Health & Safety

How Big A Risk Is Acetaminophen During Pregnancy?

2:50pm August 15, 2016

by Richard Harris

A study found that behavioral problems were more common among children of women who took the pain reliever during pregnancy. But interpreting the results isn't as straightforward as you might expect.

Express Scripts assures patients it has a policy of not putting cancer medicine or mental health drugs on the list of products it excludes from its formulary.

Will Your Prescription Meds Be Covered Next Year? Better Check!

7:24am August 15, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

Insurers have released the latest lists of prescription drugs they won't cover in 2017. Express Scripts is excluding 85 drugs and CVS Caremark, 131. Some drugs for diabetes and asthma are out.

Queue Listen Now

Health & Safety

What's The Best Way To Stop Taking Powerful Prescription Drugs?

6:10am August 15, 2016

by Patti Neighmond

With all the concern about opioid addiction, some patients are worried and want to stop taking powerful medication. Tapering the drugs gradually may be a better way to do that than going cold turkey.

A sign over the Flint River in Flint, Mich. in January 2016.

Federal State Of Emergency Over Lead-Laced Water Ends In Flint, Mich.

11:28am August 14, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

The federal state of emergency in Flint, Mich. expires today, as the city continues to navigate a public health crisis caused by lead-laced water.

Alexander Naddour, of the U.S. men's gymnastics team, bears the circular mark of cupping on his right arm as he prepares to compete on the pommel horse at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on August 6.

How The Placebo Effect Could Boost An Olympic Performance

6:00am August 14, 2016

by Katherine Hobson

One athlete's "psych-up" ritual may psych out an opponent. And even treatments that lack hard evidence of benefit, scientists say, might provide a competitive edge if the athletes believe they work.

Common Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris, a top down view against a black background.

Worm Quiz: Don't Try To Squirm Your Way Out Of It

2:54am August 14, 2016

by Malaka Gharib

Do you know how long the longest earthworm is? Or how people might contract a parasitic worm?

Jeni Stepien with her hand on Arthur Thomas' chest after he walked her down the aisle at her wedding last Friday. The groom, Paul Maenner, stands to the left.

Health & Safety

Through Organ Donation, A Heart Lives On

2:40pm August 13, 2016

by Scott Simon

When Michael Stepien died, Arthur Thomas recieved his donated heart. When Stepien's daughter, Jeni, got married, Thomas walked her down the aisle. Scott Simon reflects on the power of organ donation.

Queue Listen Now

A Syrian Red Crescent team works to evacuate the conjoined twins to a hospital in Damascus on Friday.

Syrian Conjoined Twins Evacuated From Embattled Rebel Stronghold

12:53pm August 13, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Conjoined twin boys Moaz and Nawras have been evacuated out of one of Syria's most embattled areas for urgent medical treatment, following an international appeal to save their lives.

Lead water pipes are still used in many U.S. homes.

Lead Levels Below EPA Limits Can Still Impact Your Health

8:41am August 13, 2016

by Jessica Pupovac

Even tiny amounts of lead in the water can cause IQ deficits in children or high blood pressure in adults.

Queue Listen Now

Three parasitic worms (from left): male blood fluke, which can range in size from 0.2 inches to 4 inches; tapeworm, which can grow up to 30 feet in length; and microfilaria. The images were color enhanced.

Health & Safety

Why I'm Fascinated By Parasitic Worms

7:00am August 13, 2016

by Perri Klass

To many parasitic worms, we are the world. And the way they've evolved to live within us — without wiping us out — is stunning.