The National Review of Asthma Deaths from over a decade ago revealed that many asthma-related deaths in the UK are preventable, with one key risk factor being the overuse of reliever inhalers and underuse of preventer inhalers. The recent NICE guidance aims to address this issue by encouraging early use of combination inhalers and maintenance…
New research on dopamine signaling challenges the traditional model of reinforcement learning in the brain. The study found that dopamine release patterns in response to cues and rewards are more complex than previously believed. By using new tools to track dopamine in mice, researchers discovered that dopamine release timing varied in different parts of the…
A recent study from the University of Oxford utilized wearable sensor data and machine learning to predict fall risk in Parkinson’s patients over five years. By analyzing walking and postural sway, researchers aimed to provide a more objective method for identifying fall risks in Parkinson’s patients. The study found that machine learning models accurately predicted…
In the winter semester of 2023, there were over 113,000 students enrolled in medical programs in Germany, with nearly 65% of them being women. The shift in thinking that allowed women to pursue medical studies was influenced by pioneering figures like Dorothea Christiane Erxleben in Germany and Elizabeth Blackwell in the United States. Erxleben challenged…
Joe Faratzis was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer at 28 after ignoring symptoms for months. Now, he shares his story on TikTok to raise awareness about the subtle signs of the disease. Faratzis missed key warning signs like night sweats, abdominal pain, frequent bathroom trips, cramping, constipation, and blood in his stool. He emphasizes…
The healthcare system in the U.S. typically separates physical and mental health, leading to a limited perspective on diabetes treatment that focuses primarily on physical symptoms. Emerging evidence shows a strong connection between mental health issues like anxiety and diabetes, with a bi-directional relationship between the two conditions. Addressing mental health is crucial in managing…
In healthcare, having a strategic approach to workforce planning is crucial for success. The sector in Ireland is undergoing significant transformation due to technological advancements and changing demographics. Superstars like doctors and nurses are essential, but issues such as retention, recruitment, workload, and fair pay need to be addressed. With the rise of AI and…
Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) is a condition characterized by excessive daydreaming, sluggishness, and difficulty concentrating, leading to disruptions in daily life and social interactions. While not officially recognized as a disorder, it is distinct from ADHD, with key differences in attentional focus. Symptoms include mental fog, sluggishness, excessive daydreaming, and difficulty with working memory. Diagnosis…
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been pushing for approval to import prescription drugs from Canada, a plan initially endorsed by Donald Trump in 2020. Despite FDA approval for the program, Florida has not set a start date. Critics argue that drug importation could lead to counterfeit drugs and shortages in Canada. The program is focused…
The WikiGuidelines provide guidance on diagnosing and treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. UTIs are common and can lead to serious complications, especially for pregnant women. The recent UTI guidance emphasizes the need for appropriate testing, antibiotic stewardship, and shorter courses of antibiotics. Common treatments for UTIs include sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin. UTIs…
Portugal’s health system focuses on primary care and public health, leading to longer life expectancy and lower healthcare costs compared to the U.S. The country’s success is attributed to a national health care system that provides free or low-cost healthcare to all residents. Portugal implements innovative programs like “social prescribing” and has effectively addressed drug…
The focus is on the need to reform the UK’s health data system from analogue to digital, with a shift towards prevention and community care. The Sudlow review highlights the importance of better data use to predict and prevent illness. However, there are tensions between privacy, public benefit, and data security. The review’s emphasis on…
A study published in the Journal of Public Health found that household income in early childhood is a better predictor of major health-related problems for 17-year-olds than growing up in a poor neighborhood. The Index of Multiple Deprivation, used to assess neighborhoods in the UK, has limitations in representing individual socioeconomic status compared to household…
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that one hour of daily cold exposure with shivering for 10 days improved glucose tolerance and metabolic health in individuals with overweight or obesity. The study involved 15 participants and showed that cold exposure led to a reduction in blood pressure, improved glucose and lipid metabolism, and other…
The development of a smart mattress designed to detect seizures in individuals with epilepsy lying face down and reposition them onto their side could reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) by more than 50%. This innovation, presented at the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting, is a response to the high mortality…
