The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (11/30, Staples) reported that every single day in the US, “78 children, teens and young adults are injured or killed by guns.” In 2017 “alone, 285 children got hold of a gun and inadvertently shot themselves or someone else.” What’s more, teenagers are especially “at a higher risk for suicide when there is a gun in the home.”

Related Links:

— “Want to help prevent teen suicide? Get rid of the gun in your house, “Gracie Bonds Staples, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 30, 2018.

HealthDay (12/1, Preidt) reported that two separate studies both concluded that “teens and adults with epilepsy are at increased risk for depression and should undergo regular screening.” One study included “nearly 400 teens…with epilepsy,” while the second study “involved 120 adults with epilepsy.” The findings of both studies were scheduled to be presented at the American Epilepsy Society’s annual meeting.

Related Links:

— “Depression Is a Risk for Teens, Adults With Epilepsy, ” Robert Preidt, HealthDay, December 01, 2018.

Fierce Healthcare (11/29, Minemyer) reports that the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration on Thursday issued a final rule “that formally sets the start of the penalties and price ceilings for Jan. 1.” Beginning next year, “HRSA will set price ceilings for drugs in the program and will punish pharmaceutical companies that knowingly overcharge for these medications.”

Related Links:

— “HHS finalizes January start date for long-delayed 340B final rule , “Paige Minemyer, Fierce Healthcare, November 29, 2018.

The New York Times (11/29, Ellin) reports a recent research involving 20 couples suggests that the partners of adult patients with eating disorders can play a “critical” role in recovery. The article quotes multiple experts who explained how partners can aid or hinder the recovery process. The Times adds that while families have often been a part of treatment for children or adolescents with eating disorders, adult patients have traditionally been treated individually without their partners.

Related Links:

— “To Treat Eating Disorders, It Sometimes Takes Two, ” Abby Ellin, The New York Times, November 29, 2018.

On its front page, the Wall Street Journal (11/29, A1, McKay, Subscription Publication) reports data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that life expectancy for Americans declined again last year by one-tenth of a year, to 78.6 years. An increase in suicides, as well as the continued effects of the opioid crisis, influenza, pneumonia, and diabetes factored into the statistics, the Journal explains.

Related Links:

— “U.S. Life Expectancy Falls Further, “Betsy McKay, The Wall Street Journal, November 29, 2018.