Overuse of ER is challenge for new health care law

A new study out of Oregon holds an important lesson for all states that are expanding medical coverage for the poor and other needy populations under the federal Affordable Care Act: Along with providing insurance, it’s important to educate new health-care consumers about how to best access the treatment they need.

The study, published in Science, showed that the more available and affordable medical care is, the more people use it. And too many continue to rely on ER treatment even after gaining insurance coverage for more appropriate primary care. Old habits die hard, making educational outreach on this issue vital to the ACA’s long-term success.

Many women can meet pullups standard

The Marines have delayed requiring women in the service to be able to do at least three pullups, same as the men, on their annual fitness tests. The delay comes because 55 percent of female recruits who went through boot camp last year couldn’t meet the minimum standard — evidence that critics say should prevent women from assuming combat roles as scheduled in 2016.

But that view ignores the fact that 45 percent of female recruits did meet the standard, exhibiting the physical strength needed for common tasks such as scaling walls, climbing ropes and lugging heavy munitions.

The infantry might not be for everybody, but clearly many women already make the grade.