Mediterranean Diet Linked To Preserving Memory by Bo Shepard. UAB News. April 29, 2013.
The significance of this study is summarized by the lead author: Since there are no definitive treatments for most dementing illnesses, modifiable activities, such as diet, that may delay the onset of symptoms of dementia, are very important."
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Implantation of Bioengineered Windpipe The First For The United States
Groundbreaking Surgery For Girl Born Without Windpipe by Henry Fountain. The New York Times. April 30, 2013.
The windpipe was made of plastic fibers bathed in stem cells from bone marrow.
The windpipe was made of plastic fibers bathed in stem cells from bone marrow.
Motivational Interviewing Used By Doctors To Change Behaviors, Treat Chronic Conditions
To Motivate Patients To Change, Doctors Stop Scolding. The Wall Street Journal. April 29, 2013.
Changing behavior is the key to managing many chronic management diseases. Scolding does not motivate. So health-care providers are borrowing the technique of motivational interviewing from weight-loss counseling, smoking cessation, and addiction counseling to confront such conditions as diabetes.
Changing behavior is the key to managing many chronic management diseases. Scolding does not motivate. So health-care providers are borrowing the technique of motivational interviewing from weight-loss counseling, smoking cessation, and addiction counseling to confront such conditions as diabetes.
Ratio Used To Trace Hardening Of The Arteries In the Young
Children On Track For A Heart Attack by Ron Winslow. The Wall Street Journal. April 29, 2013.
The study from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center advocated using the ratio of triglycerides to HDL as an indicator of childhood stiff and damaged arteries. The article documents the rise of heart risks in children and presents possible ways to address the problem
The study from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center advocated using the ratio of triglycerides to HDL as an indicator of childhood stiff and damaged arteries. The article documents the rise of heart risks in children and presents possible ways to address the problem
Kaiser Pool: 42% Of The American People Unaware That ACA Is Still The Law
Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Public Opinion On Health Care--April 2013. Kaiser Family Foundation. April 30, 2013.
Illustrating how far the administration must go to educate the public about the Affordable Care Act, 49% of those polled said that they did not have enough information to understand how the Act will effect them or their families.
Illustrating how far the administration must go to educate the public about the Affordable Care Act, 49% of those polled said that they did not have enough information to understand how the Act will effect them or their families.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Phytosterois: Cholesterol Sweeper
Phytosterois: The Cholesterol Picker Upper by David Grotto, RDN, LDN. Webmd.com. April 29, 2013.
Discusses the role of phytosterois in moving cholesterol into the digestive tract. The article provides a specific list of source foods.
Discusses the role of phytosterois in moving cholesterol into the digestive tract. The article provides a specific list of source foods.
Federal Medical Center Provides Boston Marathon Suspect Care While In Custody
Tsarnaev Is Getting Care And High Security by Christopher Weaver. The Wall Street Journal. April 28, 2013.
Article provides an overview of health care in one of the six Federal Medical Centers. The staff are all trained correction officers in addition to being medical professionals.
Article provides an overview of health care in one of the six Federal Medical Centers. The staff are all trained correction officers in addition to being medical professionals.
2012 Plastic Surgery Procedural Statistics
2012 Plastic Surgery Procedural Statistics. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. April 29, 2013.
Arm life surgery, apparently to emulate the look of Michelle Obama, is on the rise.
Arm life surgery, apparently to emulate the look of Michelle Obama, is on the rise.
Adapting To Changing Patient Preferences, Pediatrician Group Presents Guidelines For Home Births
As Home Births Rise, Pediatricians Group Sets New Guidelines by Linda Carroll. April 28, 2013.
Policy Statement: Planned Home Birth. American Academy Of Pediatrics. April 29, 2013.
While still advocating the hospital as the safest place to deliver, the American Academy of Pediatrics has released guidelines to insure that home birth will, to the extent possible, will be as safe as hospital births. The article presents some of the details of the guidelines including when to test for blood sugar for example. The second link presents the entire statement.
Policy Statement: Planned Home Birth. American Academy Of Pediatrics. April 29, 2013.
While still advocating the hospital as the safest place to deliver, the American Academy of Pediatrics has released guidelines to insure that home birth will, to the extent possible, will be as safe as hospital births. The article presents some of the details of the guidelines including when to test for blood sugar for example. The second link presents the entire statement.
Hospital Adopt Multiple Approaches To Deal With Infection
Hospitals See Surge of Superbug-Fighting Products. USA TODAY. April 29, 2013.
An overview of the extent of the infection problem what hospitals are doing in technology, quality control, organization (integrating housekeeping with infection control), diligence and awareness.
An overview of the extent of the infection problem what hospitals are doing in technology, quality control, organization (integrating housekeeping with infection control), diligence and awareness.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Changing White Fat To Brown Fat: Possible New Strategy To Confront Obesity
White Fat Turned To Calorie-Burning Brown Fat by Bradley J. Fikes. U~T San Diego. April 28, 2013.
Since the research recounted here has found that energy-storing white fat can be changed to energy-burning brown fat, there could potentially be a new method to confront obesity. Instead of focus on the "intake" side, e.g. eating less, there could perhaps be an emphasis on the "output" side, e.g. burning more calories.
Since the research recounted here has found that energy-storing white fat can be changed to energy-burning brown fat, there could potentially be a new method to confront obesity. Instead of focus on the "intake" side, e.g. eating less, there could perhaps be an emphasis on the "output" side, e.g. burning more calories.
Breathalyzer Can Now Test For 12 Different Drugs
The Future Of the Breathalyzer by Travis Andrews. DVICE. April 28, 2013.
The sensitivity and scope of the tests through a breathalyzer are increasing though much research needs to be done.
The sensitivity and scope of the tests through a breathalyzer are increasing though much research needs to be done.
Nurse Burnout Linked to Hospital Infection Rise
Increased Hospital Infections Linked To Nurse Burnout. Science Daily. September 27, 2013.
The study recounted here uses the concept of "emotional exhaustion" to explain at least part of the problem of hospital infection.
The study recounted here uses the concept of "emotional exhaustion" to explain at least part of the problem of hospital infection.
Waits For Insurance Authorization For Psychiatric Admissions Wastes ER Physician Time
ERs Have Become De Facto Psych Wards. Science Daily. April 24, 2013.
Comment from a senior author illustrates the problem: "An emergency department is just about the worst place for a psychiatric patient to wait for an inpatient bed, and yet that is exactly what the pre-authorization process forces on millions of these vulnerable people."
Comment from a senior author illustrates the problem: "An emergency department is just about the worst place for a psychiatric patient to wait for an inpatient bed, and yet that is exactly what the pre-authorization process forces on millions of these vulnerable people."
University Of California Study Found No Difference in Safety Of Abortions Between Physicians ad Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants/Nurse Midwifes
Abortions Are Safe When Performed By Nurses Practitioners, Physician Assistants And Certified Nurse Midwives. Science Daily. January 18, 2013.
The co-author of the study articulated a key element of its significance: "As the U.S. demand for cost-effective health care increases, workforce development has become a key component of health care reform. All qualified health professionals should perform clinical care to the fullest extent of their education and competency."
The co-author of the study articulated a key element of its significance: "As the U.S. demand for cost-effective health care increases, workforce development has become a key component of health care reform. All qualified health professionals should perform clinical care to the fullest extent of their education and competency."
Heart Association: Alternative Therapies And Blood Pressure
Alternative Therapies May Help Lower Blood Pressure. Science Daily. April 22, 2013.
The American Heart Association reviewed data on behavioral therapies, non-invasive procedures and devices, and three types of exercise.' They also examined yoga, meditation, and other techniques. Among the surprising results is the impressive improvement with isometric hand grip exercises, though the article warns against use of these exercises for those with severely-uncontrolled high blood pressure.
The American Heart Association reviewed data on behavioral therapies, non-invasive procedures and devices, and three types of exercise.' They also examined yoga, meditation, and other techniques. Among the surprising results is the impressive improvement with isometric hand grip exercises, though the article warns against use of these exercises for those with severely-uncontrolled high blood pressure.
New Method of Treatment for Flu and Bacterial Co-infections Suggested
Flu And Bacteria: Better Prognosis For This Potentially Fatal Combination. Science Daily. April 26, 2013.
A main cause of flu deaths is secondary infection with bacteria. This article describes an approach that activates repair pathways as a method to improve outcomes.
A main cause of flu deaths is secondary infection with bacteria. This article describes an approach that activates repair pathways as a method to improve outcomes.
Georgia Trails In Hospital Infection Control
Georgia Trails Neighboring States On Infection Control by Carrie Teegardin. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. April 27, 2013.
The article reports that in January for the time Georgia hospitals were required to start reporting cases of certain infections. Also included is a hospital quality tracker, a listing of hospital bugs, and methods to prevent infections.
The article reports that in January for the time Georgia hospitals were required to start reporting cases of certain infections. Also included is a hospital quality tracker, a listing of hospital bugs, and methods to prevent infections.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Las Vegas Hospital Gives Mentally Unstable Patients Bus Ticket to Rid Itself Of Patients
Nevada Hospital Reprimanded For Shipping Mental Patients Away by Cheri Cheng. Counsel and Heal. April 27, 2013.
An investigation revealed that the hospital has given out 1,500 one-way bus tickets to over 40 locations over the last five years.
An investigation revealed that the hospital has given out 1,500 one-way bus tickets to over 40 locations over the last five years.
80 Million Americans Did Not Receive Medical Treatment Because Of Costs
Uninsured Population Swells In Advance Of U.S. Health Law by Alex Wayne. Bloomberg. April 26, 2013.
The Price Of Being Uninsured. The Commonwealth Fund. April 26, 2013
84 million were uninsured or underinsured with 85 percent of these to be eligible for subsidized or government health insurance under Obamacare. By 2021 the CBO projects that 27 million will be covered under the law.
The Price Of Being Uninsured. The Commonwealth Fund. April 26, 2013
84 million were uninsured or underinsured with 85 percent of these to be eligible for subsidized or government health insurance under Obamacare. By 2021 the CBO projects that 27 million will be covered under the law.
Link Of H7N9 Virus To Humans Possibly Identified
Poultry Wet Market Likely Source Of Virus Of H7N9 Human Infection: Research. Xinhau. April 26, 2013.
Chinese scientists have found a link between the patient's virus and the chicken virus isolated from a wet poultry market.
Chinese scientists have found a link between the patient's virus and the chicken virus isolated from a wet poultry market.
The Genetic and Neuroscientific Basis Of The Criminal Mind
The Criminal Mind by Adrian Raine. The Wall Street Journal. April 26, 2013.
The evidence of a genetic origin for criminal behavior is presented along with the role of lead in deforming the brain, lack of early childhood nutrition, and abuse in shaping the physiology of the brain. The author proposes a role for brain scans in parole and prison release decisions.
