Regina Barrett, a retiree in Monroe, North Carolina, is unhappy with her tap water due to its appearance and the addition of fluoride. Union County recently voted to stop adding fluoride to the water supply, sparking debate among residents and officials. Supporters of banning fluoride argue for individual choice, citing the availability of dental products…

At least four individuals have been hospitalized with severe complications resembling botulism after receiving counterfeit Botox injections. The CDC is issuing warnings to doctors nationwide about these fake injections that have caused hospitalizations in various states. The American Academy of Dermatology Association and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association have both released official statements in…

The recent detection of H5N1 bird flu in U.S. cattle and a dairy worker contracting the virus is concerning, as federal health officials emphasize diligent monitoring but urge a departure from reassurances. The virus has now shown inter-mammalian transmission among dairy cows, raising concerns about further evolution for efficient human transmission. Current vaccines are not…

The article discusses different types of verbal errors that people make, including folk etymology, mondegreens, malapropisms, and eggcorns. It provides examples of medical eggcorns, which are verbal errors where a word is replaced by another that sounds similar and shares a semantic connection. The article also introduces the term “acyrology” to encompass all types of…

New research presented at the ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona shows that pet dogs and cats can play a significant role in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study found evidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria being transmitted between sick pets and their healthy owners in Portugal and the UK. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern,…

Researchers have adapted an AI program to identify signs of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) by analyzing short narratives of patients who have given birth. The AI model successfully identified a large proportion of participants likely to have the disorder, with the potential to identify more with further refinements. CB-PTSD affects around 8 million people…

In April 2024, a mother in Atlanta, Georgia, kept her son with measles symptoms in the car outside the emergency room to avoid exposing others. The boy, unvaccinated and over 5 years old, recovered after hospitalization. Measles cases are rising rapidly in the US, with vaccination rates dropping. The CDC predicts about 300 cases in…

A study comparing the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and semaglutide over a 5-year period in patients with class II obesity found that ESG resulted in greater weight loss and was more cost-effective than semaglutide. ESG led to better weight loss outcomes and added more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to semaglutide. Semaglutide was…

Stress can stem from both negative and positive life experiences, impacting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects. Prolonged stress can lead to various health issues, worsen existing mental conditions, and contribute to burnout. Managing stress involves practicing self-care, setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and seeking help when needed. Small acts of self-nurturing, reducing exposure to…

A study found that there is no significant difference in the risk of kidney failure among three Anti-VEGF drugs. The study analyzed data on the three drugs and concluded that they have similar risk profiles for kidney failure. The use of cookies for analytics and advertising on the site was also mentioned, with users agreeing…

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed a 2.6% increase in hospitals’ inpatient payment rates for fiscal year 2025, based on a projected hospital market basket update of 3%. However, hospital groups argue that this increase is inadequate, given ongoing inflation and rising costs. They believe the proposed payment boost will not be sufficient…

Ireland is falling short of the target of six percent cancer patient involvement in clinical trials due to a hostile and oppressive regulatory environment, according to leading oncologist Prof John Kennedy. Despite the National Cancer Strategy setting a goal of six percent patient participation, only around two percent have access to trials nearly eight years…

As research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evolves, evidence shows that symptoms manifest differently in women compared to men, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Women with ASD may not get an official diagnosis until later in life, impacting mental health and quality of life. Differences in symptom presentation and comorbid conditions exist between genders, with…

Grow Therapy, a digital mental health company, has secured $88 million in Series C funding, led by Sequoia Capital. The funding includes investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives and PLUS Capital, as well as contributions from artists and athletes. The company also announced a new measurement-based care system to enhance patient experiences and support providers in…

Following a lawsuit by prisoners with disabilities, a judge found that California prison officials are not adequately helping deaf and blind prisoners, despite available technology like video recordings and laptops. The ruling focuses on improving accommodations for these prisoners to better prepare for parole hearings. California’s prison system has been slow to adopt technological accommodations…

Preoperative antibiotic therapy in patients with native joint septic arthritis led to a significant decrease in operative culture yield, according to a recent study. Researchers found that patients who received preoperative antibiotics had a lower microbiologic yield in operative cultures compared to those who did not receive antibiotics. Additional doses and earlier initiation of antibiotics…

A group of Colorado lawmakers abandoned a controversial bill that would have required exemptions for rare disease drugs on a state board setting caps for medicine costs. They introduced a revised version, directing the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to consider different uses of medicines with orphan designations, aiming to give more voice to patients. The…

A survey by the General Medical Council (GMC) found that 30% of doctors in the UK are considering leaving to work abroad in the next 12 months. Of the 3154 doctors surveyed, 13% are very likely to leave and 17% are fairly likely. Another 33% said they were likely to move abroad at some point….

