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Considering a cholesterol-lowering statin to prevent a heart attack? Deciding who’s a good candidate requires calculating more than a simple cholesterol level. A government task force says the popular medications will be of most benefit to some people ages 40 to 75 whose risk of cardiovascular disease over the next decade is at least 10 percent. But Monday’s draft guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force left some wiggle room, saying certain patients who aren’t at quite as high a risk still might benefit and should weigh the pros and cons for themselves. (Neergaard, 12/22)

Two senior U.S. senators are calling for swift federal action to help protect thousands of infants born each year to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy. Sen. Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, is calling for oversight hearings, in part to understand why a longstanding federal law directing states to safeguard the newborns is not being enforced. Sen. Charles Schumer, of New York, wants the Obama Administration to put “an emergency surge” of funds toward addressing the growing number of drug-dependent newborns. (12/22)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the federal patient privacy law known as Hipaa, allows health providers to sue patients over unpaid debts, but requires that they disclose only the minimum information necessary to pursue them. Still, the law has many loopholes. One is that Hipaa covers only providers who submit data electronically. (Ornstein, 12/23)

Hospitals and health clinics around the country are increasing their efforts to promote exercise and healthy eating. They’re offering yoga and cooking classes, sponsoring farmers’ markets and writing prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables. ... St. Joseph Hoag Health’s recent campaign is called “Shop with Your Doc” and is based at Ralphs supermarkets throughout Orange County. Grocery stores are an ideal place to teach people that they can become healthier by making small dietary changes and eating in moderation, said Vanessa Rosales, community affairs manager for Ralphs & Food 4 Less. (Gorman, 12/23)