A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience explores the connection between tau filaments and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Researchers found that tau filaments are enclosed within EVs enriched in endo-lysosomal proteins in the brains of individuals with AD. These findings offer new insight into the association between tau proteins and EVs, potentially…
A report on “Relationality in Community Engagement” was launched at the World Innovation Summit for Health in Doha. It highlights the importance of community engagement in healthcare, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report introduces an Integrated Change Framework to strengthen community engagement in health systems and presents case studies and recommendations for…
Dr. Laura Vater, a gastrointestinal oncologist and assistant professor of medicine at IU Health Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, shared tips for residents on how to cope with night shifts in medical training. She emphasized the importance of sleep and the challenges of balancing personal health while caring for others. The article also discussed the…
This content highlights thoughtful and practical health and wellness gifts for the holiday season, including a water filter system, a shiatsu massager, an essential oil diffuser, a light therapy lamp, a guided meditation tool, and an acupressure mat and pillow set. These gifts are designed to promote hydration, relaxation, stress relief, mood improvement, focus, and…
The holidays are a time of joy and stress, with disruptions to routines that can affect medication adherence for people with chronic conditions. Poor medication adherence can lead to hospital admissions and preventable deaths, costing the health system billions. It is important to provide emotional support and education to help patients stay adherent during the…
A survey of healthcare assistants (HCAs) in the health service found that low staffing levels, poor pay, and stress were major issues in the workplace. HCAs want recognition through a professionally registered grade. Private nursing homes and home care services face issues of low pay, lack of benefits, stress, and unmanageable workloads. The survey revealed…
During the open enrollment season for the Affordable Care Act, there are ongoing challenges. Enrollment numbers for new and returning sign-ups through healthcare.gov are lower than last year. The deadline to sign up for coverage starting on January 1st has been extended to Wednesday, with open enrollment ending in most states on January 15th. The…
Healio highlights key findings from orthopedic annual meetings in 2024, including the effectiveness of cannabidiol for pain control after arthroscopic cuff repair, differences in work-life balance perception among male and female orthopedic surgeons, a rise in foot and ankle injuries in pickleball, and strategies to improve patient experience and cybersecurity. Other topics discussed include graft…
A New York health insurer and its former executive have agreed to pay up to $100 million to settle claims that they exaggerated the health status of their Medicare members to receive more money from the government. The government’s lawsuit alleged that Independent Health and its subsidiary manipulated medical records to boost their Medicare Advantage…
Tips for enjoying a less-than-perfect holiday season include letting go of perfectionism, focusing on what brings joy, outsourcing tasks and allowing flexibility in traditions. It’s important to prioritize what matters most, throw yourself into activities that make you happy, and give yourself permission to cut corners. Accepting help from others, such as through potlucks, can…
A new publication in Acta Materia Medica discusses studying conformational changes induced by protein mutations, essential for understanding mutation-related processes. The paper introduces a method using adversarial attacks on the AlphaFold2 model to generate mutated proteins, reducing experimental time and cost. Results show that altering three residues led to significant differences in AF2 predictions. The…
A pilot study on adults with type 2 diabetes using intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) found an 8 mmol/mol reduction in A1c that was not significant. However, the use of isCGM led to a significant 18% improvement in time in range (TIR). Participants using isCGM showed better outcomes in glucose levels compared to those…
Sophie Casey, a young mother from the U.K., was misdiagnosed with a stomach infection and told she was too young for ovarian cancer. She later found out she had stage 4 ovarian cancer, with a mass pressing against her bowel, causing severe bloating. After receiving chemotherapy, she is waiting to see the extent of her…
Heather Cox discussed the challenges of balancing cost management and effective messaging in health insurance plans for individuals experiencing stress and anxiety. Zelis, a healthcare company, offers care coordination tools to help members make proactive healthcare decisions, such as getting a flu shot or managing acute care situations like a bicycle accident. By working with…
Research from Tallaght Hospital found that a total of 105 patients were admitted to the emergency department with e-scooter related injuries in a year, with more than half requiring specialist follow-up. Ten percent needed emergency surgery, with fractures being the most common injury. The average age of patients was 33.6 years, with the majority being…
“Bill of the Month” is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that aims to understand the impact of high medical bills on patients. Since its start over 6½ years ago, the series has received nearly 10,000 submissions, totaling almost $6.3 million in bills. The investigation has led to policy changes, such as…
In 2024, news about holistic remedies and diet were popular topics for acne articles on Healio. The article discussing the effects of Rehmannia glutinosa leaf extract on acne severity and skin quality was the most read. The American Academy of Dermatology also published updated care guidelines for acne. Other popular topics included botanical and alternative…
