As we move into a new year, it’s essential to take stock of what has transpired in the past 12 months. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the top 10 health news stories of 2014.
1. The Ebola Outbreak
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa was one of the most significant health news stories of 2014. The outbreak started in Guinea in March and quickly spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. By the end of the year, over 20,000 people had been infected, and 8,000 had died. The outbreak served as a reminder of the importance of adequate healthcare infrastructure and the need for global cooperation in fighting infectious diseases.
2. The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Contraception
In June 2014, the Supreme Court ruled that for-profit companies could not be required to provide contraception coverage to their employees if doing so went against the owners’ religious beliefs. The decision sparked debate about the role of corporations in healthcare and the rights of employees to full and comprehensive healthcare coverage.
3. The Approval of the First FDA-Approved 3D Printed Drug
The FDA approved the first-ever 3D printed drug, Spritam, in August 2014. The drug is used to treat seizures in patients with epilepsy. The approval represents a significant milestone in the development of 3D printing technology and its potential to revolutionize drug manufacturing and delivery.
4. The Rise of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes continued to gain popularity in 2014, with sales increasing by over 300% in the US. The rise of e-cigarettes sparked debate about their safety and effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool. Research shows that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but their long-term effects are still unknown.
5. The Affordable Care Act
In 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continued to be a top health news story. The ACA, also known as Obamacare, faced significant challenges throughout the year, including website glitches and legal challenges to some of its provisions. However, the law continued to expand access to healthcare for millions of Americans.
6. The Link Between Sugary Drinks and Obesity
Research in 2014 continued to show a link between sugary drinks and obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that individuals limit their intake of added sugars to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. The findings highlight the need for public health campaigns to promote healthier diets and reduce the consumption of sugary drinks.
7. The Rise of Measles Cases
In 2014, measles cases in the US reached their highest level in 20 years, attributed in part to low vaccination rates. The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations in protecting public health and the need for efforts to increase vaccination rates.
8. The FDA’s Approval of a New Cholesterol-Lowering Drug
The FDA approved a new cholesterol-lowering drug, Repatha, in 2014. The drug represents a new class of cholesterol-lowering medication and has the potential to benefit millions of individuals who do not respond well to existing treatments.
9. The Increase in Mental Health Awareness
2014 saw an increase in public awareness of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Celebrities and public figures came forward to share their struggles with mental illness, prompting a discussion about the need to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health services.
10. The Growing Concern Over Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance remains a significant public health concern in 2014. The WHO declared antibiotic resistance a global health threat, and health officials continue to call for increased efforts to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and promote the development of new antibiotics.
In conclusion, 2014 was a significant year for health news. The stories outlined above highlight the need for continued efforts to improve access to healthcare, promote healthy behaviors, and address emerging health threats. As we move forward into a new year, we must remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to promote public health.
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