The evidence of a genetic origin for criminal behavior is presented along with the role of lead in deforming the brain, lack of early childhood nutrition, and abuse in shaping the physiology of the brain. The author proposes a role for brain scans in parole and prison release decisions.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Much At Stake In Florida Medicaid Expansion Decision: More than one in twelve uninsured Americans is a Floridian
With Time Running Out, Florida Medicaid Expansion Is In Doubt by Phil Galewitz. Kaiser Health News. April 26, 2013.
Opponents of expansion say that the promised Federal money for expansion "doesn't exist" and the government cannot be trusted to fund expansion. Proponents including hospitals and some conservative groups like the Florida Chamber of Commerce tout the economic benefits of covering the uninsured.
Opponents of expansion say that the promised Federal money for expansion "doesn't exist" and the government cannot be trusted to fund expansion. Proponents including hospitals and some conservative groups like the Florida Chamber of Commerce tout the economic benefits of covering the uninsured.
Well-Paying Jobs For Less Educated Workers Become Less Secure In Healthcare
Some Hospital Jobs Shrivel by Be Casselman. The Wall Street Journal. April 26, 2013. Available only by subscription or from hard copy newspaper.
Article focuses on positions such as licensed practical nurses and medical-records clerks. Skilled and very low skilled positions have been the jobs featuring growth.
Article focuses on positions such as licensed practical nurses and medical-records clerks. Skilled and very low skilled positions have been the jobs featuring growth.
Protocols For Email Responses In Medical Practices
Patient Email Satisfaction Starts With Managed Expectations by Pamela Lewis Dolan. American Medical News. April 22, 2013.
New problems arise with the reality that patients can message physicians at any time. The article considers patient satisfaction, health care decision making, expectations, and use of answering service among other issues in light of this new reality.
New problems arise with the reality that patients can message physicians at any time. The article considers patient satisfaction, health care decision making, expectations, and use of answering service among other issues in light of this new reality.
Diabetes Discovery: Hormone That Increases Number of Beta Cells
Hormone Said To Raise Insulin Lost To Diabetes by Carolyn Y. Johnson. Boston Globe. April 25, 2013.
The new hormone is said to produce "robust, rapid, expansion of beta cells" which produce insulin.
The new hormone is said to produce "robust, rapid, expansion of beta cells" which produce insulin.
Demand, Profit, And Safety: Manufacturing Facility Collapse In Bangladesh
Western Firms Feel Pressure As Toll Rises In Bangladesh by Julfikar Ali Manik, Steven Greenhouse, and Jim Yardley. The New York Times. April 26, 2013.
The manufacturing facility continued to operate even as cracks in the walls appeared. The death toll is approaching 300, making the building collapse one of the worst manufacturing disasters in history. The role of Western firms is being questioned.
The manufacturing facility continued to operate even as cracks in the walls appeared. The death toll is approaching 300, making the building collapse one of the worst manufacturing disasters in history. The role of Western firms is being questioned.
Price Of Cancer Drugs Sparks Revolt Among Cancer Specialists
Doctors Denounce Cancer Drug Prices Of $100,000 A Year by Andrew Pollack. The New York Times. April, 25, 2013.
Price Of Drugs For Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Reflection Of The Unsustainable Cancer Drug Prices: Perspective of CML Experts. Blood. April 25, 2013.
Roughly 120 doctors from around the world questioned the economic basis and morality of high prices for cancer drugs.
Price Of Drugs For Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Reflection Of The Unsustainable Cancer Drug Prices: Perspective of CML Experts. Blood. April 25, 2013.
Roughly 120 doctors from around the world questioned the economic basis and morality of high prices for cancer drugs.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Medical Mecca Was Prepared For Mass Trauma
"Medical Mecca" Boston Was Equipped For Mass Trauma by Kyle Cheney. Politico. April 18, 2013.
Among the key items discussed in the article is the wisdom of having excess capacity in hospitals for just such an event and the growing capacity in trauma that is the result of U.S. medical personnel service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Among the key items discussed in the article is the wisdom of having excess capacity in hospitals for just such an event and the growing capacity in trauma that is the result of U.S. medical personnel service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Nurses Fighting State By State For Minimum Staffing Laws by David Schultz. Kaiser Health News. April 25, 2013.
Several legislatures are considering laws that will mandate a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio.
Several legislatures are considering laws that will mandate a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio.
Interactive Gaming As A Method To Teach Neuroscience
UGA Develops Game To Teach Neuroscience by Urvaksh Karkarta. Atlanta Business Chronicle. April 24, 2013.
An illustration of the burgeoning trend of interactive gaming in medical and scientific education developed by a firm associated with the University of Georgia.
An illustration of the burgeoning trend of interactive gaming in medical and scientific education developed by a firm associated with the University of Georgia.
Survey: Nearly A Quarter Of Teens Drive While Impaired by Larry Copeland. USA TODAY. April 25, 2013.
Shocking finding in the survey recounted here: "Almost 20% of those who drink and drive say it improves their driving, a view shared by 34% of those who drive under the influence of marijuana."
Heroin Makes A Comeback Via OxyContin And Vicodin
OxyCotin A Gateway To Heroin For Upper-Income Addicts by Donna Leinwand Leger. USA TODAY. April 25, 2013.
The article states that "lawyers, nurses, cops and ministers" are showing up to receive treatment for heroin addiction, an addiction that often begins with prescription painkillers.
The article states that "lawyers, nurses, cops and ministers" are showing up to receive treatment for heroin addiction, an addiction that often begins with prescription painkillers.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Growing Recognition Of the Need and Efficacy Of Therapy in Golden Years
How Therapy Can Help In The Golden Years by Abby Ellin. The New York Times. April 22, 2013.
A wide ranging discussion of the changing perception by older Americans and society in general of need for mental health counseling.
A real surprise for me was a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration which found that about "half of all Americans aged 50 to 70 will be at high risk for alcohol and marijuana abuse by 2020, compared with less than 9 percent in 1999."
A wide ranging discussion of the changing perception by older Americans and society in general of need for mental health counseling.
A real surprise for me was a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration which found that about "half of all Americans aged 50 to 70 will be at high risk for alcohol and marijuana abuse by 2020, compared with less than 9 percent in 1999."
Concrete And Understandable Measures Lead To Better Dietary Results
How Much Exercise Will It Take To Work Off A Burger? Menus May Soon Tell You by Alexandra Sifferlin. Time. April 24, 2013.
Concrete and understandable measures lead to better dietary results. The concept of a "calorie" is a very abstract idea to most people. It is not surprising that a concrete measure--brisk walking--is more motivating.
Concrete and understandable measures lead to better dietary results. The concept of a "calorie" is a very abstract idea to most people. It is not surprising that a concrete measure--brisk walking--is more motivating.
Gallup Polling Organization Ranks States According To Stress
Hawaii Remains State With Least Stress by Lindsey Sharpe. Gallup Wellbeing. April 23, 2013.
Lots of interesting rankings here. While it probably no surprise that Hawaii ranks #1 in low stress level, the numbers 2 and 3 may be unexpected in light of the low general health levels in these states: Louisiana #2 and Mississippi #3. West Virginia ranks as the most stressful state.
Lots of interesting rankings here. While it probably no surprise that Hawaii ranks #1 in low stress level, the numbers 2 and 3 may be unexpected in light of the low general health levels in these states: Louisiana #2 and Mississippi #3. West Virginia ranks as the most stressful state.
New Predictor of Heart Risk Identified: Better Than Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Smoking
"Gut Reaction" May Predict Cardiovascular Risk by Steven Reinberg. U.S. News. April 24, 2013.
The compound is TMAO which is generated by the bacteria in our gut. An approach that modulates "intestinal microbe metabolism to decrease TMAO could be therapeutic." However more research is needed to determine if TMAO is just a marker or an actual mediator and therefore a promising target.
The compound is TMAO which is generated by the bacteria in our gut. An approach that modulates "intestinal microbe metabolism to decrease TMAO could be therapeutic." However more research is needed to determine if TMAO is just a marker or an actual mediator and therefore a promising target.
Unusual Medical Career Path: Prison , Medical School, Research, Undergraduate Degree at 91
91-Year-Old Retired Oncologist To Receive B.A. From Harvard by Dean Kahn. The Bellingham Herald. April 15, 2013.
Unusual medical career path to say the least.
Unusual medical career path to say the least.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Parent Failure to Communicate Dangers of Prescription Drugs Leads To Teen Abuse
National Study: Teen Misuse And Abuse Of Prescription Drugs Up 33 Percent Since 2008, Stimulants Contributing to Sustained Rx Epidemic by Cassie Goldberg. The Partnership At Drugfree.org. April 22, 2013.
According to the report, which is full of relevant statistics, misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is now a normalized behavior among teens.
According to the report, which is full of relevant statistics, misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is now a normalized behavior among teens.
PTSD And The Boston Marathon Bombing
PTSD May Strike Bostonians In Bombing, Lockdown Aftermath by Liz Neporent. ABC News. April 23, 2013.
Among the reasons making this article worth reading is a discussion of how social media and government appeals for citizen involvement perhaps may reduced the traumatic effects of the event by giving people a sense of control and participation.
Among the reasons making this article worth reading is a discussion of how social media and government appeals for citizen involvement perhaps may reduced the traumatic effects of the event by giving people a sense of control and participation.
Medical Repatriation: Hospitals Remove Immigrants Not Eligible For Aid
American Hospitals Deporting Unconscious Patients by David Pitt. Salon. April 23, 2013.
The article discusses the problem facing some American hospitals serving individuals in the country without legal documentation and with no access to government programs such as Medicaid. Some of these hospitals have opted for the solution of medical repatriation, flying the patient back to the patient's country of origin. The article discusses the financial, legal, civil rights, and human dimensions of this practice.
The article discusses the problem facing some American hospitals serving individuals in the country without legal documentation and with no access to government programs such as Medicaid. Some of these hospitals have opted for the solution of medical repatriation, flying the patient back to the patient's country of origin. The article discusses the financial, legal, civil rights, and human dimensions of this practice.
Diagnostic Errors: Leading Cause Of Successful Malpractice Claims
Diagnostic Errors Are Leading Cause Of Successful Malpractice Claims by David Brown. The Washington Post. April 22, 2013.
Key fact: Diagnostic errors accounted for 35 percent of the total money paid out and causes 39 percent of malpractice-related deaths. The article explores the reasons diagnostic errors are hard to catch and why there are no public reporting requirements for measuring diagnostic accuracy or error.
Key fact: Diagnostic errors accounted for 35 percent of the total money paid out and causes 39 percent of malpractice-related deaths. The article explores the reasons diagnostic errors are hard to catch and why there are no public reporting requirements for measuring diagnostic accuracy or error.
Child With No Skeleton Develops One With Enzyme-Replacement Drug Therapy
Child Without Bones Begins To Develop Skeletal Frame Thanks To Enzyme Therapy by Michelle Castillo. CBS News. April 23, 2013.
