Health Headlines for Monday, November 14
Genetic Heart Disease Risk Eased by Healthy Habits, Study Finds
New York Times
Is genetics destiny when it comes to heart disease? A new analysis of data from more than 55,000 people provides an answer. It finds that by living right — by not smoking, by exercising moderately and by eating a healthy diet heavy in fruits, vegetables and grains — people can tamp down even the worst genetic risk.
Studies Show Little Benefit in Supplements
New York Times
Americans spend more than $30 billion a year on dietary supplements — vitamins, minerals and herbal products, among others — many of which are unnecessary or of doubtful benefit to those taking them.
Drugmakers improve access for poor, GSK ranked top
Reuters
The world’s top drugmakers have improved access to medicines in developing countries but still need to do more to make a wider range of products affordable, according to a report on Monday.
Politics Aside, We Know How to Fix Obamacare
New York Times Op-Ed
President Obama’s Affordable Care Act marketplaces were supposed to give consumers choices of health plans from insurers that compete to keep premiums down. But fewer insurers are participating, and premiums are increasing sharply.
State’s ‘Essential Plan’ proving popular
Plattsburgh Press-Republican
Amid sustained controversy over the cost of Obamacare plans throughout the country, New York is aggressively promoting a stripped-down, low-cost version that officials credit with reducing expenses for the state.
Gen X, Millennials can help seniors figure out Medicare
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Judy Corvett was as eager for a visit from one of her daughters as any parent whose grown children live out of town. The timing was perfect. Since it’s Medicare open enrollment, Corvett figured the two could tackle the paperwork.