Regular exercise is known to improve memory, but new research suggests that the benefits can last into the next day. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that moderate to vigorous physical activity can enhance memory performance the following day. Limiting sitting time and getting at least six…
GSK’s drug Blenrep, previously pulled from the market, has shown promising results in a Phase 3 study for treating multiple myeloma earlier in the treatment process. The drug has demonstrated longer progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to standard regimens. Blenrep targets BCMA, a protein on multiple myeloma cells, and has the potential to…
Only 55% of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were brought directly to a specialist center for treatment. The report found that patients who arrived directly at a PCI center had a higher chance of receiving timely treatment compared to those who were transferred between hospitals. There was an increase in referrals for cardiac rehabilitation…
Healthcare billing processes are complex and prone to errors, impacting providers and patients negatively. Modern solutions, like integrating electronic health records with billing software, automation of routine tasks, and utilizing data analytics, can improve operational efficiencies and transparency. Integrating billing systems with clinical data ensures accurate billing and enhances patient care. Patient portals and clear…
The article discusses the challenges faced by solo agers, older adults who live alone without a spouse, partner, or adult children to help as they age. Many solo agers are taking proactive steps to plan for their future, such as organizing financial information, drafting living wills, and connecting with resources and communities specifically designed for…
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that prenatal diets aligned with U.S. dietary guidelines reduce the risk for slow or rapid infant growth up to 24 months after birth. High Healthy Eating Index (HEI) diets were linked to lower odds of slow or rapid growth, while low-inflammation diets showed inconsistent results. The study…
The ASH 2024 conference news includes Johnson & Johnson seeking approval for a treatment for smoldering myeloma, GSK’s promising results for Blenrep in multiple myeloma, efforts to ease conditioning in genetic treatments for sickle cell disease, and Kura Oncology’s positive Phase 1 trial results for AML. Pfizer’s withdrawal of Oxbryta for sickle cell disease raised…
Former UN high commissioner for human rights, Louise Arbour, states that the war on drugs has failed and a public health approach is needed. The Global Commission on Drug Policy, of which Arbour is a member, advocates for evidence-based and human rights-focused drug policies. Their report highlights the ineffectiveness of prohibition and criminalization in curbing…
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that for patients with microsatellite-instability-high or mismatch-repair-deficient metastatic colorectal cancer who had not received prior treatment, nivolumab plus ipilimumab resulted in longer progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy. In the trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive nivolumab plus ipilimumab, nivolumab alone, or chemotherapy with…
Research led by Mark Nelson and his team at UVM has revealed a new mechanism, E-Ca coupling, that integrates electrical and calcium signaling in brain capillaries to regulate blood flow. This process ensures precise delivery of blood to active neurons, crucial for maintaining brain function. By bridging electrical and calcium signals, E-Ca coupling allows for…
Psychotherapy use in the United States increased significantly from 2018 to 2021, with young, urban, higher-income professionals being the primary drivers of this growth. However, there were significant disparities in access to psychotherapy, with women, younger individuals, college graduates, and privately insured individuals seeing faster increases compared to their counterparts. Teletherapy, which increased in popularity…
A new study from Lund University suggests that consuming sugary snacks like cake, chocolate, and cookies may actually lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. The research followed nearly 70,000 Swedes for up to 22 years and found that twice daily consumption of sugary treats was linked to a reduced risk of ischemic stroke…
Cala Health, a bioelectronic medicine company, raised $50 million to help those with essential tremor using their kIQ system, a noninvasive wearable device for managing hand tremors. The condition can impact essential abilities and mental health, and current treatments like medications or surgery can have undesirable side effects. Cala’s device delivers transcutaneous afferent patterned stimulation…
Health officials are concerned about the rising number of influenza cases and hospitalizations in Ireland. The reported cases increased by 67 per cent in the week ending November 30, with hospitalizations rising from 42 to 73. The highest incidence of flu is seen in children aged 1-4 years and adults over 80. Health officials are…
Children and sleep are like peanut butter and jelly – they go together. Babies tend to sleep through the day and night, but when a child isn’t getting enough sleep, it can affect everyone in the house. Common signs of a sleep disorder in children include loud snoring, trouble falling asleep, and shifts in behavior….
