- How big a problem are counterfeit drugs?
- Republicans don’t like Biden’s new budget.
- Biden gaffes: “We added more to the national debt than any president in American history.” And “Send me to Congress.”
- Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands allow doctors to commit [euthanasia], so have become as permissive as realistically possible.
Category: Policy & Legislation
Who Wants to Live Forever? (Money Probably Helps)
Weight loss drugs are all the rage these days. They were originally developed for severe diabetes that does not respond to older therapies. Then it was discovered that they also cause effortless weight loss as a beneficial byproduct. The data is not yet conclusive but by aiding in weight loss they may also increase longevity by reducing weight-related heart disease. They are pricy. The holy grail for drug makers and obese people alike is to get enough evidence of health benefits to force health insurers to pay for them.
Is Gun Violence a Public Health Threat or Criminal Justice Issue?
A curious article in Kaiser Health News (KHN) tries to explain why “even public health experts have limited insight into stopping gun violence in America.” KHN lays the blame on the National Rifle Association and a nearly 30-year old budget amendment that prevents the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from funding research promoting gun control. KHN goes on to say that despite the ban on using CDC funds to advocate for gun control, there is a cottage industry of academics who are working to reduce gun violence.
Thursday Links
- Study: diet soft drinks are bad for your heart.
- The “pill penalty”: Medicare will set prices for pills, tablets and capsules 9 years after FDA approval. But biologics get 13 years. Go figure.
- Because of an outdated FDA approval process the family had to take their daughter to Italy to save her life.
- “The reason why Singapore spends so much less on health than other developed countries is its low hospital utilization.” HT: Tyler
- All you want to know (and then some) about fasting.