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Health Care

Research News

Study Questions Zocor Benefit

Recent studies have shown that treating heart attack patients with high doses of cholesterol-lowering drugs significantly lowered their risk another heart attack. But a new study of the drug Zocor failed to find the same benefits, raising questions about whether all statin drugs are equally effective. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

Benefit of High Doses of Heart Drug in Doubt

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Health

Bracing for the Coming Flu Season

NPR's Richard Knox reports on the contamination of flu vaccines manufactured by Chrion. Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the contamination was detected early enough in the manufacturing process to avoid a vaccine shortage similar to the one which occurred last year. But it also illustrates how nervous and on edge public health officials are as they prepare for the coming flu season. Against the backdrop of World Health Organization reports of avian flu in pigs, the question scientists are pondering is whether we are in for a normal flu season or a really bad one.

Bracing for the Coming Flu Season

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Americans 'Worried' Over Antidepressants

Modern antidepressant drugs called SSRIs have benefited millions of people with mental disorders, but it's the possible dangers of those drugs that have grabbed headlines lately. NPR's Snigdha Prakash reports.

Americans 'Worried' Over Antidepressants

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An Epileptic Man's Struggle without Health Insurance

Scott Ballings has lost his health insurance twice in the past four years, and at times even paid for it out of his own pocket. But he decided it wasn't worth it, and now Ballings -- who has epilepsy -- hopes that he can avoid illness or accidents. Susan Roesgen of member station WWNO reports.

An Epileptic Man's Struggle without Health Insurance

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National

More Americans Poor, Uninsured

For the third year in a row, the number of Americans living below the poverty line rose last year, growing by 1.3 million people, the Census Bureau reports. More Americans are also going without health insurance. Hear NPR's Kathleen Schalch.

Number of Poor, Uninsured Americans Grows

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Health

Sugar Foes Want Food Pyramid Revised

Scientific advisors to the federal government will soon release recommendations for changes in dietary guidelines that would encourage Americans to reduce the intake of sugar, salt and trans-fatty acids, and increase their consumption of foods like fish. But the final guidelines may not reflect the scientific evidence if soft drink manufacturers and the sugar lobby get their way. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

Sugar Foes Want Food Pyramid Revised

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National

1.3 Million More in Poverty

The U.S. Census Bureau releases new data that shows the number of Americans living in poverty rose last year by 1.3 million people. The number of people without health insurance also rose, according to the report. Hear NPR's Kathleen Schalch.

Census: 1.3 Million More in Poverty in 2003

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Calculating the Costs of Mental Health Care

With the growing costs of antidepressants and mental health care, many businesses are reluctant to provide health insurance coverage for mental illness. Yet others, like Delta, have found that paying for employee treatment saves money in the end. NPR's Joanne Silberner reports.

Calculating the Costs of Mental Health Care

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Health

Clues to Depression Sought in Brain's Wiring

Major depression afflicts one out of 10 adults, resulting in profound and disturbing changes in all aspects of a person's life. NPR's Michele Trudeau reports that new brain imaging technologies and genetic detective work are rapidly revealing what can cause depression and how best to treat it.

Clues to Depression Sought in Brain's Wiring

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Shoppers Pick Up Health Check with Milk

A new company is opening small health clinics inside grocery stories and discount retailers such as Target. The clinics are meant to be a cheap, no-wait alternative to the doctor's office for minor health issues. Jeff Horwich of Minnesota Public Radio reports.

Shoppers Pick Up Health Check with Milk

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National

Hospital Alters Gowns to Suit Modest Tastes

Jeanne Baron reports on a hospital in Portland, Maine, that noticed Muslim women weren't showing up for a lot of their appointments. Some investigation revealed that the women were embarrassed by the skimpy hospital gowns they were asked to wear for exams. Maine Medical is now offering all its patient the option of a more modest johnny.

Hospital Alters Gowns to Suit Modest Tastes

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Treating the Hiccups

NPR's Scott Simon talks to Dr. Beatrice Golomb, who teaches medicine at the University of California, San Diego, about what causes hiccups, and how to get rid of them. A state lawmaker from Pennsylvania has been hospitalized since July for a case of the hiccups that won't go away.

Treating the Hiccups

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Children's Health

Study Recommends Drugs and Talk for Teens with Depression

A new study out this week says teens with depression do best with a combination of drugs and talk therapy. The study is the largest of its kind, but it still doesn't settle the debate over whether using anti-depressants may make some teens suicidal.

Study Recommends Drugs and Talk for Teens with Depression

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National

Kauai Cigarette Riles Hawaiians

An RJ Reynolds ad campaign called Kauai Kolada has some Hawaiians upset with the use of Hawaiian names and imagery to market cigarettes. The ads feature a hula girl and promote a pineapple-flavored blend of cigarettes. Hear Kayla Rosenfeld of Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai Cigarette Riles Hawaiians

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Health

Author Takes a Critical Look at Prescription Drugs

Fresh Air

Dr. Jerry Avorn is a Harvard Medical school researcher and clinician. His new book, Powerful Medicines, uses patient vignettes, scientific critique and statistics to examine the benefits and side effects of prescription drugs.

Author Takes a Critical Look at Prescription Drugs

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