A study has found that low eosinophil counts in critically ill patients may be a predictor of infection. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune response to parasites and certain infections. The study suggests that monitoring eosinophil levels may help identify patients at risk for infection, potentially…
The US healthcare system has the highest costs globally, leading to medical expenses as the main cause of bankruptcy. Many Americans avoid treatment due to costs, with $90B borrowed to pay for healthcare. While consumers struggle, UnitedHealth Group reported record revenue of $359.98B. The article shares a personal experience of being overcharged for routine healthcare…
Dr. Catherine Conlon examines the impact of smartphones on children and parents’ attitudes towards them as Christmas gifts. Education Minister Norma Foley advised against giving smartphones to children, and a survey supported her stance. The Department of Education issued guidelines for parents and plans to support schools in developing voluntary codes for smartphone use. Experts…
This year, state and local governments have received $1.5 billion in court settlements from prescription painkiller companies for their role in the opioid crisis. The companies are expected to pay over $50 billion. Opioid settlement funds are being used for addiction treatment and naloxone, but states lack transparency on spending. Settlements require changes in business…
The FDA approved the first triple-combination gel, IDP-126, for acne treatment, and also recommended modifications to the iPledge REMS for isotretinoin users. The most read Healio acne story this year was the FDA’s approval of IDP-126, followed by a study finding that IDP-126 improves patients’ quality of life compared to vehicle. Other important updates in…
Bristol Myers Squibb is going to buy Karuna Therapeutics for $14 billion. This deal will allow Bristol to enter the market for drugs treating psychiatric and neurological diseases, as its blockbuster drug Abilify has been facing competition. Karuna has an experimental drug undergoing FDA review for treating schizophrenia and other conditions, which could generate over…
A recent study at Haverford College found that mind-wandering varies based on different cognitive tasks. The researchers measured electrical activity in the brain using EEG while participants completed the sustained attention to response task (SART) and the Stroop selective attention task. They found that mind-wandering was associated with increased P2 amplitudes during the Stroop task,…
Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were treated with diosmin, a flavonoid supplement derived from citrus fruits. The treatment resulted in reduced swelling of the knee and leg, as well as lower pain scores during motion. The treatment did not increase short-term complications. Swelling and pain scores at rest were not significantly different between the…
Heart failure occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the body. The main symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fluid accumulation and swelling in the legs and abdomen, stomach pain, weight gain, and fatigue. As the condition progresses, everyday activities become increasingly challenging. Seek medical attention if you…
The FDA has issued a warning about counterfeit semaglutide (Ozempic) products in the US drug supply, specifically those labelled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057. The agency is investigating thousands of units of the 1-mg injection product and has confirmed that the pen needles, labels, and packaging are fake, posing a potential infection…
Cooking for large gatherings can be a challenge, as it’s important to have enough food for everyone without having too many leftovers. However, having some leftovers can be useful for post-celebration recovery. It’s important to cook at the right temperature and ensure that food is served and cooled safely. Leftovers should be stored in airtight…
A doctor from the Forensic Science department at GSVM Medical College was brutally attacked by a group of miscreants, leading to the arrest of three individuals. The incident reflects a concerning trend of violence against healthcare workers, prompting the need for better security measures and protections in medical facilities. The use of cookies on the…
A new healthcare startup, Guidehealth, recently acquired Arcadia’s value-based care service division, aiming to advance the industry’s transformation to value-based care. The founders, Sanjay Doddamani and Michael Gleeson, saw a need for technology to help health systems succeed in value-based care arrangements while maintaining financial stability. Guidehealth’s platform uses predictive analytics to improve providers’ financial…
The World Anti-Doping Code, published by WADA, sets anti-doping regulations for all sports and countries. The Prohibited List of Substances and Methods, part of the Code, identifies banned substances and methods for in-competition and out-of-competition, as well as in specific sports. The 2024 Prohibited List, recently released by WADA, includes new regulations such as the…
Oscoda, Michigan is the first community where harmful PFAS chemicals were found contaminating water caused by a nearby military installation. The Air Force has taken some steps to contain the chemicals, but cleanup efforts are costly and complex. PFAS chemicals have been linked to harmful health conditions such as cancer, and communities with PFAS-contaminated water…
The biotech newsletter has announced its final edition of 2023 and will resume on January 3. The newsletter covers key updates in biotech, including Bristol Myers Squibb’s purchase of Karuna Therapeutics and the FDA approval of a new medicine for a rare nerve disease. The biotech sector is experiencing volatility, with the XBI biotech index…
The holiday season often involves family tensions and arguments, but experts in psychology and mental health offer advice on how to manage gatherings. It is important for people to know why they are participating in potentially tense situations and to manage their expectations. It’s also important to avoid contentious subjects, and if they come up,…
The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study and determined that liver cancer screenings among cirrhosis patients almost doubled after mailing in signed orders from their specialist. Additionally, the study showed that the inclusion of a $20 incentive with the mailed orders didn’t make a difference in patient participation. According…
Bouba Diemé was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2012 and later found out he has a congenital heart condition. He has made lifestyle changes to manage his condition, including finding calm through meditation and therapy, adjusting his exercise routine, and focusing on nutrition. He has learned to live with the condition and is embracing it….