The child now has begun to dance as a result of enzyme-replacement drug therapy called asfotase alfa.
The child now has begun to dance as a result of enzyme-replacement drug therapy called asfotase alfa.
Specially-Designed Video Game Effectively Treats Lazy Eye In Adults
Video Game Treatment For Lazy Eye Restores 3D Vision by Emily Chung. CDC News. April 23, 2013.
Lazy eye, amblyopia, has been thought to be all but untreatable in adults. To develop a new approach, researchers created video games that can only be played with both eyes. As a result, the strong eye could not suppress the communication of the weak eye and the brain. This suppressed communication is thought to be the cause of lazy eye.
Lazy eye, amblyopia, has been thought to be all but untreatable in adults. To develop a new approach, researchers created video games that can only be played with both eyes. As a result, the strong eye could not suppress the communication of the weak eye and the brain. This suppressed communication is thought to be the cause of lazy eye.
Monday, April 22, 2013
California Explores Alternatives To Confront Doctor Shortage
An Rx For The Doctor Shortage. The Times editorial Board. The Lost Angeles Times. April 21, 2013.
The editorial board looks at proposals in Sacramento to expand the authority of optometrists, nurse practitioners and pharmacists to offer more primary medical are independently of doctors. Why no mention of physician assistants?
The editorial board looks at proposals in Sacramento to expand the authority of optometrists, nurse practitioners and pharmacists to offer more primary medical are independently of doctors. Why no mention of physician assistants?
Changes In Health Laws Offer Opportunities For Scam Artists and Criminals
Seniors Get Hung Up In Health Care Scams by Jenny Gold. Kaiser Health News. April 22, 2013.
To get an idea of the extent of the problem, there were 83,000 health care imposter scams reported last year up 12% from the year before. Confusion about health law changes has presented opportunities for fraud, particularly against seniors.
To get an idea of the extent of the problem, there were 83,000 health care imposter scams reported last year up 12% from the year before. Confusion about health law changes has presented opportunities for fraud, particularly against seniors.
65 Years Living With The Effects of Nuclear Waste
Life In A Real Nuclear Wasteland by Kate Brown. Slate. April 18, 2013.
The article examines Muslumovo in the Southern Russian Urals which has been living in contaminated terrain since 1948. As a result, it is a laboratory of the health effects of radiation.
The article examines Muslumovo in the Southern Russian Urals which has been living in contaminated terrain since 1948. As a result, it is a laboratory of the health effects of radiation.
If It Can Be Done Someone Will Do It: The Enduring Attraction Of The "Cinnamon Challenge"
"Cinnamon Challenge" Fad Could Result In Lung Damage by Michelle Healy. USA TODAY. April 22, 2013.
50,000 YouTube video clips of young people doing the "Cinnamon Challenge" were posted in 2012. A research paper recounted here documents the medical harm.
50,000 YouTube video clips of young people doing the "Cinnamon Challenge" were posted in 2012. A research paper recounted here documents the medical harm.
Significant Resources, Ultimate Questions Accompany Cancer Gene Mapping Effort
Cancer Centers Racing To Map Patients Genes by Anemona Martocollis. The New York Times. April 21, 2013.
"Precision medicine" attained through massive computing power applied to genomic analysis of cancer and other health information is the aim of large and prestigious medical institutions. Some are asking however "What's the real health benefit?"
"Precision medicine" attained through massive computing power applied to genomic analysis of cancer and other health information is the aim of large and prestigious medical institutions. Some are asking however "What's the real health benefit?"
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Demanding Physical Work Possibly Associated With Stress, Linked To Coronary Heart Disease Risk
Association Between Demanding Physical Work And Increased Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease. Medical News Today. April 21, 2013.
One of the researchers pointed to a paradox: That the "results could possibly be attributed to the stress experienced by people with physically demanding jobs. Stress, he added, may be one reason why hard physical work may not be comparable to the physical exercise recommended for health and well-being, which tend to be non-stressful behaviors."
One of the researchers pointed to a paradox: That the "results could possibly be attributed to the stress experienced by people with physically demanding jobs. Stress, he added, may be one reason why hard physical work may not be comparable to the physical exercise recommended for health and well-being, which tend to be non-stressful behaviors."
Predictive Mathematical Models Top Doctors On Lung Cancer Treatment Predictions
Mathematical Models Out-Perform Doctors In Predicting Cancer Patients Responses To Treatment. Science Daily. April 19, 2013.
Key quote from one of the researchers: "If models based on patient, tumor and treatment characteristics already out-perform the doctors, then it is unethical to make treatment decisions based solely on the doctors' opinions. We believe models should be implemented in clinical practice to guide decisions."
Key quote from one of the researchers: "If models based on patient, tumor and treatment characteristics already out-perform the doctors, then it is unethical to make treatment decisions based solely on the doctors' opinions. We believe models should be implemented in clinical practice to guide decisions."
Research Focuses on Source Of Delay In Treating Heart Attacks
Commonplace causes may lead to deadly cath lab delay by Andrew Seaman. Reuters. April 19, 2013.
Complexity and urgency of medical conditions involved, consent issues, language barriers are addressed.
Complexity and urgency of medical conditions involved, consent issues, language barriers are addressed.
Meta-Analysis Links Increased Fiber Intake To Lesser Stroke Risk
Extra Fiber Tied To Lower Risk Of Stroke by Kathryn Doyle. Reuters, April 19, 2013.
The article cites statistics that both American men and women fall far short of the recommended consumption of fiber. Adding fiber as a preventative measure for stroke could be both easy and cheap.
The article cites statistics that both American men and women fall far short of the recommended consumption of fiber. Adding fiber as a preventative measure for stroke could be both easy and cheap.
High Risk Medications For Seniors More Prevalent In South
Southeast Seniors Get Risky Meds More Often by Andy Miller. Georgia Health News. April 17, 2013.
The co-author of the study cited amphetamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, narcotics, as well as depression and anxiety.
The co-author of the study cited amphetamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, narcotics, as well as depression and anxiety.
Regulation, Texas, And The West Fertilizer Plant Disaster
Texas On Fire, Again and Again by Bill Minutaglio. The New York Times. April 19, 2013.
Texas has a long and proudly-upheld history of pushing back against government regulation. The West fertilizer disaster is placed into context with the 1947 Texas City Disaster which killed 600 with 5,000 injured. Both stem from what the author believes is a "pathological avoidance of oversight" in Texas. Will there be change? A quote from the state attorney general gives a clue: "I go into the office in the morning, I sue Barack Obama, and then I go home."
Texas has a long and proudly-upheld history of pushing back against government regulation. The West fertilizer disaster is placed into context with the 1947 Texas City Disaster which killed 600 with 5,000 injured. Both stem from what the author believes is a "pathological avoidance of oversight" in Texas. Will there be change? A quote from the state attorney general gives a clue: "I go into the office in the morning, I sue Barack Obama, and then I go home."
The Past Is In Our Bodies, Always
Trait Vs. Fate by Dan Hurley. Discover. May 2013. Available at newstand and by subscription.
The article explores the insights of behavioral epigenetic according to which "traumatic experiences in our past, or in our recent ancestors' past leave molecular scars adhering to our DNA. Through the adherence of a methyl group to genes, our experiences and those of our fore.
The article explores the insights of behavioral epigenetic according to which "traumatic experiences in our past, or in our recent ancestors' past leave molecular scars adhering to our DNA. Through the adherence of a methyl group to genes, our experiences and those of our fore.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Resting Heart Rate A Predictor For Mortality?
Heart Rate As A Measure Of Life Span by Nicholas Bakalar. The New York Times. Well Blog. April 19, 2013.
This is true when controlling for fitness and other health and behavioral factors.
This is true when controlling for fitness and other health and behavioral factors.
Training Drills Prepared Boston Hospitals for Marathon Tragedy
Boston Hospitals Lean On 9/11 Lessons In Swift Response by Drew Armstrong and Michelle Fay Cortez. April 17, 2013.
Hospital officials credited having the protocols, policies, and work flows in place to deal effectively with the Marathon bombing. Among the interesting observations: A liver damaged in a blast may look fine on the outside but be bleeding profusely inside. Burns in the mouth may be slow to manifest. However when they do, tissue swelling could cut off breathing. In an event such as Boston, all shrapnel removed is criminal evidence and must be preserved.
Hospital officials credited having the protocols, policies, and work flows in place to deal effectively with the Marathon bombing. Among the interesting observations: A liver damaged in a blast may look fine on the outside but be bleeding profusely inside. Burns in the mouth may be slow to manifest. However when they do, tissue swelling could cut off breathing. In an event such as Boston, all shrapnel removed is criminal evidence and must be preserved.
Dramatic Change In Penis Microbiome From Circumcision, Perhaps Explaining HIV Protection
Circumcision Alters Penis Microbiome, Could Explain HIV Protection. MedicalXpress. April 16, 2013.
Yet another example of the growing recognition that the microbiome plays a huge role in human health.
Yet another example of the growing recognition that the microbiome plays a huge role in human health.
Hospitals, With Huge Financial Stake In Medicaid Expansion, Press States
Hospitals Press States To Expand Medicaid by Michael Ollove, Stateline/Kaiser Health News. April 17, 2013.
Hospitals have billions of dollars at stake in the expansion of Medicaid and are being creative in lobbying state legislatures. For example in Ohio they have united Ohio Right to Life and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio to persuade legislators
Hospitals have billions of dollars at stake in the expansion of Medicaid and are being creative in lobbying state legislatures. For example in Ohio they have united Ohio Right to Life and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio to persuade legislators
Graphic On The Spread Of H7N9 Bird Flu
Concerns Mount As Chinese Bird Flu Spreads To Beijing by David Ingold. Bloomberg Visual Data. April 18, 2013.
Public health officials are concerned since the method of transmission is unknown. Additionally H7N9 had not been reported in people before February.
Public health officials are concerned since the method of transmission is unknown. Additionally H7N9 had not been reported in people before February.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
How Acute Stress Primes Mental Performance
Acute Stress Primes Brain For Better Cognitive And Mental Performance. Science Daily. April 16, 2013.
The study recounted here presents the view that brief stressful events cause brain stem cells to proliferate into new nerve cells that mature in two weeks. The improvement in mental performance is not immediate.
The study recounted here presents the view that brief stressful events cause brain stem cells to proliferate into new nerve cells that mature in two weeks. The improvement in mental performance is not immediate.
Memory Loss Reversal Using Mathematical Models To Supplement Training And Drugs
Scientists Reverse Memory Loss In Animal Brain Cells. Science Daily. April 17, 2013.
The study recounted here used sea snail nerves. A mathematical model was used to determine when the cells were primed for learning. Training sessions were mimicked using a chemical administered to the cell at those points. Neuron connections recovered from the memory loss.
