On Aging

After a coronavirus test came back positive on a patient who had been treated at NorthBay VacaValley Hospital in Vacaville, Calif., in February, about 100 NorthBay workers were sent into self-quarantine for 14 days.

Scarcity Of Health Workers A New Concern As Self-Quarantining Spreads With Virus

12:45pm March 09, 2020

by Jenny Gold

Should "potential exposure" by a health worker to someone with coronavirus be enough to send that worker home for two weeks of self-quarantine? Health systems have begun debating relative risks.

The Trump administration said Wednesday that inspectors will be dispatched to determine whether staff at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash., followed infection-control rules in the weeks leading up to deaths of residents there from COVID-19.

Health & Safety

Trump Administration Announces New Scrutiny Of Nursing Homes

11:39am March 05, 2020

by Jordan Rau

Health inspectors are to be "hyperfocused on infection control right now," officials say, as they suss out what allowed COVID-19 to spread in a Kirkland, Wash., nursing home.

Health care workers bring a patient into an ambulance at Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash. Two deceased residents of the eldercare facility had posthumous diagnoses of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

Who Faces The Greatest Risk Of Severe Illness From Coronavirus?

4:43pm March 04, 2020

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The data from China offer insights into the way different age groups are affected after being infected.

Health & Safety

After Coronavirus Deaths Near Seattle, Growing Concern About Illness In Nursing Homes

4:19pm March 02, 2020

by Martin Kaste

There is growing concern about vulnerability to illness in nursing homes after several residents of a nursing facility near Seattle died of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus disease.

Queue Listen Now

Making sure to frequently give your hands a thorough scrub — with soap and for about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song a couple of times — can significantly cut your chances of catching the flu or other respiratory virus.

Worried About Catching The New Coronavirus? In The U.S., Flu Is A Bigger Threat

8:02pm January 29, 2020

by Allison Aubrey

At least 8,000 people have died from the flu in the U.S. this season. The good news: Easy steps you can take now to protect against the flu may also help you steer clear of the new coronavirus.

Overall, U.S. health spending is more than twice the average of other Western nations, and it's not just a matter of high drug prices. No wonder voters list health and the high price of care as one of their major election concerns as they head to the poll

U.S. Elections 2020: Understanding What's At Stake For Health Care

1:02pm January 29, 2020

by Julie Rovner

With the Iowa caucuses and first primaries just weeks away, many voters say they're still confused about how presidential candidates differ on health care. Here's a guide to key issues and terms.

The for-profit hospice industry has grown, allowing more Americans to die at home. But few family members realize that "hospice care" still means they'll do most of the physical and emotional work.

Health & Safety

Patients Want To Die At Home, But Home Hospice Care Can Be Tough On Families

11:07am January 21, 2020

by Blake Farmer

The for-profit hospice industry has grown, allowing more Americans to die at home. But few family members realize that "hospice care" still means they'll do most of the physical and emotional work.

Queue Listen Now

More Data On The Midlife Crisis

6:30am January 21, 2020

by Greg Rosalsky

An economist uses a broad range of data from 132 countries to understand why middle age is such a drag.

Running and other moderate exercise can protect against lifestyle disease. A new study shows training for a marathon slows cardiovascular aging.

Health & Safety

Ready For Your First Marathon? Training Can Cut Years Off Your Cardiovascular Age

7:00am January 12, 2020

by Allison Aubrey

More reasons to commit to a race: A new study shows that novice runners who take on a marathon significantly improved their heart health. We've got tips to get you started.

Karen Roberds lost her home in the Camp Fire but salvaged a Narcotics Anonymous anniversary coin that she says is important to her.

Objects That Matter: Memories Of Paradise

6:00am December 28, 2019

by Meredith Rizzo

In the year since Paradise, Calif., was devastated by fire, certain flame-tinged objects — scorched pottery fragments or remnants of toys — have become talismans of resilience beyond pain.