Reuters - Health Report

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Monday, January 22, 2018

FDA's tobacco stance faces test with Philip Morris iQOS device

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In a decision expected to test the Trump administration's approach to tobacco regulation, U.S. health advisers will vote this week on whether to allow Philip Morris International Inc to sell its novel iQOS tobacco device and claim it is less harmful than cigarettes.

U.S. health agency revokes Obama-era Planned Parenthood protection

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. health officials said on Friday they were revoking legal guidance issued by the Obama administration that had sought to discourage states from trying to defund organizations that provide abortion services, such as Planned Parenthood.

Trump decries 'permissive' U.S. abortion laws at rally

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump criticized U.S. abortion laws as among the most permissive in the world in a speech to anti-abortion activists at the annual March for Life on Friday, and pledged his administration would always defend "the right to life."

CDC's flu tracking program to continue if U.S. government shuts down

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue its work tracking one of the worst flu seasons the United States has seen in several years even if the federal government shuts down on Saturday, senior administration officials said on Friday.

Delaware sues opioid manufacturers, distributors over epidemic

(Reuters) - Delaware on Friday became the latest state to file a lawsuit accusing corporations of helping fuel the national opioid epidemic, suing a wide range of companies involved in making, distributing and selling prescription painkillers.

Parent reading workshops can help low-income kids learn

(Reuters Health) - Even in communities where many people lack a high school degree, reading workshops for parents can give their kids a leg up on learning in preschool, a study in Brazil suggests.

Delta Air to tighten rules for onboard service animals

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines is tightening the requirements for passengers traveling with onboard service and emotional support animals, the carrier said on Friday, following a sharp uptick in pet-related safety issues in recent years.

Sound therapy may train the brain to ignore tinnitus

(Reuters Health) - A sound-emitting device worn in the ear during sleep may train the brain to ignore an annoying chronic ringing in the ears, a new study suggests.

Self-guided course helps women manage menopause symptoms at work

(Reuters Health) - A self-help cognitive behavioral therapy program combined with relaxation techniques can ease working women’s menopausal symptoms, according to a British study.

U.S. government to shield health workers under 'religious freedom'

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government is seeking to further protect the "conscience and religious freedom" of health workers whose beliefs prevent them from carrying out abortions and other procedures, in an effort likely to please conservative Christian activists and other supporters of President Donald Trump.