The study recounted here used sea snail nerves. A mathematical model was used to determine when the cells were primed for learning. Training sessions were mimicked using a chemical administered to the cell at those points. Neuron connections recovered from the memory loss.
Worries, Uncertainty About Transmission Of Bird Flu H7N9
Investigators Look Beyond Birds For Origin Of H7N9 Flu Strain by Jane Perlez. The New York Times. April 18, 2013.
While it is generally agreed that H7N9 carries no "continuous infecting power," there is much uncertainty about how the disease is transmitted since many of the people with the disease report no contact with poultry. A team of international experts are visiting China to investigate.
While it is generally agreed that H7N9 carries no "continuous infecting power," there is much uncertainty about how the disease is transmitted since many of the people with the disease report no contact with poultry. A team of international experts are visiting China to investigate.
Majority Of Deaths, Almost Half Of Births Not Registered Each Year
Civil Registration: Why Counting Births And Deaths Is Important. World Health Organization. April 2013.
Key point: Well-functioning public health systems require knowledge of the number of births and reads. However across the world the systems to record these numbers are lacking.
Key point: Well-functioning public health systems require knowledge of the number of births and reads. However across the world the systems to record these numbers are lacking.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Report: Infant Mortality Rates Dropping
U.S. Infant Mortality Rates Finally Dropping Again: Report by Denise Mann. U.S. News/HealthDay. April 17, 2013.
A crackdown on elective deliveries prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy and a declining rate of SIDS are two factors contributing to the decline after five years of leveling off. While there is progress the infant mortality and preterm birth rates are still higher than in other countries.
A crackdown on elective deliveries prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy and a declining rate of SIDS are two factors contributing to the decline after five years of leveling off. While there is progress the infant mortality and preterm birth rates are still higher than in other countries.
Generic Crushable OxyContin Blocked by FDA; Inexpensive, Widespread Availability of Abused Drug Averted
FDA Blocks Generic Version Of Crushable OxyContin by Laura Ungar, The Courier-Journal/USA TODAY. April 16, 2013.
The patent on the crushable OxyContin was set to expire on Tuesday. Without a ruling by the FDA, generic drug makers could have produced cheaper versions of the much-abused drugs.
The patent on the crushable OxyContin was set to expire on Tuesday. Without a ruling by the FDA, generic drug makers could have produced cheaper versions of the much-abused drugs.
Study: Reducing Surgical Complications May Worsen Near-Term Financial Performance
Better Surgical Outcomes Costly For Hospitals by John Gever. MedPage Today. April 16, 2013.
The perverse effect--more surgical complications, the greater contribution margins--varied among payers. The bundled system of care payments now used by Medicare lessens this effect whereas private insurance practice tends to exacerbate it. Interesting observation in the article about Medicaid: Variable costs exceed revenues even when there were not surgical complications.
The perverse effect--more surgical complications, the greater contribution margins--varied among payers. The bundled system of care payments now used by Medicare lessens this effect whereas private insurance practice tends to exacerbate it. Interesting observation in the article about Medicaid: Variable costs exceed revenues even when there were not surgical complications.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Overlapping Diseases In The Elderly Create Challenges
For The Elderly, Diseases That Overlap by Hannah Fairfield. The New York Times. April 15, 2013.
The coincidence of Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, and heart disease is the subject of a study of 733,000 people in assisted living facilities. Venn diagrams are used to effectively segment the population and point to the difficulties of treating people with differing combinations of these diseases.
A key quote from a professor of geriatrics at Johns Hopkins: "Much of the way we practice medicine is looking at disease by disease." "We aren't doing enough thinking about how to add them together and really integrate care."
The coincidence of Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, and heart disease is the subject of a study of 733,000 people in assisted living facilities. Venn diagrams are used to effectively segment the population and point to the difficulties of treating people with differing combinations of these diseases.
A key quote from a professor of geriatrics at Johns Hopkins: "Much of the way we practice medicine is looking at disease by disease." "We aren't doing enough thinking about how to add them together and really integrate care."
Patenting Human Genes At Issue In Supreme Court Hearing
Argument Recap: Analogies To The Rescue by Lyle Denniston. Scotusblog.com. April 15, 2013.
The Supreme Court appeared skeptical that Myriad Genetics was legally entitled to patent a fragment of naturally-occuring DNA that could be used to suggest a risk in women for breast or ovarian cancer. Most of the justices, "imperfectly versed in biochemistry," sought out analogical language to express the concepts of the case.
The Supreme Court appeared skeptical that Myriad Genetics was legally entitled to patent a fragment of naturally-occuring DNA that could be used to suggest a risk in women for breast or ovarian cancer. Most of the justices, "imperfectly versed in biochemistry," sought out analogical language to express the concepts of the case.
Hospitals On Lock-Down; Security Ramped-Up; Disaster Plans Based Upon Israeli Models Activated In Aftermath Of Boston Explosions
Hospital Scene After Marathon Was Like A Battle Zone by Kay Lazar, Carolyn Y. Johnson, and Patty Wen. The Boston Globe. April 16, 2013.
It was clear that hospital and security officials could not eliminate the possibility that the hospitals could possibly be subject to attack or that a bomb may have been planted. The story also shows how medical staff on the race site quickly adapted to the new situation.
It was clear that hospital and security officials could not eliminate the possibility that the hospitals could possibly be subject to attack or that a bomb may have been planted. The story also shows how medical staff on the race site quickly adapted to the new situation.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Musical Medicine For Premature Babies
Live Music's Charms, Soothing Premature Hearts by Pam Belluck. The New York Times. April 15, 2013.
Key quotes: "Doctors and researchers say that by reducing stress and stabilizing vital signs, music can allow infants to devote more energy to normal development." "...meaningful noise is important for a baby's brain development."
Key quotes: "Doctors and researchers say that by reducing stress and stabilizing vital signs, music can allow infants to devote more energy to normal development." "...meaningful noise is important for a baby's brain development."
A Drug For Improvement in Walking In Stroke Patients
Acorda's Ampyra Improves Walking In Stroke Patients by Meg Tirrell. Bloomberg. April 15, 2013.
The drug was first shown to improve walking in multiple sclerosis patients. Now there is evidence of improvement in stroke patients with further tests for cerebral palsy underway.
The drug was first shown to improve walking in multiple sclerosis patients. Now there is evidence of improvement in stroke patients with further tests for cerebral palsy underway.
Nanosponge Absorbs Various Toxins Regardless Of Molecular Structure
Nanosponges Soak Up Toxins Released By Bacterial Infections and Venom. Jacobs School of Engineering. University of California San Diego. April 14, 2013.
Instead of a specific remedy for a specific toxin, the sponge would work agains a broad array of pathogens including MRSA. A potential application could be in snake bites where, if the sponge is shown to be effective, non-specific sponge treatments could work for a range of venoms.
Instead of a specific remedy for a specific toxin, the sponge would work agains a broad array of pathogens including MRSA. A potential application could be in snake bites where, if the sponge is shown to be effective, non-specific sponge treatments could work for a range of venoms.
Investigation Momentum Coupled With Uncertainty Increase Probability of Choice Of Invasive Treatment
Study: Many Invasive Medical Procedures Are The Results Of Uncertainty, Not Evidence by David DiSalvo. Forbes. April 14, 2013.
The prostate specific antigen test has been the subject of controversy due to its erratic reliability. The study described in this article presents the phenomena of "investigation momentum." This effect makes a person more likely to want a biopsy based upon uncertainty caused by the accumulation of PSA data.
The prostate specific antigen test has been the subject of controversy due to its erratic reliability. The study described in this article presents the phenomena of "investigation momentum." This effect makes a person more likely to want a biopsy based upon uncertainty caused by the accumulation of PSA data.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Rat Kidney Engineered Using Collagen Scaffolding, An Advance To Human Kidney Replacement
Bioengineered Rat Kidney Could Lead To treatments For People by Eryn Brown. The Los Angeles Times. April 14, 2013.
The decellurization approach used in this research contrasts with the approach using 3D printers to create organs.
The decellurization approach used in this research contrasts with the approach using 3D printers to create organs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans to Add 200 Employees To Deal With Obamacare Phase-in
Update: Blue Cross And Blue Shield of Georgia Adding 200 Jobs In Columbus. by Tony Adams. Columbus Ledger-Enguirer. April 11, 2013.
Blue Cross already insures 2.4 million across Georgia with more to be added with Obamacare. Many of these added will never have had health insurance before.
Blue Cross already insures 2.4 million across Georgia with more to be added with Obamacare. Many of these added will never have had health insurance before.
Overview of Waste In Health Care
Reducing Waste In Health Care. Health Affairs--Health Policy Briefs. December 13, 2012.
Eliminating Fraud And Abuse. Health Affairs--Health Policy Briefs. July 31. 2012.
These two briefs together provide a comprehensive basic overview of the waste problem in health care. A couple of randomly selected highlights:
*Every line of each of Medicare's daily 4.5 million fee-for-services claims is examined by advanced analytic models to spot fraud.
*Eastern European crime organizations have been traced to some cases of Medicare fraud.
*"Adverse events" occur in one-third of hospital admissions according to a 2011 study.
*Small physician practices incur four times the administrative costs of small physician practices in Canada, where physicians have to interact with a single payer agency.
Eliminating Fraud And Abuse. Health Affairs--Health Policy Briefs. July 31. 2012.
These two briefs together provide a comprehensive basic overview of the waste problem in health care. A couple of randomly selected highlights:
*Every line of each of Medicare's daily 4.5 million fee-for-services claims is examined by advanced analytic models to spot fraud.
*Eastern European crime organizations have been traced to some cases of Medicare fraud.
*"Adverse events" occur in one-third of hospital admissions according to a 2011 study.
*Small physician practices incur four times the administrative costs of small physician practices in Canada, where physicians have to interact with a single payer agency.
Where Germs Hide In Your Kitchen
Where Germs Hide In Your Kitchen by Anahad O'Connor. Well Blog. The New York Times. April 12, 2013.
The hiding places are not where you would expect them to be according to a new study.
The hiding places are not where you would expect them to be according to a new study.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Family Caregiver Role Expands to Include What Could Be Classified As Nursing Care
Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care. AARP Public Policy Institute. October 2012.
A survey of 1,677 of family caregivers determined that they were performing complex medical tasks including administering intravenous fluids and injections and wound care, tasks associated with trained nurses.
A survey of 1,677 of family caregivers determined that they were performing complex medical tasks including administering intravenous fluids and injections and wound care, tasks associated with trained nurses.
Telomerase Enzyme Mapped; Potential for Cancer and Aging Advances
Scientists Map Elusive 3-D Structure Of Telomerase Enzyme, Key Actor In Cancer, Aging. Science Daily. April 11, 2013.
This structure could be the key to developing targeted cancer pharmaceuticals as well as approaches to aging.
