Health Headlines for Friday, June 2
U.S. state, local government lawsuits over opioids face uphill battle
Reuters
A growing number of U.S. states, counties and cities are filing lawsuits accusing drug companies of deceptively marketing opioid painkillers to downplay their addictiveness, but some lawyers say the industry’s highly regulated nature could pose a hurdle to their success.
Breastfeeding linked to lower endometrial cancer risk
Reuters
Women who breastfeed their babies for the recommended six months may also be lowering their own risk of developing endometrial cancer, a new study suggests.
Online access to abortion pill may be safe alternative to clinics
Reuters
Women who don’t have access to reproductive health clinics can safely use telemedicine services to consult with a doctor and get drugs to terminate their pregnancy without surgery, suggests a study of Irish women.
Tiny blood vessel damage tied to depression among older adults
Reuters
Keeping tiny blood vessels healthy may be one way to ward off depression later in life, suggests a new analysis of existing research.
Health system relies on foreign docs, but better support is needed
Democrat & Chronicle
Newly immigrated foreign physicians could use more support and assistance with adaptation to the American medical system and integration into the cultural aspects of life in the United States, said physicians and recruiters interviewed by USA TODAY Network reporters in New York for this exclusive report.
NY Considering Medical Marijuana As A Legal Option For Period Cramps
Gothamist
Women in New York State would have the option to treat debilitating menstrual cramps with medical marijuana under new legislation sponsored by New York Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal.
NYC Health + Hospitals sees operating loss nearly double to $673M
Becker’s Hospital CFO
NYC Health + Hospitals concluded the third quarter of its fiscal year with an operating loss, but the public health system expects its financial picture to improve in coming months.
State prepares for new medical marijuana companies
Albany Times Union
The state Department of Health has given conditional approval to five companies seeking new licenses to grow, produce and sell medical marijuana products, with plans to dole out full registrations later this month if those companies meet certain requirements.
Single-payer healthcare plan advances in California Senate — without a way to pay its $400-billion tab
Los Angeles Times
A proposal to adopt a single-payer healthcare system for California took an initial step forward Thursday when the state Senate approved a bare-bones bill that lacks a method for paying the $400-billion cost of the plan.