Valley-Wide Health Systems in San Luis, Colorado, provides medical care to a community of about 600 people. The clinic has trouble finding a full-time medical provider, despite offering incentives such as student loan payments and Medicare bonuses. The federal designation of areas with a shortage of primary care physicians has been ineffective for decades, and…
The pain medication VX-548, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, showed modest pain relief and was generally safe in late-stage trials. However, a debate started regarding the drug’s potential wide use if approved. The drug outperformed placebo in pain relief trials for abdominoplasty and bunion surgeries, with fewer adverse events than the placebo. However, it did not…
The author criticizes the normalizing of cosmetic medicine and the pressure to achieve a certain appearance. This trend is now mainstream and even promoted by healthcare professionals, leading to the proliferation of private clinics focusing on aesthetics rather than medical care. The author is concerned about the impact on younger generations and the message it…
Researchers have developed an integrated drug infusion pump with flow and bubble sensor modules to prevent medical accidents related to analgesic drug infusion in hospitals. These sensor modules can detect extremely low flow rates and bubbles, therefore helping to prevent overdoses. This technology is currently being developed for mass production and it is expected to…
New research has identified changes in blood proteins caused by the body’s immune defenses as the likely cause of long Covid. This could lead to new treatments as well as simple blood tests to identify people with this condition. Long Covid causes chronic fatigue, breathlessness, ‘brain fog’, anxiety, and stress, with 1.9 million people affected…
The United States is at risk for measles outbreaks, despite having officially wiped out measles in 2000. The COVID-19 pandemic led to delays in measles vaccinations, leaving millions of children vulnerable. The U.S. has seen a resurgence in measles cases and deaths, with experts warning of the contagious nature of the virus. Vaccine hesitancy and…
A recent observational study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that oral antibiotics may be a safe alternative to prolonged intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The study analyzed data from 914 adults with uncomplicated gram-negative bacteremia in Denmark and found that patients switched to oral antibiotics within 4 days had a lower risk of death compared to…
Hair loss can have a negative impact on confidence, and it’s important to understand the underlying cause and explore options for healthy regrowth. To help manage hair loss, there are various handpicked growth solutions available. These include products such as HIMS & HERS Triple Threat System, The Ordinary Haircare Set, Nutrafol Women’s Hair Serum, VEGAMOUR…
An AI-based algorithm has been developed to help diagnose facial nerve palsy by analyzing the facial picture of the patient. This technology uses facial recognition to assist healthcare professionals in accurately diagnosing this condition. The use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement is also mentioned, with users agreeing to their use by continuing…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cancer treatment by aiding in early detection, precise diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, efficient drug development, genomic analysis, medical imaging, clinical trials, and research collaboration. AI has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and accelerate the pace of discovery in cancer research. However, challenges such as obtaining diverse and large…
Tallaght University Hospital has created a series of videos to help patients prepare for surgery. The videos offer advice on how patients can improve their physical and mental health before their surgery, leading to better outcomes. The series focuses on the importance of nutrition, exercise, and mental preparation. Patients have expressed their support for the…
In 2023, advancements in cardiology included the development of apps to monitor heart problems, artificial intelligence for earlier disease detection, and smaller devices to reduce surgical complications. New apps like HearO and MyHealthTrack were introduced to help patients self-monitor and track symptoms. Artificial intelligence was used to detect subtle abnormalities and genetic risk testing was…
Amazon Pharmacy and One Medical have partnered to expand Amazon’s hybrid primary care services by allowing One Medical providers to request medication consultations for patients with complex medication regimens. The pilot program, launched in the fourth quarter of 2023, focuses on elderly patients managing multiple chronic conditions. If successful, Amazon may expand and develop the…
The U.S. health care system is described as a “battle royale,” requiring patients to advocate for themselves when dealing with unfair medical bills and insurance companies. In this podcast, self-defense coach Lauren Taylor provides strategies for remaining calm and confident while fighting for health care coverage. She offers a five-part framework for self-defense, emphasizing the…
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that practitioner empathy was associated with greater patient satisfaction in 14 randomized clinical trials. The researchers, led by Leila Keshtkar, PhD, from the University of Leicester, identified a positive change in patient satisfaction related to practitioner empathy. However, the studies had limitations, such as heterogeneity…
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in March about the government’s role in issuing and censoring public health information during the pandemic. The lawsuit is focused on whether the government’s request for social media and search companies to moderate COVID-19 information violated users’ First Amendment rights. The case, called Murthy v. Missouri, involves plaintiffs, including…
