NPR People: Joseph Shapiro http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101159&ft=1&f=2101159 Joseph Shapiro covers health, aging, disability, and children and family issues for NPR. Before joining NPR in November 2001, Joe spent 19 years at U.S. News & World Report, where he wrote about healthcare and medicine, aging and long-term care, disability and chronic illness, children and families, poverty, civil rights, and other social policy issues. He also served as the magazine's Rome bureau chief, White House correspondent, and congressional reporter. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Joseph Shapiro http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101159&ft=1&f=2101159 yes When Your Boss Wants Your DNA The University of Akron said it could ask new workers for a DNA sample to run background checks. But an anti-discrimination law that went into full effect Nov. 21 prevents employers from requiring workers to share genetic information. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120587756&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120587756&ft=1&f=2101159 The University of Akron said it could ask new workers for a DNA sample to run background checks. But an anti-discrimination law that went into full effect Nov. 21 prevents employers from requiring workers to share genetic information. 219 no The University of Akron said it could ask new workers for a DNA sample to run background checks. But an anti-discrimination law that went into full effect Nov. 21 prevents employers from requiring workers to share genetic information.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Why This Wisconsin City Is The Best Place To Die Joe Hauser lives in La Crosse, Wis., where nearly all older adults have signed a directive outlining their end-of life plans. Hauser's kidneys are failing and he doesn't want to live on a machine, but he's keeping his options open. Talking about end-of-life care helps people make informed choices and have their wishes heard, hospital staff says. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120346411&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120346411&ft=1&f=2101159 Joe Hauser lives in La Crosse, Wis., where nearly all older adults have signed a directive outlining their end-of life plans. Hauser's kidneys are failing and he doesn't want to live on a machine, but he's keeping his options open. Talking about end-of-life care helps people make informed choices and have their wishes heard, hospital staff says. 527 no Joe Hauser lives in La Crosse, Wis., where nearly all older adults have signed a directive outlining their end-of life plans. Hauser's kidneys are failing and he doesn't want to live on a machine, but he's keeping his options open. Talking about end-of-life care helps people make informed choices and have their wishes heard, hospital staff says.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Patients Turn To Online Community For Help Healing Many people already use the Internet to search for health information, but more Americans are using social-networking sites to talk to each other about their health. And many patients find it empowering to be able to share and learn from others who are going through the same thing. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:25:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120381580&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120381580&ft=1&f=2101159 Many people already use the Internet to search for health information, but more Americans are using social-networking sites to talk to each other about their health. And many patients find it empowering to be able to share and learn from others who are going through the same thing. 261 no Many people already use the Internet to search for health information, but more Americans are using social-networking sites to talk to each other about their health. And many patients find it empowering to be able to share and learn from others who are going through the same thing.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> FDA Calls For Proof Of Alcohol-Caffeine Drinks' Safety State attorneys general and consumer health groups have criticized the federal government for not regulating the small but fast-growing market of caffeinated alcoholic drinks. Now the federal Food and Drug Administration announces that it's taking its first action on the drinks that are marketed to people in their 20s: Within 30 days, the companies must supply data proving the drinks are "safe" or pull them from the market. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120399308&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120399308&ft=1&f=2101159 State attorneys general and consumer health groups have criticized the federal government for not regulating the small but fast-growing market of caffeinated alcoholic drinks. Now the federal Food and Drug Administration announces that it's taking its first action on the drinks that are marketed to people in their 20s: Within 30 days, the companies must supply data proving the drinks are "safe" or pull them from the market. 230 no State attorneys general and consumer health groups have criticized the federal government for not regulating the small but fast-growing market of caffeinated alcoholic drinks. Now the federal Food and Drug Administration announces that it's taking its first action on the drinks that are marketed to people in their 20s: Within 30 days, the companies must supply data proving the drinks are "safe" or pull them from the market.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Gay-Rights Groups See Gains In House Health Bill There are several pieces of health care policy that gay-civil-rights groups have sought for years, but without success. The House health bill passed Saturday includes provisions that would end a tax penalty for same-sex couples and would prevent denial of health care based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120266798&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120266798&ft=1&f=2101159 There are several pieces of health care policy that gay-civil-rights groups have sought for years, but without success. The House health bill passed Saturday includes provisions that would end a tax penalty for same-sex couples and would prevent denial of health care based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 137 no There are several pieces of health care policy that gay-civil-rights groups have sought for years, but without success. The House health bill passed Saturday includes provisions that would end a tax penalty for same-sex couples and would prevent denial of health care based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> A Widow Paints A Health Care Protest As Congress debates health care overhaul, Regina Holliday is using her paintbrush to protest the current medical system. Her 50-foot-long mural depicts the problems her family encountered while her husband was fighting stage IV kidney cancer. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120028213&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120028213&ft=1&f=2101159 As Congress debates health care overhaul, Regina Holliday is using her paintbrush to protest the current medical system. Her 50-foot-long mural depicts the problems her family encountered while her husband was fighting stage IV kidney cancer. 327 no As Congress debates health care overhaul, Regina Holliday is using her paintbrush to protest the current medical system. Her 50-foot-long mural depicts the problems her family encountered while her husband was fighting stage IV kidney cancer.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Headphones Can Disrupt Implanted Heart Devices Three years ago, a 17-year-old reported that an iPod can disrupt a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator. It turns out he's nearly right: It's the headphones that can cause the devices to malfunction. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:23:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114043643&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114043643&ft=1&f=2101159 Three years ago, a 17-year-old reported that an iPod can disrupt a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator. It turns out he's nearly right: It's the headphones that can cause the devices to malfunction. 