Health

NPR

Lessons About Insurance In The Obamacare Data Dump

Very few insurers around the country are offering top-of-the-line platinum insurance plans. Policymakers predicted less expensive but more restrictive bronze and silver plans would prove more popular than high-end options, and it looks like insurance companies think so, too.

NPR

Houston Gears Up For Obamacare, Despite GOP Opposition

Leading Texas politicians have resisted the federal health care law. But in Houston, community groups and public health agencies are trying to educate the city's 800,000 uninsured residents about new coverage options.

NPR

A Penicillin Shortage Hinders Treatment For Rheumatic Fever

In some countries, it's easier to get HIV drugs than an old-fashioned form of penicillin that prevents heart damage from rheumatic fever, scientists say. The world's supply of this type of penicillin has dwindled over the past few decades, but rheumatic fever hasn't.

NPR

McDonald's Says Bye-Bye To Sugary Sodas In Happy Meals

From now on, the fast-food giant says, it will only market and promote milk, water or juice with its children's meals — though parents can still choose to order sodas for their children. The change comes as part of a larger plan to promote more healthful choices.

NPR

Doctors Say Changes In Wheat Do Not Explain Rise Of Celiac Disease

A doctor who authored the book Wheat Belly claims that changes to modern varieties of wheat have have caused the rise in celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. But other doctors have other theories to explain why wheat makes some people sick.

WAMU 88.5

Obama Touts Health Care Exchanges In Maryland

With the first of the new health care exchanges set to start next week, President Barack Obama spoke in Maryland today to tout their potential effectiveness for young people.

NPR

'How Much Will Obamacare Cost Me?' Try Our Calculator

Insurance marketplaces created by the federal health overhaul are expected to open in a few days. Yet many people aren't sure if they'll qualify for subsidized insurance. Many also don't know how much insurance might cost them. Information about premiums is now available in most places, and there's a tool to make use of it.

NPR

Big Pharma And Meth Cooks Agree: Keep Cold Meds Over The Counter

In 2006, Oregon successfully made pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient of meth, a prescription drug. Since then, Mother Jones' Jonah Engle reports, 24 states have tried to follow suit — and 23 have failed. Engle attributes those failures to pharmaceutical companies' massive lobbying efforts.

NPR

Are Chefs On Competitive Diets Good Public Health Messengers?

Chefs are the masterminds behind restaurants that enable and celebrate indulgence and gluttony. So when they do weight loss challenges, the messages are mixed.