Life expectancy fell in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from 2020 to 2022 due to increased mortality during the pandemic, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Male life expectancy varied across local areas, with a peak of 83.7 years in Hart, North East Hampshire, and a low of 73.4 years in Blackpool. The…
A report from RAND finds a substantial geographical variation in the US health care system’s ability to diagnose and treat early Alzheimer’s disease with disease-modifying therapies. It states that engaging primary care providers could reduce wait times for specialists and increase the number of people treated with these therapies. The report recommends new training for…
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the glucose-modulating effects of cinnamon spice when added daily to regular meals for 4 weeks. The study resulted in significantly reduced blood glucose concentrations in obese and overweight prediabetic individuals. Additionally, the study also highlighted the benefits of cinnamon and other polyphenol-rich spices…
Ian Trabuco has been living with chronic migraines for three years. His symptoms go beyond just headaches, and he feels nauseous, dizzy, and achy. After trying over 10 different medications, he has found a treatment plan that has helped him manage. He has learned to adapt his lifestyle to fit his new life, including changing…
Five individuals in the United Kingdom have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) due to a medical procedure they received during their childhood, which was an injection of human growth hormone extracted from pituitary glands of cadavers. This treatment was eventually halted in 1985 due to a discovery that it was contaminated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease…
Dr. Alan Shih at Head to Toe Healthcare, PLC in Southern Arizona provides alternative approaches to treating plantar fasciitis and neuromas, two debilitating foot conditions causing persistent heel pain. He advocates for surgical decompression and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) as alternative treatments to traditional surgery. Plantar fasciitis is often treated with surgery to cut the plantar…
New research suggests that shorter antibiotic courses may be just as effective as longer ones in treating pneumonia. A study found that patients who received antibiotics for five days instead of the standard 10 days showed no significant difference in outcomes. This could potentially lead to fewer side effects and lower healthcare costs. The findings…
The World Health Organization released new guidelines for the ethical use of large language models (LLMs) in healthcare, receiving positive reactions from healthcare AI company leaders. The guidelines outline five key applications for LLMs in healthcare and emphasize the need for responsible use and regulation. WHO recommends involving healthcare stakeholders in the design and development…
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published a scoping review of advances in clinical practice guidance development to support the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC). The NCEC was asked by the Minister for Health in 2014 to develop standards for clinical practice guidance, and HIQA’s review aims to assist in updating these standards…
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that high levels of Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) are associated with an increased risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and major adverse limb events (MALE). The study analyzed data from the Copenhagen General Population Study and the Copenhagen City Heart…
The Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) is collaborating with Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI), ZS Associates and other industry groups to improve the development and implementation of integrated evidence plans (IEPs) for digital health products. The goal is to streamline the path to commercialization by providing information on regulatory requirements, commercial considerations and the needs of…
An executive at Teva Pharmaceuticals flagged Publix Super Markets in 2015 over high-strength oxycodone orders, citing “serious red flags”. Publix, a Florida-based grocery chain, saw a 35% increase in opioid sales from 2011 to 2019, despite national decreases. Publix overtook CVS to become the second-largest opioid dispenser in Florida behind Walgreens. The chain was not…
A study conducted at Texas Children’s Hospital from 2004 to 2018 analyzed 591 children with acute decompensated heart failure and found that 26% of the children developed cardiogenic shock within 24 hours. Children with cardiogenic shock had a significantly higher mortality rate, worse systolic function, higher B-type natriuretic peptide concentration, and more frequent renal and…
The Supreme Court will hear arguments about access to the abortion medication mifepristone on March 26, which is the first major test of abortion limits to go before the highest court since the same panel overturned federal abortion rights in June 2022. The lawsuit could have massive ramifications for the Food and Drug Administration’s authority….
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is retracting six research articles and requesting corrections for 31 more after concerns about image manipulation were raised by a blogger. Sholto David, a molecular biologist, highlighted duplicated images in 30 articles by four prominent Dana-Farber scientists, including the institute’s chief executive and chief operating officer. The papers in…
The relationship between sport and health in Indigenous communities is complex and not as straightforward as it is often portrayed. While sports participation is encouraged for improving health outcomes, Indigenous youth are more physically active than non-Indigenous youth but report poorer health outcomes. The focus on high performance sport and winning medals in national sports…
Asimov has launched the LV Edge Packaging System, which reduces the cost and supply chain risk of lentiviral production. The system integrates viral genes into the host cell, allowing lentiviral production from a single-plasmid transfection, as opposed to the standard four-plasmid process. This reduces manufacturing costs and supply chain risk without compromising speed to market….