This structure could be the key to developing targeted cancer pharmaceuticals as well as approaches to aging.
Doctor-Patient Communications: An Expert Forum
The Experts: How To Improve Doctor-Patient Communications. The Wall Street Journal. April 12, 2013.
A tremendous collection of thoughts by experts. I was particularly struck by the opinions of Leah Binder who linked effective communication with patients with effective communications with fellow clinicians. A key sentence: "In fact, in real life no patient should feel safe in a hospital where nurses are disparaged, because this is dangerous behavior on many levels." The point made by Peter Pronovost is dramatic: "Studies show that up to 80% of the medical information patients receive is forgotten immediately and nearly half of the information retained is incorrect." I could go on and on. Well worth a read.
A tremendous collection of thoughts by experts. I was particularly struck by the opinions of Leah Binder who linked effective communication with patients with effective communications with fellow clinicians. A key sentence: "In fact, in real life no patient should feel safe in a hospital where nurses are disparaged, because this is dangerous behavior on many levels." The point made by Peter Pronovost is dramatic: "Studies show that up to 80% of the medical information patients receive is forgotten immediately and nearly half of the information retained is incorrect." I could go on and on. Well worth a read.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Custom-Designed Psychedelics
Travels In The New Psychedelic Bazaar by Vanessa Grigoriadia. New York Magazine. April 7, 2013.
Occupying the grey area between legal and illegal, the designer drugs described here allow the user to attain the effect he wants. For example here is a quote: "You can pinpoint what you want now: 'I'd like something of four hours' duration with mescaline effects, or twelve hours' duration with alternating mushroom and LSD rushes." The synthetics described here are for people who want an experience, but need to do the laundry. Read this article. It is a strange trip, probably stranger still is what the drugs are doing to the brains of the users. In 2011 49 novel compounds were identified in emergency-room visits.
Occupying the grey area between legal and illegal, the designer drugs described here allow the user to attain the effect he wants. For example here is a quote: "You can pinpoint what you want now: 'I'd like something of four hours' duration with mescaline effects, or twelve hours' duration with alternating mushroom and LSD rushes." The synthetics described here are for people who want an experience, but need to do the laundry. Read this article. It is a strange trip, probably stranger still is what the drugs are doing to the brains of the users. In 2011 49 novel compounds were identified in emergency-room visits.
Self-Medication Among Animals And Insects Is Widespread And May Offer Clues To Human Treatments
Self-Medication In Animals Much More Widespread Than Believed. Science Daily. April 11, 2013.
A question from a researcher: "When we watch animals foraging for food in nature, we now have to ask are they visiting the grocery store or are they visiting the pharmacy?"
Another fascinating idea from this line of research: Perhaps the lack of immune-system genes in honeybees results from their use of antimicrobial resins into the structure of their nests.
A question from a researcher: "When we watch animals foraging for food in nature, we now have to ask are they visiting the grocery store or are they visiting the pharmacy?"
Another fascinating idea from this line of research: Perhaps the lack of immune-system genes in honeybees results from their use of antimicrobial resins into the structure of their nests.
State Legislatures Introduce 694 Provisions on Reproductive Health And Rights So Far In 2013
Laws Affecting Reproductive Health And Rights: Trends In the First Quarter of 2013. The Guttmacher Institute. April 2013.
These 694 measures introduced in state legislatures around the nation reflects the tremendous activism in regard to abortion predominately. Sex education was also an area of focus.
These 694 measures introduced in state legislatures around the nation reflects the tremendous activism in regard to abortion predominately. Sex education was also an area of focus.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Neural Signature Of Pain Revealed; Social and Physical Pain Contrasted; Medicine and Neuroscience Linked
A New Measure May Unlock The Mysteries Of Pain by Melissa Healy. Los Angeles Times. April 10, 2013.
Key Paragraph point to the clinical implications of the University of Michigan research functional magnetic resonance imaging research into pain:
For medical practice, the implications of this work are far-reaching.
If a clear measure of physical pain could be reliably captured by an imaging machine, patients who are "locked in" to bodies broken by disease or injury could tell their doctors if they hurt -- and what helps. Developers of pain-fighting drugs or devices would have a consistent metric by which to judge the effectiveness of their therapies. Opiate drug-seekers who claim to be in pain could be referred to addiction treatment rather than have their habit fed. Patients with phantom-limb pain, or whose chronic pain is exacerbated by depression, might use the images to guide efforts at pain-suppression
Key Paragraph point to the clinical implications of the University of Michigan research functional magnetic resonance imaging research into pain:
For medical practice, the implications of this work are far-reaching.
If a clear measure of physical pain could be reliably captured by an imaging machine, patients who are "locked in" to bodies broken by disease or injury could tell their doctors if they hurt -- and what helps. Developers of pain-fighting drugs or devices would have a consistent metric by which to judge the effectiveness of their therapies. Opiate drug-seekers who claim to be in pain could be referred to addiction treatment rather than have their habit fed. Patients with phantom-limb pain, or whose chronic pain is exacerbated by depression, might use the images to guide efforts at pain-suppression
New Free Resources From Khan Academy To Help Students Prepare For the New MCAT
Medical Education Community Collaborates With Khan Academy To Help Prepare Students For New MCAT Exam. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. April 2, 2013.
These instructional videos to be produced are aimed at helping students who cannot afford expensive test preparation courses. The videos will be produced by medical students and residents who will compete for an opportunity to create a collection of tutorials on pre-health competencies. The first tutorials are scheduled to be available Fall 2013. The new MCAT will administered in 2015.
These instructional videos to be produced are aimed at helping students who cannot afford expensive test preparation courses. The videos will be produced by medical students and residents who will compete for an opportunity to create a collection of tutorials on pre-health competencies. The first tutorials are scheduled to be available Fall 2013. The new MCAT will administered in 2015.
Garbage In, Garbage Out: Reports Of Georgia Emergency Departments Illustrate The Old Saying
Wegsite Data For Some GA. Hospitals Are Flat Wrong by Andy Miller, Georgia Health News. April 9, 2013.
CMS Posts ED Wait Times, Rankling Some Hospitals. Health Leaders Media. March 7, 2013.
Interpreting statistical information, even when accurate, is often difficult. It is especially difficult when a basic error leads to a completely incorrect impression. As a result of such an error a number of emergency departments at Georgia hospitals look far worse than they actually are. Even as the reports now are being submitted correctly the error will linger on as the cumulative averages will include the erroneous figures.
CMS Posts ED Wait Times, Rankling Some Hospitals. Health Leaders Media. March 7, 2013.
Interpreting statistical information, even when accurate, is often difficult. It is especially difficult when a basic error leads to a completely incorrect impression. As a result of such an error a number of emergency departments at Georgia hospitals look far worse than they actually are. Even as the reports now are being submitted correctly the error will linger on as the cumulative averages will include the erroneous figures.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Google Uses Design and Behavioral Sciences To Nudge A Healthy Diet
In The Cafeteria, Google Gets Healthy by Cliff Kuang. March 19, 2012.
For example M&Ms are in opaque bins instead of clear hanging dispensers. The result: a 9% drop in caloric intake in just one week. An example of the use of "nudges" to shape better behavior.
For example M&Ms are in opaque bins instead of clear hanging dispensers. The result: a 9% drop in caloric intake in just one week. An example of the use of "nudges" to shape better behavior.
Cardiologist Admits Fraudulent Billings Totaling $19 Million
Prominent Tri-State Cardiologist Admits Record $19 Million Billing Fraud Scheme That Exposed Patients To Unskilled And Unnecessary Treatments. 7th Space Interactive.
The fraud is apparently a record for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The FBI and the Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and many other investigative agencies were involved in the investigation. He ordered the same tests for all patients and falsified patient charts among other misdeeds. Read this account. It truly is mind-boggling.
The fraud is apparently a record for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The FBI and the Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and many other investigative agencies were involved in the investigation. He ordered the same tests for all patients and falsified patient charts among other misdeeds. Read this account. It truly is mind-boggling.
Overview Of Obama Healthcare Budget Proposal
Obamacare Funding A Tough Sell With Congress by Brett Norman. Politico. April 10, 2013.
Health Budget Spends On Mental Health; Cuts Medicare by Toni Clarke. Reuters. April 10, 2013.
These two articles provide a good summary of the President's proposals. Among the significant items, beyond the headline issues of Medicare and Obamacare funding are monies for a violent death surveillance system and research on gun violence as well as increases for food safety. The Politico piece speculates about the reaction of the pharmaceutical industry to the budget: It is not going to like it. Among the unliked items is a mandated drug rebates for low income seniors.
Health Budget Spends On Mental Health; Cuts Medicare by Toni Clarke. Reuters. April 10, 2013.
These two articles provide a good summary of the President's proposals. Among the significant items, beyond the headline issues of Medicare and Obamacare funding are monies for a violent death surveillance system and research on gun violence as well as increases for food safety. The Politico piece speculates about the reaction of the pharmaceutical industry to the budget: It is not going to like it. Among the unliked items is a mandated drug rebates for low income seniors.
Clarity Produces A Transparent Brain
Brains As Clear As Jell-O For Scientists To Explore by James Gorman. The New York Times. April 10, 2013.
Clarity is the name of a new process that makes the brain and other organs transparent. Unlike earlier processes this one preserves the biochemistry of the brain very effectively allowing repeated tests to highlight specific structures. It is exciting to contemplate the effects a transparent brain can have on the treatment and diagnosis of schizophrenia, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and other disorders.
Clarity is the name of a new process that makes the brain and other organs transparent. Unlike earlier processes this one preserves the biochemistry of the brain very effectively allowing repeated tests to highlight specific structures. It is exciting to contemplate the effects a transparent brain can have on the treatment and diagnosis of schizophrenia, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and other disorders.
Colorado Uses "Culture Of Health" To Attract Companies
Colorado's Pitch For New Business: Healthy, Lean Workers Costs Less. By Eric Whitney, Colorado Public Radio/Kaiser Health News. April 10, 2013.
Colorado, with its lowest-in-the-nation obesity rates and low rates for chronic diseases, is using that health success to attract companies for expansion or relocation. Healthy employees cost less in insurance claims.
Colorado, with its lowest-in-the-nation obesity rates and low rates for chronic diseases, is using that health success to attract companies for expansion or relocation. Healthy employees cost less in insurance claims.
Median Cost Of Private Nursing Home Rose to 83,950, 24% Over 5 Years
Nursing Home Costs Top $80,000 A Year by Blake Ellis. CNN Money. April 9, 2013.
Compare Cost Of Care Across The United States. Genworth. April 9, 2013.
Long-term care costs are accelerating. From 2012-2013 alone the price climbed 4%. The report in the second link contains a state-by-state analysis of home care, adult day health care, assisted living facility, and nursing home costs.
Home care providers for "non-skilled" services, by contrast, have remained flat over the past five years due to increased competition and the availability of unskilled labor. Home-health aide is the fastest growing job in the nation.
