Top Health Stories of 2012

Obamacare, HIV rates, the Let's Move campaign and more.

Top Health Stories of 2012 - Take a look at the most-talked about health stories of 2012. — Kellee Terrell

1 / 16

Top Health Stories of 2012 - Take a look at the most-talked about health stories of 2012. — Kellee Terrell

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Obamacare - The U.S. Supreme Court gave Obama a significant win in June when it voted by 5 to 4 that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional. Perhaps more surprising than their decision was the fact that Chief Justice John Roberts was the tie-breaker.  (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

2 / 16

Supreme Court Upholds Obamacare - The Supreme Court made history by upholding “Obamacare” in a 5-4 vote. With full implementation in 2014, Obamacare is estimated to provide 30 million more Americans with access to health care.(Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

No Super-Sized Sugary Drinks - Earlier this year, New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s ban on super-sized sugary drinks in went into effect. New Yorkers who love to consume soda and other sugary beverages were only allowed to purchase drinks 16-ounces or less from eateries and restaurants. In July 2013, an appellate court ruled the ban unconstitutional.(Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

3 / 16

The Fight Over Food - Food policies were pretty controversial this year. Since the farm bill expired, a gallon of milk could cost eight bucks, and millions could be cut in food stamps in 2013. Newark Mayor Cory Booker went on a weeklong challenge to spend only $33 on eating. New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg banned supersized sodas to help address obesity. Californias voted down a measure to label foods with genetically modified ingredients. (Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

Grim Reality - In 2009, the most recent statistics available, the CDC reported Black men accounted for 70 percent of the estimated new HIV infections among all Blacks. Black men who have sex with men represented an estimated 73 percent of new infections among all Black men, and 37 percent among all men who have sex with men. The rate of new HIV infections for Black men was more than six and a half times higher than white men and two and a half times higher than Latino men or Black women. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

4 / 16

HIV/AIDS and Black, Gay and Bisexual Men - This summer, a report found that Black men who have sex with men (MSM) and are over the age of 30 have an HIV rate two times that of white MSM, and Black MSM younger than 30 have a three times higher rate. A Black AIDS Institute report found that by the age of 40, Black MSM living with HIV is 60 percent.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The War on Women's Reproductive Health - Sandra Fluke was called a “slut” for wanting insurance to cover birth control. Illinois pharmacies don’t have to give women emergency contraception. In Texas and Oklahoma, courts found it OK to defund Planned Parenthood. And in Michigan, an abortion “Super Bill” passed that seriously restricts women’s access to abortion.    (Photo: Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times /Landov)

5 / 16

The War on Women's Reproductive Health - Sandra Fluke was called a “slut” for wanting insurance to cover birth control. Illinois pharmacies don’t have to give women emergency contraception. In Texas and Oklahoma, courts found it OK to defund Planned Parenthood. And in Michigan, an abortion “Super Bill” passed that seriously restricts women’s access to abortion.  (Photo: Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times /Landov)

ADVERTISEMENT
/content/dam/betcom/images/2012/07/Politics/071312-politics-flotus-michelle-obama-ymca-lets-move.jpg

6 / 16

FLOTUS' Fight Against Childhood Obesity - Known for her class and impeccable style, first lady Michelle Obama will also be remembered for her campaign to end childhood obesity. “Let’s Move” focuses on improving school lunches and making them healthier. (Photo: John Raoux/AP Photo)

Organic Fruits and Veggies Ain't All That - For years, we’ve heard that organic foods are “better” and safer for us, but a new study indicated that more expensive organic meats, fruits, vegetables and milk may not contain more nutrients than conventional food.   (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

7 / 16

Organic Fruits and Veggies Ain't All That - For years, we’ve heard that organic foods are “better” and safer for us, but a new study indicated that more expensive organic meats, fruits, vegetables and milk may not contain more nutrients than conventional food. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Susan G. Komen Foundation in Mammogram Controversy - Two Dartmouth University professors recently slammed the Susan G. Komen Foundation for using "unreliable" statics in a breast cancer awareness campaign that ran last October, saying it gave a false representation of the survival rate of women who were screened and diagnosed early versus those who were not. The professors also said the foundation "oversold" the benefits of mammograms and failed to report on potential risks. (Photo: Courtesy of Komen.org)

8 / 16

Susan G. Komen vs. Planned Parenthood - All hell broke loose when the largest cancer charity in the nation, the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, defunded breast health initiatives for Planned Parenthood. The group reversed its decision two days later. (Photo: Courtesy of Komen.org)