As a headache medicine specialist, I am always seeking new treatments to help patients manage chronic migraine. Over the past decade, the FDA has approved many new therapies, including drugs and alternative treatments, and there has been a significant increase in migraine research. Finding the right treatment for chronic migraine can be challenging, but advancements…
A recent study in JAMA Network Open found that children who live close to green areas have better bone health. The study followed 327 participants from birth to 4-6 years and found that those frequently exposed to high and mixed vegetation areas within 500 meters of their homes had significantly higher bone mineral density. Access…
When choosing the best multivitamin for women, consider age-specific needs. ONE A DAY Women’s Complete Daily Multivitamin is trusted for overall health support. OLLY Women’s Multivitamin Gummy offers tasty, beauty-boosting nutrients. Vimerson Health Multivitamin and MaryRuth’s Multivitamin emphasize quality and organic ingredients. SmartyPants and New Chapter are ideal for women over 40, while Nature Made…
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has announced the online registration and seat allotment details for the open round schedule for admissions to the INI-SS course in January 2024. The institute is using cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, and users agree to their use by continuing to use the site. More…
Pharmaceutical companies continue to raise the prices of medicines every January, with increases ranging from 1 to 33%. Efforts by the federal government to curb price increases haven’t discouraged manufacturers. Even generic drugs have seen double-digit price increases. This puts pressure on a system struggling to pay for existing medicines, particularly for popular drugs used…
A reliable blood test for Alzheimer’s disease has been identified, giving hope to doctors and researchers. The test identifies three markers for Alzheimer’s – amyloid and tau proteins and neurodegeneration – and is seen as a game-changer in the medical field. However, it raises challenges in managing the information and ethical considerations. While the test…
New York City has pledged to pay down $2 billion worth of residents’ medical debt, following the example of Cook County, Illinois, the first local government to do so. This was made possible through a partnership with RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit that buys and forgives patient debt. Medical debt disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic…
The United States Bone and Joint Initiative ceased operations on December 31, 2023, and donated its assets to the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS). The ORS will continue to provide these resources to the orthopedic community. USBJI’s board president expressed delight in the ORS’ commitment to supporting and growing the important resources previously managed by USBJI….
The article discusses various updates and developments in the biotech industry, including regulatory recommendations for the approval and withdrawal of certain drugs, successful biotech IPOs, market value comparisons, and pharmaceutical messaging. It also mentions upcoming biotech companies planning to go public and a podcast discussing the industry’s downturn. Additionally, it covers pharmaceutical executives’ testimonies on…
Caribbean-born physicians. She worked tirelessly to improve healthcare in the region, focusing on maternal and child health. In 1987, she became the first woman to graduate from the University of the West Indies with a postgraduate degree in public health. Etienne also practiced medicine in her community, advocating for women and children and providing health…
A new study from the University of Exeter found that engaging in music throughout your life is linked to better brain health in older age. Researchers from the PROTECT study looked at data from more than a thousand adults over 40 to see the effects of playing a musical instrument or singing on brain health….
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens highlights the major factors contributing to outbreaks of West Nile virus (WNV) in Europe. The study suggests that agricultural land use and bird movements are the primary drivers of WNV transmission. Researchers used phylogeographic pattern analysis to map the evolution and transmission history of WNV in Europe. They…
Katie M. Golden, a 40-year-old living with chronic migraine, shares her experiences and strategies for managing her pain. She has experienced migraine attacks since childhood and was diagnosed with chronic intractable migraine 11 years ago. Symptoms include light and sound sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, cognitive impairment, and extreme fatigue. Golden uses medication, supplements, massage, essential oils,…
Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) was found to lead to earlier treatment changes and faster remission for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to conventional disease monitoring in a small retrospective analysis. In a study of 30 IBD patients who were not in remission at week 8, those who were monitored using IUS had reduced time…
A new study found that the risk of aerosolized viruses contaminating bathroom surfaces during toilet flushing is not affected by whether the lid is up or down. The only way to minimize this risk is by regularly disinfecting the toilet. Researchers from the University of Arizona and Reckitt Benckiser conducted the study, which showed that…
Potassium-enriched salt, which is not included in current hypertension guidelines, is being recognized as a missing ingredient. The inclusion of this type of salt in the guidelines could potentially improve the management of high blood pressure. This information was shared in an article that also mentions the use of cookies for analytics and advertising on…
Spending on insulin has tripled over the past decade, topping $22 billion in 2022. The inflation-adjusted cost of insulin increased 24% from 2017 to 2022. New lower-cost insulin options are becoming available to more Americans with diabetes. Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi have announced price cuts and out-of-pocket cost caps for insulin, with the…