Health

Health & Safety

The partisan divide can undermine Americans' health, researchers say

5:09am June 13, 2022

Health researchers say the political divide is impacting Americans' health. A new study shows there is a growing life expectancy gap between Democratic and Republican counties.

Some medical tests, such as MRIs done early for uncomplicated low back pain and routine vitamin D tests "just to be thorough," are considered "low-value care" and can lead to further testing that can cost patients thousands of dollars.

When routine medical tests trigger a cascade of costly, unnecessary care

5:00am June 13, 2022

MRIs done early for uncomplicated low back pain and routine vitamin D tests "just to be thorough" are considered "low-value care" and can lead to further testing that can cost patients thousands.

A drug for HIV appears to reverse a type of memory loss in mice

8:09am June 12, 2022

by Jon Hamilton

A recent study finds an HIV drug can reverse memory loss in aging mice. This type of memory helps humans do things like associate a name with a face and typically starts to decline in middle age.

Health & Safety

How to fight FOMO

5:13pm June 11, 2022

by Frank Festa

The fear of missing out isn't confined to our social lives. NPR's Life Kit explores how FOMO shows up in our lives and how to battle it.

Justin Bieber postponed his tour because a disorder paralyzed half of his face

9:03am June 11, 2022

by The Associated Press

The multi-Grammy winner says he is suffering from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which affects nerves in the face through a shingles outbreak.

Canada proposes printing a warning on every cigarette

3:08am June 11, 2022

by The Associated Press

The move builds on Canada's mandate to include graphic photo warnings on tobacco products' packaging. The government anticipates the changes coming into force in the latter half of 2023.

Encore: Before Roe, the women of 'Jane' provided abortions for the women of Chicago

5:27pm June 10, 2022

In the 1960s, an underground network of women in Chicago called the Jane Collective helped others seeking abortions.

Moderna says its vaccine is safe for babies, and travelers won't need COVID tests

4:54pm June 10, 2022

by Rob Stein

Food and Drug Administration has released Moderna's data supporting the company's claim that its pediatric vaccines appear to be safe and effective, including for children as young as six months old.

In this file photo, travelers pass a sign for COVID-19 testing at Logan Airport in Boston. The Biden administration is lifting its requirement for COVID testing before flying to the U.S.

Starting on Sunday, you won't have to test for COVID-19 to fly into the U.S.

11:12am June 10, 2022

by Ximena Bustillo

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is lifting its COVID-19 testing requirement for airline travelers coming into the country. It's a major change for the travel industry.

Linnea Sorensen attends Schaumburg High School in Schaumburg, Ill. Now that Illinois allows students to take up to five days off per school year for their mental health, she can stay home when she feels "not fully mentally there."

More states are allowing students to take mental health days off

5:00am June 10, 2022

by Giles Bruce

While a growing number of states are trying to address the increasing mental health crisis among youths, many schools are woefully short of therapists and the budget to hire them.