Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

As Public Outcry Swells, Chances Of Lowering Drug Prices Still Remain Close To Nil

Congress would need to act to make a dent in the astronomical cost of drugs, but pressure from the pharmaceutical industry and political gridlock have stymied action. Meanwhile, a new study finds that nearly half of all Americans 75 and older took five or more prescription drugs in 2011, a trend that has significant financial ramifications.

Contraception Case Faces Possible 4-4 Split After Scalia’s Death

If at least five Supreme Court justices fail to agree on a decision on the contraception mandate, it would leave lower court’s decision intact, creating different rules for different parts of the country.

Judge Dismisses Murder Charge Against Rehab Center

The case revolved around the death of Gary Benefield, who died after he went to A Better Tomorrow seeking help. “There is no evidence that any of the defendants knew that their acts of giving medications to Benefield were dangerous to the extent that they risked killing him, and so no evidence that they consciously disregarded that risk to Benefield’s life,” Riverside County Superior Court Judge Elaine Kiefer wrote.

Smokers Could Benefit By Switching To Vaping, Scientists Say

Researchers say there isn’t enough evidence to determine the effects of e-cigarettes, but for some people who haven’t had success in quitting, they offer a lifeline, because quitting smoking offers undisputed benefits.

Diabetes Researchers Frustrated As America Walks Toward Edge Of Cliff

Even though the disease is highly preventable, studies show that one in five Americans will have it by 2020. Scientists, doctors and health officials met in Sacramento at a statewide conference on prediabetes to talk about, among other issues, why people are not willing to change their diets and exercise patterns. Meanwhile, one man shares his experience with fighting the disease.

Advocates Warn Return Of House Calls Puts Strain On Limited Physician Field

As new apps allow patients to bring a health care provider to their house with a click of a button, there are those who think the model won’t scale with the current shortfall of doctors.