Electronic Medical Records, Built For Efficiency, Often Backfire
Computerized prescription orders are one real advantage. Clicking checkboxes on screen after screen not so much.
Your Health
Flu Season Brings Stronger Vaccines And Revised Advice
Health officials estimate that every flu season, 1 in 5 Americans will get the bug. This year, changes in flu vaccines and in federal guidelines could help those most susceptible to the virus.
Sideline Robot Helps Trainers Spot Football Concussions
It's common for some clinics in rural America to consult medical specialists by video for difficult cases. Dartmouth is testing a robot that connects trainers to a neurologist who is miles away.
Berkeley Decides To Try Taxing Away Its Soda Habit
Many cities and states have tried, but Berkeley, Calif., is the first to pass a penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. The goal is to reduce sugar consumption to improve public health.
Have You Broken A Wrist? Men Are At Risk Of Osteoporosis, Too
A broken wrist may not seem like much, but it can be the first sign that you're headed for a broken hip or spinal fracture. Men often don't realize they are at risk of osteoporosis as they age.
How Much Is That MRI, Really? Massachusetts Shines A Light
A state law now requires insurers to reveal prices of their medical tests, and the variation is amazing, bargain hunters say. An MRI of the back is $614 at one place, $1,800 at another.
Fewer Babies Are Born Prematurely, But Many Still Suffer
The rate of premature births in the United States has dropped to 11 percent, showing continued progress in preventing the risks of prematurity. But there are big disparities among the states.
Armor For Batteries Could Protect Hungry Kids From Harm
Thousands of children swallow tiny batteries used in watches, calculators and toys each year. A team from MIT and Harvard is working on a pressure-sensitive insulating shield to prevent damage.
To Prevent Kidney Stones: Go Easy On Soda And Drink Lots Of Water
Research shows that simple changes in drinking habits can help people who've had kidney stones lower the odds that they'll strike again. Consuming plenty of fiber may make a difference, too.
Contemplating Brittany Maynard's Final Choice
People who choose assisted suicide tend to be over 65, white and well-educated. And they want to feel in control of their fate. When a young person chooses that route, it draws fresh questions.