Nationally, one in three children is overweight or obese and obesity rates for Iowa children have increased in recent years. Iowa is now ranked 30th among the 51 states and territories for childhood obesity and Iowa has the 13th highest adult obesity rate in the nation. Healthy LifeStars was founded in 2003 to address childhood obesity and has reached more than 35,000 kids in Arizona and Colorado. In 2018, it launched programs in Iowa and Ohio and has the goal of growing nationwide.
Read MoreDiabetic ketoacidosis is a terrible way to die. It’s what happens when you don’t have enough insulin. Your blood sugar gets so high that your blood becomes highly acidic, your cells dehydrate, and your body stops functioning. Nicole Smith-Holt lost her son to diabetic ketoacidosis, three days before his payday, because he couldn’t afford his insulin.
Read MoreIt has become clear that the ACA’s premium tax credits have acted as a central stabilizing force for the individual market. Of the 10.6 million people currently enrolled in marketplace plans, 87 percent are receiving this help to pay their premiums. Congress has clear options for expanding the generosity and availability of tax credits. Larger credits made available to more people would have the double benefit of making insurance more affordable and the individual market more affordable.
Read MoreA new report by independent researchers refutes claims by the pharmaceutical industry that the 340B drug pricing program is so large it forces manufacturers to raise their prices. Publication of the new report comes as Congress and the Trump administration are debating policies to reduce the scope of the 340B program, which, for the past 25 years, has helped provide low-cost medications and better health outcomes for millions of Americans and the non-profit hospitals and clinics.
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