A new study has shown that monoclonal antibodies used to treat acute COVID-19 infection could also be effective against long COVID. It was found that three patients with long COVID in Florida experienced complete and sudden recoveries after receiving the monoclonal antibody treatment Regeneron. Symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath improved…
A survey by the American Heart Association found that holidays are more stressful than tax season, causing people to overlook their health needs. 79% of participants neglected their own needs while creating special moments for others. The demands of the holiday season can be overwhelming, causing stress and taking weeks or even months to recover…
A study in JAMA found that maintaining ideal cardiovascular health can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with high-normal levels of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). This highlights the importance of cardiovascular health in overall mortality outcomes, even for those with elevated UACR levels. The study suggests that focusing on cardiovascular health may be…
Knownwell, a primary care and metabolic health company, raised $20 million in Series A financing and launched an adolescent metabolic health program. The Boston-based company offers virtual and in-person care to patients in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Knownwell provides weight-inclusive primary care, metabolic health treatment, and support from registered dietitians, as well as…
A €2.5 million funding study will investigate the barriers preventing women from breastfeeding. Led by the UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery, the project aims to shift the focus from individual women to addressing government policy, legal protections, health systems, communities, and workplaces to support breastfeeding. The study will prioritize women-centered breastfeeding care and improve…
The content discusses the tragic death of Carlton “PeeWee” Gautney Jr., who died from an insulin pump malfunction. The pump, which was part of a recall, was manufactured by Medtronic and allegedly dispensed a fatal overdose of insulin. The investigation also highlights other cases of medical device malfunctions, including artificial knee and hip implants that…
Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss the importance of entry pages in a website and how they can provide insight into the success of a website’s SEO. They explain that analyzing traffic for these entry pages can show how patients are finding and entering the website. Evans emphasizes that the traffic…
Health data breaches have reached a record high this year, affecting as many as 116 million people. This surge in breaches is largely due to an increase in hacking and ransomware attacks on health care organizations regulated by HIPAA. If you have received a notification about a cybersecurity incident from your health care provider, you…
The World Health Organization has identified a new Covid-19 strain, JN.1, as a “variant of interest.” JN.1 is an offshoot of the omicron subvariant BA.2.86 and is considered by WHO to pose a “low” risk to global public health. The strain has been detected in multiple countries and is responsible for a significant portion of…
A new study indicates that despite the availability of at-home colon cancer tests, many of them are unusable because of mistakes made by the patient. The study suggests that there are multiple reasons contributing to the unsatisfactory results, such as inadequate stool specimen, incomplete sample labeling, improper storage, or broken specimen containers. The study found…
A study from the Karolinska Institute compared exposure-based CBT with traditional CBT for treating fibromyalgia. They found that both treatments produced significant reduction in symptoms. The study involved 274 people with fibromyalgia, who were treated with either traditional or exposure-based CBT. The treatments were delivered entirely online. Participants answered questions about their mood and symptoms…
Ejection fraction (EF) is one of many measurements of heart function that measures the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart when it contracts. A low EF can indicate heart failure, specifically systolic heart failure. EF is usually measured using echocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound, and other techniques. Normal EF is between 55% to 70%, but…
Walking at a faster pace has been associated with more favorable health advantages and may be linked to a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults. A systematic review of 10 cohort studies found that adults who engage in fairly brisk or brisk/striding walking may have a lower risk of developing T2D,…
The focus on gut health as a crucial component of overall well-being has led to the emergence of a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs in the gut health supplements industry. This article highlights the top 8 companies at the forefront of this transformation, including Athletic Greens with its AG1 product, Eidon with its Liquid Silica…
Intrarectal Botox injections show promise for treating faecal incontinence, according to a recent study. The injections help to relax the muscles in the rectum, reducing incontinence episodes. This treatment could provide a non-invasive alternative to surgery for some patients. The injections are well-tolerated and have shown positive results in clinical trials. However, further research is…
