Public Health Science | The Pump Handle

Affordable Care Act Study: Despite ACA’s success, consistent insurance coverage still a problem for many Americans

October 13, 2016 Kim Krisberg

If you look at the numbers, there’s no doubt that the Affordable Care Act is making a positive difference. In fact, just last month, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the nation’s uninsured rate had hit a record low. At the same time, the health reform law wasn’t intended as a silver bullet and a number of problems remain. One of those problems is known as “churning.”

Education Report: Black students, students with disabilities bear brunt of corporal punishment

October 7, 2016 Kim Krisberg 2Comment

Corporal punishment in America’s public schools seems like a relic of the past — a practice we had surely banned long ago. The reality, however, is that it’s perfectly legal to physically discipline students as young as preschoolers in 19 states. And according to a new report, corporal punishment is most often used against black students and students with disabilities.

Drug Safety Study: U.S. rate of babies born addicted to opioids has doubled

October 4, 2016 Kim Krisberg

By now, the enormity of America’s opioid abuse and overdose epidemic is common knowledge. With 78 Americans dying every day from an opioid overdose and with enough painkillers prescribed to give just about every U.S. adult their own bottle of pills, there’s hardly a community that’s gone untouched by the deadly problem. And a new study reminds us that we’ll be dealing with the aftermath far into the future.

Government Report: New York City’s paid sick leave law had virtually no negative impact

September 23, 2016 Kim Krisberg

Despite all the concern about shuttered businesses, fired employees and lost profits, a new report has found that New York City’s paid sick leave law was pretty much a “non-event” for most employers.

Environmental Health Study: Fracking chemicals linked to reproductive health abnormalities in mice

September 16, 2016 Kim Krisberg 1Comment

In a new study — the first of its kind — researchers fed water laced with fracking chemicals to pregnant mice and then examined their female offspring for signs of impaired fertility. They found negative effects at both high and low chemical concentrations, which raises red flags for human health as well.

Government A Labor Day Tradition: Yearbook on US Occupational Health & Safety 2016

September 5, 2016 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 1Comment

The fifth edition of The Year in U.S. Occupational Health and Safety recaps the key events over the last 12 months in government agencies, notable publications by academic researchers and public interest organizations, and exceptional reporting by investigative journalists.

Environmental Health E-cigarettes emit a range of harmful chemicals, some known human carcinogens

August 26, 2016 Kim Krisberg 1Comment

The verdict on whether electronic cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes is still very much out. However, a recent study found e-cigarette emissions contain a variety of concerning chemicals, including some considered to be probable carcinogens.

Food Safety & Nutrition Study finds Berkeley soda tax led to a huge decrease in sugary drink consumption

August 24, 2016 Kim Krisberg 2Comment

On the question of whether a soda tax can actually reduce the amount of sugary drinks people consume, a new study finds the resounding answer is “yes.”

Government New survey finds many Americans are open to discussing gun safety with their doctors

July 26, 2016 Kim Krisberg 5Comment

Every year in the U.S., more than 32,000 people die due to gun-related violence, suicide and accidents. That number includes the deaths of seven children and teens every day. So it’s not surprising that health care providers — those who witness the tragic results of gun violence — are often vocal proponents of gun safety reform. But when it comes to the intimate patient-provider relationship, do people want to discuss gun safety with their doctors?

Government Occupational Health News Roundup

July 19, 2016 Kim Krisberg 1Comment

An in-depth look at the troubling experiences of women in the trucking industry; a group of Teamsters are stopped by police for leafleting in Georgia; new National Labor Relations Board ruling a win for temp workers; and researchers reveal a big gender wage gap among physicians in academic medicine.