New research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) suggests that updated COVID-19 vaccines prompt a strong immune response against previous strains and emerging variants. The study, published as a preprint in medRxiv, indicates the benefits of regularly receiving updated vaccinations, especially for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. The research involved testing…

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common cancer-causing virus that can lead to cervical cancer if infections persist. A study led by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers identified genetic variants in certain women that increase the risk of persistent HPV infections and cervical cancer. These findings were published in The European Journal of Human…

New research has found that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy, such as Tylenol, does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities in children. The study analyzed data from almost 2.5 million children born in Sweden and found a slight increase in risk when comparing children exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy to those who…

At the 32nd European Congress of Psychiatry, research suggests that Europe is not facing an opioid crisis like the United States. Prescription opioid deaths are lower, with only a slight rise in prescribing. Most European countries do not have a crisis, except the UK and Ireland. There is concern about synthetic opiates like fentanyl. István…

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality for up to a year postpartum. A study published in Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that conditions causing high blood pressure in pregnancy double the fatal cardiovascular disease risk in women. The study identified various hypertensive disorders, including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Researchers…

Microwave ablation has been identified as a promising treatment alternative for patients with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, according to a recent study. Researchers have found this method to be effective in treating this particular type of cancer. By using cookies for analytics and advertising, the website aims to improve user experience. By continuing to use…

The U.S. healthcare system is facing a crisis as millions of people with mental illness are not receiving treatment due to various barriers such as cost, stigma, and lack of access. The solution lies in integrating mental health services into primary care settings to provide convenience and continuity of care. This collaborative care approach can…

Tallaght University Hospital is introducing GaitKeeper, a new smartphone app powered by artificial intelligence that can assess gait and help diagnose conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The app is being rolled out among doctors and patients at the hospital and is able to detect early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. GaitKeeper…

Coffee enemas are not safe and can cause rectal burns and other negative side effects. Despite claims that they can cure various illnesses, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Research has shown that coffee enemas do not have clinical benefits, and there are risks associated with their use. The detailed instructions provided…

New Zealand-based virtual reality and cognitive behavioral therapy company oVRcome signed a contract with the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) to help autistic individuals navigate hospital environments and social interactions. The company utilizes exposure therapy to help patients with phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorder. The pilot program aims to reduce appointment cancellations by immersing…

A recent survey found that nearly a quarter of adults disenrolled from Medicaid are now uninsured, with many struggling to retain coverage after pandemic-era protections expired. The survey showed that almost half of those who lost coverage ended up signing back up weeks or months later. Many found other coverage options, but going without insurance…

A study found that transgender adults in more transgender-friendly states are less likely to avoid healthcare. Adolescents who received gender-confirming care had lower rates of severe depression. Data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey showed that those who received puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgical transition during adolescence had better psychological outcomes. Healthcare avoidance among…

Following a nine-month investigation, European regulators have found no evidence that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy cause suicidal thoughts or actions. This announcement by the European Medicines Agency aligns with the findings of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The review was conducted after anecdotal reports of patients experiencing thoughts of self-harm while on…

Barbados is facing a health crisis with high numbers of diabetic foot amputations, earning it the nickname “amputation capital of the world.” The majority of hospital admissions for diabetes in Barbados involve foot complications, primarily due to poorly managed type 2 diabetes. Industry influence, particularly from the fast food and beverage industries, has played a…

A recent study at the University of California, Los Angeles found that dopamine projections to the basolateral amygdala play a crucial role in encoding identity-specific reward memories. Through experiments on rats, researchers discovered that dopamine released in the amygdala during cue-reward learning is necessary for forming associations between external cues and specific rewards. These findings…

Cells contain specialized structures called organelles, crucial for cell function and linked to diseases if dysfunctional. Researchers at the University of Geneva used high-resolution microscopy and kinematic techniques to visualize the genesis of the centriole, important for cell organization. This study, published in Cell, sheds light on centriole assembly complexities and offers new avenues for…