Republicans and Democrats agreed on a health care package that included various policies like reining in drug-industry middlemen and boosting doctor pay. The package was meant to be included in a government funding bill to avoid a shutdown, but President-elect Trump and Elon Musk prevented its passage. While the House Republicans later proposed a pared-down…
Ayesha Ahmad and Rodney Reynolds argue that women refugees who have experienced gender-based violence in conflict require trauma-informed perinatal care. War and displacement can have lasting effects on women’s health, and healthcare professionals need to be trained to recognize and address these unique needs effectively. Trauma-informed care, grounded in principles of safety, trust, choice, collaboration,…
A recent study by Simon Fraser University researchers has found that indirect damage to the thalamus, a central brain hub, contributes to ongoing disability after a stroke, despite not being directly damaged. The findings suggest that new therapies targeting the thalamus could reduce chronic stroke burden. Researchers recorded brain activity in stroke survivors and found…
A research team led by the University of Arizona discovered that a subset of artificial heart patients can regenerate heart muscle, potentially offering new ways to treat heart failure. The study, published in Circulation, found that patients with artificial hearts regenerated muscle cells at a higher rate than healthy hearts. The study was part of…
Motta-Yanac and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on smartphone apps for blood pressure control. The study examined the effectiveness of digital prescriptions in managing blood pressure. The review analyzed various apps and their impact on blood pressure control. Results indicate that smartphone apps can be beneficial in monitoring and controlling blood pressure levels….
Kimberly Williams-Paisley opens up about her two-year struggle with losing her voice due to muscle tension dysphonia in 2023. She felt trapped and terrified as she sought medical help after experiencing vocal weakness. Various treatments, including therapy, medication, and hypnosis, did not work until she underwent a surgery in August that restored her voice. She…
Primary care is essential for disease prevention and chronic condition management, which ultimately leads to longer and healthier lives for patients. Despite these benefits, many people do not engage with primary care due to various factors like limited access and social determinants of health. To address health inequities, it is crucial for more individuals to…
The author discusses the power of breaking free from tribal thinking, especially in terms of political opinions and health decisions. A study shows that people often form political opinions based on strongly held beliefs rather than a careful consideration of all sides of the data. Intelligent individuals may be even more adept at sticking to…
The requirement for hospitals and insurers to post negotiated prices for health care services has been in effect for almost four years, but the impact on patient costs remains unclear. There is bipartisan support for price transparency, but there are concerns about the potential reversal of regulations under the Trump administration. While some progress has…
In December 2024, at the AAO meeting, Dr. I. Paul Singh discussed the Artevo 850 heads-up display and its impact on ergonomics during surgery. The Artevo 850 (Zeiss) offers features that improve the experience for patients and surgeons in the operating room, such as adjusting LED light intensity and performing intraoperative OCT. Dr. Singh highlighted…
The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s obesity drug Zepbound, also known as tirzepatide, as the first treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in the U.S. The drug is now specifically approved for patients with obesity and moderate-to-severe OSA, a condition characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep. This approval marks the first time Zepbound has been cleared for…
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis on 113 trials involving 15,000 adults with ADHD to identify the most effective treatments. They found that the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine and stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate were the most effective in managing symptoms. Other treatments like bupropion, clonidine, and guanfacine extended release were also examined, along with non-pharmacological…
A study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a higher risk for heart failure, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), compared to non-RA controls. The analysis included 1,445 RA patients and 4,335 non-RA controls, with RA patients having a 79% higher risk for incident heart failure. The increased risk was…
Dan Cortez of UC Davis set a world record by being the first to implant a dual chamber leadless pacemaker in a child, which was published in a journal this week. The patient, a 13-year-old with congenital complete heart block, received the innovative leadless pacemaker. The procedure was minimally invasive and allowed the patient to…
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a significant phenomenon in conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID, characterized by worsening symptoms after exertion. A study at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) meeting found PEM in many rheumatologic conditions, associated with worse symptoms. Experts stress the importance of assessing PEM, cautioning against graded…
Dr. Karan Rangarajan, a U.K. surgeon, suggests four specific foods to ease constipation and improve gut health. Kiwi is rich in soluble fiber and can improve symptoms of bloating and constipation. Coffee contains soluble fibers and polyphenols that support gut health and reduce the risk of liver disease. Mixed nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios…
