#obesity

Clarius Mobile Health and ThinkSono have partnered to create an AI-enabled application called ThinkSono Guidance in Europe for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) detection. Clarius handheld wireless AI-powered ultrasound scanners connect to smartphones, providing high-resolution images to clinicians. ThinkSono Guidance allows non-trained health providers to collect DVT data using Clarius scanners for review by qualified physicians….

In the past two decades, mortality rates in rural areas of the U.S. have significantly increased compared to urban areas. This trend is concerning for experts, as factors such as chronic diseases, cancer, and lack of access to quality healthcare contribute to the widening gap. Specifically, the mortality rates among women in rural areas have…

The Vision Council has launched PolicyWatch, an online regulatory monitoring service for the optical industry focused on teleoptometry-related legislative issues. The resource provides real-time updates on laws and regulations specific to teleoptometry in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It offers detailed state-level insights, information on reimbursement and payer implications, as well as email alerts…

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have created a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Virginia with the aim of capping the cost of prescription drugs. This concept is being explored by lawmakers in various states as a way to control state spending on medicines. While seven states have already established such boards,…

Developing a new NHS service for young people with gender dysphoria has been a significant challenge due to poor data on long-term outcomes of treatment. A review found that existing guidelines for treating children with gender issues were developed in breach of international standards. The review highlighted issues with the evidence base for treatments, lack…

A study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found no evidence to suggest that GLP-1 analogs, popular drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, increase the risk of thyroid cancer. The study, published in The BMJ, analyzed data from about 145,000 patients treated with GLP-1 analogs and 290,000 patients treated with another diabetes drug. Results…

Aptamer Group plc has filed a patent application to protect recently developed Optimer binder sequences for use in fast moving consumer goods through its partnership with Unilever. The patent submission on March 28, 2024, reinforces the commercial protection of Aptamer Group’s technology in high-performance binders. The binders were developed as part of a fee-for-service project…

Finding a transgender-friendly OB/GYN is crucial for those who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Resources like LGBTQ+ health websites and insurance provider directories can help in locating inclusive healthcare providers. Word-of-mouth recommendations and consulting with local LGBTQ+ communities can also be beneficial. When visiting a gender-affirming OB/GYN, the office staff should respect preferred names…

Some specialists are suggesting replacing the term AIDS with “advanced HIV” as they believe the acronym is redundant, stigmatizing, and potentially harmful. The term AIDS was initially coined in 1982 by the CDC to describe a disease affecting people with weakened immunity. While some organizations have already removed AIDS from their names, others argue that…

Having a baby is a crucial time for parents, with every decision carefully made for the well-being of their child. Choosing the right baby milk formula is essential for providing the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. Five top picks include a2 Platinum® Premium Infant Formula, Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula, Gerber Good Start…

A study revealed that normothermic regional perfusion leads to better outcomes for liver transplantation from donors after circulatory death (DCD). This technique helps improve the quality of DCD liver allografts. By perfusing the liver with oxygenated blood and nutrients while maintaining it at normal body temperature, the viability of the organ is preserved, resulting in…

Seaport Therapeutics, a startup backed by $100 million in financing, is developing drugs that use a novel delivery approach to address dosing and safety limitations seen in depression drugs. The company’s technology platform, Glyph, leverages the lymphatic system for drug delivery, allowing for better absorption and retention of active ingredients in the body. Seaport’s lead…

The author suggests that the healthcare industry can learn from other industries managing overcrowding and queuing in innovative ways. The article describes the overcrowding issues in healthcare, particularly in Emergency Departments, and presents various unconventional ideas to address the problem, such as live streaming, group triage, and mandatory entrance fees. The author encourages thinking outside…

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors at a younger age than their peers without ASD. The study used data from the Interactive Autism Network and found that 40.5% of children with ASD expressed a wish to die, 19.3% wanted to end their…

eLuma, a company offering special education and mental health services for K-12 schools, has named Andy Myers as CEO, bringing expertise in scaling operations. Clario, a clinical-trial company, has appointed Julia James as chief legal and administrative officer, citing her extensive legal work in clinical trials. Kevin Sowers, president of Johns Hopkins Health System, has…

Readers responded to an article on the impact of ethical and religious directives on healthcare at Catholic hospitals. A woman shared her difficulty accessing care due to a lack of transparency in affiliations with the Catholic Church. The topic sparked a debate on the implications of religion in healthcare. Other letters addressed issues like the…

