Health & Safety

John Hinckley Jr. is escorted by police in Washington, D.C., following his arrest after shooting and seriously wounding president Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981.

John Hinckley, Who Tried To Kill A President, Wins His Freedom

12:54pm July 27, 2016

by Carrie Johnson

A federal judge in Washington will allow John Hinckley to leave a mental institution and to live full-time with his mother. Hinckley shot President Ronald Reagan and three others in 1981.

New drugs like Harvoni effectively cure hepatitis C, but they haven't yet been approved for use in children.

Children Exposed To Hepatitis C May Be Missing Out On Treatment

7:28pm July 26, 2016

by Elana Gordon

Now that there are better treatments for hepatitis C in adults, doctors hope the drugs soon will be approved for use in children who were infected at birth. But many at-risk infants don't get tested.

In the "Shoulder to Cry On" program, grandmothers keep an eye on the well-being of children in the community.

Swaziland's Secret Weapon Against Child Abuse: Grandmothers

6:57pm July 26, 2016

by Natalie Jacewicz

In 2008, it ranked as one of the worst African countries for child abuse. Now it's one of the 10 best in protecting its kids. How did Swaziland do it?

When your health insurer reclassifies a prescription drug you take from tier 1 to tier 2, it can sharply increase the portion of the drug's cost that you're expected to pay.

Insurers May Share Blame For Increased Price Of Some Generic Drugs

6:31pm July 26, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

Consumers often blame drug companies for the rapidly rising costs of some commonly used generic drugs. But changes made by insurers influence the price of these drugs, too, it turns out.

Four sheep cloned from the same genetic material as Dolly roam the paddocks in Nottingham, England.

'Sister Clones' Of Dolly The Sheep Are Alive And Kicking

6:13pm July 26, 2016

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Dolly, the first cloned mammal, had early arthritis and died young, raising concerns that clones age prematurely. But a study confirms the sheep's four sister clones are healthy and aging well.

Queue Listen Now

Parkinson's disease, smoking, certain head injuries and even normal aging can influence our sense of smell. But certain patterns of loss in the ability to identify odors seem pronounced in Alzheimer's, researchers say.

A Sniff Test For Alzheimer's Checks For The Ability To Identify Odors

4:25pm July 26, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

New research suggests it may be possible to spot people in the early stages of Alzheimer's by testing their ability to recognize fragrances. The goal is a quick and inexpensive screening test.

Wen cleansing conditioners combine the functions of a shampoo and a conditioner. The FDA says it is investigating consumer complaints about the products.

Problems After Using Hair Conditioner Prompt An FDA Warning

5:29pm July 25, 2016

by Natalie Jacewicz

After more than 100 consumers complained about symptoms like itchiness and balding, the FDA says hair conditioner is a potential culprit. But doctors warn against jumping to conclusions.

Natalie Dunnege and her son, Strazh, work on an art project at home in San Francisco. Her health insurance would cover therapy sessions to help with her depression, Dunnege says, but she hasn't been able to find a counselor who is taking new patients.

Single Mom's Search For Therapist Hampered By Insurance Companies

5:24pm July 25, 2016

by April Dembosky

Recent health laws were supposed to give people easier access to mental health care. But some adults who have anxiety or depression and need help are still having a tough time lining up treatment.

Queue Listen Now

A vehicle from the 2012 attack on Norwegian Refugee Council staff in Dadaab, Kenya. Four aid workers were kidnapped by Somali militants.

Health & Safety

Kidnapping Is A Rising Concern For Aid Workers Around The World

4:11pm July 25, 2016

by Malaka Gharib

A court award of half a million dollars to a kidnapped aid worker — and an increase in kidnappings — has spurred humanitarian groups to create better security plans.

A chronic shortage of donor hearts places doctors in an ethical dilemma.

Should Doctors Game The Transplant Wait List To Help Their Patients?

6:13pm July 24, 2016

by Matthew Movsesian

A cardiologist knows how to game the system to get his patients bumped up the list for a heart transplant by giving them care they don't need. Is that being a good doctor — or a moral failure?