Compare Cost Of Care Across The United States. Genworth. April 9, 2013.
Long-term care costs are accelerating. From 2012-2013 alone the price climbed 4%. The report in the second link contains a state-by-state analysis of home care, adult day health care, assisted living facility, and nursing home costs.
Home care providers for "non-skilled" services, by contrast, have remained flat over the past five years due to increased competition and the availability of unskilled labor. Home-health aide is the fastest growing job in the nation.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
3-D Printers Provide Surgeons With Models Of Organs And Bones
Next To Use 3-D Printing: Your Surgeon by Juro Osawa. The Wall Street Journal. April 8, 2013.
Two U.S. companies offer machines that can replicate human organs to provide accurate models of organs that they will operate on. For example, using CT scans, a surgeon may, before surgery, have a "feel" of what an organ or tumor may require by holding an exact model.
Two U.S. companies offer machines that can replicate human organs to provide accurate models of organs that they will operate on. For example, using CT scans, a surgeon may, before surgery, have a "feel" of what an organ or tumor may require by holding an exact model.
Communicating Well: It Not Just Being Nice; It Saves Money and Lives, and Prevents Lawsuits
The Talking Cure For Health Care by Laura Landro. The Wall Street Journal. April 8, 2013.
The entire medical community is coming to realize that communications are at the root of many of health care's failures. Communication's role in patient relations, Medicare penalties, readmission rates, mortality, medical education and more. The article has a Georgia slant with illustrative programs from WellStar Health System and Emory University Medical School featured.
The entire medical community is coming to realize that communications are at the root of many of health care's failures. Communication's role in patient relations, Medicare penalties, readmission rates, mortality, medical education and more. The article has a Georgia slant with illustrative programs from WellStar Health System and Emory University Medical School featured.
University of South Florida Adds Physician Assistant Program For Summer 2015
USF Health Adds Physician's Assistant Program by Alyssa Bordley. The Oracle. April 3, 2013.
At present the University of Florida is the only University in the State University System of Florida to PA program.
At present the University of Florida is the only University in the State University System of Florida to PA program.
American Skipping Doses To Save On Medication Costs: CDC Report
Strategies Used By Adults To Reduce Their Prescription Drug Costs--NCHS Data Brief. National Center For Health Statistics. April 2013.
Many Americans Skipping Meds To Save Money, CDC Says. Health. April 9, 2013.
Younger adults are more than twice as likely as older Americans to skip medications in order to save money. Those who skip medications are subject to poorer health status and emergency room visits.
Many Americans Skipping Meds To Save Money, CDC Says. Health. April 9, 2013.
Younger adults are more than twice as likely as older Americans to skip medications in order to save money. Those who skip medications are subject to poorer health status and emergency room visits.
Obtaining Accurate Disease And Health Statistics Is A Challenge
A Crucial Push For Improved Global Health Statistics by Alex Ocampo. Health Map. April 9, 2013.
While the Global Burden Of Disease 2010 report represents a vast effort to bring together worldwide statistics, much remains to be done. Rural areas in particular often lack data collection systems leaving computer models to extrapolate from the available sources. The article recounts the dispute between WHO and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation about the number of malaria cases worldwide. Sometimes it is difficult to get even basic statistics with which everyone can agree.
While the Global Burden Of Disease 2010 report represents a vast effort to bring together worldwide statistics, much remains to be done. Rural areas in particular often lack data collection systems leaving computer models to extrapolate from the available sources. The article recounts the dispute between WHO and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation about the number of malaria cases worldwide. Sometimes it is difficult to get even basic statistics with which everyone can agree.
Monday, April 8, 2013
A Theory For the Rise In the Rate Of ADHD Diagnosis
Why Not Just Put All The Kids On Medication? by Leonard Sax MD, PhD. Psychology Today. April 8, 2013.
A board-certified family practitioner who is also a PhD psychologist takes a look at CDC statistics and notices some unusual patterns and based upon those patterns proposes a cause and possible solution to the rise in ADHD.
A board-certified family practitioner who is also a PhD psychologist takes a look at CDC statistics and notices some unusual patterns and based upon those patterns proposes a cause and possible solution to the rise in ADHD.
Fetal Stress Hormones Linked To Adult Mood Disorders
Fetal Exposure To Excessive Stress Hormones In the Womb Linked To Adult Mood Disorders. Science Daily. April 6, 2013.
While fetal programming of adult diseases is well know, this study identifies the enzyme that drives this process. It brings home the point that children exposed to adverse environments are at an increased risk of mood disorders later in life.
First Study On Type 2 Diabetes And Walnut Consumption
Walnut Consumption Is Associated With Lower Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes In Women by An Pan, Qi Sun, JoAnn E. Manson, Walter C. Willett, and Frank B. Hu. The Journal of Nutrition.
Walnuts For Diabetes by Nicholas Bakalar. Well Blog. April 8, 2013.
Walnuts are loaded with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The study found a 24 percent reduction in risk for diabetes among those who consumed 8 ounces or more a month.
Walnuts For Diabetes by Nicholas Bakalar. Well Blog. April 8, 2013.
Walnuts are loaded with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The study found a 24 percent reduction in risk for diabetes among those who consumed 8 ounces or more a month.
Shaping Behavior To Combat Obesity: Plate Size Matters
Sizing Up Meals: Kids Eat More Using Adult Plates. My Health News Daily. April 8, 2013.
An example of shaping the parameters that shape behavior in order to attain public health goals.
An example of shaping the parameters that shape behavior in order to attain public health goals.
Georgia Meth Project Gains Press Coverage
Georgia Meth Project--News. A compendium of articles about the Projects activities in Georgia.
Georgia Health Plans Present Insurance Surcharge "Stick" To Encourage Employees To Quit Smoking
Smokers Surcharge May Be Having An Effect by Andy Miller. Georgia Health News. April 8, 2013.
The number of Georgia state employees who pay the $80 a month insurance premium fee has dropped by 44% from January 2007 to January 2013. This surcharge is required if an employee or covered dependent smokes. The article details the carrots and the sticks under the program, relates it to national trends, and presents of costs of smoking to Georgia e.g. $1.8 billion in health care costs every year among Georgians 18 and older
The number of Georgia state employees who pay the $80 a month insurance premium fee has dropped by 44% from January 2007 to January 2013. This surcharge is required if an employee or covered dependent smokes. The article details the carrots and the sticks under the program, relates it to national trends, and presents of costs of smoking to Georgia e.g. $1.8 billion in health care costs every year among Georgians 18 and older
"Alarm Fatigue" Poses Patient Risk: The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert: Medical Device Alarm Safety In Hospitals. The Joint Commission. April 8, 2013.
There may be tens of thousands of medical device alarms in a hospital during a day. While between 85 and 99 percent do not require clinical intervention, there is a continuing danger of "alarm fatigue" by virtue of the vast numbers. Approximately 80 deaths, 13 permanent loss of function, and five incidents of additional care needed resulted from alarm-related incidents between 2009 and 2012. The original report linked here contains ten recommendations to reduce alarm-related incidents.
There may be tens of thousands of medical device alarms in a hospital during a day. While between 85 and 99 percent do not require clinical intervention, there is a continuing danger of "alarm fatigue" by virtue of the vast numbers. Approximately 80 deaths, 13 permanent loss of function, and five incidents of additional care needed resulted from alarm-related incidents between 2009 and 2012. The original report linked here contains ten recommendations to reduce alarm-related incidents.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Community Health Slogan Draws Attention and Controversy: Is It Blasphemous?
"Cheat Death" Slogan Draws Scrutiny To Gaston Hospital by Joe DePriest/Charlotte Observer. WCNC.com. April 4, 2013.
How to craft effective an effective community health marketing campaign that is both effective and reflective of the values of the community is the issue at the CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia N.C.
How to craft effective an effective community health marketing campaign that is both effective and reflective of the values of the community is the issue at the CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia N.C.
Health Care Mutual Funds Reflect Global Nature Of The Industry
Health Policy Is In Flux, And So Are 2 Health Funds by Tim Gray. The New York Times. April 6, 2013.
Health care is an industry that is worldwide. Among the facts brought out in this article: Half of sales of American companies are generated outside the United States. Also China wants to build 5,000 hospitals to meet the needs of an aging population and to accommodate the growing middle class.
Health care is an industry that is worldwide. Among the facts brought out in this article: Half of sales of American companies are generated outside the United States. Also China wants to build 5,000 hospitals to meet the needs of an aging population and to accommodate the growing middle class.
Action Of Gut Bacteria May Make Even Lean Meat Heart Risky
Red Meat Clogs Arteries Because of Gut Bacteria by Chris Woolston And Nature Magazine. April 7, 2013.
A fascinating case study of how gut bacteria make a wide variety of molecules from food and their action may as important as the food itself.
A fascinating case study of how gut bacteria make a wide variety of molecules from food and their action may as important as the food itself.
Study: 803,000 Georgians Will Be Eligible For 2014 Tax Credits For Health Insurance Premiums
Help Is At Hand: New Health Insurance Tax Credits In Georgia. Families USA. April 2, 2013.
This report contains a county breakdown of who would be eligible. Another finding: 36 of all of those who will be eligible will be young adults.
This report contains a county breakdown of who would be eligible. Another finding: 36 of all of those who will be eligible will be young adults.
New Program: Diabetes Speciality For Nurse Practitioners
Using Nurse Practitioners To Bring Critical Care To Patients by Mary Harris. NBC Los Angeles. April 6, 2013.
The University of California San Francisco is the first to offer a diabetes speciality for nurse practitioners. It will most certainly be the last in light of the fact that there are 79 million pre-diabetics in the United States and the huge diabetes risk in the Latino population.
The University of California San Francisco is the first to offer a diabetes speciality for nurse practitioners. It will most certainly be the last in light of the fact that there are 79 million pre-diabetics in the United States and the huge diabetes risk in the Latino population.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
GA 2013 County By County Rankings Health And Economic Wellbeing
2013 County by County Power Ratings. Partner Up! For Public Health. April 3, 2013.
The stated purpose of this ranking is to relate economic and physical health.
The health rankings is based upon a University of Wisconsin program that ranks most of the counties in the United States according to premature death, percentage of population reporting being in poor or fair health, the number of work days missed for poor mental or physical health, and low birth-weight babies.
The economic rating is based upon average per capita income, the local unemployment rate, and the local poverty rate.
Oconee County near Athens was #1 with Crisp and Wilcox Counties at the bottom. A map is included.
The stated purpose of this ranking is to relate economic and physical health.
The health rankings is based upon a University of Wisconsin program that ranks most of the counties in the United States according to premature death, percentage of population reporting being in poor or fair health, the number of work days missed for poor mental or physical health, and low birth-weight babies.