3D medical animation services have revolutionized the healthcare industry by transforming complex medical information into visually engaging and easily comprehensible content. These animations enhance education for medical professionals and patients, improve patient outcomes, and drive marketing efforts in the medical field. The evolution of medical animation from 2D illustrations to sophisticated 3D animations has addressed…
A survey conducted by the Medical Protection Society found that almost two thirds of doctors feel burnt out and exhausted, with one-in-five describing their mental wellbeing as concerning. Many doctors also feel disillusioned and unsupported in discussing mental health issues at work. The survey highlights the mental burden faced by healthcare professionals due to increasing…
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The #HearHer campaign raises awareness about gender disparities in lung cancer diagnosis and clinical trial enrollment, focusing on the increasing incidence of lung cancer among young women. Despite progress in treatment, women face delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation, with clinicians less likely to offer screening or enroll women in clinical trials. The campaign aims…
The article discusses the importance of Physician Health Programs (PHPs) for medical students and the medical profession. The response from Michael Baron, a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, highlights the benefits and success rates of PHPs in helping physicians, trainees, and students with substance use disorders and mental health conditions. He refutes the claims…
Alison Leary, a professor of healthcare and workforce modelling, discusses the importance of valuing experienced and proficient workers in healthcare. While safety critical industries prioritize retaining experienced workers for productivity and safety, healthcare often focuses on inexperienced workers to save costs. Leary emphasizes the need for a proficient workforce that can make decisions in the…
Led by Aliyu Tetengi Ibrahim and his team at Ahmadu Bello University, a groundbreaking study published in Data Science and Management introduces an innovative AI model for detecting skin cancer. The model utilizes transfer learning and test time augmentation to categorize skin lesions with precision, achieving an impressive 94.49% accuracy rate. By integrating deep learning…
Over 20 million people were diagnosed with cancer and nearly 10 million died from it in 2022. Texas A&M University researchers uncovered new details on cancer progression, showing the influence of mechanical stiffening of the tumor cell’s environment on the nucleus. The nuclear lamina becomes taut in a stiff environment, leading to the movement of…
A retrospective analysis found no adverse events (AEs) in children receiving a live attenuated vaccine while on dupilumab or methotrexate treatment, challenging current recommendations. Researchers analyzed records of pediatric patients receiving these medications from 2017 to 2023 at a tertiary care center, with no AEs observed up to 6 months post-vaccination. Nine patients received the…
Louisiana public health officials are no longer allowed to promote vaccines due to a new covert policy. The policy prohibits distribution of press releases, interviews, vaccine events, presentations, and social media posts advocating for vaccines. This comes after President-Elect Donald Trump nominated anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human…
Silicon Valley startup Suki has enhanced its AI assistant for healthcare professionals by adding patient summary and Q&A features, setting it apart in the healthcare AI market. Suki aims to streamline physicians’ documentation processes and lighten their workload through its voice assistant. The new features allow physicians to quickly access key patient information, simplify care…
Research has shown that there are differences in how Parkinson’s disease affects men and women. Women are more prone to develop tremor-dominant PD and perform better on cognitive tests, but also experience more pain and depression symptoms. Response to treatment also varies, with women showing better improvement in daily activities but also more side effects….
Independent Health Association of Buffalo and CEO Betsy Gaffney agreed to pay up to $100 million to settle Justice Department allegations of fraudulent billing for exaggerated or nonexistent health conditions. The settlement includes a payment of up to $98 million from Independent Health and $2 million from Gaffney. The settlement is not an admission of…
The FDA has approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) for adults with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity, showing significant efficacy in treating the condition. Results from the SURMOUNT-OSA phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated that Zepbound was more effective than a placebo, leading to weight loss and improvement in OSA symptoms. Participants using Zepbound alone or in combination with…
In Congress, year-end spending bills with multiple priorities attached are known as “Christmas tree” bills. This year’s health care policy provisions in the spending bill are lacking significant progress. Despite funding for public health programs and telehealth extensions surviving, Congress failed to achieve any new health care goals. Efforts to regulate pharmacy benefit managers and…
Matthew is correct in stating that patients need to understand the cause of their musculoskeletal symptoms, but wrong in assuming that an expensive MRI is necessary for diagnosis. Health care professionals such as advanced nurse practitioners and musculoskeletal physicians have the knowledge to diagnose and manage these symptoms. The challenge lies in effectively communicating with…
A recent study compared various interventions for adult ADHD, finding stimulants and atomoxetine most effective for core symptoms. Non-pharmacological therapies, such as psychoeducation and mindfulness, also show promise in specific contexts. However, limited long-term data exists for these treatments. The study included 113 randomized controlled trials with 14,887 participants, evaluating the efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability…