Your Health

Sen. Lindsey Graham, second from left, speaks as Sen. John Barrasso, from left, Sen. Bill Cassidy, Sen. John Thune and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell listen during a news briefing after the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon on Tuesday.

Graham-Cassidy Health Bill Would Shift Funds From States That Expanded Medicaid

5:21pm September 21, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

The bill's sponsors say their plan to reallocate federal health funding among states is more equitable. It also would cause largely Democratic states to lose funding while Republican states gain.

WBUR reporter Martha Bebinger (right) walks with Kristin, a drug user who says she has been repeatedly sexually assaulted while high on drugs.

Women With Opioid Addiction Live With Daily Fear Of Assault, Rape

2:50pm September 21, 2017

by Martha Bebinger

Such attacks among women and some men with an opioid addiction often go unreported because the victims fear retaliation from drug dealers or charges from police.

Nursing homes are required to have emergency plans and have staff practice evacuations, but many fail to meet even those basic requirements.

Many Nursing Homes Aren't Prepared For Even Basic Emergencies

2:10pm September 19, 2017

by Jordan Rau

The deaths of eight residents in a Florida nursing home showed how even seemingly mundane things like failing to maintain climate control can be deadly. Emergency preparation enforcement can be lax.

One of many medical vans heads to the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills in south Florida to evacuate patients last week after a power outage.

When Irma Arrived, Most Florida Health Care Facilities Were Ready

5:13am September 19, 2017

by Jon Hamilton

Eight deaths at a Florida nursing home got a lot of media attention. But a tour of other health care centers in the Miami area found mostly good care after Hurricane Irma struck.

Health insurance company Oscar has started its own ad campaign for the Affordable Care Act.

As Federal Government Cuts Obamacare Ads, Private Insurer Steps Up

10:17pm September 18, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

The federal government has cut advertising for the Affordable Care Act's enrollment period by 90 percent. So insurer Oscar Health has started its own campaign in New York and five other states.

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Brian Keith Thompson, owner of the Body Electric tattoo and piercing studio in Hollywood, says he is relentless in enforcing hygiene standards.

Teen Wants A Tattoo? Pediatricians Say Here's How To Do It Safely

9:54am September 18, 2017

by Patti Neighmond

For the first time, the American Academy of Pediatrics has weighed in on what teens and young adults (and their doctors and parents) need to know about safely getting piercings and tattoos.

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While benzodiazepines and SSRI antidepressants are not risk-free, says Yale psychiatrist Kimberly Yonkers, "it should be reassuring that we're not seeing a huge magnitude of an effect here" on pregnancy.

Xanax Or Zoloft For Moms-To-Be: A New Study Assesses Safety

8:34am September 18, 2017

by Allison Aubrey

Is it OK to take antidepressants or anxiety medicine during pregnancy? Recent research suggests women who need treatment can take these drugs. Doctors recommend the lowest effective dose.

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Some bean-based pastas mix in vegetables such as kale, caulilower and spinach.

Health & Safety

Beans Add Healthy Fiber And Protein To Gluten-Free Pastas

7:00am September 18, 2017

by Jill Neimark

Pastas made from starches like rice are a boon for those with celiac disease and wheat allergies. The downside: Many spike blood-sugar levels. What to do? Look toward bean-based options.

Tackle Negative Thinking Head-On To Boost Diversity In Biomedicine

5:09am September 16, 2017

by Esther Landhuis

One California university is trying a new strategy to help minority students perform better in STEM classes and develop the mental resilience to face future challenges.

We're at this break point where we can read life code. We can copy life code. We can edit life code. - Juan Enriquez

Juan Enriquez: What Can Happen If Humans Control The Future Of Evolution?

10:00am September 15, 2017

by NPR/TED Staff

From genetically modified animals and crops, we can already manipulate DNA. But futurist Juan Enriquez argues soon we can take full control of human evolution to create a better life for all of us.

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