The study compared the effectiveness of two imaging devices, Visante OCT and Keratograph 5M, in visualizing meibomian glands in the eyelids. Results showed that the Visante OCT, with its longer wavelength, provided better visibility of the glands compared to the Keratograph 5M. Meiboscores were significantly different for the lower eyelid between the two devices, with…

The company Philips, responsible for a global recall of sleep apnea machines, will not be allowed to resume production in U.S. facilities until safety requirements are met. The settlement requires Philips to overhaul manufacturing and quality control systems, replace or repair defective devices, and hire independent experts to monitor changes. The recall affects over 5…

BMA Cymru Wales has suspended upcoming industrial action for consultants and SAS doctors after a positive meeting with the Welsh government regarding pay disputes. The government made a significant proposal to resolve issues for all secondary care doctors in Wales, including junior doctors. Committees representing doctors from all three branches of practice have agreed to…

The bitter taste of some medications can be a barrier to taking them as prescribed, especially for those sensitive to bitter taste. A study found that the diabetes drug rosiglitazone can partially block the bitter taste of some especially bad-tasting medications. Adding rosiglitazone to other medicines could make them taste better. This discovery provides new…

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute found a link between male infertility and an increased risk of certain cancers in families. This discovery could improve personalized cancer risk assessments and prevention. Approximately 9% of men at reproductive age experience fertility problems, which are associated with various health issues including cancer. The study used the Utah Population…

Bob Dickey, a freight broker from Menifee, CA, refused to let the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, disrupt his routine after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2010. Taking anti-nausea medicine was a lesson he learned the hard way after getting sick in a parking lot following chemotherapy. To help manage side…

show that 57% of clinicians believe that social media has a negative impact on women’s health decisions, with misinformation and myths spreading quickly. It is crucial for healthcare providers to educate patients on the accurate and evidence-based information regarding contraception to help combat misinformation. This includes discussing the risks and benefits, as well as addressing…

The annual tradition of taking a cold plunge on New Year’s Day has become a global phenomenon thanks to social media influencers and celebrities like Drake and Justin Bieber. This has led to a surge in the purchase of cold plunge tubs, with people spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on them for the convenience…

A recent study found that cannabis use during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of ADHD, autism, and intellectual disability in children. The study suggests that the use of cannabis during pregnancy can have negative impacts on the development of the child’s brain. It is important for pregnant women to be aware of the…

At the MedCity INVEST conference, healthcare startups showcased their innovative solutions in the Pitch Perfect contest, focusing on burnout and operational efficiency in the healthcare industry. Finalists in the Payer/Provider track presented health tech solutions in areas such as physical therapy, critical illness, health data privacy and more. The conference, taking place at the Ritz…

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms that include motor and non-motor issues. Diagnosis is based on specific cardinal features, with a differential diagnosis to consider. Treatment involves dopaminergic therapy and other adjuncts to manage motor symptoms, with device-assisted therapy for motor complications. Non-motor features can be more intrusive and require individualized…

The study found that treatment with biological DMARDs (bDMARDs), specifically TNF inhibitors like etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab, was associated with a reduced risk of dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) did not show the same protective effects. The meta-analysis included 12 datasets with over 940,000 patients and found a significant…

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that causes increased heart rate when moving from sitting to standing, leading to symptoms like dizziness and fatigue. It affects women most often and can be triggered by various health events. Researchers found that stimulating the vagus nerve using tVNS can improve POTS symptoms by reducing antibodies attacking…

Costco is expanding its healthcare services by offering a weight loss program through Sesame for $179. This program includes virtual consultations with healthcare providers, insurance coordination for prescriptions, and unlimited messaging support. Prescriptions for weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be filled at Costco pharmacies. Sesame’s healthcare marketplace connects consumers with outpatient providers…

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is traveling across the country to highlight health issues, with a focus on reproductive rights, as a key topic for voters this year. Becerra has been visiting states with severe abortion restrictions and high maternal mortality rates, speaking out against restrictive laws and highlighting the Biden administration’s efforts…

In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the Parkinson’s Foundation has launched the #ABCsofPD campaign to raise awareness about the disease. Approximately 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s, and the prevalence is increasing. The campaign focuses on educating the public about the early signs of Parkinson’s and providing resources on its symptoms. In other Parkinson’s news, the…

The biotech industry saw a strong fundraising quarter, with venture-backed biopharma companies raising $6.8 billion, the largest amount in two years. This marks a positive shift after a downturn in the industry. Additionally, a Pfizer vaccine showed promise in protecting adults aged 18 to 59 against severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus, potentially expanding its…

