A look at the top medical headlines for the week of December 15, 2019, including scientists may someday be able to treat alcoholic liver disease with something short of a liver transplant. Then, if you want to keep the mind alive as you age, play games. And finally, a new study shows giving buses an inexpensive engine retrofit helps not only the health of students who ride them, but also their academic performance.
Medical Notes: Week of November 24, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of November 24, 2019.
Fertility Rate Decline And The Aging Population
Birth rates in the US are at an all time low, and fertility for all age groups under age 30 is dropping. Experts explain that it may not be as good a thing as we may think, and cite nations like Japan and Italy which are facing labor shortages and elderly populations as a result of less-than-replacement-level fertility.
Importing Canadian Drugs
The Trump Administration has proposed wholesale import of drugs from Canada to ease high US prescription drug prices. But since Canada is 1/10 th the size of the US, could it supply enough drugs to make a difference? What’s more, it appears Canadians are opposed to the plan and are devising rules to stop it. Experts discuss pro’s and con’s.
Primary Care And Medical Cost
The US spends more on medical care than other nations while quality still lags behind. A health industry expert explains how increased use of primary care and increased engagement with providers could reverse both trends.
Generic Drug Safety
Since the 1980’s, almost all production of generic drugs has moved overseas, where FDA inspectors have a much tougher time making sure they’re following rules for safety. An investigative journalist describes the ways she’s found that many drugmakers cut corners, putting safety at risk, and details what consumers can do to protect themselves.
Why Good Health Care Doesn’t Equal Good Health
Many Americans believe if they have good health care, they’ll have good health. But many factors beyond medicine contribute to our level of health. A noted public health expert explains these factors, and why our own health is much more than an individual concern.