256 no Three years ago, a 17-year-old reported that an iPod can disrupt a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator. It turns out he's nearly right: It's the headphones that can cause the devices to malfunction.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> A Forgotten Health Debate: Funding Long-term Care Donna Taylor's father planned ahead — he had insurance and savings to pay for health coverage when he retired. But when he got sick and couldn't walk, he found he did not have enough coverage to pay for care for himself and his disabled wife. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113656481&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113656481&ft=1&f=2101159 Donna Taylor's father planned ahead — he had insurance and savings to pay for health coverage when he retired. But when he got sick and couldn't walk, he found he did not have enough coverage to pay for care for himself and his disabled wife. 273 no Donna Taylor's father planned ahead — he had insurance and savings to pay for health coverage when he retired. But when he got sick and couldn't walk, he found he did not have enough coverage to pay for care for himself and his disabled wife.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> For Older Women, A Refuge From Emotional Abuse The Older Battered Women's Program in Lynn, Mass., serves women who are in abusive relationships. Many have been struggling with emotional abuse for decades, and come to the program for support and counsel. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113166724&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113166724&ft=1&f=2101159 The Older Battered Women's Program in Lynn, Mass., serves women who are in abusive relationships. Many have been struggling with emotional abuse for decades, and come to the program for support and counsel. 229 no The Older Battered Women's Program in Lynn, Mass., serves women who are in abusive relationships. Many have been struggling with emotional abuse for decades, and come to the program for support and counsel.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> For Federal Employees, Insurance Plan Offers Choice Often considered the gold standard for health insurance, federal employees can choose their coverage from a range of plans. For Rhonda Dorsey — whose daughter has diabetes — this meant she could pick the best health care plan for their situation. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112893393&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112893393&ft=1&f=2101159 Often considered the gold standard for health insurance, federal employees can choose their coverage from a range of plans. For Rhonda Dorsey — whose daughter has diabetes — this meant she could pick the best health care plan for their situation. 305 no Often considered the gold standard for health insurance, federal employees can choose their coverage from a range of plans. For Rhonda Dorsey — whose daughter has diabetes — this meant she could pick the best health care plan for their situation.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Poll: Doctors Among Public Option's Biggest Fans A new poll shows that doctors are among the biggest supporters in the United States of a public option in the health care overhaul. One reason: Many say they've had largely good experiences with Medicare. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:45:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112839232&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112839232&ft=1&f=2101159 A new poll shows that doctors are among the biggest supporters in the United States of a public option in the health care overhaul. One reason: Many say they've had largely good experiences with Medicare. 209 no A new poll shows that doctors are among the biggest supporters in the United States of a public option in the health care overhaul. One reason: Many say they've had largely good experiences with Medicare.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Poll Finds Most Doctors Support Public Option In the heated, political back-and-forth of the health care debate, doctors' voices aren't always heard. A new, comprehensive nationwide survey finds that 73 percent of doctors support the inclusion of a public option. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112818960&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112818960&ft=1&f=2101159 In the heated, political back-and-forth of the health care debate, doctors' voices aren't always heard. A new, comprehensive nationwide survey finds that 73 percent of doctors support the inclusion of a public option. 247 no In the heated, political back-and-forth of the health care debate, doctors' voices aren't always heard. A new, comprehensive nationwide survey finds that 73 percent of doctors support the inclusion of a public option.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Records Of Health Worker Misdeeds Kept Secret More than 100,000 health care workers are on a federal government list because they've been disciplined for stealing drugs, abusing patients and other misdeeds. But hospitals and nursing homes cannot check the database when they hire staff. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:31:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112490243&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112490243&ft=1&f=2101159 More than 100,000 health care workers are on a federal government list because they've been disciplined for stealing drugs, abusing patients and other misdeeds. But hospitals and nursing homes cannot check the database when they hire staff. 196 no More than 100,000 health care workers are on a federal government list because they've been disciplined for stealing drugs, abusing patients and other misdeeds. But hospitals and nursing homes cannot check the database when they hire staff.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Social Security Struggles With Disability Backlog A person who can no longer work because of illness or disability is entitled to a monthly Social Security disability check. But the recession has put an already strained system under even more duress. About 1.5 million people are waiting for a decision. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:08:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112397747&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112397747&ft=1&f=2101159 A person who can no longer work because of illness or disability is entitled to a monthly Social Security disability check. But the recession has put an already strained system under even more duress. About 1.5 million people are waiting for a decision. 285 no A person who can no longer work because of illness or disability is entitled to a monthly Social Security disability check. But the recession has put an already strained system under even more duress. About 1.5 million people are waiting for a decision.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Living-Will Guide For Vets Stirs Health Overhaul Fears A Veterans Affairs booklet has a worksheet that asks a tough question: When is life "not worth living?" Some say the scenarios provided are offensive — and another reason to scale back Obama's health care proposals. VA official Tammy Duckworth says the booklet is under revision. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:13:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112182583&ft=1&f=2101159 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112182583&ft=1&f=2101159 A Veterans Affairs booklet has a worksheet that asks a tough question: When is life "not worth living?" Some say the scenarios provided are offensive — and another reason to scale back Obama's health care proposals. VA official Tammy Duckworth says the booklet is under revision. 231 no A Veterans Affairs booklet has a worksheet that asks a tough question: When is life "not worth living?" Some say the scenarios provided are offensive — and another reason to scale back Obama's health care proposals. VA official Tammy Duckworth says the booklet is under revision.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]>