Health

Inconsistent methods for counting U.S. heat deaths stymie public health efforts

By Anita Snow, Kendria LaFleur, Associated Press

Experts say a mishmash of ways more than 3,000 counties calculate heat deaths means we don't really know how many people die in the U.S. each year because of high temperatures in an ever warming world.

Study links 'forever chemicals' exposure to testicular cancer among military personnel

By Hannah Norman, Patricia Kime, KFF Health News

A new federal study for the first time shows a direct association between PFOS, a PFAS chemical, found in the blood of thousands of military personnel and testicular cancer.

Doctors warn some popular weight-loss drugs may raise risk of complications under anesthesia

By JoNel Aleccia, Associated Press

Patients who take blockbuster drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss may face life-threatening complications if they need surgery or other procedures that require empty stomachs for anesthesia.

How extreme heat can hinder effectiveness of pregnancy tests, some contraception

By Shefali Luthra, The 19th

Many states with abortion bans are experiencing broiling summers — and the heat could damage supplies such as emergency contraception and condoms.

Insurers view new Alzheimer's drug as experimental, won't cover treatment for some customers

By Tom Murphy, Associated Press

Some private insurers are balking at paying for the first drug fully approved to slow mental decline in Alzheimer’s patients.

Supreme Court temporarily blocks OxyContin maker bankruptcy deal that would protect Sackler family

By Mark Sherman, Associated Press

The justices on Thursday agreed to a Biden administration request to put the brakes on an agreement reached last year with state and local governments.

Government eyes more coal regulations as black lung cases sharply rise among miners

By William Brangham, Layla Quran

One in five coal miners in central Appalachia with at least 25 years of experience has black lung disease. It is caused by inhaling toxic dust in and around mines and the most severe form is at its highest rate…

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Millions struggle to pay AC bills amid increasing heat waves. Federal aid reaches only a fraction

By Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press

While President Joe Biden has invested billions into federal programs that subsidize the poorest Americans' energy costs, the help reaches only a fraction of the most vulnerable during the sweltering summer months.

Ohio voters reject GOP-backed proposal that would have made it tougher to protect abortion rights

By Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press, Samantha Hendrickson, Associated Press/Report For America

The defeat of Issue 1 keeps in place a simple majority threshold for passing future changes to the Ohio Constitution, rather than requiring a 60 percent supermajority.

Investigation reveals lack of consequences for doctors spreading COVID misinformation

By William Brangham, Courtney Norris, Shoshana Dubnow

What happens when doctors spread misinformation during a pandemic, potentially endangering peoples’ lives? A new investigation from The Washington Post looks at why doctors who pushed medical misinformation, particularly about alleged COVID remedies or treatments, faced so few repercussions for…

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