Summer Takes Toll on Blood/Platelet Donations
The American Red Cross is in need of blood and platelet donors to help ease a summer slump in donations. Types O negative, B negative and A negative are in especially short supply.
Health & Safety
Chicago And A Pair Of Counties Bring Lawsuit Against OxyContin Makers
Two California counties and the city of Chicago, hard hit by OxyContin addiction, are suing the drug's manufacturers. Reporter Emily Green says they're charging that the drug-makers have contributed to an epidemic of prescription drug abuse.
Entrepreneurs Buzzing Over Medical Marijuana In Florida
Polls show that Sunshine State voters are likely to approve a measure legalizing medical marijuana in November. Businesses are already flocking to the state, eager to set up shop.
A Second Case of Travel-Related Chickungunya in North Carolina
An unidentified Alamance County resident is recovering from the chikungunya virus.
NC Senate Committee Clears Medical Hemp Oil Bill
A bill that legalizes medicinal oil for epileptic patients made from a marijuana plant has received unanimous approval from a North Carolina Senate committee.
Are Life Spans Getting Longer? It Depends On How Wealthy You Are
While life expectancies are getting longer for those who are well off, life spans for poor women are actually getting shorter. The stories of two women, from two different places, illustrate the gap.
Pharmaceutical Companies Accuse Hospitals Of Misusing Discounts
Drugmakers offer medicines at a bargain price to hospitals that treat large numbers of poor patients. Hospitals sometimes resell the drugs at full price and make hefty profits.
Someday Soon You May Swallow A Computer With Your Pill
Fresh Air tech contributor Alexis Madrigal explains how a tiny computer attaches to a pill you ingest to record how your body responds. It sounds crazy, he says, but it was approved by the FDA.
As Death Count Rises, Health Officials Work To Stem Ebola's Spread
The World Health Organization is reporting that the Ebola virus has yet to be contained in West Africa. It's one of the largest Ebola outbreaks in decades.
Foods That Support Cancer Patients
A Triad group is helping people fight cancer one bite at a time.