Health & Safety

Evidence is growing that bariatic surgery reduces health risks of obesity.

For Many, Affordable Care Act Won't Cover Bariatric Surgery

4:00pm May 28, 2013

by Sarah Varney

Bariatric surgery has a good track record in combating the health risks of obesity. But new health exchanges in Mississippi and other Southern states won't pay for it, even though those states have some of the nation's highest rates of obesity.

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Health & Safety

Why Healthful Vending Machines Might Hurt The Blind

10:52am May 28, 2013

by Deena Prichep

Blind entrepreneurs who own vending machines are worried that legislative mandates to replace junk food with more healthful items will impact their business. In Oregon, the vendors are collaborating with health officials to find a happy medium.

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Going to the doctor may be uncomfortable for people who are worried about weight.

Health & Safety

Overweight People Are More Apt To Ditch Doctors

8:08am May 28, 2013

by Patti Neighmond

People who are overweight or obese are much more likely to switch doctors, a study finds. That may be because doctors aren't helping them address weight issues. It may compromise their medical care, because of lack of continuity and preventive medicine.

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President Obama speaks about the Affordable Care Act at the White House on May 10.

Obama's Next Big Campaign: Selling Health Care To The Public

7:58am May 28, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

President Obama often tells audiences that he has waged his last campaign. But that's not exactly true. The White House is gearing up for a massive push this summer to get uninsured people to buy health care when sign-ups begin Oct. 1.

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Tragic Result: Sniper Tries To Help Troubled Veteran

7:58am May 28, 2013

Chris Kyle was one of the deadliest American military snipers in history. In February, the former Navy SEAL was shot and killed — not on the battlefield, but on the homefront at the hands of a fellow veteran. David Greene talks to Nicholas Schmidle, who reports in the latest issue of The New Yorker magazine how these two men and their invisible scars of war intersected tragically.

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Health & Safety

Is There A Doctor Aboard? Medical Emergencies In The Clouds

2:11pm May 27, 2013

Since 2006, Dr. Celine Gounder has responded to on-board medical emergencies five times. Three times, the resources available aboard the airplane were inadequate. Gounder explains the unique challenges of providing medical care in the air. (Originally broadcast April 11, 2013.)

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Tackling New Tech In The Golden Years

2:58pm May 24, 2013

Smartphones, tablets and computers could help seniors stay connected to their communities and families. But a hefty price tag, steep learning curves, and designs meant for younger eyes and hands could keep some older adults from logging on. Guests discuss the best ways for seniors to tackle new technology, and how devices can be adapted to accommodate older users.

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Studies Question Potential Alzheimer's Treatment

2:58pm May 24, 2013

Last year scientists reported that a skin cancer drug appeared to reverse the effects of an Alzheimer's-like disease in mice. But four studies out this week in Science question the original results. Ronald Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, talks about the new findings, and the hunt for Alzheimer's drugs.

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Having a Dog May Mean Having Extra Microbes

2:57pm May 24, 2013

North Carolina State University biologist Rob Dunn and colleagues surveyed people's pillow cases, refrigerators, toilet seats, TV screens and other household spots, to learn about the microbes that dwell in our homes. Among the findings, reported in the journal PLoS One, homes with dogs had more diverse bacterial communities, and higher numbers of "dog-associated" bacteria.

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This model of a molar shows color-coded barium banding patterns that reveal weaning age.

Scientific Tooth Fairies Investigate Neanderthal Breast-Feeding

12:54pm May 24, 2013

by Adam Cole

Our closest relatives, chimpanzees and gorillas, breast-feed their offspring for several years. Some baby orangutans nurse until they are 7 years old. Researchers found a way to test ancient teeth for clues about when humans cut nursing short.

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