Health Buzz: Running, Your Knees, and Other Health News

Runners, Listen to Your Knees

Does running ruin your bones and joints? While scientific evidence says no, plenty of people blame running for just that. On Fitness columnist Katherine Hobson talked to two orthopedic surgeons to get to the heart of the matter. One surgeon is nonrunner Michael Klassen of Monterey Peninsula Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute in Monterey, Calif., who'd rather ski or golf. The other, Peter Gerbino, of Monterey Joint Replacement and Sports Medicine, does run for fitness.

For more: Hobson wrote recently about how to start up a running routine if you're a newbie to the sport and about injuries commonly seen in female athletes.

Medical Care for the Uninsured: It Keeps Rising

Uninsured Americans will pay approximately $30 billion personally on medical care this year, according to a new study from George Mason University researchers and think tank The Urban Institute. The Wall Street Journal reports that the study, to be released today, also notes that government and other groups will pay an additional $56 billion for uninsured Americans to receive medical are.

Last week, Michelle Andrews offered four ways to save on medical bills. When you or someone you love is sick, the last thing you want to think about is how you're going to pay for it all. But avoiding the problem won't make it go away. Need some help? The Access Project offers free assistance to help consumers deal with medical debt.

Is Autism Behind the Rise of New Cases of Measles?

The New York Times reports that the number of cases of measles in the first half of this year is higher than in the same period of any other year since 1996, and health officials are worried parents are not vaccinating their children against the disease because of a fear of autism.

Medical evidence suggests that genes, not vaccines, are behind the onset of autism. But some parents, one doctor tells the Times, would rather beat measles than deal with autism—regardless of the recent studies' results.

Discuss your thoughts on autism on a U.S. News discussion board. U.S. News offers extensive information on both measles and autism, including recent articles and analysis.