NEWS / PUBLIC HEALTH

Kids’ brain functions are more dependent on family economics and where they live than their IQ. Sleep and stress have a big role to play. >

The health benefits of alcohol may be a myth. A review of research found even moderate consumption raised the risk of a range of diseases. >

Clinical obesity may be more accurate than BMI to measure a person's risk of obesity-related conditions like heart disease and diabetes. >

Kids suffer when they get the flu. Parents suffer, too. Childhood flu vaccines do a good job of preventing infection, a recent study shows. >

Enrollment in the Affordable Care Act continues to erode as some customers struggle to make premium payments, with the declining numbers churning market uncertainty for insurers. >

Medicaid expansion plans relieve much of the long-term burden of unpaid medical debt. They also improve recipients' credit scores. >

Antibacterial compounds set the stage for antibiotic resistance which can lead to infections. Two drugstore items will do the trick. >

Healthcare plans with high deductibles can spell trouble, but there are ways to make them work. Is a pre-tax savings account is possible? >

Kava is a beverage known for promoting relaxation and mild euphoria, but concentrated forms are prompting calls to poison control centers. >

Early exposure to ‘forever’ chemicals can reduce kids' bone mineral density at a crucial time. There are ways to offset the risk. >