The economic rating is based upon average per capita income, the local unemployment rate, and the local poverty rate.
Oconee County near Athens was #1 with Crisp and Wilcox Counties at the bottom. A map is included.
Astrophysicists And Cell Biologists Team Up To Develop A New Technique To Grow New Bone
"Nanokicking" Stem Cells Offers Cheaper and Easier Way To Grow Bone. Medical News Today. April 5, 2013.
The "nanokicking" is derived from laser interferometry, an astrophysical technique. It replicates a vibration that occurs in the membranes of bone cells when they stick together to form new bone naturally. Nanokicking causes mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into bone cells. Next the researchers will work with rehabilitation engineers to help patients.
The "nanokicking" is derived from laser interferometry, an astrophysical technique. It replicates a vibration that occurs in the membranes of bone cells when they stick together to form new bone naturally. Nanokicking causes mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into bone cells. Next the researchers will work with rehabilitation engineers to help patients.
Argument Against Smoker Hiring Prohibitions
The Ethics Of Not Hiring Smokers by Harald Schmidt, Ph.D, Kristin Voigt, Ph.D, and Ezekiel J. Emanuel, M.D. Ph.D. The New England Journal Of Medicine. March 27, 2013.
A key paragraph: "In addition, all other diseases — and many healthful behaviors — also result in additional health care costs. People with cancer burden their fellow workers through higher health care costs and absenteeism. People who engage in risky sports may have accidents or experience trauma routinely and burden coworkers with additional costs. Having babies increases premiums for fellow employees who have none. Many of these costs result from seemingly innocent, everyday lifestyle choices; some choices, such as those regarding diet and exercise, may affect cancer incidence as well as rates of diabetes and heart disease."
A key paragraph: "In addition, all other diseases — and many healthful behaviors — also result in additional health care costs. People with cancer burden their fellow workers through higher health care costs and absenteeism. People who engage in risky sports may have accidents or experience trauma routinely and burden coworkers with additional costs. Having babies increases premiums for fellow employees who have none. Many of these costs result from seemingly innocent, everyday lifestyle choices; some choices, such as those regarding diet and exercise, may affect cancer incidence as well as rates of diabetes and heart disease."
Mandatory Health-Related Standards In the Workplace: Beyond Voluntary Programs And Toward New Questions
When Your Boss Makes You Pay For Being Fat by Leslie Kwoh. The Wall Street Journal. April 5, 2013.
To restrain healthcare costs, firms are moving beyond voluntary programs to deal with obesity and smoking toward penalties including rules against hiring smokers. For the example the print edition finds that the University of Pennsylvania Health System has recently stopped hiring individuals who smoke. The Cleveland Clinic instituted that practice in 2007. These policies have provoke ethical and social policy questions. In addition to healthcare costs, employers are concerned about productivity with smokers missing 450 million more hours from work as compared with nonsmokers according to statistics cited.
To restrain healthcare costs, firms are moving beyond voluntary programs to deal with obesity and smoking toward penalties including rules against hiring smokers. For the example the print edition finds that the University of Pennsylvania Health System has recently stopped hiring individuals who smoke. The Cleveland Clinic instituted that practice in 2007. These policies have provoke ethical and social policy questions. In addition to healthcare costs, employers are concerned about productivity with smokers missing 450 million more hours from work as compared with nonsmokers according to statistics cited.
A Smartphone Physical Exam
The Smartphone Physical: The Evolution Of The Checkup. TEDMED Blog. April 5, 2013.
Overview of devices to perform body analysis, blood pressure, visual acuity, Oxygen saturation and others. For a demo visit www.smartphonephysical.org
Overview of devices to perform body analysis, blood pressure, visual acuity, Oxygen saturation and others. For a demo visit www.smartphonephysical.org
Friday, April 5, 2013
Evaluating A Medical School For You
What Makes A Medical School Great by Richard Gunderman & James Lynch. The Atlantic. March 28, 2013.
Contains a strong discussion of the importance of school culture and some great interview questions.
Contains a strong discussion of the importance of school culture and some great interview questions.
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Will Staff more Than 300 Walgreen Stores
Walgreens Becomes 1st Retail Chain To Diagnose, Treat Chronic Conditions by Julie Appleby. Kaiser Health News. April 4, 2013.
The American Academy of Family Physicians was not pleased though Walgreens insisted that physicians will oversee Walgreens' clinics.
The American Academy of Family Physicians was not pleased though Walgreens insisted that physicians will oversee Walgreens' clinics.
Plan B "Morning After" Emergency Contraception Pill Should Be Available Without Prescription to All Reproductive Age Women
U.S. Judge Strikes Age Rules For "Morning-After" Pill by Jessica Dyer. Reuters. April 5, 2013.
In an interesting twist, an anti-abortion leader quoted in the article said the ruling could spur criminal activity as part of a "date-rape" cocktail.
In an interesting twist, an anti-abortion leader quoted in the article said the ruling could spur criminal activity as part of a "date-rape" cocktail.
Additional Genetic Pathway To Alzheimer's Discovered
How Does Alzheimer's Disease Develop? New Pathway Found . Medical News Today. April 5, 2013.
While amyloid-beta has been the focus of most Alzheimer's research, the study explained here zeros in on tau, a protein that develops in the brain as Alzheimer's progresses. Genes linked to tau have been identified perhaps providing new targets for a different class of drugs. The researchers concluded that there are at least two ways in which the gene, APOE, can influence Alzheimer's disease risk
While amyloid-beta has been the focus of most Alzheimer's research, the study explained here zeros in on tau, a protein that develops in the brain as Alzheimer's progresses. Genes linked to tau have been identified perhaps providing new targets for a different class of drugs. The researchers concluded that there are at least two ways in which the gene, APOE, can influence Alzheimer's disease risk
Possibility of Lab Engineered Ovaries For Hormone Replacement Therapy
Researchers Build Functional Ovarian Tissue In Lab. Wake Forest University. March 26, 2013.
While there are drugs to compensate for the loss of female sex hormone production, they often have long-term consequences include heart disease and breast cancer. An engineered artificial ovary may provide a more natural option for hormone replacement therapy.
While there are drugs to compensate for the loss of female sex hormone production, they often have long-term consequences include heart disease and breast cancer. An engineered artificial ovary may provide a more natural option for hormone replacement therapy.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Mother's Coping Strategies And Children's Hospital Anxiety Measured In Drawings
Study Looks At Importance Of Coping Skills During Hospital Stays. Science Daily. April 3, 2013.
This unique study uses children's drawings to measure the effectiveness of the mother's coping strategies while the child was in the hospital.
Cost Of Dementia: Rand Corporation Study
Monetary Costs Of Dementia In the United States by Michael D. Hurd, Ph.D, Paco Martorell, Ph.D., et al. The New England Journal Of Medicine. April 4, 2013.
Dementia Tops Cancer, Heart Disease In Cost by Marilynn Marchione AP Chief Medical Writer. ABC News. April 4, 2013.
Dementia Care Cost Is Projected To Double by 2040 by Pam Belluck. The New York Times. April 3, 2013.
The original research study and two press accounts are above. All are valuable. Among the most disturbing aspects of dementia is that the fact that baby boomers with fewer children have fewer informal caregivers, a source of care uniquely required by Alzheimer's. The concept of "emotional cost" of Alzheimer's was a powerful way to close the NY Times article and illustrates the importance of reading the entire article.
Dementia Tops Cancer, Heart Disease In Cost by Marilynn Marchione AP Chief Medical Writer. ABC News. April 4, 2013.
Dementia Care Cost Is Projected To Double by 2040 by Pam Belluck. The New York Times. April 3, 2013.
The original research study and two press accounts are above. All are valuable. Among the most disturbing aspects of dementia is that the fact that baby boomers with fewer children have fewer informal caregivers, a source of care uniquely required by Alzheimer's. The concept of "emotional cost" of Alzheimer's was a powerful way to close the NY Times article and illustrates the importance of reading the entire article.
Marital Satisfaction Leads to Weight Gain, Health Risks
Marriage Can Threaten Health: Study Finds Satisfied Newlyweds More Likely To Gain Weight. Science Daily. April, 3, 2013.
Spouses less satisfied with their marriage and more likely to leave their partner gained less weight. The study suggests that young couples be educated to think of weight not merely in terms of appearance but as a health factor.
Spouses less satisfied with their marriage and more likely to leave their partner gained less weight. The study suggests that young couples be educated to think of weight not merely in terms of appearance but as a health factor.
Breath Test For Diagnosis
Exhaled Breath Carries A Molecular 'Breathprint' Unique To Each Individual. Science Daily. April 3, 2013.
Technological advances now perhaps make possible a modern application of a principle of Chinese medical: The health state of a patient can be determined by the smell of the exhaled breath.
Technological advances now perhaps make possible a modern application of a principle of Chinese medical: The health state of a patient can be determined by the smell of the exhaled breath.
Store Women's Eggs As A Powder; Add Water and Sperm Later; Implant the Embryo
Powder Women's Eggs For Home Storage by Andy Coghlan. The New Scientist. April 4, 2013.
This technique was demonstrated on cow eggs at a conference on cold-preservation techniques for eggs, sperm and embryos held in Berlin.
This technique was demonstrated on cow eggs at a conference on cold-preservation techniques for eggs, sperm and embryos held in Berlin.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Rate-Setting System In Maryland May be Model For Nation
Maryland's tough New Hospital Spending Proposal Seen As 'Nationally Significant' by Jay Hancock. Kaiser Health News. March 31, 2013.
A key paragraph highlights the potential significance of Maryland's program:
The (Maryland) rate commission's "all payer" approach fixes hospital prices for everybody — commercial insurers, government programs and people paying cash — avoiding the cost-shifting from one payer to another that occurs elsewhere. The system also builds expenses for indigent care into statewide rates, ensuring that hospitals with high levels of uncompensated treatment stay in business.
A key paragraph highlights the potential significance of Maryland's program:
The (Maryland) rate commission's "all payer" approach fixes hospital prices for everybody — commercial insurers, government programs and people paying cash — avoiding the cost-shifting from one payer to another that occurs elsewhere. The system also builds expenses for indigent care into statewide rates, ensuring that hospitals with high levels of uncompensated treatment stay in business.
The Sign-Up Challenge For ACA Healthcare Marketplaces
Why Uninsured Might Not Flock To Health Law's Marketplaces by Phil Galewitz. Kaiser Health News. March 31, 2013.
When you build it they might not come is the nightmare of planners implementing the Affordable Care Act state insurance exchanges. Getting enrollments from young and healthy people is key to holding down premium costs. Lack of knowledge about the provisions of the law is widespread, almost universal, and many feel no urgent need to buy insurance. To be successful the sign-up effort will encompass many media and means of communication. It will be a challenge with a slow ramp-up the most likely result.
