The story of Denny Buehler’s softball tournament to raise money for medical expenses has turned into a tradition raising money for others in need. In 2019, the Denny Buehler Memorial Foundation, now known as Undue Medical Debt, has erased billions in old medical debt by buying it for pennies on the dollar and forgiving it….
US dialysis facility closures from 2018 to 2023 have raised concerns about access to vital care, especially in rural communities. Despite an increase in adults diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, there has been a decrease in facility openings. Additionally, a study found that clinicians do not consistently use algorithms for dosing methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta…
UnitedHealth Group, the largest physician empire in the United States, faces calls from Democratic lawmakers to address its monopolistic practices. Lawmakers argue that the company’s size and influence are undermining competition, corrupting Medicare, and harming patients. There are calls for a possible breakup of the business empire to restore public confidence in the healthcare system….
Investments are being made in a five-year trial of the weight loss drug tirzepatide, with a focus on prioritizing patients who can return to work. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the economic impact of obesity, stating that it not only affects health but also hinders the economy. This announcement aligns with concerns raised in the…
Abortion opponents are increasingly targeting access to abortion pills, the most common way to end a pregnancy in the U.S. The Texas attorney general has filed a lawsuit against a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a patient in Texas via telemedicine, challenging New York’s law protecting providers who prescribe such drugs. Other…
A study has found that the common cough medicine ingredient Dextromethorphan may be effective in treating lung fibrosis, a condition caused by excess scarring in the lungs. Lung fibrosis can result from various causes, including exposure to irritants, chemotherapy side effects, and autoimmune diseases. Dextromethorphan was shown to reduce scarring in mouse models of lung…
A husband sought to donate his deceased wife’s pacemaker for reuse, leading doctors at the University of Michigan to explore the idea. They established Project My Heart Your Heart, refurbishing and redistributing pacemakers to impoverished nations with high cardiovascular disease burdens. A clinical trial comparing new and refurbished devices showed promising results with no significant…
Fitness coach Jenna Rizzo offers a “lazy girl guide” with three simple tips to achieve a flatter stomach without much effort. Firstly, staying hydrated by drinking water is essential for healthy skin and digestion. Secondly, cutting down on alcohol can reduce inflammation and bloating. Lastly, aiming for a small calorie deficit by eating slightly less…
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder treated with medical devices, now has its first FDA-approved drug therapy, Zepbound, by Eli Lilly. The drug, initially developed for metabolic conditions, is an injectable medication used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Zepbound activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors to regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and aid in…
Symvess, a sterile, cell-free tissue engineered vessel made of human extracellular matrix proteins, has been approved by the FDA as a vascular conduit for extremity arterial injuries in adults. In a study of 54 patients, 67% retained primary patency and 72% retained secondary patency after treatment with Symvess. The product received priority review and regenerative…
The author is leaving Morning Rounds to start a new AI newsletter called AI Prognosis. The FDA has updated its definition of “healthy” food to include foods like salmon, nuts, seeds, and certain oils. There are discrepancies in counting maternal mortality rates in the U.S., and experts emphasize the need to focus on prevention. House…
Australians are exposed to high levels of solar UV radiation, which can have short-term and long-term effects on the eyes and skin. Sunglasses are important for protecting our eyes from UV damage, as excessive exposure can lead to conditions like photokeratitis, cataracts, and skin cancers. Choosing the right pair of sunglasses is crucial, with categories…
Scientists have developed a test called FlowScore, which measures the shape of red blood cells to assess their ability to deliver oxygen. This test could improve specialist transplant and transfusion practices as well as blood banking. Healthy red blood cells have a specific shape that allows for efficient oxygen release, but this shape changes during…
Keith Poulsen, a veterinarian, was shocked by the efforts of farmers to treat sick cows during a bird flu outbreak at the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin. The virus has spread across 16 states, infecting at least 875 herds. Experts have lost faith in the government’s ability to contain the outbreak. The outbreak poses the…
Dexcom has integrated generative AI into its Stelo continuous glucose monitor, making it the first medical device company to do so. The AI platform analyzes data from the biosensor, meal logging, and other wearable technologies to provide personalized insights and recommendations for users. The AI capabilities are powered by Google Cloud’s AI models, enabling Dexcom…
Healio compiled a list of the most-read FDA approvals in dermatology in 2024. The top approval was Zelsuvmi for molluscum contagiosum, followed by Xeomin, Klisyri, Zoryve, and others. Zelsuvmi is a topical antiviral gel for viral skin infections in children. Xeomin was approved for facial lines, Klisyri for actinic keratosis on larger areas, Zoryve for…
Sign up for the biotech newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in science and politics driving the biotech industry. This morning, Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema results disappointed investors, leading to a significant drop in their stock value. Ionis Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for their rare disease therapy, marking a strategic shift towards independent commercialization….
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is prevalent in patients with cirrhosis, but cirrhosis itself does not significantly increase the risk of CAD, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology. Through a review of 51 studies, researchers found that CAD, acute coronary syndromes, and myocardial infarction (MI) incidences were relatively low…
A recent study published in NPJ Metabolic Health and Disease suggests that the degradation of endogenously secreted insulin, termed ‘chain-splitting,’ is a key mechanism underlying insulin resistance. The study challenges the commonly held belief that insulin receptor signaling defects are responsible for insulin resistance. Researchers demonstrate that chain-splitting of human insulin chains A and B…
A clinical trial in Finland is exploring the use of whole blood for transfusions by emergency services before patients reach the hospital, in an effort to improve outcomes for patients with acute bleeding. Previous trials in the UK and France have suggested that whole blood may be a viable replacement for current blood products in…
The clinical research field is undergoing significant technological advancements that are reshaping how studies are conducted for enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and patient-centric focus. Five major advances include advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, wearable health devices for real-time monitoring, decentralized clinical trials, patient engagement and feedback technologies, and blockchain for secure data sharing. These technologies…
Walgreens is considering selling itself to private equity firm Sycamore Partners after years of financial struggles and a declining stock price. The sale could be worth $9.2 to $10 billion. Experts believe that selling to a private equity buyer could help the company make operational improvements and focus on high-growth segments. Sycamore Partners, despite lacking…
A new study found that more than half of older people on the island of Ireland visit an emergency department in their last year of life, with the practice being more common in the Republic than in Northern Ireland. The report highlights differences in end-of-life healthcare between the two jurisdictions, with higher rates of hospital…
Tom Contos, an avid runner, experienced rectal bleeding and underwent a diagnostic colonoscopy due to a family history of colon issues. The procedure found precancerous polyps and hemorrhoids but no cancer. The hospital charged $19,206, but after insurance negotiation, Contos was left with a $4,047 bill due to the hospital billing for two colonoscopies, which…
Healio highlights key findings in total knee arthroplasty research in 2024. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to poorer outcomes post-TKA, but supplementation may help. Low-dose aspirin is effective for preventing venous thromboembolism after TKA. GLP-1 receptor agonists can benefit TKA patients without diabetes. All-polyethylene TKA components may decrease revision risk compared to metal-backed components. Robotic-assisted…
Lipigon Pharmaceuticals has appointed Johan Liwing as their new CEO. If you have any exciting updates about new hires, promotions, or hard-to-fill spots being filled, share them with us to be featured in our regular feature in the new year. Everyone is curious about who is coming and going in the industry, so don’t hesitate…
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…