Health Advice
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Judge's decision would make some no-cost cancer screenings a thing of the past
A federal judge on Thursday overturned a portion of the Affordable Care Act that makes preventive services, such as some cancer screenings, free to enrollees, a decision that could affect health insurance policyholders nationwide.
The decision from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas could open the door for insurers or ...Read more

Healthy Men: Recovery-friendly workplaces
Dear Healthy Men: As a man in recovery, one of my main concerns is keeping my job as I work on healing—I need the income to support my family. I’m making good progress, but want to avoid pitfalls that might derail me. What, if anything, should I expect regarding my recovery on the job? Also, what do I need to know about potential reactions ...Read more

Unconscious biases continue to hold back women in medicine, but research shows how to fight them and get closer to true equity and inclusion
If you work at a company, university or large organization, you’ve probably sat through a required training session meant to fight gender and racial discrimination in the workplace. Employers increasingly invest in efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion – commonly referred to as DEI policies. Yet research shows these efforts ...Read more

Eating disorders among teens have more than doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic – here's what to watch for
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with worsening mental health among teens, including increasing numbers of patients with eating disorders. In fact, research indicates that the number of teens with eating disorders at least doubled during the pandemic.
This is particularly concerning given that eating disorders are among the ...Read more

A progress check on hospital price transparency
For decades, U.S. hospitals have generally stonewalled patients who wanted to know ahead of time how much their care would cost. Now that’s changing — but there’s a vigorous debate over what hospitals are disclosing.
Under a federal rule in effect since 2021, hospitals nationwide have been laboring to post a mountain of data online that ...Read more

As 988 crisis line sees more use, states debate how to pay for it
(Editor’s note: If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.)
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Almost everyone agrees that putting money behind the national suicide and crisis hotline is a good thing.
But not everyone thinks a new phone tax is the best way to pay for it.
Since the crisis line’s easy-to-remember 988 number ...Read more

Consumer Health: What do you know about cornea transplantation?
A cornea transplant, or keratoplasty, is an operation to replace part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped surface of the eye. Light enters the eye through the cornea.
Nearly 80,000 corneal transplants were performed worldwide in 2021, according to the Eye Bank Association of America. More ...Read more

Ready to Run: Mayo Clinic Health System gives tips on choosing the right running shoes
MANKATO, Minn. — Congratulations on setting a goal to run a long-distance race. You've just joined a group of more than 60 million people in the U.S. who participate in organized runs and races. Running doesn't require much gear, but well-fitting, running-specific shoes are a must.
"Someone training for a long-distance run such as a marathon ...Read more

Kentucky State Police arrest people at KY Capitol protesting anti-trans health bill
Several people protesting a controversial bill banning gender-affirming care for trans youth were arrested at the Kentucky Capitol Wednesday.
The arrests came as the House took up the matter of overriding Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 150.
The Kentucky State Police did not immediately respond to a Herald-Leader request for comment...Read more

FDA approval of over-the-counter Narcan is an important step in the effort to combat the US opioid crisis
On March 29, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan for over-the-counter sale. Narcan is the 4-milligram nasal spray version of naloxone, a medication that can quickly counteract an opioid overdose.
The FDA’s greenlighting of over-the-counter naloxone means that it will be available for purchase without a ...Read more

Kentucky Legislature easily overrides Gov. Beshear's veto of gender-affirming care ban bill
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Republican-dominated Kentucky General Assembly acted swiftly Wednesday to override Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of the controversial Senate Bill 150, which bans gender-affirming care for trans youth.
The override began Wednesday in the Senate, the chamber of origin, with a 29-8 vote. Just one Republican voted to ...Read more
Inflation is declining, but health premiums and medical costs are heading higher
WASHINGTON — During the pandemic, health care costs — usually a main driver of U.S. inflation — remained surprisingly stable, rising just about 2% annually even as prices for many goods and services soared more than three or four times that rate.
But signs are emerging that medical inflation is back as demand for non-COVID-19-related ...Read more

Environmental Nutrition: Sweet treats don’t need to be banned from everyone’s diet
Healthy eating is not a black and white issue. It’s shades of gray — and sweets are definitely in the gray area. It’s true, sugary-filled treats shouldn’t be a major part of your diet. However, there’s also no reason why they need to be banned entirely. In fact, for many, swearing off favorite treats may cause feelings of deprivation, ...Read more

Can music improve our health and quality of life?
Times are hard. The current political climate, war, impact of global warming, continued inequities due to systemic racism, and ongoing physical and mental health challenges from COVID-19 are taking a toll on our feelings of safety in the world and quality of life. Hopefully, each of us can find moments of ease and temporarily shift our thoughts ...Read more

Mayo Clinic Q&A: Importance of a birth plan
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m expecting my first baby and feeling a range of emotions, from anticipation to apprehension, for labor and delivery. A friend suggested that I create a birth plan to identify my wishes for labor and after the baby is born. Why is it important to have a birth plan and discuss it with my health care team before I go into ...Read more

Babesiosis and what you need to know about the 2023 tick season
Tick season is underway in much of the U.S. This season, another tick-borne disease is on the list of concerns. That's because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found a significant increase in reported cases of babesiosis (bah-beez-E-oh-sis) infection in eastern parts of the U.S.
"Babesiosis is another tick-borne disease that ...Read more

Mayo Clinic Minute: Are colon and rectal cancers treated differently?
Colorectal cancer is a term that combines both colon cancer and rectal cancers. The colon and rectum are two different parts of the lower digestive tract. These different cancers also mean different approaches to treatment that may involve the use of radiation and chemotherapy in addition to surgery.
When it comes to treating cancer, experience...Read more

When college athletes kill themselves, healing the team becomes the next goal
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing “988,” or the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741.
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In the weeks after Stanford University soccer goalie Katie Meyer, 22, died by suicide last March, her grieving teammates were inseparable even when ...Read more

Know the signs of strep throat in children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring an increase in invasive group A Streptococcus infections in children.
"Group A streptococcal disease is a group of conditions caused by a bacteria called 'group A strep,'" says Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious diseases physician with the Mayo Clinic Children's Center. "...Read more

Congressman seeks to plug 'shocking loophole' exposed by KHN investigation
A U.S. lawmaker is taking action after a KHN investigation exposed weaknesses in the federal system meant to stop repeat Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, said he decided to introduce a bill in the House late last week after KHN’s reporting revealed what he called a “shocking loophole.”
“The ability of...Read more
Popular Stories
- Judge's decision would make some no-cost cancer screenings a thing of the past
- Five ways AI promises to transform organ transplants
- Eating disorders among teens have more than doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic – here's what to watch for
- Ask the Pediatrician: Is it OK to need a break from my children?
- Unconscious biases continue to hold back women in medicine, but research shows how to fight them and get closer to true equity and inclusion