Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Advocates Push For System That Takes Care Of Children’s Mental Health Just Like Physical Ills

The California Children’s Trust is calling for a radical shift in how state and local governments finance, administer and run mental health services for young people. Also, the Los Angeles Times looks at a federal judge’s decision to investigate state officials’ report about mental health care in prisons.

Fla. Authorities Shut Down ‘Deceptive’ Health Plan

The health insurer allegedly used aggressive tactics to sell sham plans — one of which was named TrumpCare — that skirt the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, leaving people around the country with skimpier coverage than they expected and liable for unpaid medical bills. Also, more national news on Medicare Part B premiums and FDA’s approval of a new opioid.

Women Who Are Early Risers Have Lower Risk Of Breast Cancer, Study Finds

A team of UK researchers found that women who wake up early have a 40 to 48 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer. In other public health news: why you should get your flu shot now; U2’s Bono thanks Congress for maintaining AIDS funding; an exploration of the brain’s working memory; and more.

Health Officials, Doctors Struggle To Explain Rise In Cases Of Polio-Like Illness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 80 confirmed cases of acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, which mostly affects children. This represents the illness’ third nationwide peak since 2014. And, cases of measles are also spiking.

Novartis Weighs $4 Million Price Tag For New Gene Therapy Drug

The drug would be used to treat spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disorder whose most severe form is fatal for almost all patients before age 2. In other pharmaceutical news, drugmakers are eyeing changes in the congressional lame duck session to save them money on Medicare, Insys is considering selling off its opioid-related assets and federal inspectors find more problems at Akorn manufacturing plants.