This week's top health stories

Obama makes history again

7.30 Report - 22/03/2010
The United States congress passed Barack Obama's landmark healthcare reform bill today. ABC correspondent Michael Brissenden speaks with Kerry O'Brien from Washington DC.

Americans nervous about what health care bill will mean

PM - 22/03/2010
Ninety-five per cent of Americans will now have some form of health cover - 32 million more insured than previously but Americans remain nervous. Lesley Russell from the Menzies Centre for Health Policy discusses why Barack Obama had such difficulties to get his health care reform bill passed.

Obama wins health care reform war

PM - 22/03/2010
After more than a year of political combat, the United States has approved historic health care reform legislation, extending insurance to millions of Americans. It's also given President Barack Obama a badly needed boost.

Shoulder movement changes after mastectomy

Science Online - 22/03/2010
Women who have had a mastectomy move their shoulder differently to those who have not had the operation, a new study has found.

Pollution increases asthma hospitalisations

The World Today - 22/03/2010
A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says certain types of air pollution can increase hospitalisations for asthma by up to 4 per cent. Asthma researchers say there needs to be a better method of keeping track of the link between pollution and asthma.

Federal pollies rehearse health debate

The World Today - 22/03/2010
The Federal Government's trying to ramp up expectations of what voters can expect of Tony Abbott during tomorrow's health debate, saying it's essential he tell voters tomorrow what the Coalition would do, if it won government. But Mr Abbott says there won't be any new policy pronouncements from him, as he says he won't be pressured into divulging details to suit the government's timeline.

Obama poised for victory on health plan

The World Today - 22/03/2010
The US President, Barack Obama, is set to notch up a major political victory on his plans to reform the country's health system. After hours of debate, the US House of Representatives is poised to pass his landmark legislation at a rare Sunday session.

US poised to vote on health reform

AM - 22/03/2010
After 12 months of political haggling, Barack Obama's signature domestic policy will go before the House of Representatives in a cliff-hanger vote. Tensions are high, but the Democrats are confident they'll secure enough votes to ensure the bill passes.

Elections, health to dominate parliament break

Lateline - 19/03/2010
Former president of the Victorian Liberal Party, Michael Kroger, and national secretary of the Australian Workers Union, Paul Howes, join Lateline to discuss the federal and state issues of health and elections.

Federal health stoush set to rumble on

Lateline - 19/03/2010
Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott are trading insults as their political parties argue over the format of Tuesday's health debate.