A federal judge in Texas has ruled that some provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) cannot be enforced nationwide, potentially jeopardizing coverage for preventive services such as screenings for cancer, reproductive health, and mental health. The ruling has been met with criticism from healthcare advocates and could have a major impact on the healthcare industry. The decision is expected to be appealed, and the ACA remains in effect until then.
Posts published in “Health”
Pope Francis is recovering from a respiratory infection and is being treated in Rome's Gemelli hospital. He has expressed his gratitude for the many messages of support he has received, and the Vatican has reported that his health is "progressively improving" as he continues with his planned treatments. The Pope is working from the hospital and the Vatican has not yet said when he is expected to be discharged.
Kentucky Legislature Passes Extreme Anti-Transgender Bill, Sparking Outrage from LGBTQ Rights Groups
Kentucky Legislature Passes Extreme Anti-Transgender Bill, Sparking Outrage from LGBTQ Rights Groups
Kentucky's legislature has passed SB150, an extreme anti-transgender bill that bans gender-affirming health care for minors, prohibits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 schools, and bars transgender students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The bill has been met with strong opposition from LGBTQ rights groups, who argue that it is unconstitutional and will have a detrimental impact on the mental health of transgender youth. The bill is set to go into effect in July 2021.
NFL player Ryan Hamlin recently joined Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Bill Posey on Capitol Hill to introduce the Access to AEDs Act, which seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest in children and increase access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in schools. Hamlin, who experienced sudden cardiac arrest himself, shared that more than 7,000 children under the age of 18 experience sudden cardiac arrest every year in the US, and that 1 in every 300 youth have an undetected heart condition that puts them at risk. The Act is supported by organizations such as the American Heart Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and would provide grants to schools to purchase AEDs and provide training for staff and students on how to use them.
Pope Francis has been admitted to a Rome hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days. Tests have revealed a respiratory infection, though Covid-19 has been ruled out. The Pope has canceled his audiences for the next two days to undergo medical therapy, though the Vatican has not released any further information on his condition.
At a Senate hearing chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders, Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, denied the company had violated workers' rights. Senator Sanders argued that Starbucks had engaged in illegal anti-union activities and had retaliated against workers who had tried to unionize. The hearing is part of a larger effort by Senate Democrats to ensure companies comply with labor laws and protect workers' rights, and it remains to be seen whether Schultz and Starbucks will be held accountable.
Key takeaways: Narcan is a nasal spray that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and has been approved for over-the-counter sale and non-prescription…
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an over-the-counter version of the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone, increasing access to the lifesaving medication and providing an additional option for those who may not have access to a prescription or a pharmacy. This move is expected to reduce opioid overdose deaths throughout the country, and Dr. Scott Hadland, a pediatrician and an addiction specialist at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston, believes it could save more lives. The FDA remains committed to addressing the evolving complexities of the overdose crisis.