Health | Covering health care and health policy in Southern California

A 'potentially powerful model' for treating sickle cell

A sickle cell clinic in South L.A. is believed to be the first of its kind: It brings primary and specialty care providers under one roof to treat the disease. Rebecca Plevin
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NPR Poll: Rural Americans Are Worried About Addiction And Jobs, But Remain Optimistic

Joe Neel and Alison Kodjak | NPR |

What's on people's minds in rural America? A new poll shows that the addiction crisis and economic issues have people worried. But many retain an upbeat outlook about the future of their communities.

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Should TV Drug Ads Be Forced To Include A Price? Trump's Team Says Yes

Shefali Luthra and Sarah Jane Tribble | NPR |

With high drug prices a hot election issue, drugmakers and the Trump administration are jockeying over how to bring prices down. But critics say the proposed fixes don't have enforcement teeth.

If Your Medical Information Becomes A Moneymaker, Could You Get A Cut?

Richard Harris | NPR |

Sometimes discoveries derived from patients' medical data become the foundation of new profit-making companies. A fledgling industry wants to help patients get a cut of the cash.

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As E-Scooters Roll Into American Cities, So Do Safety Concerns

Deena Prichep | NPR |

Electric scooters zoom through traffic in many cities these days, and have the potential to take cars off the road. But experts worry that the many riders who forgo safety gear are taking big risks.

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No Wonder It Works So Well: There May Be Viagra In That Herbal Supplement

Ronnie Cohen | NPR |

Hundreds of nutritional supplements contain unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients, according to an FDA database. So why isn't the agency doing more to get them recalled?

Easy DNA Identifications With Genealogy Databases Raise Privacy Concerns

Rob Stein | NPR |

A majority of Americans of European descent could be linked to third cousins, or closer relatives, using genealogy databases, a study finds. Soon it may be possible to identify nearly everyone by DNA.

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Human Retinas Grown In A Dish Reveal Origin Of Color Vision

Jon Hamilton | NPR |

Our ability to see colors develops in the womb. Now scientists have replicated that process, which could help accelerate efforts to cure colorblindness and lead to new treatments for diseases.

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Fact Check: Who's Right About Protections For Pre-Existing Conditions?

Julie Rovner | NPR |

Consumers favor safeguards that help people with a history of health problems still get insurance. In the heat of the midterm campaigns, politicians' arguments don't always add up.

'Come And Arrest Me': Former Pa. Governor Defies Justice Department On Safe Injection

Bobby Allyn | NPR |

A nonprofit in Philadelphia is making plans to open a supervised drug injection site — which is against the law. Their response to justice department threats of a crackdown? "Bring it on."

Audio

After Prison, Many People Living With HIV Go Without Treatment

Heather Boerner | NPR |

When HIV-positive people leave prison, they often lose access to medical care and the drugs that suppress the virus. It's a missed opportunity in the fight against HIV, public health advocates say.

When Giving Birth For The First Time, Push Away

Patti Neighmond | NPR |

There's no benefit to delaying pushing after receiving epidural anesthesia and reaching full dilation. A delay increases the risk of complications, particularly for the mother, a large study finds.

Some Apps May Help Curb Insomnia, Others Just Put You To Sleep

Rhitu Chatterjee | NPR |

People struggling with insomnia often turn to apps to help them fall asleep. But scientists say only some apps use proven methods that can help address the underlying causes of sleeplessness.

Audio

A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer's Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit

Jon Hamilton | NPR |

Alzheimer's prevention specialist Jessica Langbaum says that like most working people she gets plenty of mental exercise without playing crossword puzzles or brain games. She says work is the key.

Audio

Addiction Treatment Gap Is Driving A Black Market For Suboxone

Jake Harper | NPR |

This medicine to treat opioid addiction is hard to come by — only a fraction of doctors are approved to prescribe it. So some people trying to quit a heroin habit turn to a black market for help.

You Don't Have To Pass Out To Be Blackout Drunk

Richard Knox | NPR |

Heavy drinking can lead to alcohol-induced amnesia. It can be total or it can be spotty. Either way, it can be difficult for a bystander, or even the inebriated person, to know when it's happened.

Building Strength And Resilience After A Sexual Assault: What Works

April Fulton | NPR |

Sexual assault is still a highly stigmatized form of trauma, and that can complicate recovery for years, psychologists find. PTSD, depression and anxiety aren't unusual, but treatment can help.