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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Mental Health
Viewpoint: For sufferer’s of Morgellons disease, what next?
A CDC study of 115 patients who believed they had parasitic skin condition called Morgellons disease found no evidence that parasites were present. The researchers concluded the patients were suffering from “delusional” infestations. Christian Scientist William Scott suggests a spiritual response may help these patients.
Is overnight sleep testing overprescribed?
The use of overnight sleep testing has soared. One reason, critics say: testing is a lucrative business for doctors.
Small steps to big health change
Want to lose weight? Quit smoking? Get fit? It can be done, but you’re more likely to reach your goals if you take a slow, step-by-step approach, experts say.
Group programs effective in preventing childhood depression
Group-based prevention strategies may offer a means of reaching more individuals than most treatment approaches.
Foster kids more likely to be given psychotropic drugs
Foster kids were more likely to be prescribed five or more psychotropic drugs at a time and at doses that exceed the maximum FDA-approved levels.
Noted autism spokesperson and animal behaviorist to speak at UW.
Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism as a child but went on to obtain a Ph.D. in animal science, is noted for her work exploring the similarities between autistic consciousness and the thought processes of animals — research that has led to improvements in livestock handling to reduce animal stress.
Where to find help for a child with ADHD — CDC tips
While ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed, and there is a wealth of information available that you can access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Webwatch: Best of the week’s articles on health
Health care arms race. Resistance is futile: We won’t stop the tide of infections without a new business model. The HPV vaccine debate. The dark side of the placebo effect. Fee for all: “It’s the prices, stupid._
When pain doesn’t end
“Pain encompasses the entire person. It’s not just in your leg or back. It encompasses the entire being of who you are and what you can do and don’t do. So physically, mentally psychologically: you have to take care of all of those things.”
New tests and treatments for sleep disorders
Now, doctors with special training diagnose and treat more than 80 sleep disorders — from obstructive sleep apnea to narcolepsy — at special centers with labs where a patient’s every sleeping moment may be recorded and measured.
Fred Hutch seeks volunteers for online smoking-cessation study
The goal of the study, called WebQuit, is to improve the effectiveness of online smoking-cessation programs. The study is open to adult smokers nationwide. Participation is free to eligible individuals.
Q&A: My daughter with a pre-existing condition lost her insurance, what can we do?
Michelle Andrews answers a question from a mother whose daughter lost her insurance and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. What are her options to get coverage?
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