Wear Insect Repellent - If you are going to spend a lot of time outside this weekend, make sure that you are alert for insects, says the American Red Cross. Use an insect repellent and follow the directions for use. After being outdoors for a long period, inspect yourself for ticks. If you have pets that go outdoors, use a repellent made for that type of pet and apply according to the label. Be sure to check your pet for ticks often. (Photo: Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images)

9 / 16

West Nile and Meningitis Outbreaks - More than 5,000 people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus and 243 people have died from complications of it this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, more than three dozen people died from fungal meningitis — inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord.   (Photo: Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images)

Food Safety and Recalls - The FDA recalled more than 100 peanut-based products from Trader Joe’s, Wal-Mart, Target and Whole Foods when more than 40 people got sick this past fall. Cantaloupes, spinach, smoked salmon, ground beef, Frosted Mini-Wheats and ricotta cheese were pulled off the shelves this year, as well.(Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

10 / 16

Food Safety and Recalls - The FDA recalled more than 100 peanut-based products from Trader Joe’s, Wal-Mart, Target and Whole Foods when more than 40 people got sick this past fall. Cantaloupes, spinach, smoked salmon, ground beef, Frosted Mini-Wheats and ricotta cheese were pulled off the shelves this year, as well.(Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

ADVERTISEMENT
The State of Black Celebrity Health - Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts left her job to be treated for a rare blood cancer; Lil’ Wayne and Rick Ross both suffered seizures, and singer and reality star Toni Braxton was hospitalized numerous times for her lupus.  (Photos from left: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images, Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel, Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

11 / 16

The State of Black Celebrity Health - Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts left her job to be treated for a rare blood cancer; Lil’ Wayne and Rick Ross both suffered seizures, and singer and reality star Toni Braxton was hospitalized numerous times for her lupus.  (Photos from left: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images, Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel, Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Prostate Cancer Screening Debate - Prostate cancer advocates lashed out at the U.S. Preventative Task Force, which handed down recommendations to not test patients routinely for prostate cancer. African-American men are 60 percent more likely to die from prostate cancer than their white counterparts. (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

12 / 16

The Prostate Cancer Screening Debate - Prostate cancer advocates lashed out at the U.S. Preventative Task Force, which handed down recommendations to not test patients routinely for prostate cancer. African-American men are 60 percent more likely to die from prostate cancer than their white counterparts. (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

/content/dam/betcom/images/2011/08/Health/082411-health-15-minutes-exercise.jpg

13 / 16

Black Women's Hair vs. Working Out - Black women’s hair was a meaty topic in 2012, especially in relation to it serving as a barrier to us working out. Even actress Nicole Ari Parker created a hairband to absorb sweat. One recent study finds that 40 percent of Black women say their hair sometimes stands in the way of working out.   (Photo: St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/Landov)

/content/dam/betcom/images/2011/11/Health/110211-health-medicaid-cuts.jpg

14 / 16

The GOP vs. Medicaid Expansion - While Obamacare was upheld, the Supreme Court ruled against forcing states to expand Medicaid. States with GOP leadership such as Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Wisconsin and Iowa have claimed they will opt out, leaving millions of low-income folks without health coverage.  (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Worries - The economy tops the list of things Americans are concerned about, with 68 percent saying they worry a "great deal" about federal spending and the budget deficit, according to a Gallup poll published on March 26. They're followed by the availability and affordability of health care (61 percent), gas prices (55 percent) and unemployment (51 percent).  (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

15 / 16

Black Men, Masculinity and Mental Health - This year, a study found that masculinity and the pressure that comes with it can have a negative impact on Black men’s state of mind. Men under 40 were more depressed, experienced more racial discrimination and were more tied to gender norms compared to men older than 40. (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK) 

The Obesity Crisis in the South - Also known as the “Stroke Belt,” the South also houses the biggest Americans, said a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The obesity rate among Southern residents was 29.5 percent; the Midwest had a rate of 29 percent; the Northeast was 25.3 percent; and the West was at 24.3 percent.  (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

16 / 16

The Obesity Crisis in the South - Also known as the “Stroke Belt,” the South also houses the biggest Americans, said a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The obesity rate among Southern residents was 29.5 percent; the Midwest had a rate of 29 percent; the Northeast was 25.3 percent; and the West was at 24.3 percent.  (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)