The Unclaimed Bodies of America
Dr. Pamela Prickett explains how states handle the dead who are left without any relatives or loved ones to bury them.
Homelessness and Housing Sub-categories:
Homeless Americans: Myth vs. Reality
Around a half million people are homeless in the US on any given night, but the street homeless who are most visible often incorrectly influence our assumptions about the homeless. A noted researcher discusses myths and truths about their addictions, employment, residences, and more, and why people often become homeless.
Giving Cash to the Homeless
Homelessness continues to be a stubborn problem despite many well-intentioned programs. A new experimental study finds that giving homeless people thousands of dollars in cash helps get many of them off the streets for good, calling into question many assumptions about the homeless and how they got that way. Experts discuss the new program and its …
Moms Released From Prison
Experts and a former inmate running a new program for moms in prison discuss barriers and ways to overcome them.
Medical Notes: Week of January 12, 2020
Teenagers are vaping marijuana at rapidly rising rates. Then, a report on concussions and why they can produce lifelong effects. Then, another study confirming the importance of sleep. And finally, a new survey of ERs proves that smartphones make people run into things, triggering a spike in head and neck injuries.
Avoiding Mistakes in Dealing with Aging
As loved ones age, tough decisions need to be made on finances, housing, and other concerns, and these decisions need to be made far earlier than they typically are. This is especially true if a person does not have family to act as support and caregiver.
Medical Notes: Week of July 7, 2019
The Scientific reports the rotavirus could give children some protection against diabetes. Then, studies showing a rough childhood can have an affect on development. Skin biopsies are costly and invasive but a new virtual biopsy device could change all of that. Finally, are you a dog person? A study in Sweden says it's genetic.
Healthcare and the Homeless
Homeless Americans have a life expectancy of only around 50, and often use the ER for primary care at a huge cost. The lack of follow-up care for their illnesses and the mental health or substance abuse disorders common in this population add up to an enormous health burden. Experts discuss how doctors on the street can improve health for the homeless and …
Hospitals and Housing
Experts discuss their “housing first” approach that does not require people to get off addictions before they get an apartment and how it is helping to reduce healthcare costs.
Criminalization of Homelessness
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that there were more than 500,000 homeless Americans on a given single night in January. The U.S. government currently claims that, while there are high rates of homeless Americans, the number is actually decreasing. Many experts challenge that claim, saying that homelessness is on the …
Public Hospitals: Reputation vs. Reality
Public hospitals have a poor reputation, but in some fields, especially trauma, they are often among the best hospitals in the US.
Poor Health and Prison
Researchers have found that poor health and disabilities can be factors leading to prison. An expert discusses the life cycles that can make this occur.
