If you think that Obama’s health insurance debacle is the first time that software problems have derailed a national health insurance plan, you would be wrong. I recall a similar event in Prague in 1995.
Environmental Health
Thanksgiving turkey gets Presidential pardon – Turkey workers, however, can’t get a break
As Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday and the White House gets ready for President Obama to pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a Rose Garden ceremony on Wednesday November 27 that will “reflect upon the time-honored traditions of Thanksgiving,” let us take a moment to reflect upon the welfare of the men and women […]
Food Safety & Nutrition
Poultry industry says it’s being “framed as poster boy for unsafe workplaces”
The poultry industry must have its head stuck in the chicken coop. With Thanksgiving nearly upon us, the industry is trying to convince the public that poultry-processing plants are great places to earn a living. The facts tell us something different.
This week, Houston became only the second major city in the U.S. South to pass a law to prevent and punish wage theft. It’s a major victory for all workers, but it’s especially significant for the city’s low-wage workers, who lose an estimated $753.2 million every year because of wage theft.
My public health colleague, Adam Finkel, ScD, MPP, received the 2013 Alumni Leadership award from the Harvard School of Public Health. He challenges the assertion that scientists and researchers are supposed to be ‘neutral,’ not advocates.
While homelessness among U.S. veterans is on the decline, significant housing challenges remain, according to a new report from the National Low-Income Housing Coalition.
APHA Annual Meeting
Study: Public health spending saves lives and money, especially in low-income communities
Larger investments in public health equal better health, fewer deaths and reduced medical spending — and the effect is especially pronounced in the communities that need it most, according to new research.
Child Labor
At US’s favorite water park, 20 year old fatally crushed in wave machine, his fifth week on the job
The water parks operated by Schlitterbahn receive award after award for being the country’s best water resorts. Obviously, amusement parks that cause the death of an employee are not rejected from the awards competition.
Environmental Health
Salmonella, crippled workers, tortured chickens, and toxic chemicals: Surely USDA is now ready to ditch its plan to “modernize” poultry inspection
How much more evidence does Secretary Vilsack need before he scraps the USDA’s ill-conceived proposal to “modernize” the poultry slaughter inspection process?
It takes time to change social norms, so it’ll probably take many, many years until it’s as socially unacceptable to text or use a cell phone while driving as it is to start the engine without first buckling a seat belt. In the meantime, researchers say, smart policies are needed to address the increasing share of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths attributed to distracted driving.