulus plan, promises what amounts to a gold rush for major technology firms, who have begun competing to win those accounts. But Fred Schulte, senior reporter for the Huffington Post Investigative Fund, says some health care professionals wonder if the promise of electronic medical records has been exaggerated. Host Scott Simon talks to Schulte about the potential pitfalls.

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]]> Rolling The Dice On Mammograms Every 1,900 screenings for women in their 40s produces just one case in which cancer is discovered. But what if you're the one? Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120645754&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120645754&ft=1&f=1128 Every 1,900 screenings for women in their 40s produces just one case in which cancer is discovered. But what if you're the one? 166 no Every 1,900 screenings for women in their 40s produces just one case in which cancer is discovered. But what if you're the one?

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]]> Evidence-Based Medicine: Hard For Some To Swallow Patients often find it difficult to base medical decisions on study results. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:07:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120620408&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120620408&ft=1&f=1128 Patients often find it difficult to base medical decisions on study results. 218 no Patients often find it difficult to base medical decisions on study results.

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]]> Health Care Concessions A Bow To Moderates The public option looms large in the minds of voters and certain lawmakers, but not so much in the Senate health care bill. There it limits eligibility, kicks in late, includes an opt-out provision for states, and is expected to cost more than private plans. Leaders say they had to weaken it to round up the 60 votes they need to move the bill forward. Still, its inclusion continues to jeopardize needed support for passage, because several members of the Democratic caucus adamantly oppose any public option. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120624310&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120624310&ft=1&f=1128 The public option looms large in the minds of voters and certain lawmakers, but not so much in the Senate health care bill. There it limits eligibility, kicks in late, includes an opt-out provision for states, and is expected to cost more than private plans. Leaders say they had to weaken it to round up the 60 votes they need to move the bill forward. Still, its inclusion continues to jeopardize needed support for passage, because several members of the Democratic caucus adamantly oppose any public option. 222 no The public option looms large in the minds of voters and certain lawmakers, but not so much in the Senate health care bill. There it limits eligibility, kicks in late, includes an opt-out provision for states, and is expected to cost more than private plans. Leaders say they had to weaken it to round up the 60 votes they need to move the bill forward. Still, its inclusion continues to jeopardize needed support for passage, because several members of the Democratic caucus adamantly oppose any public option.

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]]> Costs Of Prescription Drugs Spike Prices for brand-name prescription drugs are on the rise. In some cases, they are up by more than 8 percent despite a decline in generic drug prices. Uwe Reinhardt, a professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton University, offers his insight. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120624314&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120624314&ft=1&f=1128 Prices for brand-name prescription drugs are on the rise. In some cases, they are up by more than 8 percent despite a decline in generic drug prices. Uwe Reinhardt, a professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton University, offers his insight. 264 no Prices for brand-name prescription drugs are on the rise. In some cases, they are up by more than 8 percent despite a decline in generic drug prices. Uwe Reinhardt, a professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton University, offers his insight.

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]]> 'Botax' In Senate Health Bill Upsets Plastic Surgeons Levies on liposuction, breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures would generate billions of dollars to help cover the uninsured. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:38:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613801&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613801&ft=1&f=1128 Levies on liposuction, breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures would generate billions of dollars to help cover the uninsured. no Levies on liposuction, breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures would generate billions of dollars to help cover the uninsured.

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]]> Talking Turkey About Holiday Stress The holiday season is here and for many that can mean a surge in stress. But what is stress exactly? <em>Science Friday</em> hit the streets of New York City to gauge stress levels and consulted with experts on the effects of stress and strategies for how to cope. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613258&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613258&ft=1&f=1128 The holiday season is here and for many that can mean a surge in stress. But what is stress exactly? <em>Science Friday</em> hit the streets of New York City to gauge stress levels and consulted with experts on the effects of stress and strategies for how to cope. 320 no The holiday season is here and for many that can mean a surge in stress. But what is stress exactly? Science Friday hit the streets of New York City to gauge stress levels and consulted with experts on the effects of stress and strategies for how to cope.

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]]> Debating Benefits, Risks Of Routine Mammograms New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend women start getting routine mammograms at age 50, not 40. Ira Flatow and guests take a closer look at the guidelines and what they mean for women's health. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613264&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613264&ft=1&f=1128 New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend women start getting routine mammograms at age 50, not 40. Ira Flatow and guests take a closer look at the guidelines and what they mean for women's health. 1564 no New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend women start getting routine mammograms at age 50, not 40. Ira Flatow and guests take a closer look at the guidelines and what they mean for women's health.

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]]> Book Recounts Challenges Of Eradicating Smallpox In <em>Smallpox: The Death of a Disease</em>, Dr. D.A. Henderson recounts the history of the deadly virus, from the development of the first vaccine in the late 18th century to his involvement in the successful global eradication campaign in the 1960s and 70s. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613268&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613268&ft=1&f=1128 In <em>Smallpox: The Death of a Disease</em>, Dr. D.A. Henderson recounts the history of the deadly virus, from the development of the first vaccine in the late 18th century to his involvement in the successful global eradication campaign in the 1960s and 70s. 937 no In Smallpox: The Death of a Disease, Dr. D.A. Henderson recounts the history of the deadly virus, from the development of the first vaccine in the late 18th century to his involvement in the successful global eradication campaign in the 1960s and 70s.

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]]> Brushing Up On Tropical Diseases Dengue fever, malaria and other tropical diseases took center stage at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene conference. Nathan Seppa of <em>Science News</em> offers details, including a strange story of palm trees, fruit bats and human infection. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613361&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613361&ft=1&f=1128 Dengue fever, malaria and other tropical diseases took center stage at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene conference. Nathan Seppa of <em>Science News</em> offers details, including a strange story of palm trees, fruit bats and human infection. 358 no Dengue fever, malaria and other tropical diseases took center stage at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene conference. Nathan Seppa of Science News offers details, including a strange story of palm trees, fruit bats and human infection.

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]]> Listeners Reject, Accept New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Tell Me More host Michel Martin and Lee Hill, the program's "digital media guy," comb through listener feedback and offer important news updates to recent conversations heard on the program. This week, the audience shares personal stories in reaction to controversial new guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency says suggests women can now wait an additional 10 years before getting an annual mammogram. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120608136&ft=1&f=1128 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120608136&ft=1&f=1128 Tell Me More host Michel Martin and Lee Hill, the program's "digital media guy," comb through listener feedback and offer important news updates to recent conversations heard on the program. This week, the audience shares personal stories in reaction to controversial new guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency says suggests women can now wait an additional 10 years before getting an annual mammogram. 256 no Tell Me More host Michel Martin and Lee Hill, the program's "digital media guy," comb through listener feedback and offer important news updates to recent conversations heard on the program. This week, the audience shares personal stories in reaction to controversial new guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency says suggests women can now wait an additional 10 years before getting an annual mammogram.

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