Health

08 - UMMA Clinic Nursing

Christopher Okula/KPCC

South LA uninsured rate is more than double that of US

Last year, about 15 percent of the American population didn't have health insurance. The same was true for 38 percent of South L.A.'s adult population.

Obesity in America, by the numbers

AMA says it's time to call obesity a disease

The AMA's vote Tuesday could give more oomph to efforts to have obesity interventions paid for by insurers and to get the public focused on the problem.

Government Backs TV Adverts To Promote Healthier Eating

Study examines impact of food commercials viewed by Latino youth

Researchers writing in JAMA Pediatrics noted that junk food ads can contribute to a poor diet among children and teenagers.

Black, Latino autistic children getting less specialty care: study

Minority children appear to be less likely to see doctors who specialize in the brain, the mind or the digestive system, says a new report in Pediatrics.

California faces unique obstacles in implementing Affordable Care Act

As KPCC’s Stephanie O’Neill tells us, California still faces challenges in implementing the law, including some that are unique to the Golden State.

CA insurance commissioner wants to bar Anthem from health exchange

California’s insurance commissioner wants to exclude Anthem Blue Cross from the state’s new health exchange for small businesses, saying it’s made excessive rate hikes.

Primary care doctor shortage continues, impact felt in South LA

The study called the U.S. rate of primary care doctor production "abysmal." Many health centers in South L.A. can't afford a doctor, which is one reason why so much care falls to nurses and physician assistants.

Judge approves government plan for morning-after pill

Women and teenagers should soon be able to buy emergency contraception with no age restrictions, according to a federal district judge's memorandum.

PHOTOS: Famed TV pilot Bob Tur on becoming Zoey Tur

"I'm happy. I've not been this happy. I've had a great life. Bob Tur needs to die now. And he'll be dead within three to four months." —Bob Tur, soon to be Zoey Tur

Domestic violence survivors often don't get mental health care

According to the behavioral health director of a South L.A. clinic, there's "a lot of shame" and stigma that comes with being the target of domestic violence.

Feds to drop efforts to restrict access to morning-after pill

Emergency contraception is a "way of chipping away" at South L.A.'s high teen pregnancy rates, said the CEO of a local community clinic.

Where South LA kids can get free lunches this summer

With about 80 percent of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) students qualifying for free or reduced price meals at school, the summer can leave a hole in their daily diet.

Clay Russell breaks the taboo, talks about his suicide attempt

As he told Off-Ramp, "It would be perfectly normal dinner party conversation to talk about your colonoscopy, but you talk about mental illness and people get freaked out."

KPCC launches searchable database of California health care costs

Compare the costs of the 100 most frequently billed procedures paid under Medicare in 2011, which you can view by hospital or as a statewide average.

The need for dental care in South LA mirrors worldwide problem

The dental chief of Watts Health Clinic described its patients' need as "overwhelming," and said tooth decay is the most common problem, from childhood to adulthood.