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Obesity in adolescents is associated with sensorineural hearing loss

Obese adolescents are more likely than their normal-weight counterparts to have hearing loss, according to results of a new study. Findings showed that obese adolescents had increased hearing loss across all frequencies and were almost twice as likely to have unilateral (one-sided) low-frequency hearing loss. [More]
Health exchanges: Choice of plans will vary sharply from state to state

Health exchanges: Choice of plans will vary sharply from state to state

The New York Times reports that millions of people shopping in the new online marketplaces will discover their choices -- or lack thereof -- will depend on where they live. The Washington Post reports that many states are racing to have the online marketplaces ready to enroll people by Oct. 1. Also in the news, exchange developments from Wisconsin, California and Minnesota. [More]

First Edition: June 17, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about how states are tackling the implementation of specific provisions of the health law. [More]

Using hands-free devices to talk and text while driving is distracting and risky

Using hands-free devices to talk, text or send e-mail while driving is distracting and risky, contrary to what many people believe, says a new University of Utah study issued today by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. [More]

Crunch time for states still on fence about Medicaid expansion

As states' legislative sessions draw to a close, some lawmakers are pressing for action. Meanwhile, media outlets track updates in Michigan, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Colorado, Ohio and Alabama. [More]
Understanding Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

Understanding Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

In the first prospective study of its kind, Seaver Autism Center researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai provide new evidence of the severity of intellectual, motor, and speech impairments in a subtype of autism called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. [More]

The enrollment push is on

During a Friday speech in California, President Barack Obama touted the health law's benefits -- highlighting the Golden State's progress so far -- in his effort to encourage young people and Latinos to sign up for coverage that will be available through new online insurance exchanges. [More]

Obama touts early success for health law in California

President Obama on Friday highlighted a concentrated, localized strategy to encourage young Americans to enroll in the new health care exchanges. "Competition and choice are pushing down costs in the individual market, just like the law is designed to do," Obama said during remarks in San Jose, Calif. California is one of three states key to the 2010 health care law's expansion of health insurance to all Americans -- but especially young people (Kennedy, 6/7). [More]

First Edition: June 7, 2013

Today's headlines include previews of the speech President Barack Obama is expected to deliver today in California as well as news about particular health law implementation issues. [More]
Changes in normal glycan behavior lead to fatal lysosomal disease, say researchers

Changes in normal glycan behavior lead to fatal lysosomal disease, say researchers

From the neurons that enable thought to the keratinocytes that make toenails grow-a complex canopy of sugar molecules, commonly known as glycans, envelop every living cell in the human body. [More]

Obama to tout health law in Calif. speech

As President Barack Obama prepares to highlight how the health law will help Californians in a speech he will deliver Friday, The New York Times reports that the measure's opponents are outspending supporters when it comes to television ads. [More]
First Edition: June 5, 2013

First Edition: June 5, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about the questions about fundraising phone calls faced by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius during a Capitol Hill hearing. [More]
American Academy of Otolaryngology publishes new guideline on “Improving Voice Outcomes after Thyroid Surgery”

American Academy of Otolaryngology publishes new guideline on “Improving Voice Outcomes after Thyroid Surgery”

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation on Tuesday published a new Clinical Practice Guideline on "Improving Voice Outcomes after Thyroid Surgery" to recognize the importance of the patient's voice and the potential impact thyroid surgery can have on it. [More]

States grapple with mental health care after federal inaction

Mental health legislation is taking the spotlight in states after federal lawmakers have failed so far to act. In Wisconsin, some mental health care changes gain momentum. [More]
Synageva BioPharma presents data on cholesteryl ester storage disease at NLA annual meeting

Synageva BioPharma presents data on cholesteryl ester storage disease at NLA annual meeting

Synageva BioPharma Corp., a biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic products for rare diseases, announced three poster presentations at the National Lipid Association annual meeting held in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 30- June 2, 2013, as well as a Synageva-sponsored satellite symposium held on Friday, May 31, 2013. [More]

New avatar system could provide quick and effective therapy for schizophrenia

An avatar system that enables people with schizophrenia to control the voice of their hallucinations is being developed by researchers at UCL with support from the Wellcome Trust. [More]
Study could open up new possibilities for early diagnosis of motor disorders

Study could open up new possibilities for early diagnosis of motor disorders

The scientists report these findings in the current online edition of "The Lancet Neurology". This pan-European study could open up new possibilities of early diagnosis and smooth the way for treatments which tackle diseases before the patient's nervous system is irreparably damaged. [More]

States embroiled in Medicaid expansion battles are running out of time

Politico reports that this health law implementation issue remains an open question for about a dozen states. Some are on the brink of giving up for the first year but looking ahead to the next set of state legislature sessions. Meanwhile, news outlets report on related developments in Michigan, Texas, Ohio, California and Iowa. [More]

State rejections of Medicaid expansion likely to widen health disparities

The Los Angeles Times reports that states opting against expanded eligibility -- among them, some of the nation's unhealthiest -- could fall even further behind as the Affordable Care Act is implemented. News outlets also offer reports from Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, California, Florida and Virginia. [More]

FDA designates Synageva's sebelipase alfa as Breakthrough Therapy for early onset LAL Deficiency

Synageva BioPharma Corp., a biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic products for rare diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to sebelipase alfa for the treatment of early onset lysosomal acid lipase deficiency, also known as Wolman disease. [More]