A leading medical information company, Medscape, is facing backlash for collaborating with tobacco industry giant Philip Morris International (PMI) on smoking cessation education courses. Critics have called for stricter oversight and the cancellation of the courses. Concerns include the tobacco industry’s biasing of research, portrayal of alternative nicotine products as harmless, and lack of transparency…

Mayo Clinic researchers have found that chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T cell therapy) could be a groundbreaking approach for organ transplantation, particularly for patients who are hard to match and at risk of rejection. The research focuses on using CAR-T cells derived from the patient’s own immune system to prevent rejection of donated organs,…

Bruker Corporation is showcasing several innovative solutions at Analytica 2024, including the EVOQ DART-TQ⁺ mass spectrometer for high-throughput testing without upfront chromatography. The ecTOF GC-HRMS improves compound identification speed and accuracy. The BEAM FT-NIR process analyzer enhances quality control in manufacturing processes. The D6 PHASER advances XRD methods for cleantech markets. The Fourier 80 X-optimized…

Sleep deficits are a global issue affecting millions of people, with physical activity being a potential solution to overcoming insomnia. A 10-year study involving over 4,000 European adults showed that those who were consistently active were less likely to have difficulty falling asleep, experience insomnia symptoms, or have extreme sleep durations. However, factors like age…

A study in Budapest, Hungary found that intranasal oxytocin may help improve social functioning, quality of life, and overall symptoms in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research showed that adults with ASD often struggle with social interactions and loneliness, leading to anxiety and social isolation. Participants who received oxytocin showed improvement in various…

Two cases of illness resembling botulism in Illinois are suspected to be linked to fake cosmetic injections by an unlicensed practitioner. Symptoms include blurred/double vision, droopy face, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Both individuals required hospitalization. The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning residents to only seek cosmetic services from licensed professionals…

Due to a lack of safety measures, doctors at RGSSH faced a dangerous situation when a drunk patient’s relative entered the duty room and caused a disturbance. This incident highlights the need for improved security to protect medical staff from any potential threats. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of…

The FDA has expanded approval for the cancer drug Enhertu to include treatment of adults with HER2-expressing solid tumors that cannot be surgically removed or have advanced after prior treatment. Enhertu is an antibody drug conjugate that delivers targeted therapy to tumors. The approval was based on Phase 2 studies showing a high overall response…

The Medico Legal Society Academic Day 2024 took place at King’s Inns in Dublin on February 17, 2024. The event featured a lineup of speakers including Mr Justice Peter Kelly and Ms Aisling Gannon. The photo shows the participants, including members of the society and other professionals in the field. This event was captured by…

First Nations individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in remote communities face barriers to healthcare. Women have more difficulty accessing care, regardless of RA diagnosis. A study in Canada found higher access challenges in remote vs urban areas. Remote residents reported more difficulties in Wait and Travel domains. Access to medications was perceived as worse for remote…

The federal ACA insurance enrollment system allowed insurance brokers access to full Social Security numbers, raising concerns about misuse. Complaints include rogue agents enrolling people in ACA coverage or switching plans without permission. The issue was highlighted in a KFF Health News article. After concerns were raised, CMS took action to mask the first six…

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that salt substitutes may reduce the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and major cardiovascular events. However, the evidence was based on low-certainty evidence and may be more applicable to older populations following Asian diets. Salt substitution resulted in absolute reductions in mortality and cardiovascular…

The newsletter discusses the reporting discrepancies in charity care by hospitals, with HCA Healthcare allegedly overstating its charity care to receive more funds from government programs. It also mentions UnitedHealth Group’s upcoming report on the costs of the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Additionally, the newsletter covers the disappointment in Medicare Advantage payment rates for 2025, leading…

A study from Stockholm University found that the introduction of a policy protecting parental leave benefits in Sweden in 1980 led to unintended consequences on child health. The policy, known as the speed premium policy, aimed to protect couples’ income-based parental leave benefits when having children in quick succession. However, it resulted in a 26%…

A meta-analysis published in Circulation focused on the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on adverse cardiovascular events in diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease patients. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the rate of major cardiovascular events by 9%, primarily decreasing cardiovascular death, especially heart failure and sudden cardiac death. The study included 11 trials with 78,607 participants…

Dr. Mary Claire Haver has found collagen supplements with VERISOL to be safe and somewhat effective for issues like wrinkles, cellulite, and bone health. She emphasizes the importance of evidence-based choices when selecting supplements, especially with menopause-related products, due to lack of FDA regulation. Collagen serves as a major structural protein in the body, but…