The Opioid Crisis Is Surging In Black, Urban Communities
Opioid overdose deaths among middle-aged black men have increased 245 percent in the past three years in Washington, D.C.
Medical Treatments
Sorry, Adults, No New Neurons For Your Aging Brains
The brains of birds and mice continue to produce new nerve cells in the hippocampus throughout life. But research now suggests the human brain stops doing this around adolescence.
Patients Like Hospital Care At Home, But Some Insurers Are Skeptical
Some health systems are encouraging selected emergency room patients who are sick but stable and don't need intensive, round-the-clock care to opt for hospital-level care at home, instead.
Mental Health Funding Tied To Florida's Controversial Gun Legislation
Florida has had three mass shootings in 20 months. Twice before, there have been calls for more mental health funding from the state — to no avail. Will this time be any different?
Opioids Don't Beat Other Medications For Chronic Pain
Nonopioid treatments for common conditions that leave people in chronic pain fare as well as opioid treatments and have fewer risks and side effects.
Jump In Overdoses Shows Opioid Epidemic Has Worsened
Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent nationwide between 2016 and 2017, with some places showing even more dramatic spikes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Miracle Of Hemophilia Drugs Comes At A Steep Price
The market is flooded with 28 different medications for just 20,000 patients with the hereditary bleeding disorder. Yet intense competition hasn't worked to bring costs down.
When Opioids Make Pain Worse
For some people, something as simple as having an IV line inserted can be excruciating. An emergency room doctor noticed a strange pattern. Many of these sensitive patients were regular opioid users.
For The Second Week, The Flu Epidemic Has Eased
The flu epidemic has peaked, the CDC said today. Activity declined last week, but the disease is still widespread and dangerous. And it's still not too late to get a flu shot.
States Seek More Federal Funding For Opioid Treatment, Not More Promises
The Trump administration has talked about prioritizing the opioid crisis, but states have seen little in the way of new resources. And, in some states, getting into treatment is becoming even harder.