The COVID-19 pandemic has left hospitals and health systems dealing with long-term effects, including workforce shortages. The sustained demand for hospitalization has led to patients staying longer and coming in sicker, exacerbating the challenges of workforce shortages. The American Hospital Association reported record levels of staff anxiety, stress, and burnout. Care Logistics has been helping…
National mental health charity Turn2Me has launched free Christmas support groups for those struggling over the holidays, covering issues such as Christmas blues, family problems, bereavement, and loneliness. The online groups are anonymous and facilitated by a psychotherapist. Any adult in Ireland can sign up for these services on Turn2Me.ie. The support groups take place…
Starting January 1, California’s Medi-Cal program plans to implement new standardized contracts with its 22 managed care health plans, tightening enforcement of quality measures, requiring public reporting of medical providers’ performance, and mandating investment to plug gaps in primary care access. State regulators will need to be tough to realize these changes amidst other initiatives,…
Patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative accelerated- or blast-phase myeloproliferative neoplasms who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells had a longer median overall survival (OS) than those who did not, according to a study presented at the ASH Annual Meeting. The study, led by Anand Ashwin Patel, MD, at UChicago Medicine, found that the stem-cell therapy resulted in…
Venture capitalists continue investing in drug research despite Medicare’s new authority to negotiate drug prices. The Inflation Reduction Act includes two measures that reduce drug prices, with Medicare price negotiation being the most controversial. Medicare will now negotiate prices for top-selling drugs without generic or biosimilar competition, beginning 9 years after their market appearance. The…
The author, Benjamin Woolf, recounts how he went into multiple organ failure and was hospitalized for nearly 100 days after being diagnosed with chronic thrombotic pulmonary hypertension and receiving treatment with macitentan and sildenafil. During his recovery, he became curious about the long-term effects of sildenafil, a medication commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. He…
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology issued updated guidelines for the use of antiplatelet therapy (APT) to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The guidelines provide recommendations for the use of acetylsalicylic acid in primary prevention, duration of dual APT (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention, choice of potent DAPT for patients with acute…
Cranial bones play a vital role in protecting the brain and enabling physiological functioning. Restoring critical-sized cranial defects is challenging, with autologous bone grafts often preferred by reconstructive surgeons. However, this method has limitations and risks. Inspired by the composition and structure of cranial bones, scientists developed two bioceramic scaffolds with gyroid pores. These scaffolds…
Dry January is a growing trend in which people refrain from drinking alcohol during the month of January to reset their bodies and re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol. The trend has been popularized in the UK and is spreading to the US. Participants have reported various benefits such as better sleep, energy, and more mindfulness…
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled a series of Olympus bronchofiberscopes and bronchovideoscopes that could lead to a risk of burns and fire. The recall affects devices distributed between January 1, 2001, and September 11, 2023. Use of the devices may cause serious adverse events to patients and to clinicians, and healthcare…
Experts provide valuable tips for avoiding overeating and weight gain during the festive season. Restrictive eating is not recommended as it may lead to binge eating later. Instead, focus on mindful eating and being aware of portion sizes. It’s important to stay active during the holidays, but not as a weight loss tool. Hydration is…
GSK has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) panel to conduct a study on the safety of their anti-cancer drug, Dostarlimab. The study will focus on assessing the safety of the drug and its potential side effects. This approval allows GSK to proceed with conducting the study in India. The company…
Healthcare disparities are a growing concern, leading to a focus on creating a healthcare system that promotes health equity. This concept has far-reaching implications, impacting not only individual patients but entire communities. The key pillars for achieving health equity are awareness and education, equal access to care, advocacy, response and promotion, and technology. Language access…
In February, four voluntary hospice providers in Ireland will be redesignated to section 38 agreements with the HSE, ensuring full State funding for adult hospices. The Government will provide a total of €18.6 million to support sustainable care for adult specialist palliative services. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly sees this as a significant step towards universal…
The EnPlace surgical device offers a minimally invasive treatment option for women suffering from pelvic organ/uterine prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor become weak and organs sag into the pelvic cavity, and transabdominal sacrocolpopexy has been the traditional treatment. However, due to complications, mesh repair is no longer…
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