Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
LGBTQ+ Patients Say Doctors Discriminate Against Them
When LGBTQ+ people go to the doctor, they are more likely to be refused medical services, blamed for their health problems and discriminated against than cisgender and heterosexual people, a new 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll has found.聽(Rummler and Mithani, 9/15)
In other health and wellness news 鈥
While pharma companies struggle to show that cutting-edge therapies can treat, prevent, or slow Alzheimer鈥檚 disease and other forms of dementia, a new study suggests that a far simpler and cheaper tool could improve cognition in seniors: daily multivitamins. (Wosen, 9/14)
Are you an active couch potato? Take this two-question quiz to find out: Did you work out for 30 minutes today? Did you spend the rest of the day staring at your computer and then settle in front of the television at night? If you answered yes to both questions, then you meet the definition of what scientists call 鈥渁n active couch potato.鈥 It means that, despite your commitment to exercise, you could be at risk for a variety of health problems, according to a sweeping new study of how people move 鈥 or don鈥檛 move 鈥 throughout the day. (Reynolds, 9/14)
A Starbucks-branded drink has been recalled in seven states due to the possible presence of metal fragments in the bottles.聽The recall covers Starbucks Vanilla Espresso Triple Shot drink, which is sold in 15-ounce bottles and is manufactured by PepsiCo, according to a statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Picchi, 9/14)
KHN: Experts Question The Role Of White Mulberry In The Death Of Congressman鈥檚 Wife
Scientists, doctors, and pathologists are questioning the Sacramento County coroner鈥檚 conclusion that Lori McClintock鈥檚 death was related to white mulberry, a plant that has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries 鈥 and one that the coroner鈥檚 botanical consultant called 鈥渘ot toxic鈥 in a letter to her office. McClintock, the wife of U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), died suddenly in December from dehydration due to gastroenteritis 鈥 an inflammation of the stomach and intestines 鈥 that was caused by 鈥渁dverse effects of white mulberry leaf ingestion,鈥 according to a report from the Sacramento County coroner. The coroner ruled the death an accident. (Young, 9/14)