A recent study suggests that antiplatelet therapy, commonly used to prevent blood clots, may reduce the severity and complications of COVID-19. The research indicates that these medications could help lower the risk of severe outcomes in patients with the virus. Antiplatelet therapy works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots, which can be…
Independent primary care physicians and practices are crucial to the American healthcare system, providing personalized care and fostering trust-based relationships with patients. Patients overwhelmingly prefer visiting their primary care physician for routine and preventive care, as they receive higher quality and more personalized treatment. These independent practices also play a vital role in addressing healthcare…
Babies born during pandemic lockdowns had improved gut health and lower rates of allergies, according to Irish research. Public health restrictions during the pandemic positively impacted the gut microbiome of newborns, leading to fewer infections and reduced allergic conditions. The newborns showed higher levels of beneficial microbes, acquired from their mothers, which may protect against…
A study published in Urology analyzed the impact of the shortage of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in the United States. Researchers found that the shortage led to a decrease in the proportion of patients receiving BCG induction therapy and completing the full course of treatment. Instead, there was…
President Obama established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2010 to prioritize consumer protection over the interests of big banks. The CFPB has shifted its focus to addressing medical debt issues, penalizing collectors, warning providers, and developing rules to remove medical debt from credit reports. This move has faced opposition from collectors and legal challenges….
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections is highlighting emerging research in HIV, as well as other infectious diseases, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Researchers are presenting new data on COVID-19 vaccines, tuberculosis treatments, and STI prophylaxis, with a focus on HIV treatment options. The conference, running from March 3 to 6, is…
Alternative pharmacies like Costco, Amazon, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs are gaining popularity in the US. However, a recent analysis showed that many expensive generic medicines are unavailable, prices vary greatly, and savings are minimal. Out of 100 expensive generics, 20% were not available at some of these pharmacies. Among the available expensive generics,…
Raymond M Agius, a professor emeritus of occupational and environmental medicine in the UK, highlights the similarities and differences in the shortcomings of protection for workers in the UK and US during the COVID-19 pandemic. UK law should have provided adequate protection for workers, but many employers opted for public health guidance instead of fulfilling…
New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that Long COVID could potentially trigger declines in thinking and cognitive abilities. The study involved cognitive testing on 113,000 people in England, showing that those with Long COVID scored lower on IQ tests compared to those who had never been infected. Even those who…
A global analysis published in The Lancet reveals that the number of people worldwide living with obesity has exceeded one billion, making it the most common form of malnutrition globally. The study, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, shows a significant increase in obesity rates among children, adolescents, and adults since 1990. The rise…
