As a baby bust hits rural areas, hospital labor and delivery wards are closing down In some rural areas, births have dropped by three-quarters since the late 1950s, and hospitals are shuttering labor and delivery units, leaving mothers little access to care when they need it. Tony Leys
8 things to know about the drug known as 'gas station heroin' For decades, tianeptine was used to treat depression, even though no one knew how it worked. But it turns out it's a type of opioid, and the U.S. is facing a spike in abuse of "gas station heroin." Bill Chappell
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, who encouraged America to talk about sex, dies at 96 Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the diminutive sex therapist who became a pop icon, media star and best-selling author through her frank talk about once-taboo bedroom topics, has died. She was 96. The Associated Press
Drug use and heat waves are a deadly combination Public health officials say that people are more likely to die in a heat wave if they are also using drugs or alcohol.
How to stay cool in extreme heat without air-conditioning How do you stay cool when it's 120 degrees and there's no AC? Dr. Gulrez Shah Azhar, who grew up in India, shares strategies from the Global South. Gulrez Shah Azhar
Rabies could become a disease of the past. Here's what it would take The Americas has made extraordinary progress, mainly by vaccinating canines. Asia and Africa —- where 95% of rabies cases happen —- have two obstacles to progress. Gabrielle Emanuel
Hiking during extreme heat can be deadly. Here's why and how to stay safe Heat records have been crumbling this summer in the U.S., creating dangerous conditions for those exerting themselves outside. When the body gets overheated, it struggles to perform basic functions. Alina Hartounian
Boxes holding Narcan in overdose hotspots can save lives, Massachusetts project shows There’s no single reason for the slight drop in opioid overdose deaths across most of the U.S. last year. But finding new ways to make Narcan available in public, 24 hours a day, is helping. Martha Bebinger
A study found toxic metals in popular tampon brands. Here's what experts advise A first-of-its-kind study found lead, arsenic and other heavy metals in various tampon brands, but didn't link them to harmful health effects. Experts explain why it matters — and what to watch for. Rachel Treisman
Texas anti-abortion groups get millions of state dollars with little oversight Crisis pregnancy centers offer counseling or basic items for new parents but do not offer medical care.