Un innovador curso llamado Aging Alone Together de la organización Dorot en Nueva York está ayudando a personas mayores que envejecen solas a planificar su futuro. Este curso ha inspirado a participantes como Jeff Kromrey, Gayle Williams-Brett y Michael Davis, quienes están tomando medidas para asegurarse de estar preparados en caso de una crisis de…
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation has partnered with WHO on the SPECS 2030 initiative to increase refractive error coverage by 40% by 2030. This collaboration will focus on knowledge sharing, technical input, and data provision to implement the “Vision for Everyone” resolution. The foundation will support key pillars of the initiative, including improving access to services,…
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, is considered a person of interest in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He was arrested in Pennsylvania on gun-related charges and was found with a gun and fake identification linked to the crime. Police received a tip that led to his arrest. Thompson was shot while walking to…
Private admissions for bariatric surgery in the UK declined for the first time in 2020, according to a report from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). The report analyzed four bariatric procedures from 2016 to 2023, showing a peak of 3500 admissions in 2019 that decreased to 2800 in 2020. The decline is attributed to…
The UK is facing a potential “quad-demic” this winter, with high rates of COVID, flu, RSV, and norovirus. Factors such as colder weather, lack of sunlight, and changes in behavior due to the pandemic are contributing to the spread of these viruses. Vaccination is crucial in protecting against these illnesses, with free vaccines available for…
Scientists have found that consuming too much added sugar can increase the risk of stroke or aneurysm, but enjoying a few treats is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, drinking sweetened beverages can raise the risk of stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Different sources of sugar have varying…
Understanding how people make health-related decisions requires a deeper exploration of their motivations, beliefs, and circumstances. Many fail to engage in proactive health behaviors due to psychological biases and socioeconomic factors shaping their priorities. People prioritize immediate concerns over long-term benefits, particularly those facing daily survival challenges or social instability. Interventions can bridge this gap…
With the onset of winter, coughs become more common due to a variety of causes such as allergies, infections, lung conditions, or even choking. The type of cough can vary, from dry coughs caused by inflammation or acid reflux to wet coughs with mucus build-up from infections or lung conditions. Paroxysmal coughs are severe and…
Despite America being known for its diverse population, healthcare highlights significant issues in diversity. Racial disparities have become the norm due to limited evidence, with only 14% of medical decisions based on high-quality evidence. Women, minorities, and rural communities are underrepresented in clinical trials and research. Lack of data leads to stereotypes, biases, and inadequate…
Violent attacks on healthcare workers in public hospitals are a growing concern, with incidents ranging from physical assaults to verbal abuse. The issue is often overlooked compared to other professions, despite the devastating impact it can have on victims. Reports show a concerning increase in incidents, particularly in overcrowded emergency departments. Healthcare workers, including nurses…
Will Lightbourne, a veteran public servant in California, has been appointed as the interim executive director of the state’s mental health commission after the previous director resigned due to conflict of interest allegations. Lightbourne, who has previously served as head of the Department of Social Services and the Department of Health Care Services, aims to…
A survey study published in Contraception found that adults without biological children who underwent permanent contraception reported satisfaction with their decision and low levels of regret. Reasons for seeking permanent contraception included not wanting children, fear of pregnancy and childbirth, financial reasons, and environmental reasons. Many respondents faced barriers such as cost and finding a…
Terry Pirovolakis receives numerous messages weekly from strangers seeking help for rare diseases affecting their children. The requests come from across the globe, detailing heartbreaking stories of genetic conditions causing muscles to weaken, neurons to misfire, and eyes to fail. One such plea came from Rebekah Lockard in Littleton, whose daughter Naomi was diagnosed with…
Six more aid workers, including three from World Central Kitchen, have been killed in Gaza by an Israeli airstrike, with a total of 343 humanitarian workers confirmed dead since October 7. The attack led WCK to halt operations for five days, but they have since resumed distributing meals in Gaza. Operations manager Shadi Albasayna emphasized…
A recent analysis compared the rates of soft tissue sarcomas in active-duty U.S. military servicemen with those in the general population. The study found that incidence rates of these rare cancers were lower in young servicemen but higher in middle-aged servicemen, possibly due to increased exposure to toxins. The lower rates in young servicemen may…
Research suggests that handwriting activates key brain regions for memory and learning, highlighting the importance of balancing traditional and digital practices in education. The study used high-density EEG to explore the neural connectivity differences between handwriting and typing. Results showed that handwriting, compared to typing, led to stronger and more widespread connectivity in theta and…
The US FDA grants accelerated approval to cancer drugs to provide patients with faster access to potentially beneficial therapies, but the downside is that the effectiveness of these drugs is often unclear. A recent study published in Lancet Oncology found that many patients are willing to wait for greater certainty that a new drug provides…
Cutting back on added sugars is beneficial for health, but not all sugars carry the same risks. Research shows that occasional sweet treats may not harm the heart, but excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of stroke and aneurysm. A study on the impact of sugar on cardiovascular disease risk found that the source…
Starting January 1, hospitals will be required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide more detailed price transparency, including information on drug costs and expected reimbursement amounts. While experts are skeptical about patients’ ability to benefit from these changes, they hope that increased public pricing data will lead to technology solutions simplifying…
Irish Medical Times will continue printing their paper edition into 2025, despite previous plans to shut it down this year. The decision comes as a surprise, as early figures suggested it wasn’t financially viable. The print edition provides a more leisurely reading experience compared to online platforms, offering a comprehensive view of the month in…