Finding out your child has ADHD can be overwhelming, but it’s important to focus on the positives. Knowing the diagnosis allows you to understand and help your child better. Medication may be part of the treatment plan, and it’s essential to explain it to your child in a positive light. Encourage and praise your child…

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) are at a high risk for serious and fatal infections, with age, inflammation, and corticosteroid therapy further increasing this risk. A study conducted in Spain followed 148 patients with RA-ILD and found that almost all patients experienced at least one infection during the follow-up period, with respiratory…

A recent study found that not only underweight but also overweight or obese children and young adults are at a high risk of iron deficiency. Researchers from the University of Leeds analyzed thousands of medical studies from 44 countries involving participants under 25 years old. They found that iron deficiency was associated with both underweight…

The seat matrix for six specialities at AIIMS Mangalagiri and AIIMS Rishikesh has been revised for July 2024. Details on the changes can be checked on the respective websites. Cookies are used for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, with users agreeing to their use by continuing to browse the site. For more information, see the…

Grow Therapy, a mental health technology company, has secured $88 million in Series C funding to expand its reach to more patients. The company assists independent therapists in setting up in-person and virtual private practices, handling administrative tasks like billing and insurance claims. Patients can then book appointments with therapists who specialize in their needs…

The Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry is seeking candidates for a position with a salary range of £88,799 to £119,723 per annum. The closing date for applications is Friday 26 April 2024 at 3:30pm. Interested applicants can find the full criteria, job description, and application form on jobs.hscni.net. A waiting list may be established for…

Oncology nurses in Arabic nations, specifically Lebanon, play a critical role in delivering spiritual care to cancer patients. A study conducted with 20 oncology nurses identified key themes related to spirituality, recognition of patient needs, and barriers to providing spiritual care. The nurses included religious interventions such as suggesting Quran readings and facilitating prayers, although…

Flexibility is essential for optimal health and performance, reducing injury risk and enhancing movement efficiency. Improving flexibility involves a comprehensive approach, including tailored physical therapy techniques. Dynamic warm-ups are crucial before flexibility exercises, such as forward lunges with a twist, cat-cow stretch, butterfly stretch, trunk rotation, and pike stretch. Consistent practice is key to reaping…

Augmedix, an AI-enabled automation platform based in San Francisco, will be fully integrated into Andor Health’s ThinkAndor platform for virtual care and communication. The partnership aims to enable physician notes to be created directly within the platform, allowing for AI-generated notes to be available seconds after a virtual visit. Augmedix has raised significant funding over…

In Arkansas, sixth-grade students are measured for height, weight, and BMI in schools as part of an anti-obesity initiative. These measurements are sent home to parents in a letter, categorizing students as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. However, studies have shown that these letters have no effect on weight loss and can lead to weight…

A study published in Nutrients showed that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), particularly sweets, is associated with an increased risk of glaucoma. Researchers analyzed data from 19,225 participants and found that those consuming more than four UPF servings per day had a higher risk of glaucoma. The association between glaucoma and UPFs was significant…

The Federal Trade Commission took action against Monument, an alcohol addiction telehealth company, for allegedly revealing users’ health information to third parties without their consent. The FTC accused Monument of misleading users into thinking their health data was kept confidential. A proposed order would ban the company from disclosing sensitive data for advertising purposes. This…

Long term outcomes of PSA screening were reviewed, with a study showing a small difference in prostate cancer mortality after 15 years for those who were offered screening compared to those who were not. A new trial in Finland focused on improving the accuracy of prostate cancer screening by reducing overdiagnosis and identifying high-grade cancers….

A study led by Stanford Medicine reveals that two key brain systems are dysfunctional in individuals with psychosis: a “filter” that directs attention and a “predictor” linked to anticipating rewards. This dysfunction causes difficulties in distinguishing reality, leading to hallucinations and delusions. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, used brain scan data from people with…

The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, including preventing cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and cancers. A recent study analyzed the impact of the Mediterranean diet on perinatal health during pregnancy. The study reviewed 23 articles and found that following the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of gestational diabetes and small for gestational age…

Parenting strategies are the recommended first line of treatment for children with ADHD, instead of medication or therapy. While no parenting style causes ADHD, using positive and consistent disciplinary strategies can help manage symptoms. ADHD parenting techniques include setting clear expectations, providing visual reminders, spending quality time with your child, offering positive attention, implementing a…