When you build it they might not come is the nightmare of planners implementing the Affordable Care Act state insurance exchanges. Getting enrollments from young and healthy people is key to holding down premium costs. Lack of knowledge about the provisions of the law is widespread, almost universal, and many feel no urgent need to buy insurance. To be successful the sign-up effort will encompass many media and means of communication. It will be a challenge with a slow ramp-up the most likely result.
Fact Sheet: BRAIN Initiative
Fact Sheet: BRAIN Initiative. The White House Office Of The Press Secretary. April 2, 2013.
The context of the BRAIN (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) initiative announced on Tuesday by President Obama. The press release identifies the source of neuroscience innovations as lying "at the intersections of nano science, imaging, engineering, informatics, and other rapidly emerging fields of science and engineering."
The context of the BRAIN (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) initiative announced on Tuesday by President Obama. The press release identifies the source of neuroscience innovations as lying "at the intersections of nano science, imaging, engineering, informatics, and other rapidly emerging fields of science and engineering."
Demographics, Regulatory Loophole May Be Contributing to Increased Mortality at Rural Hospitals
Study: An Increasing Number Of Patients At Isolated Rural Hospitals Are Dying by Sy Mukherjee. Think Progress. April 3, 2013.
Mortality Rates For Medicare Beneficiaries Admitted To Critical Access And Non-Critical Access Hospitals, 2002-2010. by Karen E. Joynt, M.D., et al. Journal Of the American Medical Association. April 3, 2013.
Death rates for Critical access hospitals (CAHS) are higher than the national average and are rising. The Think Progress quotes the report citing demography, technology lag, and lack of specialists as possible contributors to the problem facing these remote, rural facilities. Also perhaps important are different performance reporting requirements for CAHs under Medicare. Patient satisfaction and readmission rates similar to urban hospitals are strengths of these rural hospitals. Rural health is under stress. These articles provide context.
Mortality Rates For Medicare Beneficiaries Admitted To Critical Access And Non-Critical Access Hospitals, 2002-2010. by Karen E. Joynt, M.D., et al. Journal Of the American Medical Association. April 3, 2013.
Death rates for Critical access hospitals (CAHS) are higher than the national average and are rising. The Think Progress quotes the report citing demography, technology lag, and lack of specialists as possible contributors to the problem facing these remote, rural facilities. Also perhaps important are different performance reporting requirements for CAHs under Medicare. Patient satisfaction and readmission rates similar to urban hospitals are strengths of these rural hospitals. Rural health is under stress. These articles provide context.
Surprising And Not-So Surprising Findings In Study of Injured Pedestrians And Cyclists
Vulnerable Roadway Users Struck By Motor Vehicles At The Center Of The Safest, Large US City by Linda A. Dultz, M.D., M.P.H; George Foltin, M.D. et al. The Journal of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery. Article abstract.
Crosswalks In New York Are Not Havens, Study Finds by Matt Flegenheimer. The New York Times. April 2, 2013.
1,400 pedestrians and cyclists treated at New York's Bellevue Hospital Center were studied. The roles of behavior, engineering, design, demographics, intoxication, and traffic patterns are all part of this study. I was surprised to learn that obese accident victims tended for fare better initially, with fat acting as protection. However, once admitted to the hospital obese victims tended to do worse than the non-obese.
Crosswalks In New York Are Not Havens, Study Finds by Matt Flegenheimer. The New York Times. April 2, 2013.
1,400 pedestrians and cyclists treated at New York's Bellevue Hospital Center were studied. The roles of behavior, engineering, design, demographics, intoxication, and traffic patterns are all part of this study. I was surprised to learn that obese accident victims tended for fare better initially, with fat acting as protection. However, once admitted to the hospital obese victims tended to do worse than the non-obese.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Study Calculates The Individual Costs Of Obesity
Losing Weight Will Fatten Your Bank Account by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Everyday Health. March 22, 2013.
A Heavy Burden by Anna Miller. GW Today. The George Washington University. September 10, 2010.
A Heavy Burden: The Individual Costs Of Being Overweight and Obese In the United States by Avi For, Ph.D.; Christine Ferguson, J.D.; Casey Langwith, B.A.; Ellen Tan, M.Sc. The George Washington School of Public Health and Health Services. September 21, 2010
An obese woman would lose $4,879 a year, a man $2,626 a year.
A Heavy Burden by Anna Miller. GW Today. The George Washington University. September 10, 2010.
A Heavy Burden: The Individual Costs Of Being Overweight and Obese In the United States by Avi For, Ph.D.; Christine Ferguson, J.D.; Casey Langwith, B.A.; Ellen Tan, M.Sc. The George Washington School of Public Health and Health Services. September 21, 2010
An obese woman would lose $4,879 a year, a man $2,626 a year.
It May Turn Out That It Was More Dangerous to Evacuate
Is Living In A Nuclear Evacuation Zone Good For You? by Geoffrey Brumfield. Slate. April 2, 2013.
This article explores the possibility that mental health problems, not cancer, may be the most damaging legacy of Fukusima nuclear disaster.
This article explores the possibility that mental health problems, not cancer, may be the most damaging legacy of Fukusima nuclear disaster.
The Cardiovascular Future Is Here Now And It Doesn't Look Good
Heart Health In Future Foretold In Teens by Todd Neale. MedPage Today. April 1, 2013.
Measured against seven variables of heart health developed by the American Heart Association, 0% of 5,000 study participants age 12-19 met all seven variables. There were particularly low marks in diet and physical activity.
Measured against seven variables of heart health developed by the American Heart Association, 0% of 5,000 study participants age 12-19 met all seven variables. There were particularly low marks in diet and physical activity.
Brain Research Effort Motivated by Curiosity And Practicality
Obama Launches Research Initiative To Study Human Brain by Jeff Mason. Reuters. April 2, 2013.
Basic curiosity motivates the search for a dynamic picture of the brain. Practical benefits could be the creation of new jobs, industries, and opportunities. Of course there is the practical concern raised by the prospect of 13.8 million people with Alzheimer's in the United States by 2050 according to a recent projection.
Basic curiosity motivates the search for a dynamic picture of the brain. Practical benefits could be the creation of new jobs, industries, and opportunities. Of course there is the practical concern raised by the prospect of 13.8 million people with Alzheimer's in the United States by 2050 according to a recent projection.
Access To Drugs and Intellectual Property Rights Clash In Case With Worldwide Implications
Novartis Cancer-Drug Patent Denied By India Supreme Court. by Eva Von Schaper and Pratap Patnaik. Bloomberg. April 1, 2013.
Low-Cost Drugs In Poor Nations Get A Lift In Indian Court by Gardiner Harris and Katie Thomas. The New York Times. April 1, 2013.
Drug pricing is a source of dispute between the developed and developing world. The price differences between patented drugs produced by large pharmaceutical companies and generic versions produced in developing countries can be tremendous. As a result the ruling of the Indian Supreme Court that Novartis' leukemia drug Gleevec was not subject to patent protection under Indian law.
The two articles provide a political, medical, innovative, corporate, economic, competitive, human rights, and global context to the ruling.
Low-Cost Drugs In Poor Nations Get A Lift In Indian Court by Gardiner Harris and Katie Thomas. The New York Times. April 1, 2013.
Drug pricing is a source of dispute between the developed and developing world. The price differences between patented drugs produced by large pharmaceutical companies and generic versions produced in developing countries can be tremendous. As a result the ruling of the Indian Supreme Court that Novartis' leukemia drug Gleevec was not subject to patent protection under Indian law.
The two articles provide a political, medical, innovative, corporate, economic, competitive, human rights, and global context to the ruling.
Study: Statins May Be Worth A Second Chance
Statin Side Effects Often Manageable: Study by Amy Norton. U.S. News-- Health Day. April 1, 2013.
A large-scale study of medical records of patients who had quit statins because of side effects found that often they were able to resume the drugs with no further ill effects. For people at a high risk of heart attack, adherence to a statin regime is viewed by most physicians as important. An estimate contained in the article indicated that about 5 to 10 percent of patients are statin intolerant. The lead researcher in this project has previously received research funding from a maker of statins.
A large-scale study of medical records of patients who had quit statins because of side effects found that often they were able to resume the drugs with no further ill effects. For people at a high risk of heart attack, adherence to a statin regime is viewed by most physicians as important. An estimate contained in the article indicated that about 5 to 10 percent of patients are statin intolerant. The lead researcher in this project has previously received research funding from a maker of statins.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Myths About Teenage Sexuality Dispelled: Average Age Of First Sex Has Not Changed in 50 Years
Young Teens Not Having Sex by Kathleen Struck. MedPage Today. April 1, 2013.
The Guttmacher Institute indicated that "concerns about substantial levels of sexual activity among young adolescents are unfounded." The median age for first-time sex over the past 50 years has not fallen beneath age 17. The article traces the patterns of contraception use as teens age and finds no link between providing reproductive health information and increased sexual risk-taking.
The Guttmacher Institute indicated that "concerns about substantial levels of sexual activity among young adolescents are unfounded." The median age for first-time sex over the past 50 years has not fallen beneath age 17. The article traces the patterns of contraception use as teens age and finds no link between providing reproductive health information and increased sexual risk-taking.
Labels Have Consequences
Receiving "Disease" Diagnosis May Make A Parent More Likely To Want Unnecessary Medication by Michelle Castillo. CBS News. April 1, 2013.
Labeling a common condition as a "disease" may result in unnecessary use of medication. The study reported here refers to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When physicians referred to the condition as a disease parents were more likely to insist on medication than if it were referred to as a condition or a nuisance that will go away. An expert quoted in the article stated that physicians need to appreciate the power of the words they use to described a patient's condition.
Labeling a common condition as a "disease" may result in unnecessary use of medication. The study reported here refers to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When physicians referred to the condition as a disease parents were more likely to insist on medication than if it were referred to as a condition or a nuisance that will go away. An expert quoted in the article stated that physicians need to appreciate the power of the words they use to described a patient's condition.
Medicaid Expansion Dollars For Private Insurance?
Using Medicaid Dollars For Private Insurance by The Editorial Board. The New York Times. March 31, 2013.
Several Republican governors are interested in using intended Medicaid expansion funds to buy private health insurance for Medicaid recipients. The Board presents both the advantages and risks of such a move. Among the advantages: Medicaid recipients would not have to worry about the effects of income fluctuations above and below Medicaid limits. Among the disadvantages: Private insurance will be more costly than Medicaid, thus providing coverage for fewer people. A good brief overview of these and other arguments on both sides of this issue.
Several Republican governors are interested in using intended Medicaid expansion funds to buy private health insurance for Medicaid recipients. The Board presents both the advantages and risks of such a move. Among the advantages: Medicaid recipients would not have to worry about the effects of income fluctuations above and below Medicaid limits. Among the disadvantages: Private insurance will be more costly than Medicaid, thus providing coverage for fewer people. A good brief overview of these and other arguments on both sides of this issue.
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