More than 10 percent of students opted out of at least one vaccine in five Michigan counties, leaving areas open to potentially deadly outbreaks. Said one ‘vaccine choice’ leader: Parents know what’s best for their children.
Michigan Health Watch
In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
1-in-10 people in U.S. over 65 has dementia, U-M study finds
Another 22 percent were found to have mild cognitive impairment. Dementia hit hardest among Black people, impairment hit higher for Hispanic participants. The findings hold implications for public policy and future health research.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s 1.8M Catholics called on to stop Proposal 3. Will it work?
The state’s largest faith is mixing prayer and pragmatism in its fight against the ballot measure, trying to persuade even those who may generally favor abortion that the proposal is ‘extreme.’
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Medicare open enrollment begins in Michigan: What to know
There are some significant changes as open enrollment begins Saturday, offering beneficiaries the chance to review options for 2023 and make adjustments. But it’s still buyer beware.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
With insulin costs rising, Michigan plots early steps to produce its own
Republican Senator Curt VanderWall and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are searching for companies who can manufacture the lifesaving drug in Michigan to lower costs. Two companies are talking back.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan psychiatric centers cut number of beds despite having more money
Michigan has taken scores of in-patient beds offline since April because it can’t hire enough staff to care for patients. State-run facilities treat the most severely ill patients, making the job draining and at times perilous.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan may regulate sale of kratom, an herbal mix linked to overdoses
The herbal supplement lauded by some as a safe pain reliever and pick-me-up has been linked to overdose deaths and other ills.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Three months into monkeypox, a pleasant surprise in Michigan
The spread of monkeypox cases has slowed dramatically in Michigan. Health experts say — tentatively — that a ‘win’ is within reach.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan COVID super-dodgers: Lucky genetics or just plain lucky?
COVID’s tendency to hopscotch through communities — killing some and leaving others unscathed — has baffled scientists and likely left some Michiganders feeling invincible. Researchers search for clues.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan bill intended to shorten ER waits for youth in mental health crisis
In House testimony Thursday, backers argued that the bill, which applies to all patients in crisis, will likely most help children and teens, who sometimes waited in ERs for weeks during the pandemic to get the mental health care they needed.